THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 1889

Council, while the other wards would continue to have their
own representative. There is also presented the problem of
possible conflict of authority and power between the Mayor
elected from the City at large, and the President of the
Commissioners similarly chosen.

Respectfully,

(s) THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,
TRMcK/tk Governor

HOUSE BILL NO. 901

May 5, 1953

Honorable John C. Luber
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. Speaker:

I am returning herewith, without my approval, House
Bill No. 901. This bill purports to establish a merit system
in Howard County. The general provisions of the bill are
commendable, with one very important exception. Only
certain designated officials and employees are covered by
the proposed classified system. In the main, these officials
are at a policy making level, or their duties are otherwise
of such character as in general to make it desirable that
they not be in the classified service. Thus, the Buildings
Engineer, the Chief of Police, and the Roads Engineer of
Howard County are among the few persons selected for
inclusion in the system. In contrast, most of the clerical
employees in the various County offices who should be
included in any such system, are not designated in the bill
for such treatment.

The expressed purpose of the bill is to attract and retain
competent personnel for the County. From the information
which I have, it is probable that there will be a directly
opposite result because of the exclusion of most of the
personnel who should be protected by such a system.

Respectfully,

(s) THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,
TRMcK/A Governor