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BOARD OF SELECTMEN prior to formal acceptance of the building by the end of 1967. The maintenance of our public ways, utilities and the removal of snow have also become greater responsibilities. The separation of the office of the town engineer, who is responsible to the superin- tendent of public works, is another step in specialization of town services reflecting growth in the business of town government in Lexington. Police protection and traffic control have been major concerns for many years. We are confident that effective progress has been made and that still greater progress is as- sured in the months ahead. With the passage of the necessary legislation by the General Court, we have been able to add qualified police officers who are non - resident and we anti- cipate that more will be added. Our police department is making every effort to keep abreast of national trends, modern police technology and in the training and equipment of officers to be effective guard- ians of the public interest. We are gratified by the acquisition of a new communication con- sole and modern mobile communication equipment which enables our police department to be in simultaneous contact with both the state police and inter -city police radio networks. We view this as a major step forward. The studies of road and street locations, the flow of traffic from our residential areas within the town, as well as the town's responsibility to its citizens in terms of access to con- tiguous communities throughout the metropolitan area are unsolved, persistent and essential. We refer in particular to the matter of Worthen Road. Public debate has raised the question as to whether this inner - community by -pass artery should be completed. It will re- main for the town meeting to appraise this problem carefully in the near future. With the anticipated opening of the new shopping center at Burlington in 1968, new pressures are certain to influence a variety of matters related to the public safety and pro- tection. The flow and density of traffic will require careful observation as it begins to alter present patterns. A difference in degree often brings about a difference in kind and the best planning of today may be obsolete tomorrow. Wherever new roads or buildings are created new pressures will invariably result from their use. Closely related to these issues are matters of the general public welfare, not only of our citizens but of our visitors. We have observed the expanded usefulness of the new visi- tors' center. We are cognizant of the need for effective planning in relation to the anticipated impact upon our town and its facilities when we come to the year 1975 and the observance of the 200th anniversary of the Revolutionary War along this historic battleroad. Closely related to matters of traffic control in Lexington, now and in the future, is the entire question of public transportation both here and in the metropolitan area. Not only are our residents employed along the electronics highway of the nation, Route 128, but they are also employed in the inner city. Certainly the welfare and economy of our community is dependent on the capability for the efficient conveyance of its people. We would commend the work of our fire - fighting forces, both the commissioners and the men. Not only is Lexington's equipment and training maintained at a high level, but those extra calls which arise beyond the call of duty deserve recognition. The service rendered by our men when an ambulance is called for has been singular and the source of many sin- cere words of appreciation from our citizens. Finance and the Business of Our Government An account of the stewardship of a board of selectmen should not be less than that of business and industry in the private sector. The trust of the public weal is associated with the private financial affairs of each of our citizens. In our past report we urged responsi-