ALLIED CIVIC GROUP 291

I share your frustrations and aspirations, your impatience and your
objectives for Montgomery County — and for the State of Maryland.
I take pride in the accomplishments of this administration and in the
courageous and commendable record of the 1967 General Assembly;
even while I am aware that greater challenges await us, pressing prob-
lems compel resolution and future growth demands vital leadership
and direction.

I take comfort in the unprecedented reforms and extensive inno-
vations which have been established to revitalize the State and local
governments.

Let me cite the record of the first one hundred days of this admin-
istration as the justification of my hopes and my confidence.

We enacted a fiscal reform program which will provide nearly $16
million additional in State funds for local law enforcement agencies,
and over $20 million additional to implement public kindergarten
education. A total exceeding $100 million in State aid will be directly
returned to local governments so that they may provide vital services
while holding the line or even reducing property taxes.

Fiscal responsibility at the State level was increased by the adoption
of a policy of substantial down-payments on capital construction. A
Task Force on Modern Management was established, which is now
engaged in evaluating every State agency to assure efficiency and econ-
omy throughout the government.

A Constitutional Convention was authorized to reform and revita-
lize the political superstructure of the State.

Model air quality control legislation was enacted to eliminate and
prevent the contamination of our most precious natural resource.

A $50 million bond issue was authorized for critically needed major
sewer facilities, one which tripled previous State aid to local govern-
ments.

Moderate fair housing legislation was achieved and public accom-
modations statutes extended, measures designed to help destroy the
illogical barriers centuries have built.

On a priority basis, the construction of three bridges crossing the
Chesapeake Bay and a tunnel beneath the Baltimore Harbor was
authorized, making possible the development of vital transportation
arteries essential to the economic growth of Maryland.