GENERAL GOVERNMENT

As this subject overlaps several others, the selection of
materials has been a difficult task. By and large, items have
been selected on the basis of their relevance to general public
administration rather than substantive subject matter. The
Governor's conception of his role as the State's executive leader
is an example of this. His practice of personally keeping in
close touch with department heads and important boards and
commissions indicates his system of administration.

Governor Tawes? frequent references to diverse phases of
general government reflects his broad interest in all aspects.
He recognizes the central role of political leadership. He
refers with obvious pride to the fact that Maryland has the
oldest state merit system as well as one with the most com-
plete coverage. His sponsorship of consolidations and reorgan-
izations to modernize the State physical and administrative
machinery were illustrated by the new State Office Building,
the merging of the departments of Health and Mental Hygiene
and the modernization of Baltimore City's lower court system.
His strong emphasis on the need to keep a close watch on
expenditures and to keep taxes within bounds characterized
his view of public stewardship. His frequent references to the
growing demand to assist local government in its struggle to
meet the urban population explosion indicated a concern for
the total governmental spectrum. These problems were, in his
mind, closely related to legislative reapportionment.

INTERVIEW BY MR. JOHN HEBAL,

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, ON

"THE DUTIES OF THE GOVERNOR. "

Januarys, 1959

Question: Has the Governor's strong role in budgeting given him
adequate authority to enable him to furnish leadership in policy forma-
tion and overall coordination to the major departments headed by
boards? What other means does the Governor have by which he may lead
the boards?

Answer: The power vested in the Governor through the Executive

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