Evening star., 1952-10-31
CON.

~ CON.
It is unnecessary to create q
board to draw up a charter for
submission at another election,
because a charter is not necessary
for good governemnt in Prince
Georges. The present system is
adequate to meet needs.
Preparation of a charter would
only intensity agitation, discus
sion and debate over a two-year
period
A change to a charter form Of
should be rejected by
the voters now.
"A county manager would be-
come the strongest political indi-
vidual in the county. although per-
sonally not subject to election, by
the exercise Of administrative
in the employment and
supervision Of personnel, making
and development OF
county resources and administra-
ton of. the county's business.
Could Become Dictator.
Conceivably. by playing politics
with three councilmen, he could
become an accepted dictator, yet
not personally subject to election
by the voters.
The present form OF government
under existing legislative author
ity. provides the means to remedy
most Of the complaints voiced by
citizens and representative
groups. Most such complaints
would not be remedied by q
change.
The people should retain the
right OF referendum as safe
guard against local legislation un-
der . charter. Checks and bal
ances for legislation and admins
tratioia should be retained. The
present form Of government pro-
vides adequate means for local
legislation tosserye the e0rnty's
needs.
It is 'unwise to abandon an es-
tablished form of government
when different officiaIs can be
elected. II those holding elective
pffices do not fulfill the wishes Of
GEles citizens, their characteristics
as individuals would not change
BY giving them a new name.
It is fiothunreasonable to expect
6hat if charter is adopted there
will be further attempts made for
changes in present governmental
structures and procedures, includ-
ing municipalities and municipal
affairs. i
xnelusion Seen in Plan.
80 public should elect officials
who win administer governmental
under the existing form
rather than establish, a new form
under the delusion that different
results will be obtained by the
same officials or like officials.
Representative COVE ernme n
should not countenance broad
delegation Of power to a single
individual. not elected by the
people.
The candidates nominated by
the county commissioners would
follow a policy Of preparing a
charter which would give the
county the best administrative
procedure feasible with power to
enact local legislation, safeguard
ing the rights of the people as to
the legislative authority con-
ferred and retaining direct re-
sponsihility upon those elected to
perform the duties Of actual man.
and administration.
A county manager form Of gov
should not be adopted
It is a fundamental principle OF
the American form Of government
that the people who are governed
elect representatives to make laws
and administer them; a county
form is foreign to Ameri-
can principles.
A charter form Of government
will probably mean high taxes anc
few benefits.
Point to Montgomery.
Daily newspapers indicate county
government in Mont.
gomery County has resulted in in
assessments and taxes tc
pay for the higher cost OF gov
ernment.
If the Citizens Committee cam
didates are elected. there is more
than a well-founded expectation
that a charter win provide for 9
Guilty 1udAldSCA.
If a Charter Board is created BY
Tuesdays vote, the commission.
ers' nominees. II elected. promise
to: s.
Consider the recommendation,
Of citizens and civic groups in oper
advocate that such hear.
ings be held for all who want te
attend for the free expression
OF views: undertake to become
with the problems
existing in the operation Of similar
forms of government in Other
places and confer with the proper
officials in such places as to the
effectiveness of such forms of gov.
ernment and the good and bac
features discovered from practica'
administration.
In determining the provision,
to- be drafted into q charter. en-.
deayor to be, guided by the recon-.
raendation Of those who care to be
heard and by their own best judg-
ment as to what will be repre-
sentative of the views and for the
best interests of all the citizens In
relation to the economic structure
n the county" 4,