my colleagues, that we regret very sin-
cerely that this fine citizen, native Mary-
lander, is unable to serve.
I should say that he was born in Somer-
set County and came to Allegany County
some 40-odd years ago as a school teacher
and later became principal of not one, but
three high schools, each time of a larger
high school, and later became superinten-
dent of schools. Some two years ago he re-
signed as superintendent of schools because
of age. He did not seek the office of dele-
gate; he was actually invited to become a
delegate. He was then in good health and
looked forward to serving here as a Mary-
lander and a citizen, and I want to say to
you, sir, to my fellow delegates, it is with
deep regret that we do not have Ralph
Webster with us today, and I ask, sir, if I
may offer a motion of regrets of this body
assembled that we are sorry that he found
it necessary for him to retire.
Mr. Chairman, if a motion is in order, I
would like to offer that motion that we as-
sembled here today regret the necessity of
his having to resign. He is a very dis-
tinguished citizen of Allegany County.
I so offer the motion, Mr. Chairman.
THE PRESIDENT: Is there a second?
(The motion was duly seconded.)
THE PRESIDENT: The motion is that
the Convention extend to Delegate Webster
its sincere regret at the necessity which
compelled him to tender his resignation,
and extend to him our very best wishes for
speedy recovery.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye;
contrary, No. The Ayes have it unani-
mously. It is so ordered.
DELEGATE BEALL: Thank you, fellow
Delegates. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Now, pursuant to your request, we have
met, the large delegation of three from
Allegany County, and have unanimously
endorsed and recommend for the approval
of this assembly the appointment of Harold
Ritter as his successor. I so offer the mo-
tion. It is on the desk, Mr. Chairman.
THE PRESIDENT: Does the Chief Page
have a copy of the report of the committee?
Will you please distribute it?
Because you did not have the opportunity
to read the report, I will ask the Clerk to
read it while it is being distributed.
READING CLERK: |
"Report of the Select Committee to Fill
the Vacancy Caused by the Resignation
of the Honorable Ralph R. Webster.
"The Select Committee has met, in ac-
cordance with Rule 71, to nominate to
the Convention a person to fill the va-
cancy occurring by reason of the resig-
nation of the Honorable Ralph R. Web-
ster, Delegate from Allegany County.
"The Select Committee, by unanimous
vote, desires to submit to the Convention
as its sole nominee Mr. Harold K. Ritter,
of Allegany County. Mr. Ritter is a quali-
fied person in accordance with Section 7
of Chapter 4, Acts of 1967, and a concise
written statement of his abilities and ex-
perience is attached hereto.
"Statement of Abilities and Experience
of Harold K. Ritter, Nominee to Fill the
Vacancy in the Constitutional Conven-
tion Caused by the Resignation of Honor-
able Ralph R. Webster of Allegany
County.
"Harold K. Ritter is 5I years of age
and resides at 529 Williams Street, Cum-
berland, Allegany County, Maryland.
"Mr. Ritter is a graduate of Wilkins-
burg High School, Wilkinsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, of Oakland Business School, Pitts-
burgh, Pennsylvania and of the Institute
of Labor Studies of the University of
West Virginia. He has also completed
courses in parliamentary law at the Uni-
versity of Miami.
"As employee of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company since 1943, Mr.
Ritter has served 18 years as treasurer
of Lodge No. 27, Brotherhood of Rail-
road Trainmen, Cumberland. He has been
active in legislative affairs in Maryland
for 17 years, serving 12 years as local
legislative representative.
"Few people have had as much experi-
ence as a legislative agent in Maryland
as has Mr. Ritter. For the past five years
' he has represented the Brotherhood of
which he is a member before the General
Assembly. In this capacity he has been
the chief legislative representative of all
trainmen in Maryland, including em-
ployees of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail-
road, the Pennsylvania Railroad, the
Western Maryland Railway Company,
the Patapsco and Back River Railroad,
and the Canton Railroad. He also repre-
sents the Baltimore and Annapolis Rail-
road trainmen and bus drivers and the
Baltimore Motor Coach Drivers. His
duties have been full time during all ses-
sions of the General Assembly. |
