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Poor planning

There's an old saying about not putting the cart before the horse. Dade County planners might do well to remember that. Metro planners, after an extensive study, have recommended that more than 1,400 acres of land south of Cutler Ridge be changed from agricultural to urban use. The planned change could lure at least 14,000 new residents into the area. But in the same study and almost in the same breath, the planners admit that police protection and educational facilities are presently inadequate to meet the influx caused by more urban development in the area. And, they note, there are no plans to build enough schools or add enough policemen to the force. So the question is, how can competent planners recommend that an area's density and population be increased, knowing full well that vital public services cannot be provided to meet that increase ? The planners reason that the change is inevitable since the land is wedged between two growing urban areas, Cutler Ridge to the north and Homestead to the south. But that's not a valid reason. Anything is inevitable if allowed to happen. And it should be noted that the study was undertaken after a construction company asked Metro to rezone 80 acres in the northeast corner of the parcel. We're not saying that this was the reason why the planners made their recommendation, but we would like to think that the county planners will show the same consideration to the residents in the area by withholding their recommendation until there are positive plans to upgrade the public services in the area. It might also save our planners the embarrassment of being kicked in the rear by a horse that's put after the cart.

Drinkers note

People drink, they say, because of social pressures, to ease tension, pain, worry and inferiority, among other things. And they drink to celebrate. Drinking to welcome in the New Year is on of one of the biggest celebrations there is. And that's when the police get worried even if the drinker is not. Dennis Koronkiewicz of the Coral Gables Police Department, tells us that, "if you have a party, you are somewhat liable for the people that leave your party. You have a moral and legal responsibility for your guests." He suggests, as do other police officers, if you consider a guest to be unable to drive safely, offer to pay his taxi fare home. The police should know what they're talking about. They answer far too many accident calls on New Year's Eve. Don't put a permanent end to your celebrating.

the gables publishing company

serving south dade and coral gables since 1926 jim storey general manager bea moss managing editor bob levine advertising manager bill mc hugh circulation manager address: 4627 ponce de leon blvd. coral gables, fla. 33146 telephone: 666-7981

The best Present SM has ever had?

EDITOR: Until almost two years ago the City of South Miami had been plagued by incredible maladministration. Embezzlement, laziness and general lack of understanding the business of operating a two to three million dollar budgeted municipality, caused a constant turn-over of city managers. My tolerance for shenanigans and sheer ineptness has a particularly low boiling point when it causes the waste of city tax funds. I know how difficult it is for a large segment of our 4,000 taxpaying population to meet even justifiable taxes. I am also aware that the services' that these taxes purchase must be the best possible. In the past they were almost intolerable. In April of 1975, this city hit high yield administrative ore in the person of Jack Present, our city manager. This man, in less than two years has completely reversed the trend from fiscal and operating slovenliness to an extremely high service per dollar operating cost. With the close cooperation of another high caliber performer, our finance director, Charles Stamm and other loyal aides, he has been putting together a team of which he can be proud. Making his official daily rounds from 7 to 7:30 a.m., covering every facet of the city operations and working many late hours, he has won the respect of employes who are now reaching out to gain the highest possible marks. No details of citizens' concerns are too small to reach his personal attention and action. I recall an automotive ad of many years ago, describing piston rings as "tough, but oh so gentle." It is an apt description of Jack Present. Where, in these times, do you ever recall a man, who when faced with preparing a budget with an almost mandatory built in cost-of-living increase for every employe, declaring that in his case he would not accept an increase because "the city is paying me all that you can afford." However, Jack Present is plagued, as are other administrators with some hard facts of their professions. Some operate without contracts and are, thereby, at times, subjected to the whims and purposes of individual politicians who attempt to mold them to their wishes, contrary to the rigid rules delineating their authorities. There is sometimes the implied threat that a majority of the Council may be used to remove them. This uncertainty contains the seeds of discontent and adds to the high rate of change among the more conscientious managers. In our present case, we have tested an extraordinarily talented man for almost two years and by almost unanimous agreement have found his performance to be superior. My strong suggestion would be to tender him a contract for a minimum of two years with the usual contractural safeguards built in for the protection of the city and the employe. Knowing this man, confidence and not salary would be the prime consideration. I can't resist the temptation to say that this man is the best Present this city has ever received. BERT ALBERT 5951 SW 83rd St.

Narrow CG residential streets not designed for through traffic

(Editor's note: This is a copy of a letter sent to the Mayor of Coral Gables.) Dear Mayor Knight: As Coral Gables residents on Obispo, my family and neighbors are concerned that the cul-de-sac proposed for Alhambra will shift additional motorists to use Obispo as a thruway from Granada and Red Road. The restrictions that were enacted several months ago have already added increased congestion as traffic jogs from Alhambra at Granada to Obispo and vice-versa. We believe that further restriction of through traffic on Alhambra will make thoroughfares out of streets like Obispo which were not designed for this purpose. Additional traffic on this narrow street is unsafe and undesirable. We seek your consideration of our problem as you resolve the Alhambra traffic situation. Possibly eliminating the left turn onto Obispo going North onto Granada from 4-7 p.m., would help or, adding several four way stops on Obispo. Your attention to this matter is appreciated. JAMES R. BERLIN 1013 Obispo Ave.

Tax dollars are wasted on study

EDITOR: It makes one wonder about the people we vote to represent us in Congress and spend our tax dollars. It appears that the Congress is ready to waste 6 1/2 million dollars to investigate the deaths of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. I resent the waste of my tax dollars on such a project, and we should let these dead men rest in peace. I realize that many persons disagree with my opinion, and they wish for a new investigation. This is fine, but I say let them contribute the 6 1/2 million dollars rather than take the funds from the U.S. Treasury. This appears to be a relief measure for unemployed attorneys. The way to stop such a waste of your tax funds is to write to Senators Chiles and Stone and your member of the House of Representatives. WILLIAM R. ANGLE 15600 SW 77th COURT

Letters welcome

The Times/Guide welcomes letters and commentary on matters of local interest and import. Letters submitted must be signed to be considered for publication, but names will be withheld upon request. Letters may be edited on the basis of space considerations.