Coral Gables Riviera

A VICIOUS POLITICAL MACHINE OR REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT? YOU MUST DECIDE

The following statements and questions are published herein to provide the voters of Coral Gables with thoughts intended to aid them in making a constructive choice of candidates in the forthcoming election. The charge has been made that the Coral Gables Taxpayers Association constitutes a local political machine which, just as all political machines, proposes its "slate" of candidates, Messrs. Whitley, Bell, Cray and Mayes, who will—if elected—be obligated to conduct the affairs of the city as their "machine bosses" dictate. We believe these charges are true and in substantiation offer the following excerpts from the campaign literature of the Taxpayers Association as convincing proof: "The record of the Taxpayers Association is a striking example of the effectiveness of a non-partisan body." — IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE NON-PARTISAN AND AT THE SAME TIME PROMOTE A "SLATE"? Speaking of their aims and objectives the Taxpayers, in their own literature, say the following: ". . . These aims and objectives endorsed by the Taxpayers two years ago have been assiduously observed by Joe Whitley and Wallace Bell."—DOES THIS SPELL ANYTHING BUT MACHINE CONTROL? Another excerpt from their own literature irrevocably places the "political machine" stamp upon the Taxpayers Association with the following: "Two years ago, prior to the election of 1939, the membership of the Association felt that conditions were such that the time had come for them to play an active part in the body politic. —IS IT POSSIBLE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN THE BODY POLITIC" AND REMAIN IMPARTIAL OR NON-PARTISAN? Again speaking of aims and objectives, the Taxpayers' literature most misguidedly reveals "machine control" of their candidates with this incriminating statement: ". . . Until Wallace Bell was seated Joe Whitley, who lead the ticket (Taxpayers ticket) vigorously fought to attain our aims and objectives. . ." IN THE FACE OF SUCH STATEMENTS CAN THE TAXPAYERS DENY THEIR TRUE PURPOSE AND MOTIVES ARE CONTROL OF CANDIDATES? CAN THEY DENY SOMETHING THEY FREELY—AND UNWISELY—ADMIT? Will the Taxpayers dare deny that their organifiation was inspired by special interests and that election of their candidates is aimed to the end of furthering the interests of these interests WHICH HAVE SO MUCH TO GAIN THROUGH ELECTION OF A "FRIENDLY" COMMISSION? Isn't it reasonable to believe that these interests would expect OR DEMAND special tax adjustments and assessments, rendered by THEIR commission, for THEIR benefit—BUT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE SMALLER INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS? Would such a practice be anything but "government for the few" with "special privileges" going to "special interests"? Is any candidate of the Taxpayers' slate seeking election on his OWN platform? The answer is NO. THERE IS ONLY ONE PLATFORM FOR THEM—THE "MACHINE" PLATFORM. Isn't it true that the Taxpayers Association and their candidates recently executed a neat but belated "about face" with reference to University assistance—BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER THEY LEARNED THEIR OPPOSITION TO UNIVERSITY AID WAS UNPOPULAR AND WOULD ASSURE THEIR DEFEAT? Will Mr. Barrett, THE KINGFISH OF THE MACHINE, deny that he was slated to become City Manager two years ago but that this deal was thwarted through the defeat of his ticket? IS THE SAME DEAL COOKING AGAIN THIS YEAR? Can the leaders of the Taxpayers Association deny that the machinations and political maneuverings of their "Inner Circle" are closely guarded secrets THAT ARE NOT MADE KNOWN TO THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP? Does any voter in Coral Gables believe that the Taxpayers' "machine" would permit the free operation of a true City Manager form of Government? To retain power—should they get it—would it not be necessary for them to crack the whip and exert their influence over the police department and ALL CITY EMPLOYEES? Wouldn't they demand and take control of CITY PATRONAGE? Is it possible for wholesome and honest government to prevail under conditions that demand special privileges for a favored few? Will the people of Coral Gables permit themselves to be dictated to by an army of workers who are systematically canvassing the city in the sole interest of the "slate" of a wealthy and highly financed political machine that seeks only to dominate Coral Gables politics and government? IT IS NOW UP TO YOU (A paid political advertisement, paid for by Coral Gables Citizens and Taxpayers who do not believe in the sincerity of the leaders of the Coral Gables Taxpayers Association.)