MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                        2829

ever authorizing these charges.

Common logic would dictate that both of these bills
should not be signed, since it would make no sense at all
to have a study made in order that all sides of the
matter be explored, and then to make the decision in
advance of the study even being commenced. But that is
begging the question. The Legislature passed both bills
and recalled neither, and some explanation as to why I
chose Senate Bill 509 over House Bill 1071 is in order.

I do not know at this point whether or not a
permanent legislative prohibition against directory
assistance charges would be a wise policy. The argument
in favor of disallowing such charges is that they would
penalize handicapped and elderly callers who have
difficulty using the telephone directory took. It is
also asserted that these books are occasionally missing
or damaged near coin operated public telephones, and that
not enough of them are distributed to homes and
businesses.

On the other hand, it is asserted that directory
assistance calls - dialing "411" — costs the telephone
company some $13.5 million each year (expected to grow to
$33 million by 1985) which must be borne ultimately by
all telephone users. This expense adds nearly $7.00 to
each customer's annual bill. I am advised that only 9% of
Maryland subscribers account for 50% of these directory
assistance calls. I am also informed that at least
thirteen public utility commissioners around the country
have authorized directory assistance charges, and that in
New York, the public saved $25 million during the first
year in which these charges were permitted.

I cite these facts not to indicate predisposition as
to ultimate question, but only to point out that
reasonable arguments can be made on both sides of the
issue, and that, in my judgment, a clear and convincing
case has yet to be made one way or the other. Before the
Legislature acts further to assume a role traditionally
committed to the Public Service Commission, it should
have the benefit of the study required by Senate Bill
509. In the meanwhile, the objective of House Bill 1071
has been achieved by the enactment of Senate Bill 509.

For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1071.

Sincerely,
Marvin Mandel
Governor