984 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

progress at that date will permit me to call a special session of the
General Assembly in early January for the purpose of electing a new
Governor. If for any reason I am not able to complete my adminis-
tration at that time, I will defer my resignation until the Legislature
meets in regular session on January 15< But in no instance will I
defer beyond that date.

May I reassure the citizens of Maryland that every effort is being
made to assure continuity in the Executive decision making process.
To this end the following steps have been taken:

1. The budget for the 1970 fiscal year is in an advanced state of
preparation. Naturally, it reflects to a large degree the policies and
priorities established during my administration, just as the first budget
I presented to the General Assembly indicated the emphasis of the
Tawes administration. However, I have directed Mr. James Slicher,
Director of the Department of Budget and Procurement, to keep the
leadership of the General Assembly fully apprised of budget requests
and recommendations. Additionally, I have invited the legislative
leadership to address comments and recommendations on the budget
to me directly or through Mr. Slicher. It should also be remembered
that this particular Legislature is already better informed on budget-
ary matters than any of its predecessors because of the creation of
the new Department of Fiscal Services.

2. All members of my staff have been instructed to inventory and
evaluate all work in progress and pressing matters under considera-
tion. These reports will be presented to my successor and should
prove of inestimable value in assuring the continuity of government.

3. The members of my legislative staff have been instructed to
complete work on all legislative proposals under consideration and
the principal portions of this will be submitted to my successor.

4. Members of my staff and heads of principal departments will
be instructed to cooperate with legislative leaders in furnishing any
information or briefings which may be desired to inform the legisla-
tive leadership of all matters of primary concern.

5. Upon the election of my successor, members of my staff will be
made available, if requested, to assist in transitional matters.

In my judgment as Governor, reached after careful evaluation of
the public interest, these steps will best bring about the orderly transi-
tion of government.