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The following STATEMENT OF BKLIEPS was issued on September 3,
1960, by the Democratic candidates for Florida Statewide
offices listed below. It is their pleeeure to make this copy
or the complete text available to you for DOrusal and
10! ONDCO .
Governor Farris Bryant
Secretary or State Ton Adena
Attorney General Richard V. Ervin
Comptroller Ray 8. Green
Treasurer J. Edwin Larson
Superintendent of Public Instruction Thomas D. Bailey
Comissioner of Agriculture Doyle 8. Conner
Railroad 8: Public Utilities Connissioner Edwin L. Hason
useful members of society.
AGRICUHIURB
Florida farmers, ranchers, and grove owners have enjoyed
a steady prosperity that is the envy of most other states. In
1959, for instance, Florida led all Southern states-~and use
fourth in the entire nation-~in total net agricultural income
on a dollars-per-farm basis. The state government always has
been sympathetic to the needs of the farmers. Under Democratic
leadership, it will continue to provide adequate funds for
research, marketing facilities, and for control of plant and
animal diseases and of pests. The reorganization of the
state's services to agriculture Just accomplished by Democratic
state officials and a Democratic Legislature, will enable the
Department of Agriculture to do an even better Job in the
future than it has in the past. He also propose to help both
farmers and consumers by improved marketing programs and
techniques.
PUBLIC HORKS
No area can hope to enjoy the continued growth to
which Florida looks forward without a dedicated effort to
fully develop its resources, yet to protect its wildlife and
its natural heritage. We, therefore, pledge ourselves to an
expanded program of highway development ultimately linking all
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sections of this state with a superior system of roads. The
further development of other public works essential for
transportation, communications, recreation, drainage, and
flood control in building a dynamic Florida designed to meet
the needs of the future, shall receive our enthusiastic
leadership and support.
HATER CONTROL
Florida has made great progress toward final solution
or one of its most vexing problems-~the control and beneficial
use of its water resources. Although Florida's requirements
in this field are far more complex than those of most states,
governments at all levels will continue to press forward until
the needs are met. It is becoming increasingly apparent that
even though many parts of this problem have been solved, an even
broader approach to it may be necessary in the future than in
the past.
MENTAL HEAUTH
Florida today is meeting its responsibilities to the
mentally ill, both adults and children. Since 1947, for instance,
hospitals for the adult mentally ill have been increased from
one to four, plus a rehabilitation center for alcoholics. Uhere
the state provided facilities for only 500 retarded children
in 1937, present capacity is 3,672. We do not propose to permit
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this program to retrogress. We recognize that as the
population of the state grows, additional facilities will
be needed. we propose to build these as needed.
HIGRHAY SAFETY
In a state like Florida, where resident and tourist
automobile traffic is increasing at a very rapid rate, highway
safety becomes a major problem. He have attacked the problem
on several fronts and are proud of the fact that the National
Safety Council has given recognition to the efforts that have
been made. We know that one of the surest and most effective
ways to make the highways safer is through strict enforcement
of the traffic laws. We, therefore, pledge ourselves through
the exercise of legislative initiative and executive leadership
to carry forward an aggressive program designed to insure
Florida's continued leadership in the matter of saving lives
through effective highway safety.
A GOVERNMENTAL TE Q§_PROGRESS
-.
Floridas unique system of checks and balances,
functioning in part through its elected and independent
Cabinet officers, has earned the confidence of Floridians,
both old and new, and of peeple throughout the nation. This
confidence in the integrity of Florida's government has
naturally helped attract the investment capital which is
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essential to economic expansion and growth and to general
crosperity.
The economic and social rminn mentioned briefly
here have been equalled or exceeded in numerous other respects
in recent years. In percentage increase in personal income,
for instance, Florida has been the consistent leader among the
states. In every field Florida's approach to government--the
conservative approach--has stimulated progress, has laid a
sound foundation for prosperity.
These, then, are the basic principles which guided a
succession of Democratic state officials and the continuing
Democratic legislative majorities as they developed the climate
of government in which Floridians generally bask today. We
expect, in the weeks to come. to discuss fully in every section
of the state the broad scope of government we have but touched
on here. We will talk about our record. We will discuss our
beliefs, for it is upOn these beliefs and with the solid
9 cknr- or this demonstrated record that we, the Florida
Democratic Candidates, ask all Floridians to grant us their
continuing support and to Join us in this Democratic crusade.
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A sum g1: BELIEFS
The Florida Democratic Candidates believe the time has
come for the people of our state to have before them a clear
enunciation of the beliefs and principles which have guided
Florida to leadership among the states of the nation. It is
upon this philosophy and upon this record of achievement that
we shall base our campaigns. he feel our beliefs are shared
by thoughtful citizens of all political faiths who are as
disturbed as we are by the steady, insidious growth of Federal
power and its arrogant disregard not only of the rights
guaranteed by the Constitution to the several states, but the
rights of the individual citizen as well.
First and foremost, we believe in conservative
government. To us, this type government is that which grants
to the individual a maximum of freedom with a minimum of
governmental c0ntrol. It is that which perpetuates a system
of checks and balances both functional and geographic and
which clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of the
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government
and by so doing emphasizes the separation of these powers and
responsibilities.
Conservative government is that which leaves to the
Federal government those powers and responsibilities intended
Similarly ,
it leaves to the states all powers not specifically granted
for it by the Constitution of the United States.
to the Federal government. It is under such government that
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local governmental units are free to exercise their inherent
rights to seek and attain solutions to their own problems.
We believe conservative government creates the climate
under which the individual is stimulated to make the maximum
contribution not only to the elevation of his own economic
status, but to the elevation of his community and of his state.
This approach opposes economic or social stagnation. It
stimulates solid, lasting progress.
To us, these beliefs are a rallying point around
which we gather--united to share with others throughout the
nation who adhere steadfastly to the states' rights philosophy
so eloquently enunciated by Thomas Jefferson--within the
framework of the Democratic Party to restore it nationally
to the principles upon which it was founded.
As Democrats, we believe Florida is in an ideal position
to lead this fight. There is abundant proof that our stable,
conservative government. embodying as it does at the state
level many of the philosophies expressed by the founders of
our country when they wrote the Constitution of the United
States, has helped rather than hindered the advances we have
made. This generation of Floridians has demonstrated that a
state can enjoy dynamic growth and prosperity without indulging
in radical economic or social governmental experimentation.
No state is marching forward in all fields at a faster rate
than Florida, yet no state has a more stable system of
government. Florida is dramatic proof that vigorous progress
can be achieved without sacrificing such cherished ideals as
the rights of the states. the separation of powers in government,
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and the individual liberties of the people.
As proof positive'or our intentions, we shall bring
to the people of Florida in the general election campaign now
beginning, a unified state campaign based upon these beliefs
and our pride that Florida's state government, under Democratic
leadership, has never once turned away from sound governmental
principles on the excuse of promoting prosperity thereby. We
have made all this progress in all these fields without our
courts attempting to usurp the functions of the legislative
branch. Nor has it been necessary or desirable to create a
super-state in Tallahassee to infringe on the rights of cities
and counties and or individual citizens.
We believe that Floridians from all walks or life will
Join with us in a campaign which will not only retain our
proven Democratic leadership in November, but which will
continue until our voices are clearly heard in the highest
councils of our party and the grasping fingers or Federal
intrusion are stilled.
In initiating this campaign we believe it is appropriate
that we should review our record of achievement and outline
our plans for making the Florida of tomorrow an even better
state than the Florida of today.
STATES RIGHTS
The best and most effective form or government is that
which is closest to the people. Our intention is to bring
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Florida's government closer to its people than ever before, and
to vigorously oppose Federal interference in state affairs.
We respectfully insist that the Federal Constitution,
and especially its Tenth Amendment, reserve to the states all
powers not specifically granted to the Federal government.
Nowhere in the Federal Constitution can be found authority for
the Federal government to control the educational systems of
the states. The Federal government has, as everyone knows,
trespassed ever-increasingly upon the domain of the states in
this field, as in others. we shall resist further such
intrusion in Florida and act with legal, honorable, and
constitutional means to retain our sovereignty.
Segregation is but a part of this most vital issue. We
are proud of the progress that has been made in Florida by
people of all races and creeds in this generation. We believe
in the protection of the lawful rights of all our citizens,
and we stand steadfastly for the maintenance of law and order
and will not tolerate violence in any form. We further believe
that the continuance of segregation in Florida, as demanded by
its traditions and community attitudes, is in the best interest
of both races and that within this policy opportunities exist
for all people to live in harmony and to establish for themselves
a place of honor and of dignity.
ECONOMY IN GOVERNMENT
Florida's state government has been financed at a
progressive level without any general increase in taxes for
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more than a decade. Pew it any other states can match this
record of honest, prudent financial management and responsibility.
We pledge ourselves to assuring that the taxpayer receive a
dollar or value for every dollar spent. We recognise that
Florida's continued growth will produce additional revenue
without any general tax increases. This is particularly true
if business activity is maintained at a high level. And we feel
certain that a continuation of stable, conservative government
under Democratic leadership will help generate this kind of
business activity.
TOURISM
Florida's government has played an important part in
helping build tourism to its present preeminent place among
the states. In the years ahead, government will continue to
assist this great industry through more promotion and through
expanded development or such recreational assets as our fine
system of parks and historical memorials.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT--LABOR RELATIONS
Florida has added new manufacturing plants in recent
years at a rate not exceeded by that of any other state.
These new plants have provided Jobs for our citizens and
added prosperity for all. And because the industrial
development program has been selective, the boom in manufacturing
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has not injured the great tourist industry in any way. The
overwhelming maJority of these plants, besides being clean
and attractive, pay above average wages to employees. We
pledge ourselves to renewed and intensified efforts to assist
existing industry and to encourage new industrial payrolls.
This will be done through promotion and through maintaining
the kind of friendly, stable governmental climate that is
attractive to industrialists and businessmen. We pledge
ourselves to encouraging the maintenance of the fine relations
which exist generally between labor and management in our
state .
GOVERNMENTAL REORGANIZATION
Although we are and have been completely committed to
the philosophy that government should be stable and conservative,
we also recognise that changing conditions require changing
procedures in order to best serve all the people. That is why
we have sponsored such progressive measures as the reorganization
of the state's services to agriculture, the creation of the
Division of Corrections. and the establishment of the Divisions
of Child Training and Mental Health. That is also why we have
initiated and supported construction of state office buildings--
branch capitole--in various maJor cities. This last step has
had the desirable effect of decentralizing state government from
Tallahassee and has in addition made it more convenient for
those citizens who need to transact business with different
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departments. We will continue our policy or bringing their
government as close to the people as possible.
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION
The Florida Democratic Candidates, while opposed to
change merely for the sake of change, are determined that our
Constitution shall be freed or the ambiguities, the obsolete
provisions, and the archaic language which presently confuses
readers. Certainly the people have a positive right to a
plain and clear statement or their basic law. The article-by-
srticle method of revision, established under Democratic
legislative leadership, holds out the best hope of achieving
this much-to-be-desired goal. Substantial progress already
has been made in working out the honest differences or opinion
among Floridians over the exact extent and wording of the
proposed changes.
UCAI ION
Florida's educational program has made gains not
exceeded by those of any other states. In excellence of and
number or qualified teachers, for example, Florida stands with
the best in the country. At present, 99.03 per cent of public
school teachers have bachelor's degrees or better, a higher
percentage than any other state in the Southeast. The schools,
both the public schools and the institutions or higher learning,
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have made great strides forward and will continue to improve
under Denocratic leadership. He recognize the continuing need
for quality education based on sound academic principles and
realistic procedures.
ISOISLATM APPORTIONMENT
He stand for fair apportionment of the Legislature. Our
party's nominee for Governor will bring specific recommendations
for accomplishing this to the Legislature at the time of its
convening. We are confident that this vexing problem, on which
men of good-will may sincerely disagree, will be resolved then.
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Florida has taken its place in the front rank of progressive
states in its program for rehabilitation of those who have broken
the laws of society. A new Division of Corrections has been
creatd and an excellent system of separating first offenders
from hardened criminals has been installed. Educational programs
have been improved at correctional institutions, so it is
possible for inmates to receive the equivalent of a high school
education. Although great progress has been achieved in the
field of correctional institutions and programs, we feel that
Florida can and will make even greater strides in this field.
We are especially interested in strengthening those programs
designed to rehabilitate offenders so they can again become
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PAGE 1
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local governmental units are free to exerelse their inherent rights to seek and attain solutions to their own problems. We believe conservative government creates the climate ander which the individual 16 stimulated to make the Taximum contribution not only to the elevation of blS osn eConomic -th. -.le '.v -I Iunt T.... .proc .poe ......o col1 b.mlae -1, 1 tngpoges -ithn .-I
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more than a decade, Paw if any o record of honest, prudent finance we pledge ourselves to assuring dollar of value for every dollar Florida's continued growth will without any general tax increase if business activity is maintain certain that a continuation of s under Democratic leadership will business activity. th 1tste iat, t Flrd' oeneth.. l ..lin .u ....is t ..t rsn te tte .In ..... y ..... .a, o --idthsgea rdutythdg .xp-d. d eomn fsc era Fod h.. -ddnwan featuring plants in recent hat of any other state. be for our citizens and cause the industrial etive, the boom in manufacturing
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