34 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

impossible for the incoming administration to tailor this budget in its
entirety to my policies. Although I designated a qualified representa-
tive to work full-time with State budget officials immediately after the

election, it was impossible to complete for each program the necessary
investigations which must logically precede major shifts in policy.
However, policy decisions as to the down payment on capital improve-
ments, the construction program, and the executive office restructuring
as recommended by the Curlett Commission, are my decisions and I
accept full responsibility for them.

It is essential that we carefully examine all State programs and activ-
ities to rejustify their necessity and to determine if they are producing
results worthy of their cost. The Curlett Commission has also recog-
nized this problem and has recommended that an office be established
to continually review government operations and organization to cor-
rect inefficiencies and improve coordination. I agree with that recom-
mendation. As one of my first acts after taking office, I have estab-
lished, within the Executive Department, a Task Force on Modern
Management to report directly to me. This Task Force has been
charged with the responsibility of examining every program and
agency of State government to justify its existence and to develop
measures of cost, production, effectiveness, and efficiency. Our objec-
tive is to assure full value to the taxpayers.

I have also accepted another of the Curlett Commission recommen-
dations in the organization of my personal staff. The Commission
found a need for improved coordination and communication within
the executive branch of government and recommended several special
assistants to the Governor to perform that function. To meet this
need, I have provided for six program executives who will report di-
rectly to me and who will specialize in particular program areas of
government to keep me better informed and to insure that the activ-
ities of State departments and agencies are not in conflict.

These two recommendations of the Commission on the Moderniza-
tion of the executive branch of Government have been implemented
in this budget because they affect the organization of the Executive
Department. I am sure that many of the other proposals of the Com-
mission are worthy of adoption and as soon as I have had an oppor-
tunity to study its report, I expect to have further recommendations
for you.

Also included in the budget of the Executive Department is a pro-
vision for opening a suburban Washington office of the Governor. Not