age, problems of taxation and problems of slum clearance. So, in
seeking solutions to these problems, we face the challenges that also
faced my immediate predecessors, Governor Lane and Governor
McKeldin.

Four years ago, I said that I conceived it to be the principal task
of my Administration to achieve these new standards and at the
same time to preserve the financial integrity of the State. This remains
as our principal task. For, although we have solved, and have provided
for solutions to many of the problems that have faced and are facing
Maryland today, we must also recognize that government is a con-
tinuing process. We must recognize that as long as our State continues
to grow, as long as our social patterns continue to change, as long as
industry expands and new techniques are introduced, as long as
population shifts and changes, then for that long will the problems of
government continue. Our task is to establish a pattern of government
to cope with these problems. No longer can we operate on the basis
of solving the problems as the need arises. We must begin to condition
ourselves to anticipate, to plan for the future, if we are to succeed
in the present.

We cannot rely on counter punching. Rather we must seize the
initiative and hold it if we are to overcome the complexities of
government in its relation to society today. We must establish goals
in relation to our ability to attain those goals. A government cannot
attain the ends it desires if it employs means which serve to disrupt
the very financial structure upon which all services supplied by the
State ultimately depend.

Each project that we undertake, now and in the future, must be
allocated some sort of priority. Our needs must always be weighed
against our ability to support those projects which we all are working
to bring to fruition. Under such a system, great tolerance is required.
We must be ever mindful of others — we must recognize that at
certain times, die needs of one particular group within our society
will outweigh the needs of others. So, in establishing priorities, we
are, in effect, planning for our future while preserving the financial
integrity of our State and its citizens. To be all things to all people
is to satisfy no one and accomplish virtually nothing.

During the past four years, I have come to discover how important
it is for a Chief Executive to be firm in his decisions. In being the
elected representative of all the people of Maryland, I am also the
servant of all the people of Maryland. Until one actually bears such
a burden, it is difficult indeed to understand the soul searching in-