The Coral Gables Times

THE CORAL GABLES TIMES 2 Thursday, November 9, 1961

Gentlemen Disagree On Tuesday

By MAURICE LABELLE Times Reporter Commissioners Joe Murphy and Franklin Evans had a disagreement Tuesday when Murphy attempted to clear the record. The difference occurred when Murphy sought to read into the record a statement. He said it was designed to clear up a misunderstanding arising over the rescinding last week of the controversial occupational license fees ordinance. Murphy's previous statement, which was interpreted to mean that he was taking credit for the fact the Commission reversed itself and killed increases for 18 occupational groups, was challenged by Commissioner C. L. Dressel Jr. last week. Tuesday, Evans sought to have Murphy's statement declared "out of order" by Mayor Robert L. Searle. Evans said he did not want the minutes of the meeting "burdened" with Murphy's long explanation. Mayor Searle ruled, and Murphy agreed, that the minutes only show that Murphy had clarified his statement. "Apparently, my comments were construed by some, if not all, to mean that I, individually, took some type of credit for convincing you and the other Commissioners that this controversial ordinance should be rescinded," Murphy said in his statement. "I am sorry that this impression was created, since it was not my intention to do so, nor has it ever been my intention, nor will it ever be my intention to purposely take full credit for any action in which you and the other commissioners participate," said Murphy. "It has always been my belief that our reasons, individually and collectively, should be made known to the public when any final action is taken by us as a Commission," Murphy added. "This particularly applies to controversial matters such as the ordinance under discussion. Inasmuch as many, if not most, of our final decisions are informally arrived at in private conference, it is difficult, if not impossible, for our constituents to know how or why we arrived at any given decision. "While I do not quarrel with the argument that private Commission sessions accomplish many things, and in an expeditious manner, I cannot overlook the right of the people to know how and why the decisions were made and what ramifications, if any, were involved," Murphy said. He said he was proud of Commission achievements so far and pledged his continued cooperation.

Who's He For?

Commissioner Franklin Evans will find it difficult to cheer tonight (Thursday) in the football game between Coral Gables High School and Miami High. Evans lives in and represents the City on the commission, but he is also team physician for the Stingarees.

Salty Politician!

SPRINKLING SALT on his food is Governor Farris Bryant, one of the top Florida government officials who attended a special Kiwanis luncheon last week at the Coral Gables Country Club. At left is Frank Kerdyk. (Staff photo by Raymond Lang)

Allen Morris Awards Rib Ticklin', Back Slappin' Good Time Was Had by All

By MAURICE LABELLE Times Reporter Friday's Allen Morris awards presentation at the Coral Gables Country Club will have to go down on the record as one of the greatest mutual back-slapping events on record. It would have been a chiropractor's delight were it not for the fact that the back patting was of a verbal and not a physical nature. One by one, top political officials got up and paid tribute to opponents, to colleagues, to fellow workers and their bosses. Would it be this way at election time? Sen. Herman Talmadge of Georgia, the principal speaker, was highly complimentary of the sister state of Florida. Talmadge, who became governor of Georgia in his own right after the right to succeed his father through heredity had been denied by the Georgia Courts, related a humorous incident indicating the closeness of the two states. A Jacksonville, Fla., radio commentator was needling him about the fact that so many Georgians had left the Peach State for the Sunshine State. "I think it improves the level of intelligence in both states," Talmadge retorted. The son of "Old Gene" then told the distinguished audience about the successes and failures of the 87th Congress. The greatest success, said Talmadge, was a realization by Congress that the U.S. must beef up its military forces to meet the Berlin crisis. The greatest failure in his opinion: — the failure to curb the continued centralization of power in Washington. "I say to you, this is dangerous power," said Talmadge. A simple request for information for a senator takes two-three weeks, said Talmadge. How long it takes a citizen to get an answer, Talmadge indicated, he does not know. And he is concerned with the wage-price spiral creating greater inflation and threatening our economy. "It will bring the same chaos it has in other countries..." Talmadge was almost upstaged by Supreme Court Justice Stephen C. O'Connell who brought down the house with his humorous anecdotes, jokes and introductions. "Gentlemen, and in that category I include the press..." said O'Connell in his introductory remarks. They liked that. It was like getting back at Ribs 'N Roast, SDX's annual lampooning of politicians. If a master of ceremonies tells lies, he loses the trust of his audience, O'Connell said. If he tells the truth, he loses the friendship of those being introduced. O'Connell had a million of them. A farmer, said he, is one who knows his field. And, a farmer, he added, should not plant more than his wife can weed. In a play on words he cited the Press Corps, which he reminded anyone was not a corpse. "These gentlemen are very much alive..." O'Connell reminded those who had been attacked. His boss, Chief Justice B. K. Roberts, told how he had looked up O'Connell's background when he joined the court. He found one of O'Connell's ancestors was a famous Irish agitator and orator. And so it went. Sitting at the far right of the dais was Allen Morris, the man who's idea made all this possible. He was not called on to speak, but he did get his share of plaudits. (And a good time was had by all.)

450 Attend Luncheon For Lawmaker Awards

Virtually every municipal, county, state and national representative from the State of Florida came to Coral Gables Friday to witness the ninth biennial Allen Morris Awards for "Meritorious Public Service." The meeting, which drew an overflow crowd of 450 area leaders, was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables in conjunction with the Rotary Club. Awards, the brainchild of newspaper columnist Allen Morris, went to a variety of persons, including Dade's Tallahassee delegation. Selection was on the basis of a secret vote of the Legislature. Senator Verle A. Pope of St. Augustine received the award for "The Most Valuable Member of the Legislature." John E. Matthews Jr. was voted second most valuable. Tom Adams, secretary of state, was voted "The Most Effective Administrator of an Agency in the Executive Department." H. G. Cochran Jr., director of the division of Corrections, was selected next best administrator. Dade's delegation proved to be the most effective large county group. That four-man group is composed of Cliff Herrell, George Hollahan, David Eldredge and Carry Matthews. About the only important state political bigwig missing from Friday's luncheon meeting was Sen. George Smathers.

7-Story Office Building Planned for Bird Road

A seven-story office building, to be called the Giffen Building, is planned for the south east corner of the Bird Road and Estancia Street intersection by a group of investors led by Frank E. Solomon. Estancia is two blocks east of Le Jeune Road. The design has already been approved by the Coral Gables Board of Architects. The building plans still must be approved by the Zoning Board and the City Commission must okay all buildings above three stories. The 100 by 100-foot by seven-story building was designed by Gables architect Carl Blohm for a 200-foot square lot. Together with parking space for approximately 125 cars, the building and additional property adjacent to the lot would make up the entire block, including Giffen Industries Inc. Submission of final plans awaits completion of a study on high rise buildings and other zoning matters under way for the City by Rader Associates. The building is designed for seven stories, but may be built any height found acceptable, Blohm said. Three stories are permissible without City Commission approval. It will have between 55,000 to 60,000 square feet of floor space and be constructed of cast stone, granite and reinforced steel. Solar screens are also incorporated in the designs.

Friendship Wagon Lags On Its Way to Cartagena

The People to People Program needs more money to complete the purchase of the Friendship Wagon which is destined to help school children in Cartagena, Colombia—the Gables' sister city in the cultural exchange program. Large contributions have come from civic clubs, but more money is needed, according to Esther F. Martin of the fund raising committee. Contributions may be sent to W. Keith Wheeling, treasurer, at 7210 Red Road, South Miami. Make checks to People to People Program, Inc. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has donated a large first aid kit, complete with instructions in Spanish, to be used with the vehicle. The kit was presented this week by the Red Cross to the program representatives.

Oilers Tie Shores In 6-6 Tilt

Coach "Red Berry's" 95 lb. football team (Oilers) tied Miami Shores 6-6 last Saturday morning on the Youth Center field. The spark plugs for Gables were Billy Colson, Manuel Vidal, Pete Murphy, Bob May, Clifton Beckwith, Alan Hale and Dris Kimel. The Jaycees' 115 lb. team was defeated by Miami Shor Community House, 7-0, Saturday. Big guns for Gables were Ernie White, Billy McWorter, Bobby Brown, Clark Thomas and Tim Bailey. Coach Joe Atwood's unlimited team sponsored by C.G. P.B.A. defeated South Miami, 21-0, Saturday night at the Youth Center field. The unlimited team play S.W. Boys Club at the Boys Club on Saturday.

Dirty Pool

Someone played a dirty trick on Edward H. Doyle of 1335 Alegriano Ave. Saturday. A bottle of ink was thrown into Doyle's pool, causing an estimated $400 damage.