Hon. ALAN BIBLE, Chairman, District of Columbia Committee, SILVER SPRING, MD., October 10, 1967. DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I am writing this letter as an interested and concerned private citizen and not in my capacity as an employee of the U.S. Department of Labor. As an Assistant Director of the United States Employment Service for the District of Columbia, I am responsible for Employer, Union and Industrial Services, including the operations of the Apprenticeship Information Center. I came to the USES-DC in 1963, to establish and operate the first Apprenticeship Information Center in the country as a pilot project. This idea was brought to the Department of Labor by Under Secretary John F. Henning for the primary purpose of promoting the acceptance of members of minority groups into apprenticeship programs. Under Secretary Henning first contacted Mr. J. C. Turner for assurance that this project would receive the necessary support and cooperation of the labor movement in the District of Columbia which would be so vital to its success. Mr. Turner was one of ten prominent citizens appointed by the District Commissioners to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Apprenticeship Information Center. Four members were selected from management, four from Labor and two from minority group organizations. Mr. Turner, who has the combined respect of management, labor and the community, was elected Chairman by the members of this committee. Through his efforts as Chairman of the Apprenticeship Information Center Advisory Committee and in his position as President of both the Greater Washington Central Labor Council and The Washington Building Trades Council, the Apprenticeship Information Center has been recognized as the best operation of its kind in the country, and Washington has become known as the city where a young colored man can truly enter the apprenticeship program of his choice. These facts are borne out by a recent comprehensive and objective survey of Negro Participation in Apprenticeship Programs throughout the United States by Dr. Ray Marshall and Dr. Vernon Briggs of the Department of Economics of the University of Texas, and by Manpower Automation Research Monograph #6 of the United States Department of Labor, released in August of this year. The Apprenticeship Information Center has assisted more than 500 young colored men to enter registered apprenticeship programs since its inception in June, 1963. More than three fourths of these young men entered building trades union apprenticeship programs. In instances where it is obvious that the young man who applies for apprenticeship is not equipped to absorb the instructions necessary to succeed in a particular trade, the Apprenticeship Information Center, with the cooperation of the unions and Joint Apprenticeship Committees involved, will help him to become prepared for entry into the program. This kind of record could not have been possible without the combination of leadership and courage exhibited by Mr. Turner as Chairman of the Apprenticeship Information Center Advisory Committee and President of the Greater Washington Central Labor Council and the Washington Building Trades Council. This attitude of fair play for all, special consideration for those who most need it and compassion for the underdog is nothing new for J. C. Turner. This is the same forthright and statesmanlike position that he has always taken in his many years of leadership in labor-management and community affairs in the District of Columbia, even when this was not always the most popular position for an elected official to take. Because of Mr. Turner's record as a true representative of the working citizens of the District of Columbia, both union and non-union, white and colored, I wholeheartedly recommend and strongly urge his appointment as a member of the District of Columbia Council. Sincerely yours, H. ROBERT BORDEN. WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 1967. Hon. ALAN BIBLE, Chairman, Senate District Committee, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. MY DEAR SENATOR: It is a privilege to address you in connection with the consideration of your Committee of nominations to the City Council of the District of Columbia. I refer particularly to the nomination of James C. Turner for membership on this City Council. My personal and official contacts with Mr. Turner have spanned many years, both as a resident of the District of Columbia and as a member of the American trade union movement. Without hesitation, I submit that I have never known a more dedicated or capable representative of the people of this community than Mr. Turner. He has served with distinction on the local scene and on the broad field of international labor relations as well as an elected officer of his International Union. The confidence of both his community and his fellow unionists has been reflected in his selection for broad and demanding service by the people of Washington as a dedicated resident of this community and a representative of the trade union movement, both city and state. These many commitments have frequently entailed sacrifice of both time and energy which have been given freely. I can say without fear of contradiction that the members of the trade union movement which he serves in an official capacity, and the citizens of Washington who know him and his work, are proud of the record of James C. Turner. I bespeak prompt and favorable action by your Committee on the nomination of James C. Turner. We are proud of this nomination as additional recognition of his ability and work and we will be pleased to have him represent the people of his home city. Respectfully submitted. Hon. ALAN BIBLE, Mrs. MARY C. ERB. WASHINGTON, D.C., September 29, 1967. Chairman, District of Columbia Committee, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I am writing in regard to Mr. John A. Nevius who the President has nominated for the District of Columbia City Council. Mr. Nevius is a man of great integrity, high intellect and in addition, has the energy and devotion to the City which the job requires. He is an excellent choice and I hope the Senate will promptly confirm his nomination. Sincerely yours, MICHAEL A. SCHUCHAT. THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Hon. ALAN BIBLE, DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: On behalf of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia it is my great pleasure to recommend to you and to your Committee most warmly that you act favorably upon the appointment of John A. Nevius to be a member of the District of Columbia Council and that the Senate give its advice and consent. Mr. Nevius is a native of the District of Columbia and since his graduation from law school and admission to the Bar in 1950 he has been deeply engaged in the affairs of the District as a member, director and officer of numerous organizations. He has been a member of this Association since April 1951 and has served with distinction on several of its committees. All who know Mr. Nevins speak highly of his accomplishments and ability and his deep interest in the welfare of the District as evidenced by the extent of his community activities is a guarantee of the high performance that may be expected of him as a member of the Council. Sincerely, The Hon. ALAN BIBLE, JOHN E. POWELL, President. FRIENDSHIP HOUSE, Washington, D.C., October 17, 1967. Chairman, Senate District of Columbia Committee, DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I personally know Stanley Anderson, one of the citizens named by President Johnson for membership on the District Council, and would like to share with you that when Mr. Anderson was a student intern at Friendship House we found him to be most responsible, very skilled in working with people from all walks of life, and thoroughly committed to bringing about community improvement through democratic and creative means. Sincerely, Senator ALAN BIBLE, ROBERT T. ADAMS, Executive Director. WASHINGTON, D.C., October 17, 1967. Senate District Committee, Washington, D.C.: We, the Rebels With a Cause, the youth of Southeast community, wholeheartedly support the President's nomination of Mr. Stanley J. Anderson. REBELS WITH A CAUSE. Senate District Committee, WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 1967. Having worked with all segments of the community Stan Anderson and Polly Shackleton are unique and overwhelming choices of the Anacostia citizens to serve on the D.C. City Council. There is widespread support for the President's entire slate which is well balanced and capable of assisting the Mayor in managing the city's affairs. Early confirmation of all is urged. ALMORE M. DALE. WASHINGTON, D.C., October 9, 1967. Senator ALAN BIBLE, Chairman, Senate District Committee, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR: We the Parents and Youths of Southwest Washington, D.C., are proud of the nomination made by the President appointing Stanley J. Anderson to the Mayor's Councill. With the complex problem we have faced in S. W. particularly since we have been beautified by Urban Renewal Mr. Anderson has been very instrumental in giving us the proper leadership and guidance with working with the youths diligently to cut down crime. He has been very instrumental through his work in getting a lot of our youths off the streets into constructive activities and jobs. It is our pleasure to inform you of our complete cooperation and support. Samuel H. Jordan, Roland Mack, Moses Hanna, James Bryant, Howard Lloyd, Joseph Arrington, Reginald Sueratt, Winfred WASHINGTON, D.C., October 2, 1967. ALAN BIBLE, Chairman, Senate District Committee, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.: J. Finley Wilson Memorial Lodge No. 1371 I.B.P.O.E. of the World, 2632 Nichols Ave., S.E., Anacostia 20, D.C., heartily supports Stanley J. Anderson as Councilman of the District of Columbia. A wise and understanding young man. LEMUEL R. THOMAS, Exalted Ruler. STATEMENT OF SENATOR ABRAHAM RIBICOFF IN SUPPORT OF Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to support the nomination of Mr. Stanley James Anderson to the District of Columbia Council. As Director of the Roving Leader Program in the D.C. Recreation Department, Mr. Anderson has been responsible for the direction and supervision of 16 roving leaders, who have done very significant work with young people in disadvantaged areas of Washington. This program has provided a link between the authorities and the youngsters in the streets and has been a valuable effort in not only preventing violence, but in orienting youngsters toward responsibility and constructive activity. Indeed, the Roving Leader Program has become a model for other cities around the nation and throughout the world. Mr. Anderson's experience with young people and with various agencies concerned with manpower training and education in the Federal government would make him a valuable member of the Council. His dedication to the community has been amply demonstrated, and his strong ties with the community are selfevident. Born in Washington, he was educated here from elementary through graduate school. He has served his city well, and I strongly endorse the President's nomination of Mr. Anderson as a member of the District of Columbia Council. Hon. ALAN BIBLE, WASHINGTON, D.C., October 20, 1967. Chairman, Committee on the District of Columbia, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I wish to add my unqualified and warm endorsement to the nomination of William S. Thompson, Esquire for a three year term on the new City Council for the District of Columbia. This endorsement is based upon over fifteen years of personally observing Attorney Thompson's conduct in the court room, its corridors, with clients, witnesses, opposing and fellow counsel. In these years I have observed in his practice and his manner a man of candor and of integrity with ability to communicate effectively with all sections of the citizen and business community, coupled with an understanding and sympathy for the underdog and the troubled which can come only from years of experience and service of their causes. Particularly in this case the Senate should not worry about conflict of interest. Mr. Thompson has displayed fierce loyalty to his clients and can be counted upon to do the same for his new clients, the citizens and businessmen of Washington. Respectfully yours, JAMES F. O'DONNELL WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 1967. Hon. ALAN BIBLE, Chairman, Committee of the District of Columbia, The D.C. Chamber of Commerce proudly and unanimously endorses William S. Thompson for Councilman for the new reorganized D.C. government. DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: I had committed myself to Attorney William S. Thompson that I would personally appear before your Committee on tomorrow, October 20, 1967, and endorse him as a member of the newly to be formed Council of the District of Columbia. I am actively engaged in the trial of a case before Judge Matthews and a jury in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia; hence, this communication. I have known Attorney Thompson for more than twenty-five years and this acquaintance has been professional, fraternal and personal. In every area I have known him to be competent, industrious and trustworthy. He has shown an abiding and enthusiastic interest in this community and in my opinion is eminently fitted for a position on the Council. His willingness to serve, if confirmed, with the challenges and curtailments which the position affords, attests to his dedication in the public interest. I commend him to you and your committee without reservation. With high personal regard, I am, GEORGE E. C. HAYES. THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Hon. ALAN BIBLE, DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: On behalf of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia it is my great pleasure to recommend to you and to your Committee most warmly that you act favorably upon the appointment of William Sylvester Thompson, Esquire, to be a member of the District of Columbia Council and that the Senate give its advice and consent. Mr. Thompson has been a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia since 1944 and has been a member of this Association since January, 1959. Since his admission he has served zealously as a member of several important committees and was Chairman of the Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure several years ago. During the past year he served as a member of the Board of Directors. During the twenty-three years that he has been engaged in practice in the District of Columbia Mr. Thompson has been most active in professional and civic affairs and he has given himself unstintingly to worthwhile undertakings of many kinds. His numerous accomplishments are well known to your Committee and too lengthy to be repeated here but I cannot forebear mentioning the fact that he was President of the Urban League in 1966-67 and that his position as SecretaryGeneral of the World Peace Through Law Center, which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, has required him to travel to every continent and has brought him into contact with members of the Bar of every country. He is held in affection and esteem by all who know him. To conclude on a personal note, I have known Bill Thompson for more than twenty years and have the highest regard for him both as a man and as a lawyer. Sincerely, JOHN E. POWELL, President. ASSOCIATION OF PLAINTIFFS TRIAL ATTORNEYS Senator ALAN D. BIBLE, Chairman of the Senate District of Columbia Committee, DEAR SENATOR BIBLE: Mr. William S. Thompson has been a member of this Association for many, many years. The purpose of this letter is to respectfully urge that Mr. Thompson's nomination as a member of the Council of the District of Columbia be endorsed. Our Association is composed of over 300 trial lawyers who practice in the District of Columbia, and there is none among us more highly respected both as an attorney and as a person than "Turk" Thompson. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word and a man that all of us are proud to call a friend. This is a most significant time in the history of the District of Columbia, and the selection of the members of the first Council will play a large role in the success or failure of this type of new government. For that reason we would be pleased and proud to have the Council include a man like Mr. Thompson. Respectfully yours, 84-529 0-67- -13 ERNEST C. RASKAUSKAS, President. |