THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 2145

that the General Assembly shall contract no debt without pro-
viding for the collection of taxes for the payment thereof. In-
asmuch as House Bill 545 does not provide any means for the
raising of the funds which may become payable under the
terms of the Bill, it would seem to be invalid.

"Since the Bill does not provide that it shall become effective
only when approved by a vote of the people of the State at the
next General Election, it does not qualify for the exception
to Section 34 allowed for fund raising on behalf of veterans. "

For these reasons, I am returning House Bill 545 without my
approval.

Respectfully,

THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,
Governor

WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION

May 7, 1951

Hon. John C. Luber

Speaker of the House of Delegates

State House

Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. Speaker:

House Bill 301 deals with the terms of the members of the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. It provides that
the Commission shall consist of five members, two to be ap-
pointed for two year terms, two for four year terms, and the
Chairman, who shall be appointed for a six year term. It is
provided that the Governor shall appoint the Chairman and
two other members from Prince George's County. The other
two members are appointed by the County Council of Mont-
gomery County. The Act does not vest authority in either the
County Council or the Governor to designate the tenure of office
of the four members.

It is not clear or ascertainable whether the members ap-
pointed by the Montgomery County Council would be for two
year terms or four year terms. Similarly, it cannot be deter-
mined for what period the Governor would be authorized to
appoint initially. The Attorney General advises that these
defects render the Bill unworkable and invalid.

Since the legality of the appointment of the members of the
Commission under House Bill 301, other than the Chairman,
68