The Times

in the opinion of the times/guide . . . These men and women are motivated to serve

We're not in the business of trying to pick winners when it comes to editorial endorsements. We simply try to select the individual we feel would best serve the public if elected. A candidate's viability and vote-getting power is not a factor that influences us. Incumbency, strong name-recognition, healthy campaign finances, endorsements by other organizations do not contribute to our decisions. So what criteria do we employ? In the tangible column — qualifications, education, civic involvement, track record (for incumbents and those who have held previous elective office). And one intangible — motivation. Why does a person seek public office? Is it a desire to serve or a need for personal agrandizement? All those we endorse here have been interviewed. The vast majority of those whose names don't appear, we have spoken to as well. Metro Mayor Incumbent Steve Clark is our choice here. While he's upset us as many times as he's pleased us over the years, from among the trio seeking the mayor's post, he alone is qualified to do the job. We only hope that, should he win, he will look past downtown Miami and see the many needs of South Dade. County Commission District One: Barry Schrieber impresses us with his sound ideas on growth and his open-mindedness toward solving Dade's transportation problems. District Two: Tom Ricketts is sincere in his desire to do what is sensible and economical to alleviate traffic woes and water worries in Dade. And with campaign contributions totalling a meager $500, his integrity cannot be impeached. District Three: Wellington Rolle won't take a back seat if elected to the commission, something we and he feels the incumbent has done. He will act aggressively in the best interests of his constituency. District Four: Charlie Allen, former Biscayne Park commissioner, has the experience, intelligence and wit to serve Dade well. It's time, he feels, for the county to raise home construction to the top of the priority list as an answer to high unemployment. District Five: Harvey Ruvin should be re-elected. He has shown strong leadership in his current term and his fair and open approach to key issues is impressive. District Six: James Redford is an unchallenged authority when it comes to Dade's water problems. His opponent is not off base pointing out that Redford's expertise in other areas is shallow, but water is where we need the expert now. District Seven: Tom Holland thinks West Dade needs a new face championing its needs. We do, too. The incumbent has often been brusk and unfeeling in her dealings with West Dade residents. She's worked hard, but not always in their best interests. District Eight: Sara Weitzel is, as the ad says, "like a breath of fresh air." The incumbent has provided little but hot air for her South Dade constituents. Mrs. Weitzel is less parochial than the other challengers, an asset when dealing with major issues. But her heart, as well as home, is in her district, which is where it should be. School Board District Three: Ethel Beckham is the clear choice. Her opponent feels teachers should be "entertainers." Mrs. Beckham simply feels that teachers should teach. District Five: Phyllis Miller says figures "speak" to her. She understands the complex realm of the massive School Board budget and we need her strong expertise in that area. At large One: Annette Eisenberg's energy and drive can be an asset to the board. She is concerned with all facets of education and favors placing the accent on the elementary level. At-large Two: Miguel Gonzalez is at peace with himself, but not with the way our schools are currently managed. He sees a need for reinforcing a student's cultural identity and individuality as a key to removing barriers to learning. Florida Senate District 39: Vernon Holloway has spent two years in the upper chamber, and he's had to combat the traditional resentment that greets one who comes over from the House. But he has overcome that obstacle and should become a strong voice for Dade over the next four years. Florida House District 109: Incumbent Joe Gersten is unquestionably the choice in this race. He's been cited as abrasive and unyielding in his approach to the playing of politics, but he's committed to the idealistic goal of stopping the practice of trading in people's rights and needs simply for the sake of compromise. District 110: Jim Beck is a unique blend of youth and conservatism, a combination that his district should appreciate. He has campaigned hard on a person-to-person, rather than mass media basis, and it's shown us just how hard he'll work if elected. District 111: Dr. Marvin Dunn is a professor, not a politician, and his quest for elective office is a real one, not a classroom exercise. Coconut Grove needs a voice in Tallahassee. His is the one that should be heard. District 113: Robert Hosman has spoken out against violence in our schools and received much publicity in the process, but he is not a one-issue candidate. He shows a depth of knowledge and concern in other areas. Frank Diaz-Silveira is our Republican choice in the only primary matchup for the GOP. He is a Coral Gables attorney and would like to see the state law requiring mandatory automobile insurance removed. District 114: John McDermott's potential to serve the people of his district is an unknown quantity, but so are the accomplishments of the incumbent. A change of pace and a new face are needed here. District 115: Harvey Goldstein is an articulate spokesman for the rights of the individual. He is incensed at laws made to protect people from themselves and wants to decriminalize victimless crimes. His sincerity and conviction is also directed toward preserving the environment. District 118: Jerry Jaski is an attorney but his expertise extends into the field of health care, a matter of import to South Dade. He should do a good job of bringing visible representation to a district that has for too long been lacking in that area. District 119: George Milhet, like the incumbent, is a former restaurateur. But unlike the incumbent, Milhet has an idea that, if realized, could be a boom to homeowners. His plan: No increase in property assessments for home improvements (pools, additions, etc.), until the home changes hands. Circuit Court Group #11: Gerald Wetherington | Group #6: Herbert Stettin | Group #7: G. Milton Rubin | Group #8: Richard Fink County Court Group #6: Harvey L. Goldstein | Group #8: Marshal Ader | Group #17: Richard Schwartz | Group #18: Steven Robinson