The Guide

Thursday, January 12, 1961, page 11 (of 16)

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We Haven't Heard Last Word About Conflict Of Interest Law

By MAURICE LABELLE Commissioner Joe Murphy's recent proposal to amend the Coral Gables City Charter to tighten up on conflict of interests provisions has touched off vigorous debating nong Gableites. LABELLE One thing appears certain: Failure of the Commission to put the issue to a vote is not going to end it. The Commission majority of Mayor John M. Montgomery and Commissioners Robert Searle and Frank Kerdyk, in voting against placing the matter on the April municipal election ballot, opposed Murphy's move because they felt present Charter provisions are sufficient. Adequate Protection City Attorney Ted Semple, who is largely responsible for the xisting Charter and many of the city's ordinances, has advised the Commission that it is his opinion that the Charter, plus general acts of the State Legislature are adequate protection. Murphy, also an attorney, maintains that the Charter is not tight enough, especially on indirect conflicts of interests. It might be pointed out that the Commission indicated that it might consider some ordinance covering the matter, but Murphy expressed doubts that the ordinance route is strong enough to discourage future conflicts. While the controversy has been relatively polite on the surface, it has aroused some deep feelings on both sides of the conflicts of interests fence. No Accusations It must also be pointed out that no one, past or present, has been accused of any wrongdoing, not openly at least. But the innuendos, insinuations and allegations heard from individuals on both sides of the question could lead you to believe the vilest things about some aspects of local government. These have ranged from hints, that Murphy's move was politically inspired to the inference that his fellow Commissioners did not want to completely close the door on conflicts of interests when they voted against tightening up. And while attempting to discredit the other side, some have cast doubts about their own motives. But, if the truth were to be known, and if past events are any indicator; many Gableites have probably never even heard of the matter and probably care less. Just what is conflict of interest? Although generally applied to area of government, conflicts of interests often occur in private enterprise. There was a case recently where the head of a large corporation suddenly departed from his post after it was learned that he had financial interests in several firms which had dealings with the corporation. Free Enterprise Frowns So we see that free enterprise frowns upon it as much, if not more so, than government. But why are conflicts of interests generally regarded so poorly? The answer probably depends on who's on the receiving end. In the area of the private economy, stockholders, employes and the public are sometimes the victims of wheelings and dealings by management. In government, employes and the public are on the short end of the stick when elected or appointed officials and other employes make deals that are personally profitable in money or favors. The entire question has become so sensitive that President-Elect John F. Kennedy only last week said that he would make all his financial interests public before inauguration. At least one member of his cabinet has already indicated that he will divest himself of all corporate holdings before assuming his post. They're Critical But there have been many opinion moulders, such as David Lawrence and George Sokolsky, who have been critical of these moves. What they say adds up to this: "If you don't trust someone, why elect, appoint or hire him." Opposed to this laissez-faire viewpoint are those who feel that the time to act to protect public interest is before the fact, not after. The public is not equipped to screen every candidate adequately and cannot control all appointments and the hirings of employes, this group contends. Even if you could, they point out, the temptations of public life are very great and strong deterrents must be put in the way. And, it also pointed out, there is a tendency on the part of government to whitewash, cover up or minimize the wrongful acts of its members. More important, to punish those who attempt to bring bad conditions to light. Merely easing out a bad official or employe quietly in an effort to maintain an image of honesty or integrity, is not going to serve as any deterrent for someone caught in a compromising economic squeeze or put in a position of sufficient inducement to break the public trust, these people say. And they cite cases to prove their point. But, whatever the viewpoint, the going gets heavy on indirect conflicts of interests. This involves a go-between or three or more parties with the public official or employe involved only indirectly. How effective legislation could be passed to stop this circumvention is not always quite clear. But the champions claim it can be done. This is the hornets' nest that has been shaken by Commissioner Murphy's proposed Charter Amendment. So far, no one has been stung, but it has caused annoyance.

"The churches of Christ salute you" Rom: 16:16 Coral Gables Church of Christ

Meeting At University of Miami Room 308 Merrick Bldg. PHONE CA 1-3014 SUNDAY A.M. BIBLE STUDY - 10:00 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP - 11:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. "DOING BIBLE THINGS IN BIBLE WAYS AND CALLING BIBLE THINGS BY BIBLE NAMES"

WALTER H. JACK J. PAUL H. Combs Funeral Home INC.

Serving Faithfully since 1896 North-east Chapel 1539 N.E. 2nd Ave. Paul H. Combs, Sr., Mgr. Coral Gables Chapel 1661 S.W. Douglas Rd. (37th Ave.) Glen H. Spencer, Mgr. PHONE FR 3-2101 DADE COUNTY'S OLDEST FUNERAL SERVICE

CORAL WAY METHODIST CHURCH 7900 CORAL WAY (Palmetto Expressway and Coral Way) ANNUAL PREACHING MISSION

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 thru WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 Conducted by Reverend GORDON N. CRAIG Sunday, Jan. 15 — 9:45 - 11 a.m.—The Meaning of Revival Sunday, Jan. 15 — 7:30 p.m.—The Meaning of the Church Monday, Jan. 16 — 7:30 p.m.—The Meaning of the Bible Tuesday, Jan. 17 — 7:30 p.m.—The Meaning of Forgiveness Wednesday, Jan. 18 — 7:30 p.m.—The Meaning of Prayer

RE-WEAVIT

Invisible Reweaving—Mending Clothing — Sweaters — Rugs — Upholstery — Furs Collars, Hats. Made to order Tailoring — Ladies & Gents —One Day Service. ALL WORK GUARANTEED 1753 S.W. 8th ST. FR 3-6990 FR 7-4138

Gables Firm Is Awarded School Contract

W. F. Thompson Construction Co., of Coral Gables, has been awarded the $379,299 contract for construction of South Palmetto Elementary School, SW 136th St. at 77th Ave. The lowest of several bidders, Thompson Construction Co. is expected to begin work this week on the job that is expected to be completed this summer. The school will be opened for the first time this fall. The school plant will be built on a nine-acre tract and will relieve student pressure at Palmetto and Coral Reef Elementaries. According to Architect John M. Lyell, of Miami, plans for the school are those formerly used for the construction of Coral Reef Elementary. The new plant will include 20 classrooms, a library, cafeteria, administrative facilities and a teacher's lounge. Two eggs supply one-third of the protein needed daily by adults.

visit your Teen House

"a complete wardrobe of fashions" for the pre-teen girl 34 Miracle Mile Phone HI 5-1711

What has time done to your life insurance?

Everyone knows what can happen to the performance of a car that isn't serviced regularly. The same risk of "poor performance" holds true for your life insurance if you neglect to keep it up to date. Time brings changes in your life that in turn create the need for a review of your policies. Perhaps new beneficiaries should be appointed. Perhaps the method by which benefits are to be paid, either by income or by single amount, is no longer in your family's best interest. What would a careful review of your policies reveal? That you have more than enough life insurance - or that time has brought new needs for protection and saving? By keeping in touch with the Man from Manufacturers you can be sure your life insurance is arranged to do the job you want it to do. Why not call him for a policy "check-up" today? 17-60 MANUFACTURERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY R. G. Doyle Assistant Manager SOUTH MIAMI Tel: FR. 3-3634 See the Man from Manufacturers

SAVE WITH A SMILE! THE APPRECIATIVE FULL-SERVICE BANK... FLORIDA NATIONAL Bank at Coral Gables

Open your savings account this week at Florida National. You'll notice the friendly, relaxed atmosphere as one of our experienced officers opens your account. And you'll appreciate, too, our full line of bank services to fill your every financial need. MIRACLE MILE AT PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD MEMBER: FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM, FLORIDA NATIONAL GROUP 6741