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is an unwarranted dilution of the governor's executive
authority and responsibility. It has been argued before
the committee that over the last 20 years the Board has
seldom had a vote, and therefore, the Board has not
interfered with the governor's decision making prerogative.
Maryland has indeed been fortunate in having had responsibi 3
public officials who have resisted the temptation to use thi
Board as an arena of internecine warfare, but the committee
believes it iroperative to assure that all decisions of the
Board are in keeping with the Governor's views and policies
and not the result of compromise with other officials who
have no responsibility to the Governor.
The removal of the Board of Public Works from
the Constitution will not disturb the power of the General
Assembly or of the Governor through his reorganization
authority to allocate the Board's present powers, functions,
and duties. It should be noted that the president of the
Board is called upon to give approval to literally thousand.
of small, routine transactions.
For example, the Board approves such matters
as travel expenses, write-off of equipment.