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This file contains material relating to New Coalition on Federal Bureaucracy and Policy Matters, David Meeker, Waste, Community Development Grant Program, 1974 Housing Act, Land Use Planning, 701 Comprehensive Planning Grants.
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6/10/75 - National Governors Conference, New Orleans
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This file contains material relating to New Coalition on Federal Bureaucracy and Policy Matters, David Meeker, Waste, Community Development Grant Program, 1974 Housing Act, Land Use Planning, 701 Comprehensive Planning Grants.
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "6/10/75 - National Governors
Conference, New Orleans" of the Carla A. Hills Speeches at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 1 of the Carla A. Hills Speeches at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FINAL
NATIONAL GOVERNORS CONFERENCE
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
JUNE 10, 1975
EACH TIME THAT I HAVE SPOKEN IN THE THREE MONTHS
SINCE COMING TO HUD, I HAVE HAD A GREATER TENDENCY TO
SEARCH FOR TOPICS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THAT ARE PLEASING
TO MY AUDIENCE. BANKERS HEAR ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AcT, NEWLY GRADUATED LAWYERS HEAR
ABOUT THE NEW MORALITY AND OPENNESS IN GOVERNMENT, AND
CITY OFFICIALS HEAR ABOUT OUR EFFORTS WHICH I BELIEVE ARE
SUBSTANTIAL, TO FORMULATE A NEW URBAN HOMESTEADING PROGRAM.
My SEARCH TO FIND A TOPIC TO FIT THE GROUP REMINDS
ME OF SENATOR HUMPHREY'S REMARK TO A GROUP OF BUSINESSMEN
WHEREIN HE EXTOLLED THE VIRTUES OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND
LAMENTED HIGH LABOR COSTS, ONE BUSINESSMAN IN THE AUDIENCE
INTERRUPTED AND SAID, "SENATOR, I BET YOU DON'T TALK THAT
WAY TO LABOR LEADERS." "YOUNG MAN, THE SENATOR REPLIED,
IF YOU MEAN THAT I TALK MORE ABOUT MOTHER ON MOTHER'S DAY
THAN I DO ON EASTER, YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT."
R.
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
-2-
IN THAT TRADITION WE APPROACH THIS CONFERENCE, IN
A STRAIGHTFORWARD MANNER WE SIMPLY POLLED EACH OF YOU TO
IDENTIFY YOUR PARTICULAR CONCERNS WITH RESPECT TO THE
MATTERS DEALT WITH AT HUD.
WE FOUND THAT GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND LAND USE CONTROL
HEAD YOUR LISTS. IT IS EASY FOR US TO AGREE THAT THESE
TOPICS ARE OF MAJOR CONCERN,
WE AT HUD FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF SOUND GROWTH POLICIES RANKS HIGH ON THE AGENDA OF
CRITICAL PUBLIC ISSUES,
AND, WE ALSO KNOW THAT THERE IS AN INCREASING
AWARENESS BY OUR CITIZENS THAT THE WAY IN WHICH WE USE
OUR LAND PROFOUNDLY EFFECTS THE COST OF GROCERIES,
HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION.
BUT, AS APPEALING AS THESE WORDS MAY SEEM, BY REASON
OF THEIR COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR EXPRESSED CONCERNS, IT
IS DIFFICULT TO SPEAK OR TO ACT MEANINGFULLY WITH RESPECT
TO PLANNED GROWTH WHEN OUR REAL ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS BEEN
DECLINING, OR TO TRY FOR NEW CONTROLS OVER LAND USE WHEN
FEW ARE BUILDING.
DENALD P FORD
-3-
THUS, WE WHO ARE STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICIALS MAY
APPEAR TO OTHERS TO BE SITTING MOTIONLESS WITH RESPECT
TO THESE ISSUES OF RECOGNIZED CONCERN,
THE FISCAL PROBLEMS ALL GOVERNMENTS FACE ARE PROFOUND
AND DISTRACTING.
THE PROPERTY TAX BASE OF MANY CITIES HAS BEEN
SERIOUSLY ERODED BY DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC TRENDS.
A PAINFUL RECESSION HAS EATEN AWAY AT THE BASIC SOURCES
OF TAX REVENUES,
AT THE VERY TIME WHEN TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF
GOVERNMENT REVENUE ARE LESS CERTAIN, DOUBLE DIGIT
INFLATION HAS PUSHED THE COST OF PROVIDING BASIC PUBLIC
SERVICES TO STAGGERING HEIGHTS, WHILE THE UNEMPLOYMENT
GENERATED BY THE RECESSION HAS CREATED EVER INCREASING
DEMANDS FOR THOSE SERVICES,
IN TOO MANY COMMUNITIES VITAL SERVICES ARE BEING
CURTAILED OR ELIMINATED. IN OTHERS, THE FISCAL INTEGRITY
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ITSELF HAS FALLEN INTO QUESTION.
a
FORD
-4-
IN THE FACE OF THESE PRESSURES, YOU CAN SEE THAT YOU
TOO HAVE LESS MONEY TO SERVE GREATER NEEDS, AND AT THE
SAME TIME YOU ARE ALL AWARE OF THE PRESIDENT'S BATTLE TO
AVOID UNREASONABLY LARGE BUDGET DEFICITS.
So WE SEEM TO PRESENT THE ISSUES TO THE PUBLIC AND
TO THE MEDIA IN VERY SIMPLISTIC TERMS.
SHOULD WE SPEND MORE MONEY OR SHOULD WE SPEND LESS
MONEY TO RESTORE OUR ECONOMY TO A HEALTHY AND GROWING
STATE?
BUT, I SUGGEST TO YOU THAT OUR ANALYSIS MUST BE MORE
PROFOUND AND OUR SOLUTIONS MORE CREATIVE.
IN THIS PERIOD OF ECONOMIC TRAUMA AS WE LOOK BACK
UPON THE DAYS WHEN GOVERNMENTS HAD RELATIVELY MORE MONEY,
WE CAN SEE THAT OUR PRESENT PLIGHT IS AS MUCH A FAILURE
OF SOUND AND COORDINATED INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ACTION AMONG
LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS, AS A SHORTAGE OF FUNDS;
WE ARE FORCED TO THE REALIZATION THAT SOME OF OUR PAST
WAYS HAVE BEEN WASTEFUL.
R. FORD
-5-
THIS CONFERENCE PROVIDES US WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO
REFLECT UPON OUR RESPECTIVE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AND TO CONSIDER WHAT BALANCE OF INTER-ACTION AMONG THE
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WILL DELIVER PUBLIC SERVICES
WITH THE LEAST WASTE TO THE TAXPAYER AND THE MOST
RESPONSIVENESS TO THE PUBLIC'S NEEDS.
OURS, WE ARE OFTEN REMINDED, IS A THREE-TIERED SYSTEM
OF GOVERNMENT. To ASSESS GOVERNMENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
IN ANY AREA WITHOUT TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THREE
LEVELS LEADS TO A LOPSIDED ASSESSMENT.
I REITERATE THAT POINT SOMEWHAT HUMBLY IN THE FACE
OF THE TITLE YOU HAVE CHOSEN FOR YOUR CONFERENCE: "STATE
RESPONSIBILITIES To LOCAL GOVERNMENTS." THE FEDS GOT
LEFT OUT,
I REITERATE IT ALSO BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME BROAD
GENERALITIES THAT ARE INSTRUCTIVE. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE,
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE LEAST CAPABLE OF GENERATING
SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF REVENUE, EIGHTY=FIVE PERCENT OF
LOCAL REVENUES COME FROM PROPERTY TAXES, AND WE KNOW THAT
OVERUSE NOW MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTING LAND DEVELOPMENT
-6-
AT THE SAME TIME WE KNOW THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN
BETTER USE PUBLIC MONIES TO ATTRACT PRIVATE FUNDS IN JOINT
EFFORTS TO SERVE COMMUNITY NEEDS,
AND MOST IMPORTANT, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE BEST SITUATED
TO KNOW AND TO SHARE PUBLIC PROGRAMS TO MEET THE PECULIAR
NEEDS OF THEIR RESIDENTS.
STATE GOVERNMENTS, HOWEVER, HAVE A BROADER PERSPECTIVE
AND CAN BRING REGIONALISM TO GOVERNMENTAL DECISION-MAKING
THAT GUARDS THE INEQUITIES OF PURELY LOCAL RESOURCE
ALLOCATION.
AND, THE STATES HAVE A FAR GREATER VARIETY OF INCOME-
GENERATING DEVICES AT THEIR COMMAND.
FINALLY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, HAVING THE BROADEST
PERSPECTIVE, IS ABLE TO SET GOALS OF NATIONAL APPLICATION.
AND, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS THE BROADEST BASED
AND MOST EFFICIENT MEANS OF GENERATING REVENUES,
-7-
BUT, ITS DISTANCE FROM LOCAL PROBLEMS MAKES IT FAR
LESS SUITED TO IMPLEMENT THOSE GOALS IN INDIVIDUAL
COMMUNITIES.
THE AGONY OF THE PRUITT-IGOES TAUGHT US, FOR EXAMPLE,
THAT THE PROBLEM OF PUBLIC HOUSING IS NOT ONE SUSCEPTIBLE
TO SOLUTION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ALONE.
WE NOW KNOW THAT THE PROBLEMS OF HOUSING LOWER-INCOME
FAMILIES REQUIRE THE ATTENTION OF THE FULL INTER-GOVERNMENTAL
SYSTEM,
HUD's NEW RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM IS BASED UPON THIS
CONCEPT OF SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.
IT PROVIDES FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR STATE AND LOCAL
DECISIONS ON HOW BEST TO MEET THE HOUSING NEEDS OF LOWER
INCOME FAMILIES, AND IT GIVES THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THE RIGHT
TO DECIDE WHETHER NEW, EXISTING, OR REHABILITATED HOUSING
STOCK BEST MEETS THOSE NEEDS,
GERALD
-8-
RENTAL SUBSIDIES FOR HOUSING IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE HOW
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY CAN WORK.
WE BELIEVE THAT ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS WHICH ADDRESS
STATE AND LOCAL PROBLEMS HAVE A GREATER PROBABILITY OF
SUCCESS IF THEY ARE SHAPED AND DIRECTED BY YOU -- THE
GOVERNORS, STATE LEGISLATORS AND MAYORS -- WHO HAVE FIRST-
HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED.
THE 1974 HOUSING AcT ENCOURAGES SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND GROWTH AND LAND USE PLANNING.
I BELIEVE IT POINTS UP AT LEAST TWO AREAS WHERE STATES
CAN MAKE GREATER CONTRIBUTIONS.
FIRST, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES
FEDERAL FUNDS TO LOCALITIES AND GIVES THEM BROAD DISCRETION
IN HOW THOSE FUNDS WILL BE USED,
BUT TO OBTAIN THOSE FUNDS, A COMMUNITY MUST SUBMIT A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SPECIFYING HOW IT WILL PRESERVE OR
REVITALIZE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS, PROMOTE HOUSING CHOICES
FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES, AND AVOID UNDUE CONCENTRATION
OF POOR PEOPLE, IT IS RIGHT THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
BE REQUIRED TO ADDRESS THESE PRIORITIES.
GERALD
-9-
BUT, THE STATES ARE BEST SUITED TO ENSURE GREATER
COORDINATION IN THE USE OF THESE FEDERAL FUNDS,
THE PROCESS OF COMMUNITY GROWTH OFTEN IGNORES THE
ARTIFICIAL LINES THAT DELINEATE THE POLITICAL BOUNDARIES
OF CITIES AND TOWNS, A NEW PLANT IN ONE TOWN MAY CREATE
HOUSING NEEDS IN NEARBY COMMUNITIES, UNDUE CONCENTRATION
OF POOR PEOPLE IN A CENTRAL CITY MAY ONLY BE CAPABLE OF
MITIGATION ON A REGIONAL BASIS.
THE REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE STATE DILUTES THE
PAROCHIALISM WHICH CAN PREVENT LOCAL COMMUNITIES FROM
USING THEIR FEDERAL FUNDS IN WAYS THAT PROMOTE SOUND
GROWTH:
A STATE CAN BRING ITS REGIONAL PRESSURE TO BEAR:
By PROVINDING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
TO UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT;
By HELPING IN THE PREPARATION OF
APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FUNDS;
FORD
-10-
BY PROVIDING EXPERT ADVICE OF
PLANNERS, ENGINEERS, OR FINANCIAL
SPECIALISTS; AND,
By PROVIDING A CLEARING-HOUSE
FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
AMONG COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE
STATE.
CREATIVITY WITH RESPECT TO FUNDING IS A SECOND AREA
WHERE STATES COULD DO MORE. ALTHOUGH THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT GRANTS CONSTITUTE A SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCE, IT IS
CLEAR THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ALONE CANNOT PROVIDE
ENOUGH FUNDING TO ACHIEVE ALL OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES'
GOALS,
BUT, THE STATES CAN AUGMENT THESE FUNDS BY PROVIDING
MATCHING GRANTS OF THEIR OWN, By REGARDING THE FEDERAL
FUNDS AS SEED MONEY, STATES CAN ENTICE ACTION BY LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AS WELL AS BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND THUS
BE INSTRUMENTAL IN DEVELOPING A CRITICAL MASS OF FUNDING
THAT CAN FAR MORE EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS OF
RATIONAL GROWTH.
a
FORD
-11-
HUD WILL ENCOURAGE INCREASED STATE PARTICIPATION.
IN DISPENSING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISCRETIONARY
FUNDS, WE WILL GIVE PREFERENCE TO MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
APPLICATIONS.
THE 1974 Act ALSO FURTHERS THE CONCEPT OF SHARED
RESPONSIBILITY WHILE IT CONTRIBUTES TO BETTER LAND USE
PLANNING IN ITS REQUIREMENTS FOR SECTION 701 COMPREHENSIVE
PLANNING GRANTS.
EACH RECIPIENT IS NOW REQUIRED TO DEVELOP A LAND
USE PLAN SUITABLE TO ITS NEEDS AND SCOPE OF AUTHORITY,
AND, EACH RECIPIENT MUST HAVE A COMPLETED LAND USE PLAN
TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR 701 FUNDS AFTER AUGUST, 1977.
To ENSURE COORDINATION AT EACH LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT,
HUD REQUIRES EACH LOCAL APPLICATION TO BE REVIEWED BY
THE STATE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THERE IS THE REQUISITE
COORDINATION WITH OTHER PLANNING ACTIVITIES IN THE STATE
AND WHETHER THE PROPOSED OBJECTIVES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH
STATE PLANNING GOALS. A NUMBER OF STATES ALREADY SUPPLEMENT
THESE PLANNING GRANTS WITH STATE PLANNING FUNDS.
FORD
BRAALD
-12-
THUS, OUR 701 PROGRAM CAN, IN MANY RESPECTS, PROVIDE
A MODEL OF HOW SHARED RESPONSIBILITY CAN WORK.
BUT, IN ADDITION TO HUD's SECTION 701 PROGRAM, THERE
ARE AT LEAST SEVEN MAJOR FEDERAL LAND USE PLANNING PROGRAMS
IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, INTERIOR AND TRANSPORTATION,
AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. THEY ARE:
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY
HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
OUTDOOR RECREATION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MASS TRANSIT
AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
THE LAND USE PLANNING ASSISTANCE IN THESE FEDERAL
PROGRAMS ALONE TOTALS ABOUT $250 MILLION PER YEAR,
BENEFITS FROM THEM ARE OFTEN CONSIDERABLE, LAND
USE PLANNING DECISIONS ARE MORE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN
TERMS OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS, AND
ALSO IN TERMS OF THEIR IMPACT ON OTHER ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT. UNQUESTIONABLY, THEY OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
-13-
GET MORE FROM PLANNING DOLLARS,
BUT, THESE MULTIPLE FEDERAL PROGRAMS ALSO OFFER THE
OPPORTUNITY FOR CONFUSION, DELAY, AND DUPLICATION OF
EFFORT, WHICH MEANS A WASTING OF THOSE SAME PLANNING DOLLARS,
IN SOME CASES AS MANY AS 6 OR 7 LAND USE PLANNING
SYSTEMS AND RELATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN
REQUIRED WITHIN A GIVEN GEOGRAPHIC AREA.
THE EXAMPLES ARE FAMILIAR. AIRPLANES AND HOUSES
MAKE POOR NEIGHBORS. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND WATER
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT MAY WORK AT CROSS PURPOSES, SUCH
CONFLICTS GREATLY INCREASE DEVELOPMENT COSTS.
THE PROBLEM IS FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE 60,000
OR so GOVERNMENTAL UNITS, AT ALL LEVELS, WHICH HAVE
VARYING DEGRESS OF INFLUENCE OVER LAND USE,
To ALL OF THIS I CAN ONLY SAY THAT WE INTEND TO
PUT OUR HOUSE IN ORDER, PRESIDENT FORD HAS ASKED HUD
TO TAKE THE LEAD IN RATIONALIZING THE VARIOUS PLANNING
GRANT PROGRAMS, USING HUD's 701 PROGRAM, WE HAVE BEGUN
TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH THE OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES
-14-
WHICH HAVE PLANNING GRANT RESPONSIBILITIES.
IN AGREEMENTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, THE LAND USE PLANS
REQUIRED UNDER 701 ARE NOW DEEMED TO BE THE EQUIVALENT
OF THOSE REQUIRED FOR EPA's WATER QUALITY PROGRAM AND
COMMERCE'S COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
IN THESE INSTANCES DUAL PLANS AND DUAL COSTS ARE
ELIMINATED. AND, THESE AGREEMENTS FURTHER INSURE THAT
ACTIONS TAKEN UNDER ONE PROGRAM WILL NOT NEGATE THE BENEFITS
SOUGHT BY ONE OF THE OTHERS,
SIMILARLY, WE ARE ALSO SEEING GREAT STRIDES BEING
MADE BY THE STATES TO DECREASE DUPLICATION AND TO INCREASE
GOVERNMENT PRODUCTIVITY, OFTEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF 701
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING FUNDS. THE INITIATIVES ARE VARIED
AND CREATIVE,
FOR EXAMPLE, A CONSORTIUM OF GOVERNORS ON THE EAST
COAST IS JOINTLY PLANNING TO PROTECT COMMUNITY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES, WHILE, AT THE SAME TIME MAKING
OFF-SHORE OIL DRILLING POSSIBLE.
Cream R. FORD LIBRARY
-15-
ANOTHER GROUP OF GOVERNORS WILL BE USING 701 FUNDS
COOPERATIVELY TO DEAL WITH THE RAPID EXPANSION OF COAL
MINING.
GOVERNOR KNEIP IS ONE OF THE SEVERAL GOVERNORS WHO
HAVE USED 701 FUNDS TO SUPPORT EXTENSIVE STATE GOVERNMENT
MODERNIZATION EFFORTS.
GOVERNOR EVANS HAS USED 701 FUNDS TO ENABLE CITIZENS
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SETTING OF PRIORITIES OF HIS
ADMINISTRATION.
MANY OF YOU HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN
MODERNIZING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND IMPROVING
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AT THE STATE LEVEL.
IN THE LAST DECADE AT LEAST 20 STATES HAVE
ACCOMPLISHED MAJOR REORGANIZATIONS AND 20 OTHERS HAVE
RESHAPED MAJOR STATE AGENCIES,
GEORGIA CONSOLIDATED 300 BOARDS AND DEPARTMENTS INTO
22 FUNCTIONAL AGENCIES WHILE JIMMY CARTER WAS GOVERNOR.
*
7 AMOUNT GERALD B)
-16-
IN MISSOURI GOVERNOR BOND HAS SPEARHEADED A MAJOR
STATE REORGANIZATION.
WE SEE ALSO IMPROVEMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. WHERE
IT HAS PROVEN APPROPRIATE, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE MERGED
FUNCTIONS OR CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENTAL UNITS TO MAKE
SERVICE DELIVERY MORE EFFICIENT,
INDIANAPOLIS AND MARION COUNTY'S UNIGOV IS ONE OF
THE MORE AMBITIOUS ATTEMPTS AT SUCH CONSOLIDATION,
OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE ALSO LAUNCHED PRODUCTIVITY
PROGRAMS OR TAKEN OTHER STEPS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY,
I AM ESPECIALLY PLEASED THAT MANY OF THESE STATE
AND LOCAL REFORMS WERE UNDERTAKEN AS A RESULT OF STUDIES
FUNDED WITH 701 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING GRANTS,
WE ALL KNOW, HOWEVER, THAT MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE
TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY AMONG ALL LEVELS
OF GOVERNMENT.
FORDO is: LIBRANT
-17-
IN THE PAST, COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNORS HAVE NOT ENTIRELY MET THE
NEEDS OF EITHER. THE IMPACT OF SOME FEDERAL PROGRAMS
ON STATE GOVERNMENTS HAS NOT RECEIVED ENOUGH ATTENTION,
CONSULTATION ABOUT NEW FEDERAL POLICIES HAS AT TIMES
OCCURRED AFTER THE FACT.
THAT KIND OF COMMUNICATION WILL NOT SUPPORT THE
PRINCIPLE OF SHARED RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE so BADLY NEED
TO IMPLEMENT FOR TRULY EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT.
WHAT WE NEED NOW IS A CONTINUING DIALOGUE, As A
MECHANISM WE NEED AN ORGANIZATION THROUGH WHICH INFORMATION
AND IDEAS MAY BE SOLICITED AND SHARED AT ALL THREE LEVELS
OF GOVERNMENT.
THERE IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT CAN BE USED FOR THIS
END. THE NEW COALITION, A NON-PARTISAN ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNORS, STATE LEGISLATORS, COUNTY OFFICIALS AND MAYORS,
ORGANIZED BY YOUR FORMER CHAIRMAN, GOVERNOR EVANS, AND
CONTINUED BY YOUR CURRENT CHAIRMAN, GOVERNOR RAMPTON, IS
ALREADY WORKING IN THIS AREA.
R.
FORD
GERALD
-18-
PRESIDENT FORD HAS ASKED THE DOMESTIC COUNCIL TO
WORK WITH THE NEW COALITION ON FEDERAL BUDGETARY AND
POLICY MATTERS,
I WOULD LIKE THE NEW COALITION TO TAKE ON ANOTHER
ASSIGNMENT.
I WOULD ASK THAT THE GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE AND THE NEW
COALITION TO TAKE THE LEAD IN FORMALIZING THE MUCH NEEDED
DIALOGUE so THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS CAN SIT
DOWN TO AN AGENDA OF ISSUES AS TO WHICH THEY SHARE
RESPONSIBILITY. THE POTENTIAL LIST IS LONG.
TOWARD THIS END I AM NOW NAMING DAVID MEEKER, HUD's
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
TO SERVE AS LIAISON TO BOTH THE GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE AND
TO THE NEW COALITION TO ASSIST IN DEVELOPING THIS EXCHANGE
OF IDEAS,
I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS CAN MEET
WITH MR. MEEKER AT THIS CONFERENCE AND WORK-OUT AN AGENDA
OF ISSUES AND FUTURE MEETINGS SO THAT WE CAN CREATE THE
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATIONS ESSENTIAL TO A STRONG, EFFICIENT
TRI-PARTITE GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM,
GERALD FORD
-19-
IT IS AN HONORED MAXIM OF MY PARTY THAT THE BEST
GOVERNMENTS ARE OFTEN THOSE THAT GOVERN LEAST -- BUT
ALL PARTIES AGREE, THAT THE BEST SPEAKERS ARE THOSE
THAT SEPAK THE LEAST, WITH THAT IN MIND I THANK YOU
FOR INVITING ME. I HAVE ENJOYED IT. I WILL GLADLY
JOIN YOUR QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION,
R.
FORD
CHERALD