The Morning News from Wilmington, Delaware • Page 10

'I'll give you $400,000 for San Diego, Hartford Insurance and Canteen you can keep your shaky economy Wilmington, Delaware, Wednesday, March 22, 1972 Page 10 Deeds-not plans and apparently ambitious legislator. Councilman Maloney already has staked out some investigatory roles for the committee in the areas of tax differentials for privately financed housing and special zoning for blighted areas. His emphasis on private housing development in the city is interesting, and could be productive under the proper safeguards on tax breaks; his emphasis on working with private developers rather than planners is a bit contradictory, as any successful development will involve working with both. One problem for the new committee is the breadth of its somewhat fuzzy mandate, and the possibility that it could cross into territory now covered by other agencies. Wilmington has a housing authority; the council itself also has an urban renewal committee, until recently headed by Councilman James H.

Sills who was removed from the chairmanship when he incurred the wrath of Council President William J. McClafferty Jr. Now Mr. Councilman Alexander A. DeStefano put the new Wilmington City Council committee on housing and economic development in perspective.

Shortly after his appointment to the committee, he said: "I hope this is not one of those committees which gets started and then doesn't amount to anything I've seen that happen before." What Mr. DeStefano was saying, quite simply, is that no special-purpose committee (or board, or commission, or authority) is any better than the results it produces. By title, this council committee has an ambitious scope of activity; the promotion of more and better housing and economic development are among Wilmington's more serious needs. If the City Council can have a significant role in meeting them, then the activation of this committee is justified. Another plus for the committee is the person of its chairman, Councilman Thomas C.

Maloney, who is a vigorous Being the president is: (a) One way to get a home in Washington (b) The only hope of saving the country from the Democrats (c) The only hope of saving the country from the Republicans sorry The state is asked to help Phoenix Steel The 1965 annual report for Phoenix Steel Corp. contained an insert printed on brown paper that explained how Phoenix planned to make the company's Claymont plant one of the most modern steel mills in the nation. The insert also predicted, among other things, that Phoenix would earn $8 million after taxes in 1970 and 17 million in 1971. Instead, Phoenix lost more than $10 million in 1970 and more than $5 million in 1971. The modernization of the Claymont plant was financed by revenue bonds sold by the state of Delaware, a $41-mil-lion deal that cost the state nothing but allowed Phoenix Steel to obtain some badly needed capital.

Phoenix Steel is now more than $60 million in debt. It must borrow regularly to meet its payroll. And it is seeking to borrow additional cash, including $500,000 to be raised through bonds sold and backed by the state. The legislation needed to make such a deal legal has been passed by the General Assembly and is on the governor's desk. The bonds cannot be sold without the approval of Robert L.

Halbrook Jr. secretary of the Department of Community Affairs and Eco The lady enters the race McClafferty has named this new committee with responsibilities in somewhat the same area. Whether it's political infighting, more conciliar window-dressing or the real thing, would seem to depend in large part on Mr. Maloney. But there can be little argument with the concept of more council input in the city's housing and economic activity.

cautiously. He is asking for recommendations from both the state Division Economic Development and the advisory Council on Industrial Financing. says that he will not approve the bond unless he is convinced that the state would be protected in case of a default. he is hoping that the state's aid will be needed, and that Phoenix Steel's improving financial condition will allow firm to move into, the black without $500,000. That about sums up the situation.

It unfortunate that Phoenix is in such straits that it needs outside help, let alone help from the state. But if there no other way to save those 1,200 jobs, is a chance that is probably worth taking. Blood bath Some Jewish Defense League members have once again demonstrated their propensity for dramatic action of very deplorable kind. The latest incident happened in Washington, D.C., where a 17-year-old JDL member poured a quart of blood on the head of a Soviet diplomat after crashing a reception for envoys at the American University. The JDL member is said to have shouted: '-'Murderer! Free the Jewish Prisoners! No tokenism! Exodus now!" The incident raises the question of what happened to the special security was supposed to be provided for members of the diplomatic corps in the nation's capital.

This JDL gang was content to pour blood, but supposing someone else got more ambitious and decided the diplomats of such and such country should be made to shed blood whatever crime it is that country is accused of having committed? As far as the JDL itself is concerned, antics are getting disapproval even from the Soviet Jews, in whose behalf it professes to perpetrate them. Responsible Jewish groups in the United States continue to be appalled and embarrassed by such doings. And the Administration finds an extra, avoidable irritation interfering in its relations Moscow. Not to mention the fact that the pouring of blood (if that's what it was) a criminal waste; and the "exodus now" that they demand has been on for some time. under the sun but not the war nor school busing.

Although he tagged himself as a "young liberal" he sure sounded like a middle-of-the-roader, saying just the right things to enchant his admiring audience the other morning. There was, however, really one section of his announcement speech that gave me concern. In the course of his discussion on law and order, he said, "When a person charged with a serious crime is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, he should go to prison. And it should be done promptly." This brought forth tremendous applause. I hope Biden wasn't proud of that reaction.

And yet I'm glad he hastened to add: "I am not suggesting that we abandon the right of appeal." That statement alone, about prison, gave me an idea Biden intends to play to the emotions of the gallery. As a lawyer, Biden knows only too well the judicial process: A man is tried, and if found guilty, is either continued on bail or returns to prison if he have bail. (d) Never having to say you're art huchwalef If there is one thing America prides itself on, it's that anyone in this country can grow up and run for president of the United States. Nothing has proved how true this is more than the New Hampshire and Florida primaries. It is quite possible that there are thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of people who would like to run for the presidency.

But they are not sure if they have the qualifications. Therefore, as a public service, I am printing the first presidential candidate aptitude test. If you can pass this test with a score of at least 65, then you are as worthy of running for this office as any of the candidates who have announced so far. Get a pencil, and no cheating, please. MULTIPLE CHOICE 1.

You and your wife have been attacked by a hard-hitting, unscrupulous newspaper publisher. You (a) ignore him and go about your business; (b) attack him on TV; (c) cancel your subscription to his paper; (d) break down and cry in front of his building. 2. You are asked where you stand on the issue of school busing. You reply (a) my record speaks for itself; (b) I am not for busing or against busing, but for quality education; (c) schoolchildren should not become political footballs; (d) I will support the Constitution of the United States, at least until I am elected president.

3. You are addressing a B'nai Brith dinner and are asked what you would do about unemployment in the United States. You reply that you would (a) give Phantom jets to Israel; (b) make the Suez Canal an international waterway; (c) send the Sixth Fleet to Haifa; (d) attend the wedding of Moshe Dayan. 4. You are asked to speak at a St.

Patrick's Day communion breakfast and the question of Social Security is raised. You suggest (a) breaking off all relations with Great Britain; (b) giving Phantom jets to the IRA; (c) sending American troops to Belfast; (d) you reveal for the first time that you had an Irish grandmother. MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS 1. You are trying to raise money for your party to hold its national political convention. A large corporation, which has an important case pending in the Justice Department, offers you $400,000 to underwrite it.

But you need $600,000. How much would another large corporation, also having trouble with the Justice Department, have to offer you to make up the difference? 2. Your campaign debts include $1 million owed to the telephone company, $800,000 to the airlines, $100,000 to the printer, $50,000 to your advertising agency, and $2,000 to your makeup man. How many hundred-dollar-a-plate tickets would you have to sell to lobbyists to pay off Then there is a presentence investigation and the sentence is handed out by the judge in keeping with his views and the law. At his press conference the other day, Biden was a real cop-out on the issue of amnesty for the draft evaders who have fled to foreign countries.

Instead of meeting the issue head-on, he suggested we wait until the Vietnam War is over and the American prisoners come home. What's the matter with facing the issue right now? Other senators have been facing it. How can the end of the war or the return of American prisoners affect an approach to the problem of Americans who went into self-imposed exile rather than face the draft? From all accounts and observations, Biden seems bent upon making fun of Cale Boggs. For example, I understand that down at Georgetown, he said a U.S. senator should have something more to say than just, 'Bess and I are happy to be here." Biden should talk! When he had his initial press conference, he assembled his whole family plus in-laws for the occasion.

How homey can one get? He even went to the extent of having two babes in arm! irntir rfpht if vnu win the presidency? How many years will it take you to pay off the debts if you lose? MATCH THE FOLLOWING 1. Pizza A. Jewish vote 2. Sauerbraten B. Youth vote 3.

Tamales C. Italian vote 4. Egg foo young D. German vote 5. Knishes E.

Mexican vote 6. Pot F. Chinese vote TRUE OR FALSE 1. It would be impossible to win with a black vice president. 2.

Women have too many physical and psychological problems to be given positions of responsibility. 3. "Hail to the Chief" is the greatest piece of music ever written. 4. There is nothing nicer than having your daughter married in the White House.

5. If I can't be president of ALL the people, I'd rather not be president at all. Los Angeles Times News Service Understanding for the elderly letters to the news I congratulate the Morning News for the excellent Feb. 25 article written by Gracia Caines about the senior citizens group at Trinity Church. This account was not only very well written but Mrs.

Caines is, I feel, most perceptive in her understanding of the feelings of older people in today's society. She wrote about them not as "poor lonely old folks" but as older citizens who through their experience in life had acquired insight and wisdom. Please let us have more articles like this! ETHEL G. LIBBY Director, Ministry to Older Persons, Trinity Church Wilmington Older citizen loses The recent statements and announcements concerning the retirement of D. Preston Lee, chief of the Bureau on Aging, concerned me greatly.

As vice-chairman of the former Commission on Aging when Mr. Lee was employed, I am aware of the responsibilities he assumed and his achievements. In my opinion, he is sensitive, concerned and dedicated to the betterment of the welfare of all older Dela-wareans. The major negative comment against Mr. Lee is that he "rubbed people the wrong way." More letters on opposite page I am reminded of advice I received several years ago which said, if everyone agrees with everything you are doing then you must not be doing anything or you're doing it wrong.

What public officials have never rubbed anyone the wrong way? Mr. Lee came to a difficult situation with no staff, worked nights and weekends, gradually built a small staff, yet contributed significantly to the programming, planning and funding of services to our older citizens. His forced early retirement was unfortunate and unnecessary, and no one will gain, especially our elderly. LUTHER FULMER JR. President, Board of Directors Wilmington Senior Center, Inc.

Chairman, State Task Force White House Conference on Aging Director, The Martin Luther Foundation, Inc. Wilmington The Morning News Charles I. fteese Chairman of tht Board; Richard P. Sanger, Prexldonl and Editor-in-Chief; Frederick Walter, Executive Vice President and General Manager: John G. Craig Vice President and Executive Editori J.

Donald Brandt, Managing Editor; Frederick W. Harlmann, Metropolian Editor; Harry F. Theme, Features Editor. An Independent Newspaper Published Every Morning Except Sunday By The News-Journal Co. Wilmington, Del.

nomic Development. What the state is trying to do, of course, is to make it possible for Phoenix Steel to continue operating the Claymont plant and make the Claymont plant profitable. At stake are 1,200 jobs and an annual payroll 'of $12 million; jobs and money that are important to Delaware's economy. At first glance, though, the proposal to help Phoenix get $500,000 (plus several million dollars from other sources) may sound like throwing good money after bad. But the original loan was not backed by the state, and the state is not liable for the outstanding principal if Phoenix should default on the bond payments.

The $500,000 which the state would raise through a bond sale would be backed by a mortgage on part of the company's machinery and equipment. Delaware has a long-established program to attract new industry to the state and to allow industry already here to expand. This is done by selling revenue bonds; that was the basis of the deal with Phoenix made in 1966. But the state has never acted to "bail out" a firm in financial difficulty. Secretary Halbrook, the man who must make the decision, is moving very Besides, Mrs.

Womach is no unknown quantity in New Castle County. She is known, liked and respected in the northern part of the state. That became clear after her stunning upset in 1968 as the only Democrat candidate to win on the state ticket. Since then, she has kept in touch. There is nothing remote about Mrs.

Womach. In years past some women candidates have announced for a higher office, with the clear purpose of shooting for a lesser one. Mrs. Womach destroyed that right away. "I'm going for broke," she said.

In the condition the Democrats are in right now, they must look with affection on a proven winner. To run for election, she must get the nomination. It is impossible to tell now just how many delegates have made commitments. It's possible the Democrats may deadlock and draft a fifth candidate. The one certain thing now is: Mrs.

Womach will be in there at the finals. his initial speech in his campaign for the Senate said he would be dedicated to straightforward talk. He also pledged himself to "vital public debate that gives them (the people) the opportunity to pass an informed judgment on the men seeking one of the highest offices in the land." And oddly enough, in the course of his 41-minute speech a record of its kind in the state Biden failed to mention two major issues: The war in Vietnam and busing to achieve racial balance in schools. He mentioned practically everything, almost including the proverbial kitchen sink. Very few of these issues he touched on are really controversial.

But the war, which has affected the lives of Americans, killed thousands of Americans and maimed tens of thousands nary a word until he was prodded by a reporter. And then there is the school busing issue as it spilled out from the White House, the recent black convention in Gary, and the Florida primaries and our own state senate. It is extremely difficult to understand how Biden was able to talk about almost everything of He sale And not the the is is this a that for its with was Mrs. Emily H. Womach is to be taken seriously in her hunt for the Democratic nomination for governor.

This is no drill. In all deference to Earl McGinnes, Theodore F. Sandstrom and Sherman W. Tribbitt, her three announced rivals, the announcement of her candidacy stirred some genuine excitement. Theirs did not.

Mrs. Womach is no starry-eyed ingenue in the political show. She has a genuine warmth of personality, a low-keyed conversational approach, an attentive ear and, above all, a very sharp intelligence. Her forte is finance, but like most Sussex Countians she also has a first-rate knowledge of the machinery of Delaware government. The Sussex County residence could be considered a minus, because it is not exactly the population center of the state.

Among others, however, former Sen. John J. Williams and former Gov. Elbert N. Carvel have shown there's nothing politically fatal about it.

Is Joe Biden just a young Cale Boggst Joe Biden, the young Democratic lawyer who seeks to push veteran Cale Boggs out of his U.S. Senate seat, has a lot to learn. But he still has time for learning, particularly in this campaign of 1972. The campaign has just started and Joe should realize a lot of people are seriously looking at him and evaluating him as a runner. So, as a word of wisdom to a young 'un in politics: Avoid the double talk.

It'll be a boobytrap. For example, the other morning Joe Biden in.