Evening star., 1952-09-06
PrineeGeorges
SuggestsSurp|us
BePutinS Schools
Legal Slot Machines
To Finance Classroom
Construction Hinted

sMaryland's SIS million surplus
faced new attack today.
A substantial portion of the
bonanza should be used for school
Construction, in the opinion Of the
Prince Georges County Commits
sicnerS.
THE county heads expressed
that viewpoint at Hyattsville yes
terday in a session marked by
hints that voters may be asked to
legalize slot machines to relieve
the critical shortage Of classroom
space.
The Commissioners did not re-
pay to questions whether they will
approve issuance of the IL million
tn bonds authorized but unsold.
New Revenue Needed.
At this point Commissioner Ed
ward j. Waters said ''for the last
10 years the need for more money
has been apparent. Some addi-
tional source Of revenue must be-
tapped"
Then he asked the group,
would you be willing to support
q referendum for slot machines
or other form Of gambling if rev.
enues were used solely for school
purposes?"
Mrs. w. E. Manglitz arose. MOI
she said emphatically.
She was supported by the dele
cation.
Mild forms of gambling, Mr..
Waters shot back. were good
enough for George Washington
and Thomas Jefferson.
Mr.. Waters broached the gam
bling issue after his board turned
aside pleas for establishments of a
kindergarten system throughout
the county.
The request came from a dele
cation of so persons, most of them
women, representing the Commit
tee for Public Kindergartens in
G1ulCc 1cOIScS NOuuCy.
Mrs. Manglitz of College Park,
chief spokesman for the group,
presented four-point program in
a petition with more than 1890
names. She said her group includ-
ed members of civic associations,
cooperative nurseries and kinder
gartens. P-TA's and church clubs
in 18 of the county's towns and
subdivisions.
All Possible Pressure.
They first asked the Commits
sioners to bring all possible pres
sure on the State administration
to allot Maryland's SIS million
surplus for school building sub
SidieS."
After making it clear that they
Endorsed the idea, the Commits
sioners suggested that the group
ask Gov. McKeldin to take funds
from the surplus available.
The commissioners further sug-
gested that the delegation place
its proposal before county school
authorities. Chairman Thomas E.
Latimer said the School Board
has full charge of school construc-
ton and the commissioners sole
function is to provide the money.
No Action Taken.
The Commissioner took no ac-
ton on two other points. One ask
ed appointment of a committee
to devise means Of speeding school
construction. The other urged an
emergency county allotment
which would provide for inaugura-
tion Of countrywide kindergar-
ten program by next February.
A fourth point calling for legis-
lation authority for bond issues up
to 10 per cent Of the county asses
sable basis was received with dis
favor. Mr.. Latimer said the board
feels the limit should be no higher
VIAL SCFCL1 pei CcIlC. |,
He added that unless the State
gives special aid there is no chance ;
for approval of kindergarten funds /.
during the current fiscal year. All .
Of the commissioners expressed ,
the opinion that money for kin
dergartens should be withheld un-
til adequate facilities have been ,
provided for children of legal
school age.
Replying to queries as to why
county school construction has not
kept pace with enrolment, the
commissioners pointed to rapid
population increase and shortagei
Of materials and labor. Il
Mr.. Latimer said that because
of latter factors the school board,
has not yet spent all of the $685.
million building appropriation.
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