79

REMARKS TO GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE

February 27, 1967

Perhaps, on rare occasions, I may have the honor of speaking be-
fore audiences composed of individuals as distinguished as the in-
dividuals in this audience — but I doubt that I shall ever have the
honor of speaking before a group as collectively and cohesively im-
pressive as the Greater Baltimore Committee. Impressive as you are
as individuals whose attainments have been recognized by your respec-
tive enterprises, as people whose energies and talents have made you
leaders of the City's major industrial, commercial and financial in-
stitutions, yet are you more impressive as a collective organization
whose combined concern and initiative have achieved dramatic ac-
complishments in and for the City of Baltimore.

There is no need to belabor the obvious — the very building in
which we meet tonight, and others which are clearly visible from
these windows, are magnificent monuments rising in tribute to the
imagination and determination of the Greater Baltimore Committee.
Gentlemen, you have breathed new life into a tired city; you have
brought beauty where there was ugliness. You have not only checked
decay, but generated growth — and all of this you have accomplished
through your own vision, your own initiative and your own convic-
tion. Your City, your State, and present and future generations of your
community owe you a deep and genuine debt of gratitude — not only
for the beauty which you have restored to Baltimore, not only for
the economy which you have replenished, but for the inspiration
which your tangible success as men of good will and commitment has
provided.

In the months ahead the new State administration will often have
cause to refer to the accomplishments of the Greater Baltimore Com-
mittee for guidance — as we immediately face problems, extensive in
scope, and challenges monumental in proportion. Passage of the fiscal
reform legislation is imperative to provide Baltimore City with suffi-
cient revenue and revenue resources to meet critical needs and to
assure continued economic development. The writing of a valid, new
Constitution will enable the State to be politically rejuvenated, so
that government may act with greater flexibility and efficiency. Major
social problems, ranging from the critical situation in Maryland's
prisons to the genuine recognition of individual rights, must be
honestly assessed and resolved. New environmental hazards, air and
water pollution, threaten the health of our citizens and the growth