Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1963-09-26

urban growth" according to
This dramatic change, and the
remarkable way the 1900 or
more people here have reacted
to that change" was Gaffigan's
reason for accepting the job of
town administrator last June.
81 have been here long enough
to really respect the townspeo-
pie, and especially Mayor Mer.
ton F. Duvall and his council"
Gaffigan said. "These men have
recognized the facts of life. They
see clearly the rapid develop
ment all around them - the
Bureau of Standards, Atomic
Energy Commission, the IBM
buildings - and the potential
thousands of people who will
be living here soon," the youth.
full administrator explained.
This area is deeply rooted in
American history" he noted.
1.-THE natives can point out an
old oak tree down the road
under which George Washing
ton stood. They can show you
scenes of battles, streets where
courage and dignity were dis
played, houses where heroes
lived and died. Many of the
older residents want to keep
Gaithersburg this way" Gaffi-
gan reflected.
For years." he continued,
"Gaithersburg was a big fish in
a little puddle. Suddenly they
are now surrounded by this ever
growing ocean Of urban, sophis.
ticated developments. They see
their little puddle surrounded by
sharks, ready to devour them
and their way of life."
Spearheaded by progressive
and imaginative mayor, Gaffi-
gan said, and with the help of
hard working council members,
Gaithersburg is on its way to
becoming thriving. active com.
munity, capable of absorbing the
swell of business and industry
moving into its borders.
THE most important news
story out Of Gaithersburg," he
said, will come when the mayor
and council and the people
decide what areas will be
annexed and rezoned." Gaffigan
pointed to several elaborate
charts showing Gaithersburg as
1t is, and the proposed revisions
Of surrounding areas as they
might be in the near future.
"They have been discussing
annexation and coming revisions
since 1861" he claimed, "and q
committee has been formed to
sound out the local reaction to
some of these changes"
Looking out at the shaded
lawn that swept around the
colonial building which housed
his office, Gaffigan marveled at
the past and future of Gathers
burg.
"Just five years ago the
Mayor and Council met over the
fire house. Then they bought
this lovely old Southern mansion
and turned the grounds into a
playground and playing fields.
with the help of Mrs. Mildred
Adelman, who with the Mayor
handled town administration for
18 months before I came, this
will be an efficient, modern,
administration. We have nothing
but cooperation from Mayor
Duvall and the five-member
council. Give us a little time.
Well be competing with the
best Of Them" Gaffigan said
with conviction.
"And / firmly believe" he
added, "that this progress will
not touch the priceless heritage
of Gaithersburg. Her streets,
trees, homes - the very air Is
charged with history and no
amount of concrete or glass can
take that away from her."
Born in Springfield, ILL.,, Gaffi-
gan earned his masters degree
from Wayne State University in
Detroit in 1860. He left his job
as assistant to the mayor of
Oak Park. Mich, to come to
Gaithersburg last June. He and
his wife, Angelina and four
month.old son, Mark Edward,
live at 108 N. Frederick St,
Gaithersburg.