NEWS CONFERENCE 89

centive to obstructionism to make a particular point on some par-
ticular detail.

Q. What was your reaction to the bill to transfer from the Governor
power to make several appointments in Baltimore County?

A. It was a childish gesture. I believe it made somewhat of a mock-
ery of the principle of local option. The four Baltimore County
Senators out of seven who opposed this bill, and the select committee,
were just overridden for political considerations alone. I don't know
what the Senate was trying to prove, whether they were trying to
assert their independence or some degree of domination over the
executive branch. I couldn't care less about the three appointments.
I just think it's bad procedure. I think it makes a bad image for the
Senate when they keep shifting the control of various appointments
between local and State government to meet the exigencies of what
party happens to be making the appointments.

Q. Are you going to veto that bill?
A. I expect to veto the bill, yes.

Q. Up in New York, the Republicans back James Meredith for
Congress. What do you think of that?

A. I think the Republicans have an obligation to put a candidate
up that they think can win. If they think James Meredith is a candi-
date who can win, I think they ought to put him up.

Q. Do you have a reaction to the problems of Congressman Adam
Clayton Powell?

A. On the Powell matter, my view is that it was a tactical blunder
on the part of the Congress to remove Adam Clayton Powell. I think
the matter could have been handled as an internal disciplinary situa-
tion a lot more effectively. But, I have enough problems down here
that I don't lose any sleep ruminating over that too long.

Q. Governor, have you any reading about how the traffic safety and
bridge bills are moving through the Legislature?

A. Yes, the safety package seems to be moving along very well. I
don't know just where the bill to create a people's advocate is; that's
one I have lost track of for the moment. The bills on the bridge
priority assignment seem to be making some progress. None of these
bills are out of committee yet, as I understand it, but they seem to be
doing all right in the committee as far as I can see. This doesn't mean
they won't be amended, of course.