Evening star., 1953-04-18
Fenwick Tells
Orange Group
About His Plan
Urges More Industry
To Give Virginia
Balanced Economy
By Alex R. Preston
Sior Stoff Cores spondent

ORANGE. Va, April 17.-State
Senator Charles r. Fenwick.
Democratic candidate for Gov
ernor, says his plan for encour-
aging more manufacturing busi-
nesses to locate in Virginia does
not contemplate making this an
"industrialiZed State"
Instead" he told a group last
night. II believe in a balanced
economy for each locality with
an industry geared to it. I'm
thinking of the small commune
ties-not Of locating sprawling
industries in Virginia"
The Arlington legislator ex-
planned to the Orange County
Education Association how he
proposes to broaden the tax base
so that such needs as higher
teacher salaries and more schools
can be attained without an in
crease in tax bills.
Fenwick Plan.
Under the "Fenwick plan," he
would establish a division within
the Department of Conservation
and Development to survey
upon request of a locality-the
economic needs as well as facili-
ties, such as labor, power and
water supply. to determine the
type of industry best suited for
an area.
with the rapid development
of mechanized farming meth
ods," he said, many counties
are losing their populations to
the cities. AS this goes on, the
tax burden for local support Of
schools, for instance, will become
too great.
1--WE have in Virginia IA poor
counties where a suitable indus
try would lead to self suff1ciency
and strong local self govern
ment. Instead they now are
subsidized by the State.
I'm Dickinson County. for ex-
ample, the economy is dependent
upon the operation of mines.
They need a more diversified
economy there"
Regrets Stanley's Absence.
Mr.. Fenwick opened his re-
marks by expressing regret that
his opponent for the nomination
in the July IA primary. former
Representative Thomas B. STAN
ley, did not accept an invitation
to speak to the group with him
on issues of the campaign. The
two have appeared on the same
platform twice, so far. ..
Mr.. Fenwick described Virginia
as being at "the educational
crossroads" The State is losing
about 1000 teachers a year and
is graduating about $50 annually
in the various State colleges, the
candidate claimed.
"It is perfectly obvious" he
said, "the teaching profession is
not attractive enough for young
people"
Last year. he went on. he
sponsored a new law giving local
school boards the right to make
continuing contracts" with
teachers to replace the year-to-
year arrangements previously in
effect. This. he said. was to give
teachers more security in their
jobs and make the profession
more attractive.
Criticizing the minimum
teacher salary of $4,000 a year.
he said that unless we can as
sure teachers of a higher mini.
mum. we cannot get young peo-
pie interested in going to rural
areas"
Tax Distribution Explained.
He explained how tax revenues
are divided-those on income
going to the State and those on
real estate and personal property
remaining in the localities. But.
he added. some of the localities.
through disproportionate assess
ments. are not raising their fair
share to meet local governmental
needs. including school con-
struction.
"The time probably has come"
he said. when we should give
some thought to a possible re-
vision of the system"
While Mr.. Fenwick conducted
a handshaking tour in Orange
and made hurried trip to Rich
mond to attend a private party
as a guest. Mr.. Stanley spent the
day in the Norfolk area. Mr.. Fen
wick was off for Bristol today to
confer with his 9th District cam.
paign workers..
While here. Senator Fenwick
reported encouraging receptions
by most officeholders at the
Orange County Courthouse and
among leading businessmen
along Main Street.
He was escorted around town
by Stuart Robertson. jr. and
then received a pledge Of sup
port from c. A. UtZ, member Of
the Board Of Supervisors from
Barboursville.