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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 4, 1978)
Viewpoint The Battalion Texas A&M University Monday September 4, 1978 A Htvb ?f frctlfibc T.r*j*£- A wise investment There’s plenty of talk these days about promoting the arts and artistic awareness. But for most smaller communities, that’s just what it remains — talk. But the city of College Station has taken a positive step of encouragement for local artists and photographers and art lovers. The city has ear-marked $20,000 garnered from local hotel-motel taxes for a county-wide art contest, open to both artists and photographers. That money, which will be awarded both as prize money to winning artists and to purchase those winning entries so they may grace the walls of the College Station city hall, will therefore benefit artist, public and community alike. There’s nothing like the smell of competition — and of cold, hard cash — to inspire even the most lackadaisical artist to new heights of creativity. And that’s what promoting art is all about. L.R.L. One-third of "property’ in state untaxed By ROLAND LINDSEY UPI Capitol Reporter AUSTIN — Texans own $154 billion in intangible property that is not being taxed by local school districts or used in calculat ing the amount of state aid each district receives, the School Tax Assessment Prac tices Board said Friday. Walt Parker, director of the board, said 82.8 percent of the untaxed intangible property is in the state’s urban areas. These urban districts could lose virtually all their state school aid if the intangible property is considered in determining the wealth of each school district, he said. The Legislature last month approved a proposed constitutional amendment re pealing a constitutional requirement that intangibles be taxed, but left the Legisla ture with authority to provide for such taxes if a manner can be found to tax the intangibles such as bank deposits, stocks and bonds. A number of school districts, mostly from rural areas, have filed suit challeng ing the formula for distributing state pub lic education funds because intangibles are not considered in that formula. The amount of money each schol district re ceives from the state is determined in part by the wealth of the district. "From a practical standpoint, school dis tricts do not have the ability to tax these items at the present time since they can not determine individual ownership,” Parker said. "This problem must be resolved before effective tax administration can be achieved. “Intangibles must either be excluded from the constitutional requirements of ad valorem taxation, or the Legislature must provide tools by which these intangibles can be discovered and taxed.” The study by Parker’s board set the total value of property in Tpxas at $464 billion, double the $232 billion total of the last previous statewide study conducted by the Governor’s Office of Educational Re search. The $464 billion included $154 billion in intangible property. Parker said the con centration of intangible property follows the concentration of population in the state. Houston has $44.7 billion in intangible property, 28.9 percent of the state’s total. Dallas is second with $24.3 billion, or $16.4 percent. State law requires that the values de termined by the study be used in calculat ing the distribution of state public school funds next year, but Parker said he expects the Legislature to revise the formula to reduce the impact of the intangible prop erty values on urban districts. "There will be certain adjustments made because I don’t think the legislators are going to be willing to double the local fund assignments, Parker said. “If there is not some adjustment made for intangi bles, the urban areas will suffer more than rural areas.” The study also indicated a proposed constitutional amendment allowing ag ricultural land to be taxed on its product ive value may not be of significant statewide benefit to farmers and ranchers, because their property in many areas al ready is taxed near the productive value. New political boss on the rise? By DAVID S. BRODER HARTFORD, CONN.—Political bosses are in disrepute most places in America, but here in Connecticut, the breed may still be flourishing. , , For almost three decades, until nis death three years ago, John M. Bailey picked the tickets for the Democrats and steered their candidates to election. The party Bailey led has fallen into disarray in the brief interlude since his death that the Democratic incumbent Gov. Ella Grasso is being challenged for renomination in the Sept. 12 primary by her own former running-mate, Lt. Gov. Robert K. Killian. BUT THERE MAY be another Bailey emerging on the Connecticut scene—this time on the Republican side. His name is Frederick K. Biebel, and he became state GOP chairman shortly after cancer ended Bailey’s unprecedented 29-year tenure as chairman of the state’s Democratic party in 1975. Biebel, 52, has patterned his approach closely on that of the late Democratic boss, and there are many—including close Bailey associates in the Democratic party—who think he may be on his way to emulating at least a portion of Bailey’s suc cess. The hallmark of Bailey’s long reign was his subordination of every personal con sideration to the goal of political success for his party. He told Abraham A. Ribicoff, when he secured Ribicoff the nomination for governor, “You don’t have to worry about me. You take care of the govern ment. I’ll take care of the politics.” When John F. Kennedy rewarded Bailey’s early support by making him Na tional Democratic Chairman in 1961, Bailey made the newly-elected President only one promise: “I won’t get you in trouble.” BAILEY S SELF-DISCIPLINE al lowed him to impose discipline on his state’s feuding,ethnic groups and factions, anti achieve extraordinary success in open ing 'government to talented people of all backgrounds. At his death, he could look back on a signal part in nominating and electing the first black in constitutional of fice in Connecticut, the first Jewish gover nor and senator, the first woman and Italo-American governor and the first Catholic President. And—despite what is said about bosses—neither Bailey nor any of these candidates was tainted by financial scan dal. Biebel is built on the same model. He and Bailey found themselves on opposite sides in an early gubernatorial campaign and later had dealings in the legislature. There was instant mutual respect—to the point that Bailey recommended Biebel to the state liquor industry as an effective representative of that interest group. Biebel worked as their lobbyist for nine years, while serving his apprenticeship in the GOP and building a private political consulting firm. In 1975, he won a four-way fight for the state chairmanship, and dropped his fi-' nancially rewarding business interests to become a full-time chairman at $30,000 a year. In his first election cycle, Biebel paid off the inherited party debt, doubled the number of Republicans in the state legisla ture, helped carry the state for Jerry Ford and re-elected Sen. Lowell P. Weicker, R-Conn. THIS YEAR’S STATE election is Biebel’s real test, and he is approaching it in a way Bailey would approve. Con fronted with a possible guabernatorial primary of his own, Biebel used the mus cle of the GOP’s main contributors and his own poll-backed political persuasion to in duce the two main rivals, Rep. Ronald A. Sarasin, R-Conja, and State Sqn. Lewis B. Rome Krforffi- a tickef, with Sarasin in the gubernatorial spot and Rome running for lieutenant governor. It was just what Bailey did four years ago with Grasso and Killian—and on many occasions earlier. If he pulls off a victory in the governorship—and the odds are at least 50-50 that he will—Biebel can turn his at tention to the national scene, and his hopes to follow Bailey’s path to the na tional chairmanship of his party. A THOROUGH PROFESSIONAL with a paid staff of 14 people and two pollsters on retainer ("I use one to check up on the other," he says), Biebel is al ready the bead of the Republican State , phairmen’s Association- He has a “favorite son” presidential dark- horse in Weicker, but also enjoys close ties to both Ford and George Bush, whose father was a Connecticut senator. With his three-piece suits and his book keeper’s demeanor, Biebel is just as non flamboyant as Bailey was. There’s a chance he may turn out to be just as effective. (c) 1978, The Washington Post Com pany Unions vs. Business By IRA R. ALLEN United Press International WASHINGTON (UPI) — The growing discord between Big Labor and Big Busi ness involves more than the traditional battle of the bargaining table. Both sides are competing vigorously and rancorously in the halls of Congress and before the American public over larger is sues — the economy, social welfare pro grams and the future of organized labor itself. As an illustration, here are excerpts from a speech made last week by Presi dent Lloyd McBride of the United Steel Workers on what he sees as the combined threat from ultra-conservative political groups and big business organizations; and the response of R. Heath Larry, president of the National Association of Manufactur- ordinary kind of criticism of unions. "What we can’t understand or ap preciate is the current effort of the right wing, with the help of the so-called ‘re spectables,’ to eliminate the labor move ment from American society. And to at tempt to do it in violation of the nation’s basic labor law!” Business Slouch by Jim Earle McBRIDE: “It is a widespread campaign that is being waged on many fronts by more and different front groups, but with one com mon purpose: Get rid of unions. And let’s not kid ourselves. They go about their self-designated role with a missionary zeal and bulging coffers. “They have put away their brass knuck les and stopped buying munitions and tear gas for the local police to keep unions out. Instead, they have become an effective, sophisticated operation and use all the modern techniques —- direct mailings, phone banks, computers, propaganda techniques. They conduct seminars across the country on how to keep the unions out and how to get them out if they are in. “The National Association of Manufac turers is just one of the so-called ‘respect ables’ that are joining hands with the right wing’s campaign against unions... We of labor can understand this kind of adver sary relationship where differences of opinion exist, and we can understand the LARRY: “I saw McBride’s speech. It looks to me a little bit like there’s some Labor Day speech-making by people who are looking down the road to who may ultimately re place (AFL-CIO President George) Meany. They’re resorting to an old tactic, namely demonstrating that apparently unions need enemies and antagonism in order to have something to say. “All business organizations have been more effective (politically) in the past year than they have before. In the first place, they’ve been, I think, closer to being on the right side — and I use that word both ways — than the unions have in past year. I think there are a lot of lawmakers who have been more concerned for inflation than they have about the potential for union political retaliation. “Management does not break unions. Unions, by their own mismanagement and their own overreaching, occasionally de stroy themselves. We re not trying to stamp out unionism. But neither are we inclined to the belief that employees ought to be spoon-fed into unions. “Are we fighting unions just for hell of it? No way! There has to be an ultimate recognition that we’re sailing in the same economic ship and we have to do what we have to do to keep the economy moving forward in the interest of all the people. I can’t believe we’ve hit Armageddon.” Letter to the editor Crowding nothing new “I DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY’RE WORRIED ABOUT. NOBODY CAN GET THEIR CAR THAT HIGH OFF THE GROUND!’’ Editor: Crowded conditions in the dorms are nothing new at Texas A&M. The classes of ‘50, ‘51, ‘52, and ‘53 each spent their freshman year at the “Annex” (the old Bryan Army Air Force Base). We had from 14 to 20 living and study ing in army barracks on bunk beds. We made it in spite of adverse conditions and those four classes are now among the highest percentage givers to the Associa tion of Former Students. Hang in there, Ags. It’s damn well worth it. Jack G. Fritts, ‘53 Vice President, Central Texas Association of Former Students Top of the News Campus Activity records requested All students should go by the Student Activities Office, MSG 221, and complete a “Student Honors and Activities Record.” This form lists any accomplishments (activities, officv • held, scholarships) the student wishes to record. The Student Activities Office will keep each student’s record on file for nominations, letters of support, employ ment, and other honors. As an optional service, the record can be made available to the University community. Faculty aerobics class to meet State First Lady to visit Houston First Lady Rosalynn Carter will spend three hours with local Dem ocrats in Houston today, after stops Sunday in San Antonio and Dal las. She is scheduled to attend a party function and then a reception and rally for Rep. Bob Gammage, D-Texas. Mrs. Carter is to arrive in Houston about 4:10 p.m., and will attend a local Democratic ‘ fun- fest and the Gammage meetings before leaving for Washington at 6:45 p.m. Gammage is running for reelection against Republican Ron Paul, whom Gammage narrowly defeated two years ago. UT coed dead at rush party A University of Texas at Austin freshman collapsed and died at a sorority rush party Thursday, apparently of a heart attack. Regina j Gerling, 18, of Austin was dead on arrival at Brackenridge Hospital. ; She collapsed while waiting with other rush guests outside the Alpha Xi Delta sorority house near the University of Texas. Family mem bers said the girl had a history of heart disease. Members of the sorority continued the rush party, and most declined comment on the girl’s collapse. Nation Hurricane fizzles before holiday Hurricane Ella churned eastward Sunday, away from North Carolina’s Outer Banks, leas ing sunny beaches and rolling surf for thousands of relieved Labor Day tourists. Seas of four to eight feet were expected to subside during the evening. Ella’s winds reached 120 mph as the storm stalk'd for two days os cr the Atlantic Ocean and aimed its fury at the barrier islands. It turned north-northeast Suijday and moved away from the. coast at about 12 mph, highest winds docked at 85 mph. Ella sputtered to a near-standstill as the holiday weekend began, blocked by a cold front that moved through New England. Tourism officials estimated between 65,(KK) and 80,000 va cationers were drawn to the beaches for Labor Day even as Ella threatened. Motel room reservations cancelled by a few uneasy tourists were on Sunday morning. Last test awaits 95th Congress The 95th U.S. Congress will return Wednesday to a staggering workload that includes such controversial issues as natural gas prices, tax cuts, ERA and President Carter’s military spending veto. Con gress’ Labor Day recess ends Wednesday and a test of strength with Carter tops its docket. Key parts of Carter’s domestic programs are at stake in the next month as Congress’ ability to function smoothly during an adjournment crunch and under pre-election pressures is tested. House and Senate leaders have tentatively targeted Oct. 7 as adjournment day, but few expect to leave before the middle of the month. A post-election "lame duck session has not been ruled out. World Earthquake shakes Germany An earthquake, described as the worst in 35 years, shook towns in the southern mountains of Germany at dawn Sunday. Tremors were felt for miles around, including in France. There were no reports of deaths but police said about 15 persons suffered injuries as chimneys tumbled, building walls cracked and huge holes opened in the red tile roofs favored in the mountains about 30 miles south of Stuttgart, West Germany. An earthquake observation center at Messtetten, near the center of the quake, said it registered about 6 on the openended Richter scale. The first shock came at 6:08 a.m., followed by three more during the next 20 minutes and a number of tremors for the next four hours. Hundreds of men, women and children, many still in their night clothes, rushed into the streets after the first shock. Geophysical institutes described the quake as the most severe in Germany since 1943. Weather Partly cloudy and warm with evening showers and thunder showers. High today in the mid-90s and low in the low 70s. Wind variable at 5 to 10 mph. Probability of rain 30% today and Tuesday. The Battalion LETTERS POLICY Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and are subject to being cut to that length or less if longer. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit such letters and does not guarantee to publish any letter. Each letter must be signed, show the address of the writer and list a telephone number for verification. Address correspondence to Letters to the Editor, The Battalion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas 77843. ME ez 1 lion itial aitii ite- EM t P rel The Health and Physical Education Department will sponsor adult fitness classes for faculty and staff members of the university again this fall. A coed class will meet daily, Monday through Thursday from noon until 12:45 p.m. in room 255 of G. Rollie White Coliseum. Biis class will emphasize aerobic exercises designed to improve cardiovas cular efficiency and decrease body fat. Each new participant overage 35 must obtain a health evaluation from his or her private physician before entering the program. The registration fee is $20. Registration will be held in room 255 of G. Rollie White Coliseum at noon during the week of Sept. 4. xic In' e : ea: jez o he io ; [e t; em r e es nsi es he hi 101 S( \ Represented nationally by National Educational Adver tising Services, Inc., New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. The Battalion is published Monday through Friday from September through May except during exam and holiday periods and the summer, when it is published on Tuesday through Thursday. Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester; $33.25 per school year; $35.00 per full year. Advertising rates fur nished on request. Address: The Battalion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas 77843. United Press International is entitled exclusively to the use for reproduction of all news dispatches credited to it. Rights of reproduction of all other matter herein reserved. Second-Class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843. MEMBER Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Congress Editor Kim Tyso« Managing Editor Karen Rogec Sports Editor David Bogi' City Editor Jamie Aitki Campus Editor LizNewlii Assistant Campus Editor .. .Andy VViUia® News Editors Carolyn Blosser Debbie Parsons Editorial director Lee Roy Lesdipei Staff Writers Mark Patterson, Andrft Vails, Scott Pendleton, Petty, Michelle Scudder, Kara 1 1 . Knapp, Marilyn Brown Cartoonist . . . DougGraha® Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editor or of the writer of the article and are not necessarily those of the University administration or the Board of If y c cour MSC Regents. The Battalion is a non-profit, sd supporting enterprise operated by studenli as a university and community newspaper. Editorial policy is determined by the editor.