DENVER METROPOLITAN SYMPOSIUM 555

serve a population of 500, 000 to 750, 000. This affords optimums in
resources, services and economies of scale. Lesser units prove to be
less economical, less effectual, and consolidation based upon con-
tiguity and logic should be encouraged. Regional consensus and co-
operation through compact and contract is feasible where four or
seven or even ten local governments are involved but where one hun-
dred or two hundred governmental units exist, the chances for efficient,
economical, cooperative action rapidly diminish.

However, it is not government but the private sector which offers
the greatest untapped resources and potential to relieve and resolve
the intangible, psychic problems plaguing our cities. Both at the na-
tional level and in Maryland, private industry has demonstrated a
recognition of its responsibilities and a willingness to put its talent to
work. In late August, over 1200 representatives of the private sector
joined with local government leaders to form the Urban Coalition
and set forth a boldly creative program to strengthen the social struc-
ture of our cities.

The Coalition's first objective was to call upon the Federal govern-
ment to establish an Emergency Work Program. Maryland had six
weeks earlier launched just such a State effort — the Crash Job Pro-
gram. Private industry, the State government and the Baltimore mu-
nicipal government joined in a concerted effort to provide employment
opportunities. Over 1100 permanent jobs were offered by the private
sector, while the State appropriated $480, 000 in Emergency Funds to
finance W. P. A. -type project employment for 2200 persons.

Success cannot blind us to the fact that our Crash Job Program
originated as a stop-gap reaction to potential crisis. In deference to
its explicit and implicit success, the state government is presently
moving to establish and expand the Crash Job effort on a permanent
basis. We must build hope and opportunity through long-range plan-
ning in the winters, lest we reap despair through the long, hot sum-
mers.

Ultimately, education is the tool to break the vicious cycle of
poverty, prejudice and public dependence. We cannot negate or
neglect the truth that compensatory education is an imperative for
the deprived child. Only a better than average education can propel
the child with a worse than average background into the American
mainstream.