tion, and by many of you as individuals, that the State offer you
further help to relieve you of pressing local tax difficulties.

While the General Assembly deliberately gave the local govern-
ments a free hand in how the money was to be used, it is gratify-
ing to me to note that most of the additional funds are being used
for the improvement of public education, and primarily to increase
the salaries of our school teachers....

In brief and in summation, let me say also that this Administra-
tion is aware that, under our system of government, counties are
divisions of, and municipalities the creation of, the State govern-
ment. Under this system, we recognize our ultimate responsibility
for the prosperity and well-being of the subdivisions. And while we
believe the people prosper most, and find most happiness in, a large
measure of local autonomy, we at the State level are ready and will-
ing to give assistance to local governments when such assistance is
wanted and needed.

ADDRESS, MARYLAND MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
OCEAN CITY

June 12, 1962

I am delighted to be here again this year to attend another of
the annual conferences of this organization of Maryland municipal-
ities. Your choice for a theme for this 1962 Conference is indeed
an appropriate one. A satisfactory solution to the intricate problems
of state and local governments is one of the most pressing needs of
our times. I congratulate the Maryland Municipal League on its
awareness of the problem and on its willingness to attack it.

The fiscal interrelationship of state and local government, while
only one aspect of the broader problem, is of prime concern to us.
And while I have no handy solutions to offer you, I am pleased to
have this opportunity to discuss it with you here at your annual
meeting. The General Assembly at its regular session this year gave
recognition to the problem and proposed that a study be made to
find the proper approach and solution to the complicated financial
interrelationships of the State and its subdivisions. A resolution,
adopted by both Houses and signed by me as Governor, noted that
it was a matter of concern to governments at both levels. It declared

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