The Times

Thursday, January 5, 1961, page 2 (of 41)

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Gableites Dominate Metro Commission

ROBERT HAVERFIELD Robert M. Haverfield Tuesday was elected chairman of the new 13-man Metro Commission which is dominated by Coral Gables residents. Haverfield, who has served on the Commission, was joined by other Gableites Winston W. Wynne and Dr. Jack Beckwith, who were sworn in Tuesday. The chairmanship and two seats could give the Gables a heavy voice in the newly organized Metro Commission. Strong For Metro Wynne, who served on the Coral Gables City Commission before he resigned last month, is probably one of the strongest pro-Metro voices in the area. Beckwith, a dentist, is making his first appearance in politics after a surprising victory last year. Veteran In Fight Haverfield, a veteran in the fight to keep the county government machinery going despite every obstacle, will have working with him a group of men who were elected under the Metropolitan Home Rule Charter for the first time. Five members of the previous Metro Commission were holdovers from the previous County Commission. Haverfield, an attorney, resides at 526 San Antonio. Wynne, an agent of Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., lives at 6300 Casteneda, and Dr. Beckwith, at 3003 Alhambra Cir.

Maid Attacked In Gables Home

A maid, identified by Coral Gables police as Carmen Ortez, no address given, was attacked by a 24-year-old man at the home of Frank Lagarino, of 1540 Placentia, early the morning of Jan. 1. She was given emergency treatment by Coral Gables firemen Bourbon B. Rouse and Jerome S. Kirk and later at Doctors' Hospital for a lump on the head and lacerated nose. The attack took place in a hallway of the home shortly after 1:30 a.m., according to police. The victim was to come in the following day to sign an affidavit against her assailants, but did not appear.

New Year's Weekend Was Safe And Sober

If the records of the Coral Gables police are to be believed, there were only two drunks New Year's Eve and Day. At least that's all who were arrested in what must be chalked up as one of the most unheard celebrations on record.

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 among Gableites. 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 existing 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 wrong-doing, 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. Image of Honesty 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.

Vote Of Confidence Given Gables On Center

The City of Coral Gables received a vote of confidence recently when the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce board of directors urged the Commission to keep the agreement for use of the old Youth Center tract for off street parking. "The board urges the City of Coral Gables to retain this area on the same basis as in the past," Bernie Blanck, president of the Chamber, wrote the Commission. Use Challenged Use of the block-long lot by the City in exchange for taxes by the City and County was challenged recently by attorney Bernard Weksler, who also questioned the legality of the lease. Weksler maintained that the owner of record has always been Florida National Realty Company, Inc., a Jacksonville Dupont firm, while the agreement was executed with James Sottile Jr. The Commission last week told Weksler that it would look into the matter, but gave no indication Tuesday when they would. Store Equipment Meanwhile, the Commission gave Troup Bros. construction firm, permission to store their equipment on the west 200 feet of the site in exchange for 5000 yards of fill, estimated to be worth $6000. The equipment will be used in construction involving widening of LeJeune Rd. from Tamiami Tr. to South Dixie Hwy. Troup Bros. initially contacted Sottile for use of the land, but he referred them to the City. The contract is for one-year. The lease agreement with Sottille is for 10 years, but cancellable on 30-days notice.

Petitioners Are Busy In High Building Battle

A group of Coral Gables residents, whose feelings are running about as high as the 12-story apartment building they oppose, are scheduled to meet at 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday) to tell one another how much they dislike the proposal. John Wynn, of 906 Palermo, an attorney in State Attorney Richard Gerstein's office and avowed enemy of high rise buildings, is scheduled to address the Committee for the Preservation of Present Zoning Ordinances at the War Memorial Youth Center. Wynn, who also successfully opposed a 10-story apartment proposed earlier near Venetian Pool, will discuss the 12-story "skyscraper" recently approved by the City Commission on a 3-2 vote. A. H. Sakolsky, the builder, has already acquired a permit to construct the $3 million building's $500,000 foundation which will contain a large underground parking garage. Test borings are now being taken at the site, Biltmore Way and Cardena. The committee began circulating a petition around the city last week asking the City Commission to rescind its action approving the high rise building and hold off on granting any further permits until adequate "standards and guides" are established. Members of the committee recently filed a suit to block construction of the building. A Planning Board study report on high rise buildings is expected to be presented at the next Commission meeting. The report has been in the making for several weeks. Tonight's meeting is open to the public, according to Miss Lila Dickerson, president of the Committee.

C. R. Berry Declares He's A Candidate

A Coral Gables automotive parts distributor became the first person to announce his candidacy for the City Commission. He is C. R. Berry, 46, of 1535 Cantoria, a resident of the Gables for 16 years and the Miami area for 40 years, who will be making his first sortie into politics. Will Qualify Berry, who plans to qualify later this month, said he would assist Gables businessmen in any way he can if elected. He was critical of the City's parking policies, which he claimed are "running a lot of people out." Berry said also in making his announcement that he stands for strict zoning and giving the residents of Coral Gables what they want in the way of zoning. Establishment of more recreational facilities will also be one of his planks, Berry said, and a full program will be developed later as the campaign progresses. Berry, who was enthusiastic about his first plunge in politics, came to the Miami area from Perry, Ga., 40 years ago. He has been active in civic and social organizations and is a member of the Congregational Church of Coral Gables. Berry served in the Coast Guard Reserve during World War II for two years and was automotive advisor to the government later in the Caribbean area. He and his wife, Lorayne, have one son, Hal, 17, a student at Florida State University.

They'll Learn Uses For Palms

Mrs. H. W. Palmore, 7430 SW 10th St., will be hostess for the 10 a.m. workshop meeting Tuesday of the Surburban Garden Club. Mrs. William Hoffman, a member of the Cutler Ridge Garden Club, will be a guest speaker on the program entitled, "Rhythmi of the Palms." Mrs. H. Brennan, club president, will preside. Members will be instructed in the use and making of arrangements using palms. They will bring their own materials.

AN APPEAL !! Retain Coral Gables' Present Zoning Ordinances

You can protect your property investment by attending the public meeting on Thursday, January 5 at the Coral Gables Youth Center at 8 p.m. John Wynn, prominent attorney, will explain how you can help with your support and efforts in circulating the needed petitions. ACT NOW ... PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Paid Advertisement sponsored by The Committee for Preservation of Present Zoning Ordinances. Phone HI 4-2429 for further information