6

1

Along that line, Mr. Ratchford, what comment

2

might you have?

3

MR. RATCHFORD: Well, I think, as far as the

4

counties are concerned, two studies are out that are

5

current and reasonably useful and both of these Dr.

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Burdett is very well familiar with. One is a study by

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Jean Spencer entitled Contemporary Local Government in

8

Maryland, published by the Bureau of Governmental Research

9

of the University of Maryland. The other is a study which

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the University did for Harford County entitled Govern-

11

mental Alternatives to Harford County. While the second

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one is directed to Harford County, they do include a

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section on the administration of contemporary local govern-

14

ment.

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1 think, between these two, most of the infor-

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mation is there in as much detail as the Committee would

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wish to go into, the type of structural organization as

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well as the home rule.

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THE CHAIRMAN: And how recent is that study?

20

MR. RATCHFORD: That one -- when was that pub-

21

lished? In October?