The Times

6 TIMES/GUIDE Weekend of May 22/23, 1976

opinion

editorials commentary letters

Sign of the times?

Merchants in South Miami are understandably upset with a year-old but only recently effective city ordinance that sets limitations on signs businesses can display to advertise their wares. If the law is enforced, officials estimate that nearly half the signs in South Miami will have to either be altered or removed. The law's intent is basically sound - an attempt to eliminate visual pollution, to curb the honky-tonk atmosphere that a string of flashing neon lights can produce. But the law is a little late. South Miami's council is attempting to govern by hindsight, to legislate by afterthought. The very authority that granted permits to businesses, allowing them to advertise their stores with signs, is now demanding they be taken down. Store owners are threatening to sue if the city presses its case. They would like to see a grandfather clause added to the sign ordinance. The council has fought that concept and countered with an offer to extend the deadline for compliance another year or two. We feel the proper course for the city is to grandfather in existing business signs, with the condition that if a business changes hands, a new owner would have to comply with the law. Anything short of that and the council will find itself in a legal battle it will be hard put to finance.

Truth about crime

If you watch enough TV news, you'll come away thinking crime is on the decline. For the first third of this year, statistics bear that out - but the figures newscasters talk about relate to crime in Miami. That's not South Dade - your neighborhood, your business - to which the percentages of murder, rape and armed robbery refer. Crime in South Dade is anything but down, and you don't need a stack of police reports and a calculator to figure it out. The best indicator of the current crime situation is the rise of citizen groups formed to aid police in combatting crime. Crimewatch is well-organized in Coral Gables and in its infancy but growing fast in South Miami. Farther south, a program dubbed CRIMP (Citizens Radio Motor Patrol) has been born, employing taxi drivers, FPL and Southern Bell workers to alert police to crimes they may observe. Even nurserymen have banded together to form a group for added self-protection against thieves. To us, those are indicators of increased criminal activity. Fortunately, such activity also indicates increased concern and a willingness to aid police on the part of South Dade residents.

Nothing stood in Harms' way while putting together '1776'

bea moss About a year ago, A. Louise Harms decided she wanted the kids in Dade County High Schools to do something for the bicentennial that was over and above the call of duty. The coordinator of Dade schools bicentennial project, Ms. Harms came up with the musical comedy, "1776" which is a loose adaptation of how John Adams tried to get approval of the Declaration of Independence. Right away people started telling her that she had bitten off more than she could chew. But being a self-proclaimed "cockeyed optimist" she plowed ahead, getting permission from all the right people, winning some, losing some, until her exuberance overwhelmed just about everyone and the project was assured. Casting for the show began last September and hundreds of high school students competed for everything from lead roles to behind the scenes jobs. Sponsored jointly by Dade Schools and the Bicentennial Committee, "1976" personnel began rehearsals in earnest the beginning of May at Ponce Junior High School in the Gables. Besides the great number of South Dade high school youngsters who are involved in he project, a number of teachers from South Dade schools are lending their talents to the production. It's probably the total involvement that pleases Ms. Harms the most. The kids get along, they're immersed in a professional dramatic experience, and because rehearsals and the show will take up most of every day during the summer, a quinmester credit can be attained. Not only that, but two scholarships will be in the wings for a couple of deserving students. For a short time, it looked as though lack of money was going to keep the production from getting on the boards for of course there are royalties, costumes, renting a hall and other major and minor money problems. Burdines came up with a large donation but just when it seemed as though it would not be enough, the Coca Cola Company came up with a large chunk of cash. Now what lies ahead for these dedicated combination acting-history buffs and their mentors? Excerpts from the show at various happenings in Dade, and participation in the dedication of Miami's Bicentennial Park on July 4. The show will open on Thursday, July 8 and run every day but Sunday through July 16, including matinees some days. Everyone has gotten so involved in this huge project that the enthusiasm seems to be boundless. There's talk of taking the show on the road and a possibility that they may perform in Philadelphia or Washington with perhaps... just perhaps... President Ford in attendance. It's a fact. They've got the spirit. And when the curtain goes up on "1776" at 8 p.m., on Thursday, July 8 at Gusman Hall, you'll be able to see for yourself that everyone involved is an honest to goodness Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Small, Thomas shouldn't be compared

reader response EDITOR: In reply to your editorial of May 15/16, I feel the time has come for someone more closely affected by the so-called Small/Thomas "Sex Scandal" be allowed to air their thoughts. As the wife of Mr. Thomas, who could be more closely affected? In many respects, the statements made in your editorial are understandable. To the disinterested bystander who is only aware of the information provided by the media, your stand on equal justice for both men seems plausible. However, the circumstances involved in these cases are quite different. A grave injustice has been done in linking these situations together in the first place. Mr. Small's situation was brought about by his actions and the actions of another consenting adult more than three years ago. The accusations made against Mr. Thomas arose in May of last year and involved an occurrence which allegedly took place only days before. The two cases cannot be compared. Furthermore, Mr. Small and the other party involved in his case both admitted to the acts of which they were accused. Mr. Thomas, by the same token, has not only declared himself innocent of the accusations against him, but has passed a lie-detector test given by Mr. George Slattery, one of the two best-qualified polygraph experts in this country. Questions for this polygraph test were prepared with the approval and full knowledge of the State Attorney's office in discussions with Mr. Slattery, and fully covered the scope of the situation. This test in itself was an ordeal of some five hours duration, in which the subject is asked the most intimate questions, calling for the complete exposure of the individual's most private thoughts and feelings, an experience the average man is never called upon to endure. This, of course, was only a small part of the physical and emotional endurance my husband and family have had to face in this last year. My husband has been employed by the City of Coral Gables for 24 years. During this time, his jobs have required him to enter and inspect most private residences and commercial buildings in this city, meeting and dealing with people in many situations with no prior question of either his character or employment qualifications. The question of equal justice within the City of Coral Gables should apply as justice has applied always in the United States of America. "A man is innocent until proven guilty." Until an admission or proof of guilt, the call for dismissal of a city employe who is doing and has always done a more than satisfactory job for his employer and his city and its residents should remain unanswered. MRS. JOE THOMAS

Like a good neighbor

EDITOR Thank you so much for printing my letter about "Be King to Animals." There were only a few lines here and there in The Herald and a bit on TV so I am glad that you were kind enough to mention. It seems that we animals lovers are in the minority in Dade County, but we try. The Times/Guide helps so much to better conditions in Coral Gables and Southwest Dade by bringing our problems before the public with editorials, articles and letters from readers. It's like a good neighbor! PAULINE JOHNSON

School funds worthwhile

EDITOR: Please let me add my voice to that of Mr. Kamp and the others who have written to encourage the support of our Evening Community School system. The amount being considered ($15,000) as serving to co-sponsor a segment of this activity is modest, in my opinion, when considered in the light of community service to be gained. My wife and I can speak with first hand knowledge as ones who participate in the program. We are enriched by it and most grateful for the opportunity it represents. We hope that this valuable community asset will find the support it richly deserves. C. A. TAYLOR, JR. Development Director Palmer School 7900 SW 176th St.

the gables publishing company

serving south dade and coral gables since 1926 jim storey general manager bea moss managing editor gary gibbs news editor carole myers advertising manager bill mc hugh circulation address: 4627 ponce de leon blvd. coral gables, fla 33146 telephone: 666-7461