We all have one thing in common—we're taxpayers and we dislike hav-
ing to pay more taxes to finance the costs of the local, State and federal
government. But if we take all the taxpayers and break them down in

different groups, the result might be interesting. You'll find that some

are waterman, interested in the State's oyster shell planting program
and anxious to have the State appropriate enough funds to support it.
You'll find another group active in local parent-teachers associations and
vitally interested in education. This group will be campaigning for addi-
tional funds for public education. As a matter of fact, the support of
various groups interested in public education was instrumental in securing
the enactment of a bold new educational program at the 1964 ses-
sion of the General Assembly, including substantial increases in teachers'
salaries that will keep Maryland in the forefront among states in this
particular field. Still another group will be sportsmen—hunters and
fishermen and other groups interested in outdoor activities—anxious for
the State to continue to acquire and develop acreage for camping, hunt-
ing, picnicking and fishing. The purchase and development of such areas
as Shad Landing and James Island State Parks and the construction of
marinas such as the one we have in Crisfield are important to the people
of Maryland and to those of us who live here. But the, so are highways,
public education, health, mental hygiene and economic development.

When I took office nearly six years ago, Maryland did not have a single
mental institution that met the standards of the professionals in this
field who must pass on accreditation. Today, we have an outstanding
program in mental health; three of our institutions are accredited and
Maryland is considered a leader in the field of mental hygiene.

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