SAGRATUIEI{TO

By R. V. PETERSEN executive secretary

I N advocate ol private enterprise fa. masquerading as'a bureaucrat 'was unveiled at the recent MBMDA Convention.

Discussions on sources of financine fo-r coming construction was the subjec'i of a panel discussion involving representatives of federal agencies as well as the private financing sector. Criticismand defense - of private enterprise was expressed by Richard Smiley, director oi Farmers Home Administration for M_ontana. Criticizing the expanding role of governmental agencies in'home Fnancing, he stated that unless the attitude of the public changes, financing will come more and more from public funds, with a resultant increase in public debt - to which he is stronsly opbosed.

Referring to blnks'and savings and loan associations, Smiley declared "There is no reason why piivate enterprise can't do it (finance homes instead of government agencies). Private enterprise could do evervthine the Farmers Home Administration ari'd the Federal Housing Authority are doing and do it more efiectively." -

He blamed the politicians for "offering Utopia.to the public" even though it ls not workable.

He went on to criticize laws that penalize persons for fixing their homes by increasing taxes. "l say it ought to be the other way around. You ought to get a tax incentive or reduction for fixing up your home."

He sees encouraging changes in the Farmers Home Administration, citing a new program lor business. and individual Ioans made from private sources and guaranteed by government. But he feels there is little evidence of such change in thinking on the part of Congress or the public.

The new slate of officers named at the convention included: President - W. S. Weston, Three Forks Lumber Co., Three Forks; Vice-president - L. J. Killham, Midland, Inc., Miles City; Treasurer - A. A. Kind, Linder-Kind Lumber Co., Helena; Asst. Treasurer - H. G. White, Neifert-White Co., Townsend; Executive secretary - R. V. Peterson, Helena.

Frank Dvoracek, United Building Centers, Great Falls, was named to the board ol directors. L. Dexter Shaurette, St. Regis Paper Co., Libby, and R. V. Peterson were named national dealer directors, with A. A. Kind named as alternate dealer director.

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