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Mary LaskerMary Lasker
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Part:         Session:         Page of 999

just went right ahead, dug them up.

Q:

What about the tree program elsewhere in New York City, Manhattan? You were once involved in that.

Lasker:

Well, I have a little more hope now that Mr. Clurnesu is in and Mr. Hecksher is out -- Richard clurman was a TIME Inc. executive. He's the new Park Commissioner, and he sounds as if he's going to stand for less nonsense and better maintenance and a little more good looks as far as the city goes. But it won't amount to much unless he gets more money. I think he will get a little more money. Whether it will be enough to make a real dent on the city or not, I don't know. But I have hopes.

Q:

Does your interest still continue in the beautification of Washington?

Lasker:

Well, it does, but I don't know what to do because I can't seem to work with the present head of the District of Parks, National Park Service. Anything I suggest he doesn't do, even if I'm willing to pay for it, so I'm not going to do anything about that until I can get a new friend in the White House.

Q:

How did this impassed come about?

Lasker:

I think it's because they think that youshould give them the money and they should decide what to do, and I want to say, I'd like to see this done and here's the money for it. They have, you know, no ideas or imagination at all. I think some how or other, as I'm a Democrat, I'm not as interesting as I used to be when





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