Answer: Yes—particularly on budget proposals. He occasionally
makes proposals that the Board has not approved. Proposal of a few
years ago for reorganization of Planning Commission is an example.

Question: How does the Governor's relationship with the Department
of Mental Hygiene, having an advisory board, compare with major
departments headed by boards?

Answer: Much the same. Department directors, being full-time
employees, have extensive influence with the Boards that govern their
Departments. Thus governing Boards are not, in practice, much different
from advisory Boards.

Question: What considerations are most important in selecting board
members? By whom is the preliminary screening of potential appointees
done?

Answer: Integrity, desire to serve the public, interest in the functions
of the particular department. The present Governor, because of his
wide acquaintance with the available men and women seldom needs any
special screening of Board appointees.

ADDRESS, DEDICATION OF NEW STATE OFFICE BUILDING

BALTIMORE

November 12, 1959

It is a happy moment of my life to be here to dedicate this handsome
new office building to the service of the people of Maryland. From
the very earliest times, Marylanders have displayed a lively interest in
the beauty of the private and public buildings they erect. Our country-
side is dotted with architectural gems, some of them ancient, some of
them not so old. Our old State House in Annapolis is one of the
architectural glories of the country. It is gratifying to observe that one
of our finest traditions has been preserved in this new building which
rises so gracefully over this charming old city.

I am proud to have been able to play a small part in the planning
and execution of so splendid a project. I naturally am honored at
being the first Governor to occupy the new building. The State of
Maryland has achieved two important objectives in the construction of
this office-building center, which is comprised of this main building,
the State Roads Commission building across the way and the new build-

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