NEWS CONFERENCE

January 10, 1967
Opening Statement by the Governor-Elect

There have been recent news accounts that the proposed budget for
the Governor's office will double next year. These accounts are cor-
rect and I would like to explain to you at this first press conference
some of the reasoning behind this increase.

Shortly after my election, when I started to organize a personal
staff, it became immediately apparent that there were certain weak-
nesses in the structure of the management of the executive branch of
government. I opened discussions with the Curlett Commission, which
was also aware of the problem from the studies it had made since the
Commission was appointed by Governor Tawes last spring to study
the modernization of State government. Most of you are familiar
with the makeup of this Commission of distinguished citizens which
is headed by Mr. John N. Curlett of Baltimore. It has a broad repre-
sentation among the various interests of our State.

It was pointed out to me by the Curlett Commission that there are
now 240 units of the State government directly responsible to the
Governor. And it is physically impossible for one man operating with
the presently limited staff to effectively coordinate their activities. Not
only must I be aware of the problems, but I must have sufficient
information to guide the operations in the best interest of the people
of all the State. It was the thinking of the Curlett Commission that
there should be established in the Governor's office 6 to 12 program
executives assigned to coordinate all programs in the major areas of
State government. I agree to establish the minimum number, 6, in the
budget now being prepared to submit to the General Assembly.

These positions are to be held by well qualified individuals who
will serve at the pleasure of the Governor and who will strengthen his
direction and control. They will serve the dual function of keeping
the Governor informed of problems and programs as well as apprising
the various State departments of the Governor's needs, attitudes and
decisions.

The first of these appointees is Mr. B. Melvin Cole who will spe-
cialize in the area of education and who is extremely well qualified