The Times

THE TIMES Coral Gables South Miami the local community newspaper for all South Dade

Coral Gables South Miami THE TIMES the local community newspaper for all South Dade Vol. 36 No. 6 Second Class Postage Paid at Miami, Fla. Thursday, March 23, 1961 Published Weekly at 308 Aragon, Coral Gables, Fla. Price 10c

AS PRETTY AS A PICTURE and with a very good reason is Mrs. Pat Murphy, 1295 SW 43rd Ave. To see why she's delighted to be swirling in this white pique sun dress emblazoned with lush-colored flowers turn to Page 15.

Write-In For Murphy Shaping Up? Rumors Are Strongly Backing The Move

By MAURICE LABELLE A possible write-in campaign for mayor, a candidate dropping out of the race and a series of kickoffs and political discussions round out this week's picture for the April 11 Coral Gables Municipal Election. Still unconfirmed but beyond the rumor stage, is the proposal by strong supporters of Commissioner Joe Murphy to back him as a write-in candidate for mayor. Murphy, who has not commented on the undercurrents, is a candidate for commissioner, but did not file for mayor. His campaign manager declines any knowledge of the move. Commissioner Robert L. Searle is the unopposed candidate for the job to be vacated by Mayor John M. Montgomery on April 12. Searle is not up for re-election, having two years of a four-year term left to serve. Plunkett Withdraws The withdrawal of Jack Plunkett from the race Tuesday leaves 11 candidates vying for four City Commission seats. "It is with regret that I must withdraw as a candidate for the City Commission of Coral Gables," Plunkett announced. "Because of unforseen circumstances I will not have the time to to devote to this campaign that I feel is required of any candidate acting in good faith with himself, his friends, supporters and the voters," he said. Plunkett, strong on zoning experience, had been considered a strong independent candidate. The field is now composed of Murphy, Bernard B. Weksler, J. L. Dressel, Henry G. Simmonite, Dr. Franklin J. Evans, Charles M. Powell, Charles R. Berry, Harold J. Cram, Leo F. Mahan, George Wilson and Dr. James C. Chimerakis. Weksler addressed a group of local businessmen and civic leaders at a breakfast meeting at the Coral Way Cafeteria Tuesday. Master Plan The attorney stressed his qualified opposition to high rise buildings and the need for a master plan for the city, including where, if, and how the controversial buildings should be constructed, and development of a recreation program. Tuesday night, the candidates appeared at a meeting sponsored by the Coral Gables Civic Association at the Youth Center. Between 150 and 200 persons attended. For most, it was a great improvement over the showing made at a similar meeting held March 7 at the Elks Club and sponsored by the Apartment Association. Generally, the candidates indicated they had done a little research and home work. Questions were thrown at them by a panel composed of former Mayor W. Keith Phillips, Dr. Ross C. Beiler, University of Miami government professor, and a representative of THE TIMES. One thing the candidates were all agreed on: they are all independents. And all are against high rise buildings — unless. Stipulate Conditions Each one stipulated under what conditions they would be acceptable and in what areas. The majority felt a plan was the first order on any capital improvements program based on funds to be released by the City's tax participating certificates this year. Weksler critized the lack of a plan to spend the money. And all the candidates were against direct conflicts of interests, but on indirect conflicts Dressel, Powell and Wilson indicated that they favored the recently adopted ordinance which tightened up on direct conflicts, leaving out indirect conflicts. Murphy, who sponsored a charter change tightening up on both, said he wasn't completely satisfied with the ordinance. Weksler, Cram, Dr. Evans, Simmonite, Dr. Chimerakis and Berry indicated they agreed with Murphy that both direct and indirect provisions should be placed in the City Charter. 100 Persons Wednesday morning, nearly 100 persons turned out for Murphy's kick off at Polly Davis Cafeteria. Murphy, who outlined his achievements on the City Commission in the past two years, denied being part of any slate of candidates. Wednesday night the candidates addressed members of the Retail Merchants Division of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at the Pub in Miami. This morning (Thursday) at 7:45 a.m., the candidates were to appear at a breakfast meeting of the Coral Gables Board of Realtors. They have only 19 more days of campaigning before the election.

Covers Go On South Miami Meters

[TEXT LOST]r the next two months motorists will be able to park on South Miami's streets for two-hour periods and not get a ticket. South Maimi Council Tuesday night, following the submission of a merchants' street parking evaluation from the District Chamber of Commerce, agreed to cover parking meters on the city's streets for a two-month trial period. Stimulate Business As a means of stimulating business, the merchants urged the city to test the no-meter edict to find out once and for all whether the meters help or hinder business. "I think after the two-month period the merchants will scream to have the meters back in effect," one councilman told THE TIMES. The survey, taken by H. W. MacDonald, manager of the South Miami District Chamber of Commerce, asked merchants whether they wanted the city to: 1. Eliminate all parking meters from the streets of South Miami for a trial period. 2. That up to two hours of free parking be allowed all shoppers in the shopping area. 3. That after two hours, proper policing be made and violators be ticketed. Of the nearly 225 merchants who were quizzed, a majority favored the proposal. The others did not mind the trial period. And still more wanted the present arrangement kept in effect. In unanimously passing the resolution Council is taking a step long urged by the city's businessmen. Many merchants feel the increase in regional shopping centers is hurting the city's business. One of the advantages the shopping center has over South Miami business district is free parking. City manager C. B. Petry said no additional police officers would be needed for the trial period. But to make the arrangement permanent, more police officers would be needed. In other action, Council: TABLED a request from Attorney Hughlan Long, representing City Gas Company, that arrangements be made for a City Gas franchise with the city. The request was tabled pending a survey being taken on the need for gas and the probable suppliers.

Pay Taxes Or Be Delinquent

Real estate and personal property taxes become delinquent April 1, Coral Gables Assistant Tax Collector T. H. Cleary warned Tuesday. Payments will be accepted without penalty through April 3, said Cleary, but a three percent penalty will be assessed after that date and until the May 26 tax sale. An approximate penalty of 10 percent is accrued if the sale lien is sold for non-payment. Personal property is subject to 1 percent penalty, plus collection fees, Cleary said.

Going Away? You Can Vote

If you will be out of town or physically unable to cast your ballot in the April 11 Coral Gables Municipal Election, you may still vote via absentee ballot. In order to do this, you must apply for an absentee ballot from the office of City Clerk Loretta Sheehy. Applications for the ballots will be received in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until April 5. If you cast your absentee ballot in person, you will have to do so before 5 p.m., April 6. Application for ballots by mail will be accepted until 5 p.m., April 6. The ballots must be returned by mail no later than 5 p.m., April 10.

Developer To Dig 20 Feet For Lakes

Developer Sol Rovin's plan to go down 20 feet in digging out two Hammock Oakes subdivision lakes got the blessing of the Coral Gables City Commission. Rovin had to get an okay from officials of nearby Fairchild Tropical Gardens to blast an additional five feet. He had previously received an okay to go 15 feet deep.

Jaycee Park Wins Pat From Commission

The Coral Gables Jaycees got a pat on the head from the City Commission Tuesday for their work in developing "Jaycee Park", located at Hardee Rd. and Caballero Blvd. Dedication was held Feb. 4 and the park opened officially.

Professional packers and wrappers for shipping or mailing. "The Barefoot Mailman", 234 Valencia Ave., Coral Gables Adv.

Malones Fine Watch Repairs— 6234 So. Dixie, So. Miami. Adv.

Ben is back at Ben's Shell Service Sta., 9330 So. Dixie. adv.