Evening star., 1952-06-13
Police Press
For Hours Cut
In Montgomery
County Council Hear:
Arguments at Public
Session on Budget

Session on Budget
Montgomery County police las
night took their fight for a five
day, 40-hour week directly to tn
county council at the second O
three public hearing on the count,
managers proposed $25 million
budget.
About 200 persons turned ou
for the hearings, which nearl,
matched the five-hour marathon
session Of the previous night.
The majority turned out to pro
test Irving G. McNayr's recon-,
mendation that the appropriation
for the Office of civil defense b,
discontinued.
Sergt. Paul Alexander, president
of the County Police Association
presented the case for the shorter
week. He was backed up by about
so Of his fellow police.
4SCCtCS ACttCT kNca0s
Sergt. Alexander read the coun-
Gil a letter from John r. Reeves
Secretary Of State for Maryland
supporting the f1ve-day week.
Mr.. Reeves had noted the Re-
publican Party had made certain
obligations in its party platform
several years ago to the police de-
partment which. he felt, should be
fulfilled.
Mr.. Reeves. and spokesmen fo1
the Silver Spring Board of Trade
and the County Safety Board
praised the work and high calibe1
OF county policemen. They noted
that the force had been free from
scandals which have rocked the
District force.
Sergt. Alexander told the coun-
ell police were willing to work a
sixth day each week, but sought
extra pay for it. He said low pay
was resulting in a high rate OF
turnover IN the force.
May Reduce Personnel.
Council members indicated a
pay raise may be in sight for DO
lice at the expense of slashing the
authorization for Is additional of :
fcers the county manager had
recommended. The council ques-
toned the need for one policeman
for every 1000 residents as recon-
mended by Mr.. McNayr.
James H. Lake of the Safety
Board urged the council to appro-
pirate $15,300 to establish the
Office Of Director of Public Safety
The position would be established
by Bill No. II, passed during last
months legislative session.
The Safety Board also recon-
mended that IS additional police
and an additional fire inspector
be appointed.
DR.. S. H. Ingberg. 7018 Hamp-
don lane. said police are required
to spend too much time answering
complaints on minor violations.
Opposed by Evans.
William w. Evans, Rockville at
torney. who rocked Wednesday
nights hearing with his attack
on school fiscal policies, opposed
appointment of a public safety
director.
Mr.. Evans, however, urged that
the chief of police's salary be
raised from $6,825 to $7,75O at
expense Of the requested $4,000
salary for the director of the de-
partment Of inspections and
licenses.
Some 20 persons last night spoke
In opposition to the proposed civil
defense budget slash. A number of
persons agreed that the $50 900
requested budget could be cut, but
they urged that the director and
a small staff be maintained for
planning and leading the volun-
teer workers.
"Abolishing the Office is literally
gambling with human lives"
Henry Andrews Of the Glenmont
Citizens Association said. He
added it was not a question of if,
but and when the atom bomb is
dropped"
Defense Work Cited.
Mrs. Dorothy Welsh of the Car
roll Knolls Citizens Association
said the women were finding time
for civil defense work in her area.
Most of those who spoke for the
civil defense program were VOL
unteer CD workers.
Council members praised the
workers, but added they felt there
was a definite apathy on the part
of residents, as Mr.. McNayr had
charged. Councilman Harold
Hammond said he did not think
people wanted to be organized for
civil defense.
The Council last night also
heard appeals from county lay
health groups and other organ
izations for appointment of six
additional public health nurses
and two part-time school nurses
this year.
Mr.. Evans said he favored free
clinical services for the poor and
needy, but opposed public health
services for those who could pay.
He said the health department
budget could be cut in half and no
one but the free riders would
suffer.
Spectators Outnumbered.
At midnight, Council members
present outnumbered the two re-
naming spectators who still de-
sired to speak.
The hearing wound up when an
unidentified resident, who said he
represented three taxpayers, urged
the Council Ito slash the budget
TOnipht'S hearing at q nm ir