48                       JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS                         [Jan. 7

I am pledged to a complete reorganization of the Executive Department. I know that you as legislators and my fellow citizens understand the needs in this area. I shall call upon you to assist me to create a modern and efficient Executive Department.

I doubt if I a many different in my basic beliefs or personal hopes from the overwhelming majority of my fellow citizens. I am a son of Maryland and proud of it. I have watched Maryland change from a gradually blossoming economy to become a dynamic economic force in the nation.

Most important of all, I have watched the mind of Maryland change. Past prejudices are disappearing—perhaps not as fast as some of us would hope; perhaps too fast to suit others—but disappearing nonetheless. Other barriers to progress are being broken down. Our counties are less competitive and unproductive regional provincialism has all but vanished. Our voters may register more for one party than the other but our electorate has demonstrated a fierce, independent interest in good government.

These are great steps forward and with these strides we stand at the threshold of creating an atmosphere for absolute opportunity in Maryland.

Yet we need no genius to tell us problems do persist. We have witnessed restlessness in our cities, disquietude in our suburbs, discontent in our colleges. We cannot ignore poverty nor tolerate crime. The question is what comes next? Will it be better or worse? Can we do something about it?

The answer today, as it has always been, can only be given by the people and more especially by those they have chosen to lead them. And I say, as Governor of Maryland, that we are prepared for the assignment.

We are strong enough, we are concerned enough, we care enough to build a house that will stand. Our tools are education, dedication and compassion. We will use them well. We will use them together.

Standing here at this moment is a most humbling experience. I now ask you to give me your prayers.

Thank you.

Read and journalized.

ORDER By Senator Pine:

The following have been designated to escort the Governor-Elect to the Senate Chamber to be sworn in: Senator James, Senator H. Hughes, Senator Hall, Delegate Houck, Delegate Lowe, Delegate McInerney.

Read and adopted.

The Chairman ordered the following inserted in the journal:

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE SIX EARLIER PERSONS ELECTED TO FILL UNEXPIRED GUBERNATORIAL TERMS

By Dr. Harry Bard

President Community College of Baltimore