724 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

Q. What about your mental health program?

A. Well I don't consider that a failure because, after all, it was just
thrust in this year for the first time and everyone says the program has
a lot of merit. As a matter of fact, we have gone as far as to have a
general consensus that alcoholics are sick people and not criminals.
That bill passed. The bills to implement the method of caring for
them have run into some opposition. They are being amended, con-
sidered, and I am sure they will be referred for study, and I look for
some positive programs to come out next session. After all, we can't
expect programs of such far-reaching implication in every instance
to be adopted in final form. I think we've shown progress in com-
munity mental health this year.

Q. Governor, your housing code came up before Economic Affairs
this morning and Senator Bishop asked for a second on a favorable
report and after a couple of minutes of silence, he said "Please. " Un-
fortunately, no seconding came. What's your reaction to that?

A. That — what you refer to as my housing code — originated with
a study group appointed by my predecessor, Governor Tawes. It's
true, it's part of my program. I think that the code, as it's been
amended after it came from that study committee, is a good bill. I
recognize there's some opposition to it. I'm sorry it's not going to get
out of committee. I regret very much that we're not going to have a
housing code because I think we need one, if we're going to reach
into some of these problems that relate to housing and to allay some
of the fears in places such as the deprived areas of the City and areas
like Cambridge. But again, I can't force these matters out of com-
mittee, and I can't do any more than I have done in support of them.
They are going to fail for this year, but I think again with any legis-
lation there's got to be a beginning with it and you don't always
succeed the first time. We'll be back with it again next year.

Q. Governor, excepting your programs for the moment. What legis-
lation pending downstairs do you consider "must" items?

A. Well I think Friendship Airport is a "must" item and that, of
course, is jointly evolved. The business tax reform is a "must" item
which is jointly evolved legislation.

Q. What about the interest bill, Governor?

A. Well I think the interest bill is extremely important. I think
we've been kicking that thing around enough sessions in a row and
I think the bill that came out — from what I can see of it — attempts