Coral Gables Riviera

Whitley, Bell, Cray and Mayes WILL BE ELECTED JUNE 10th--INITIAL POLL INDICATES IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH!

JOE WHITLEY For Mayor

WALLACE BELL For Commissioner

DENNIS CRAY For Commissioner

THOMAS MAYES For Commissioner

Taxpayers Association Of Coral Gables Endorse Candidates For Election June 10th

The Taxpayers Association of Coral Gables gained "national" prominence two years ago, when the citizens of Coral Gables inaugurated a movement for PROGRESSIVE and EFFICIENT municipal government. Previous to the city election of 1939, thirteen candidates announced their intention to run for a seat on the City Commission. From this list of thirteen your Association recommended the men best suited by experience, sentiment and judgment to hold the important office of City Commissioner. The citizens of Coral Gables, at a public meeting called by the Association, gave their unanimous approval to the men recommended. Following this "vote of confidence," the Association gave its vigorous support towards the election of these men; because it was believed they would observe the aims and objectives for which the Association was striving. The RESULTS of that campaign of 1939 are a striking example of the effectiveness of the force of an aroused public opinion. During the past two years we have seen what a minority on the Commission, supported by this same aroused public opinion, can accomplish. In recognition of these accomplishments and in further pursuance of the same aims and objectives, the Taxpayers Association has announced its endorsement of certain candidates for the election on June 10th. Again, the candidates were chosen for qualifications which best fitted them for the office of Mayor and City Commissioner. That the voters may judge these qualifications, we submit them and solicit you support and vote on June 10th. Joe Whitley, candidate for Mayor, came to Florida in 1899 and has lived in Coral Gables since 1923. He sat through two critical years of our community life as a member of the City Commission. Those who sat with him know his record: always patient, tolerant and alert, Joe Whitley stood steadfast for his convictions. His long residence in the Gables has given him an intimate knowledge of the needs of the community. Wallace Bell was the subject of a long, dreary and expensive litigation, in defense of principles that are always the struggle of a free people-the right of an incorruptible franchise in the choice of democratic leadership. Wallace Bell won that battle and has been battling ever since for progressive and efficient conduct of your city's affairs. Dennis Cray is a member of the well-known firm of Cray and Daino, located in Coral Gables. He has been connected with civic affairs during his business career as an associate in the Chatham Phoenix National Bank of New York and later in the National City Bank of Chicago. As vice-president of a chain of banks in northern Indiana, Mr. Cray became familiar with affairs of the "little town." A graduate of Kent College of Law, Dennis Cray is married and lives at 6812 San Vincente Street. Tom Mayes, recently City Judge of Coral Gables, is a practicing attorney with offices in Coral Gables. Receiving degrees from the University of Tennessee and Cumberland University, he was admitted to the bar in Tennessee, where he practiced until coming to Miami. He was admitted to the Florida bar in 1926. An associate lawyer in the firm of Morrow and Hawthorne until the dissolution of that firm, Judge Mayes is now a partner of the firm of Morrow, Mayes and Sutton. A member of many civic and service organizations, Tom Mayes lives with his wife and two children at 637 Avenue Minorca. The election of Whitley for Mayor and Bell, Cray and Mayes for City Commissioners, will give to Coral Gables a governing body of men united in a common purpose; the purpose to serve their community as prescribed for them in the provisions of the city charter. We believe these men are typical of the true spirit of Coral Gables.

The City Manager

Cities operating under the City Manager form of government are in two categories; those with splendid records and those where this form of government has failed. The difference between success and failure lies in the degree of authority and responsibility acceded the City Manager-and the qualifications of the manager. Cities wherein City Commissioners participate actively in the city management, contrary to the provisions of the charter, are the ones in which commission form of government is a failure. Soon after the election in 1939, A. B. Curry was named City Manager of Coral Gables. His qualifications were such, and his record of achievement was such as to inspire confidence and respect of the city personnel whom he directs. Supported by public opinion, the new City Manager was given the responsibilities prescribed for that office. As a result, efficiency and economy in the conduct of city affairs is evidenced everywhere; friction within the several departments has disappeared, and despite the killing frost, our streets and parks have been restored without any increase in the annual maintenance appropriation. The co-operation of the Department of Finance, directed by George Shaw, has been a potent factor in effecting an efficient and economical administration by the City Manager. Your endorsement of the achievements of the past two years will strengthen Coral Gables' future attraction for homeseekers and investors. Your vote for Whitley, Bell, Cray and Mayes will assure no interruption in the achievements of our City Manager. "What am I to believe when I read so many different 'facts'?" To this age-old question, there is but one answer. The voter who is interested in protecting himself and his property should take an active interest in the conduct of the city's affairs. He can examine the records any time he chooses. With an exact knowledge of what is going on and what has gone before, he does not have to believe . . . he knows the facts.

Commonsense vs. Political Rumor

As might be expected at this stage of the campaign, all sorts of rumors are started and assiduously circulated by office-seekers, and their job-hunting satellites, in the hope of catching a stray vote here and there from the unwary and credulous voter. You will hear, over and over again, "So-and-So is to be hired-So-and-So is to be fired, if So-and-So is elected." And the "So-and-So" to be hired, and the "So-and-So" to be fired will take in everybody from the CITY MANAGER to the THIRD ASSISTANT DOG CATCHER. You will hear that "Such-and-Such" a job is to be created. You will hear that "Such-and-Such" a job is to be abolished. These, and many more. Just to keep the record straight, this ASSOCIATION is interested in POLICIES, not PERSONALITIES. It does not give a hoot who holds what job, so long as the interest of the taxpayer is properly protected. Don't be misled by obvious propaganda. If you hear a rumor, and it gives you any concern, come to headquarters and talk it over, or get in touch with one of the candidates and determine for yourself its truth or falsity.

Promises or Accomplishment?

We have felt that promises made by some candidates, politicians and political machines should be classified unto themselves and given due recognition in the dictionaries. There are promises and there are "election promises." Most promises mean something, while the qualified promise goes out the window on election day. As far as we know, in this campaign for Mayor and seats on the City Commission, the candidates endorsed by the Taxpayers Association have made no pre-election promises. This radical departure from the usual procedure should appeal to the type of voter residing in Coral Gables. They well know the fallacy of such promises. This does not mean that these men lack vision or the determination to serve their community. There are certain aims and objectives which these candidates respect and will strive to attain when elected. They so declared themselves at the citizens' meeting on May 6th. Two of these candidates were endorsed by the Taxpayers in 1939. Their record of accomplishment, as City Commissioners is a real promise of their future conduct. When elected along with two other men of the same vision and zeal, there can be very little question as to the promise of our next City Commission.

Co-operation

At no time does the Taxpayers Association wish to claim credit unto itself for anything it has done, or will do, in serving the citizens of Coral Gables. In its statements of accomplishments, its desire is to show what HAS been gained and what CAN be gained from the aims and objectives which it formulated for the benefit of the community. It seeks the co-operation of every citizen of Coral Gables in its active effort to make these aims a reality. In the achievement of this goal it has no desire to withhold credit where credit may be due.

An Acknowledgment

We thang the opposition candidates who mentioned the Taxpayers Association in their literature. The headquarters of the Association, at 2206 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, is open all day and in the evenings. Any voter wishing information upon any statement published is welcome. We shall be glad to take them to the record so they may judge for themselves. It is a fitting reward for the "Old Timers" who pioneered in the work of the Association to meet the ever-increasing host of active workers in this year's election.

Headquarters

of the Taxpaeyrs Association of Coral Gables has been established in the Renuart Arcade Building at 2206 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Following the endorsement of Whitley, Bell, Cray and Mayes, at the public meeting on May 6th, the various campaign committees got busy and the job of "Service to the Community" began in earnest. Headquarters is spacious and there is room for ALL citizens who may wish to participate in the campaign and others seeking information. Visitors and friends are always welcome. The WELCOME sign is out from sunrise to far in the evening, and everyone in Coral Gables is cordially invited to "drop in," meet the candidates, and "chew the fat" with the campaign workers. You may also secure your membership card by registering your name with the secretary. A telephone has been installed with the number 4-4433. WE'LL BE LOOKING FOR YOU!

University of Miami

THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI is one of the institutions named in the original aims and objectives of the Taxpayers Association. In the statement of this aim FULL CO-OPERATION to the University was expressed. Joe Whitley and Wallace Bell were elected on a platform in which the extension of full co-operation to the University was endorsed. There has been no change in the position of the Association regarding its aims for the University. If anyone doubts the attitude of any or all of the candidates endorsed by the Taxpayers Association, we suggest they "put the question" in person to the candidate or candidates.

WHO SAID GOLF DOESN'T PAY?

The day following Dennis Cray's announcement, a crowd of his golf cronies met at the 19th hole. Knowing Dennis and his sterling qualities, they felt that others should be made aware of them; the hat was passed and Cray, for the first time in his life, had a publicity fund.

Aims and Objectives For Coral Gables Initiated by Taxpayers; Endorsed by Citizens

The Taxpayers Association is fighting to bring successful accomplishment the AIMS and OBJECTIVES formulated when it became active in its fight for efficiency and economy. These aims were submitted to the citizens of Coral Gables at a public meeting two years ago. Every effort of the association has been directed to the fulfillment of these objectives. The MANY accomplishments brought to your attention are the direct result of these efforts. There has been NO CHANGE in these aims, but a renewed effort will continue to further them. These aims, endorsed by the citizens at a public meeting in 1939 and again on May 6th, 1941, are quoted in full: "A-That practical economy will be the rule in every phase of city management and operation." "B-That our tax structure will be revised so that assessments will reflect the fair taxable value of our property with resultant savings to taxpayers and to the end that our city will be made the selection of home builders and business investors." "C-That inasmuch as a satisfactory audit of the city's financial records has not been made for a period in excess of ten years, it is proposed that a review audit be immediately made for the purpose of determining the present exact financial status of the city. Thereafter continuous audits shall be made, aimed at a full disclosure of every pertinent fact. The auditor shall be permitted to conduct the examination and submit his report without restriction. The reports of such audits shall at all times be available for inspection and copying by bona fide residents or their authorized representatives, and employees of the city shall be ready at all times to answer questions arising therefrom. "D-That there will be issued annually our budget requirements fully set forth in language and figures that are honest in their intent and in their purpose." "E-That the truth-the whole truth-of the Bond Settlement, the Tax Participation Certificates and the Bonds purchased by the city, upon which our citizens are still fully taxed for the interest, will be revealed to the public eye. There will be no hiding behind an obscure clause in the City Charter as an excuse for withholding from the citizens of Coral Gables matters of vital importance to them." "F-That our municipal properties, their leases and the manner in which such leases and all city contracts have been observed and lived up to, will be thoroughly investigated with the findings made public." "G-That full co-operation will be extended to the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Miami, the Public Library and all civic and service institutions of our city." "H-That all business of the City Commission will be conducted in the City Hall at Coral Gables-not in the City of Miami." Joe Whitley and Wallace Bell have labored faithfully in behalf of this creed. Supported by an aroused public opinion, the accomplishments of the past two years are a matter of record. We have never meant to imply that any of these achievements were possible without co-operation. No act of the commission is possible without a majority vote. To every member of the present commission whose co-operation made possible any of the accomplishments named, the association expresses its appreciation. It is in this spirit that we discuss some of the accomplishments of the past two years.

SAMPLE BALLOT FOR THE CORAL GABLES MUNICIPAL ELECTION

FOR COMMISSIONER VOTE FOR THREE (3) 1A WALLACE A. BELL 2A DENNIS A. CRAY 3A 4A 5A 6A THOMAS C. MAYES 7A 12A 13A 14A 15A 16A FOR MAYOR VOTE FOR ONE (1) 17A 18A 19A 20A JOE W. WHITLEY This Page Paid Political Advertisement.