1540 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 538

before said next regular meeting. If the mayor fails to
return any ordinance within six^ days of its delivery to
him as aforesaid, then the ordinance shall become law
without his approval.

FILE OF ORDINANCES

17. Ordinances, when passed and approved by the
mayor, when not returned by him within the specified
time, or when passed over his veto, shall be permanently
filed by the council secretary or the town clerk in a book
or books which shall be kept for that purpose and which
shall be kept open for public inspection.

GENERAL POWERS

18. The council shall have the power to pass all such
ordinances not contrary to the Constitution and laws of
Maryland or this charter as it may deem necessary for
the good government of the town; for the protection and
preservation of the town's property, rights, and privileges;
for the preservation of peace and good order and for secur-
ing persons and property from violence, danger, or destruc-
tion; and for the protection of the health, comfort, and
convenience of the residents of the Town of Mount Airy
and visitors thereto and sojourners therein.

ARTICLE III
THE MAYOR

TERM

19. The mayor shall be elected as hereinafter provided
and shall hold office for a term of two years or until his
successor is elected and qualified. The mayor shall take
office on the third Monday in May in each regular town
election year. The mayor holding office at the time this
charter becomes effective shall continue to hold office until
the third Monday in May, 1952.

QUALIFICATIONS

20. The mayor must have resided in the Town of Mount
Airy for at least two years immediately preceding his
election, must be at least twenty-five years of age, and
must be a qualified voter of the town and be the owner of
real estate or leasehold property within the corporate
limits of said town.