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The LeRoy Collins Platform:
10 Keys to Floridas Future
1. Clean; Efficient. Econogicigvernment at
Mew '
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I will not tolerate graft, corruption or dishonest ,
practices of any kind or degree.
I will not hesitate to suspend. on grounds specied in
the Constitution. state or county oicials whose suspen-
sion appears justied after full and fair public hearings.
To protect any such omcials against abuse of the execu-
tive power of suspension. such hearings will be required
except in cases of great emergency.
I will work with the Attorney General and local law
enforcement ofcials in the development of an eective
program. free of politics, for combating crime which
crosses county lines or requires technical help beyond
local resources. The establishment of inter-county sys~
terns of communications for anti-crime work also will
prove of great value. I will see to it that state agencies
play their proper roles in a coordinated law enforcement
program. with competent and adequate manpower.
I will oppose legalization of any new form of gambling.
I will insist that presently legalized pari-mutuel wagering
be conducted under the cleanest possible conditions, with
the return to the state maintained at a fair and adequate
level through sound tax laws and strict enforcement of
laws against illegal betting.
Our government must be clean, by. both legal
admit}. Where loopholes B'vTe-r' Fir
Ma; an?!~ make prosecution difficult, I
will seek to have the laws strengthened. This ap
plies to the numbers or bolita racket which in
still a very real problem in some sections of our
state. It also applies to a wide range of other crim-
inal statutes. including the law against sale of
liquor to minors. I will join in seeking solutions to
juvenile delinquency and sex crimes.
I will not tolerate waste. A bill which I sponsored to
passage by the Senate last year proposed creation of a
State Governmental Reorganization Council with the
purposes of reducing expenditures and increasing em-
ciency through consolidation of state agencies having
similar functions and abolishment of non-essential agen-
cies. Elimination of overlapping is needed particularly
64 OAPITAL ralu'rm. me.
Published by Collins for Governor State Headquarters
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in the elds of state tax collections; Inspection services.
conservation of natural resources. agricultural services.
and penal administration. I will cooperate with the Leg-
islative Council and other appropriate bodies in achieving
concrete results along these lines.
Boards regulating the professions and other occupa-
tional groups in our state should serve these groups but
also protect the public. It is this obligation to the public
which alone can justify their existence. Members of
these boards should be qualied by experience and train-
ing and not political favoritism.
I favor the sound use of the Purchasing Council. es-
tablished by the last Legislature. to determine standards
and maximum prices for state purchases and require
competitive bidding. I will oppose the use of public funds
for propaganda promoting oice holders .or political
programs.
For public employment to attract and hold citi-
clent personnel, the pay must be fair. I naturally
will pursue a Budget Commission investigation
looking to establishment of a uniform personnel '
system for our state. This investigation was auth-
orized by a bill which I sponsored. State employees
who are performing needed services and doing
their jobs well should have merit system protection
against political reprisals. I will continue my work ,
for improvement of our retirement systems.
I will seek the abolishment of the fee system as a
basis for compensating county ofcials and the establish-
ment of a salary schedule reasonable to ofcials and
taxpayers.
Government is no better than the people who admin-
ister it. All appointments made by me to serve in state
or local omce will be men or women of the highest char-
acter and ability.
2. Constitutional Revision
Our Constitution of 1885 badly needs a general over-
hauling. Any such revision, however. should be subject
to a nal approval vote of the people and our Constitu-
tion as it now stands does not so require.
I oer this plan to get the job done in the two-year
term:
I (a) Passage by the 1955 Legislature of an emergency
amendment to the present Constitution proposing cre-
ation of a Constitutional Commission to be appointed
jointly by the Governor. Chiet Justice, Senate President
and House Speaker;
(b) A special election on this amendment in the fall
of 1955;
(c) The drafting of a new Constitution by the Com-
mission withln approximately six months. and at least
as long for public study;
(d) A vote by the people at the general election in J
November 1956 on the Constitution thus proposed. a,
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The amendment creating the Commission must pro-
vide for retention of such basic policies of thestate as
homestead exemption. the prohibitions against state
bonds and income tax. legislative authority to distribute
pari-mutuel tax revenue to the counties as at present,
and constitutional security for school building bonds and
other existing obligations.
No Governor should attempt to dictate a new Consti-
tution. but there are certain elds in which the needs
for revision are clear. These includeand I favor:
(a) A new plan for successorship to the office of the
Governor in the event of the Governors death or dis-
ability;
(b) Legislative mpportionment with a fairer distri-
bution of representation to the more populous areas;
(c) Elimination of the local bill evil from the Legis-
lature and establishment of a sound system of Home
Rule; !
((1) Restriction of executive sessions at the Senate
and a clear statement of the broad policy or the state
requiring open meetings of all public bodies;
( e) Reorganization of our courts. now under contin-
uing study by the Judicial Council, the establishment of
which I sponsored in the 1953 Session;
(1) Removal of pardon powers from politics and the
development of a coordinated penal system;
i g) Reorganization of executive departments. where
constitutional revision is necessary to achieve consolida-
tions. economy and eificlency:
(h) Creation of a State Tax Authority to eliminate
inequities in assesments; and
(i) Creation of a State Department of Labor, espe-
cially now that the Federal Govemment is considering
abrogating to the states some of its jurisdiction in dealing
with labor relations matters.
To me it seems establishment of the elective oilice of
Lieutenant Governorthe Officeholder to preside over
the Senateshould be considered with relation to both
legislative and executive reforms, as well as in answer to
the successorship question.
The question of a constitutional provision for the
Legislature to call itself into session also should be
studied with great care. I was the cosponsor last year
of a proposed Constitutional Amendment. which the
people will vote on this November. allowing the Legis-
lature to extend its regular sessions by as much as 30
days. not necessarily consecutive. If this amendment is
adopted. the Legislature likely will be in session through
a large part of legislative years. The alternate years are
election years. when legislators seeking reelection might
be subject to pressure from special groups wanting spe-
cial sessions to gain special benefits. The danger. how-
ever. might be minimized by excluding appropriation
and tax matters from any self-started session.
The emotional view we now take of constitutional
contusion, revealed by the loss or a great Governor and
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by the dictatorial seizure of power which followed. should
not attract us to hurried changes embodying possible
greater evils. We must use the interest now aroused to
eect sound. carefully planned revision of our Consti-
tution. This I propose to do. with the help of the
Citizens Constitution Committee and other interested
organizations.
3. Better Educational Facilities and Opportunities
My record proves my conviction that education is one .
of those foundation elds in which we build a better state.
a better future. It is the meeting of a responsibility to
our children and a good business investment as well. .
Gains under the Minimum medation Program must
be protected against undermining amendments and ex-
tended beyond the minimum. An adequate program
should now be our goal. The state and counties must
share the nancial burden as the ability of each allows.
Adequate ftmds must provide:
(a) To handle Floridas constantLv rising school en-
rollment:
(b) To pay better salaries so that the teaching pro-
fmion will attract capable young people and hold good
teachers;
to) To grant sufficient scholarships;
(d) To furnish necessary administrative and clerical
services;
(e) To give pupils all the clinical, guidance and other
special services necessary for their progress and welfare:
(f) To construct adequate and well designed school
buildings:
(3) To make available sufficient textbooks, library
materials and other necessary tools for both pupils and
teachers: and
(h) To arrange an adequate school lunch program.
I will work with the Board of Control on a long-range
program for the development of our univerm'ties to meet
the higher learning demands of a growing and progres:
sive state. The adequate training of leadershipfor in-
dustry. agriculture. the professions and governmentis
essential. and in no sense a luxury. As my record shows.
I favor the completion of the Medical School at the
University of Florida and state support for the Medical
School at the University of Miami.
Full advantage should be taken of our opportunities
in the fields of educational television and adult educa-
tion. Our vocational rehabilitation opportunities also are
challenging, and these services should be expanded.
4. Improved Labor. Health and Welfare Standards
In revising the Constitution to make provision for a
department of labor. we must not contemplate the state
entering into any phase of labor-management relations.
with a punitive attitude toward either employers or em-
ployees.
I do not regard cheap labor as an attraction to
newindush'ics. 0nthecontrary,lthh1kFlorldas
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industrial and commercial development, its overall
growth will come more rapidly and more soundly
with payment of good wages, with assurance of
safe working conditions, with the promise of life
in pleasant, healthy wmmunities offering good
schools and the other attractions of good
government.
Important to the state as a whole and a proper eld
for state encouragement and cooperation is the solution
of such local problems as planning. industrial waste,
sewage disposal and drainage. I provided leadership in
the Senate last year for a state program of mosquito
eradication and research, and I recognize the importance
of carrying this program forward.
We must continue the progressive approach which in
recent years has carried Florida to the forefront in pub-
lic health work. particularly in reducing communicable
disease, maternal and infant death rates. and in devel-
oping county health departments.
I want Florida to make further progress in
other fields, particularly in our cancer clinics; in
diabetes control: and in mental health by the
operation of regional hospitals for the insane and
expansion of our preventive program through dis-
trict psychiatric clinics and a more intensive pro-
gram of training and research. I will propose a
.study looking to humane care of the senile.
As a sponsor of Florida's rst old age assistance pro-
gram. I have long been on record in favor of a sound
and adequate welfare prosram. The state should do
its utmost in the four elds of Federal aidto the aged.
to the blind. to dependent children and to the disabled.
In the 1953 Legislature I sponsored the bill which sought
to bring Florida for the rst time into the aid-to-disabled
program. These programs should. be administered
soundly. courteoust and with fairnessvto both the indi-
viduals entitled to assistance and the taxpayers.
5. Conservation and Restoration of Natural
Resources:
No state has a greater stake in this eld than Florida.
As the legislative sponsor of the State Board of Parks
and Historic Memorials. I naturally favor making more
parks enjoyable to more people. I favor expansion of
the Everglades National Park to its fullest useful extent,
with a West Coast as well as an East Coast entrance.
We have a twoold water problemtoo much and
too little. I will exert every effort to get completion of
the South and Central Florida ood control project. I
will urge scientic development and conservation of our
fresh water supply.
Our forest opportunities should be developed
effectively, not only {or beauty but also to keep
wood-consuming industries adequately supplied.
The state should head local public interest in the dis-
position of submerged lands. The beauty of our inland
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waterways should be protected. their usefulness devel-
oped. The maintenance of adequate public beaches is
of prime importance.
1 will make appointments assuring non-political
handling of the work of the Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission. I advocate the bringing of millions of addi-
tional acres under game management. opening more
lands and more lakes to public hunting and shing.
Hyacinth control must be expanded.
Our opportunities in the field of salt water
conservation and development are practically un-
limited. I am hopeful that the interim study oi
this field authorized by the last legislature will
point the way to sound, tar-reaching progress.
The eld of conservation offers one of our greatest
opportunities for consolidation of activities, for settle-
ment of conflicts. We must recognize the economic value
of commercial shing to the state and encourage its de-
velopment short of interference with sports shing. which
is one of our greatest pleasures and greatest assets.
6. Agricultural and Industrial Research and De-
velopment:
We must step up and coordinate our efforts to make
more land more protsny productive and to provide
more Jobs for more people.
I will look to those actively engaged in such agricul-
tural pursuits as citrus, vegetable and livestock growing
for leadership and advice on policies aecting their
interests.
I will urge adequate financing of practical re-
search and experimentation in both agricultural
and industrial iields.
I will cooperate with the Inter-American Cmmcil in
the development of a cultural and trade center and with
any similar groups sponsoring projects which give prom-
ise of adding strength and balance to our state.
7. Highways Adequate to Meet Proven Needs:
Florida faces no greater. no more urgent problem
than the inadequacy of its primary or arterial highways.
Promises alone will not make them wider. smoother or
safer. In fact. we must make an entirely new approach.
eliminating political considerations and spending our
road money where established needs require.
1 recommend that the state discontinue the
policy of dividing primary road money according to
Road Board district lines, based on old congres-
sional districts which have little or no relation to
existing requirements. I will urge legal designa-
tion of a state arterial system Joining population
centers. Provision should be made for ultimate
reasonable limited access features on highways
within this system. '
I also will seek to insure long-range programming of
road construction by having terms or Road Board mem-
bers staggered so that "an entire board is not displaced
at the start of each Governors term and by protecting
career personnel from political pressures. Staggered terms
are also important in view of various bond programs.
including those for the Lower Tampa Bay Bridge. the
Jacksonville Expressway. the Manatee. Sarasota. Martin
and Broward bridges.
Such reforms will correct abuses which have made it
necessary for us to look to a toll road for early solution
of at least our north-south through tramc problem. The
results of changing our ways will not be felt in time to
enable us to delay the turnpike. The authorized part of
it should be started now. and, realizing that any toll
road financing rests on a determination of feasibility. I
will urge the Legislature to authorize full-length exten-
sion. The route of a turnpike of any length is not for
the Governor to decide. but I believe a Central Florida
route offers the best overall solution. I favor a cross-
state spur to the Tampa Bay areasfree if possible.
I do not see a turnpike as eliminating the need
lor adequate free highways. I favor it only as the
earliest possible answer to an urgent problem. and
as an ultimate generator of additional, traffic. I
naturally prefer free highways. 1 will pursue the
McCarty Administration program of full four-
ianing of U. 8. l. the need for which is obvious.
Four ianing is a necessity on many other highways
in all sections of the state. There are other equally
clear needs including completion of the Jackson-
ville Expressway and closing of the gap between
'the Gulf Coast Highway and the Lower Tampa Bay
Bridge. I will carry forward as speedily as possible
these and similar programs to which the state has
been committed. All such commitments can be met
within a reasonable time only by adopting reforms
suchaslproposeorsuchaswillresultfroma
current study by the Legislative Council.
The need for a sound farm-to-market or secondary
road program is vital. These roads serve not only our
agricultural and commercial 'needs but also serve as
essential feeders for our arterial system. I favor con-
tinuing the policy of allowing county commission review
of secondary road projects.
A completely revised State Road Department law
should prohibit the letting of contracts in excess of cash
available within the construction period. I will oppose
any general state-wide bond program for highway con-
struction. ,
8. Effective Highway Safety Program:
We must do more than deplore deaths and injuries in
automobile accidents. We must develop a positive pro-
gram around the three Es of highway safety: Enforce-
ment. Education and Engineering.
I propose expanding the Highway Patrol suf-
ficiently to assure complete and effective patrol
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work. Lower automobile insurance rates would
more than offset the cost.
I will advocate uniform traffic regulations and de-
vices. not only to avoid confusion but also to combat
speed traps. I will advocate periodic reexaminations to
get unsafe drivers off the highways and strict law
enforcement to eliminate the repeaters and drunken
drivers from the highways.
Instruction in safe driving should be given every boy
and girl in our public schools.
Our roads should be carefully engineered for safety.
9. Aggressive Campaign to Promote Plorda's
Tourist Business:
The appropriation for the State Advertising
Commission must be regarded as insufficient as
long as the state can get more than an offsetting
return on its investment.
We must be alert to new and proper ideas for at-
tracting and entertaining visitors. summer and winter.
Our accommodations. our activities, our parks. our roads.
our government. our hospitality must not disappoint
them. Wherever possible, we must coordinate our ap-
peals and our events. In this. I will provide leadership '
and encourage active state participation when practicable.
I will devote active attention to programs de-
signed to attract retired persons to Florida and
to regulations aimed at protecting them against
abuses and disappointments.
10. No Additional Taxes
We can make the progress envisioned in this platform
without adding to the tax burden because Florida is a
growing state. Especially since enactment of the sales
taxas unpleasant as the necessity for this broadening
of our tax base wasour revenue from existing sources
has grown space with the demands of a bigger and
better state.
We canand we shouldalways consider correction
of inequities in our tax structure. thereby easing the bur- .
den where it is unfair.
Just as we must protect state tax sources
against federal encroachment, we must assure fair
and adequate sources of revenue to our cities and
counties. The property tax field has been left to
them. In view of their present heavy reliance on
state aid for certain functions, the state has a duty
to all its taxpayers to make provisions for the
use of standard uniform assessment policies by the
respective counties.
Especially with the achievement of economy and ef-
ficiency in state government and with home rule offering
the same opportunity in local government. I am condent
we can carry Florida forward without additional taxes.
With all the energy and ability at my comand, with
constructive leadership. with stable government, I will
do Just that. t
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The LeRoy Collins Platform: 10 Keys to Florida's Future 1. Clean. Efficient, Econormical Government at All Levels: I will Cot orlerte graft, corruptiao or dishonest practices of any kind or degree. u will hot hitate to susPend on ground Pecifid I. the Conutitutn, state or toity efeklels alone urupencrn apers usIfred t ater full and fair Public hearings. To protect any such effalse sagauntl abuse of the execuiive power of aursenIlon, such hearings ill be required ascePt in cases of great emergency. I will wank with the Attorney General and leal law enforcmrn ffcieas in the drol.oRpmnt of an effuetice paogra, rof puetau, for combating crIme which crosses county ioes or requires technical hell beyond local rsource. The establishment of ter-county tysI'ms of tummureauIlls Icr a-ti-cina wure also will rve of areat alue a will tee u Itt that state agenote Play their proper roles I a coordinated Iawecnforcemoent Pra rattt, with competent and adcquatc muauPoer. I will Oppose legalization of any new form Of 9amblog. Will insist that presently lealari Ptl-mutuel wagering be inducted .ndrt the cleanest Possible conititos, with the return to the state maintained at a fair =nl adequate level through sound tax law, and slt If refiement of laws against illegal heating. Or government m.st r clean, lr both legal and eatral l a rd. Where loaPholes Iowr or lega "andard's and make Peroseolian difficult, I Chill trek 10 har the laws storgtheoed. This apPlies to the numberr' or bolita racket which I, still a ery real problem in souc sections of aor state It a11s applies to a wide eornao other crime. Inlo statutes, iolluding the la against sale of liquor to miators. I Will Jolt, in seeking solutions to juvenilee delinquency and aes crimrs. I well cot tolerate waste. A bill whio h I sponsored to passage by the Senate las ear Proposed creation of a Stotf Governmental Reorganization Council with the PurPOs of reducing rOPenditures nd increasing efficiency through coaolidation of state agencies having cimilare functions and aboliahment of non-esenbial agercies. Elimination of overlapping is needed Particularly P'arttOd be Coller, e Goaernor 0t0-0 H-d-aetor
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in the beids of state tax couection, inspectIon elrvtoics, Conservation of natural renores, agrictuitoal setviCese and penal administration. I will cooperate with the Legislaive Council and other appropriate bodies in achieving concrete results along thete lines. Boards regulating the professinas and other occupatinal groups in our state shouldoerne the-e groups but also protect the pubbl. It ,s this obligation to the public which alone con justify their eiatence Members of these baeda should be qualefiod by eneenee and training and oat tolitcal faritism. I fnaor the sound use of the Purchasing Council. cotoblished by the last Leilatne, to detenune standards and maximum prices tor state puitbases and require cametti-ve bidding. I wi oppose the use of pubic funds for propaganda promoting office holders or political Fo public e nloment to ottract and hold lffIcient pesonnl, the pay mut be fair. I natarally will psoce Budget Commsion investigation looking to establishment of a uniform personal system Iae one slate. This inestietin ,eas authnetzed by a bill which I onsorsed. State ealtyees honere peerfnrIng needed se.iecs and doing their jobs melt should hal merit system protection against political reprisals. I ill continue my work for Impremenat of ar retirement systesa. I i l tetik the abolishment of the f e systeon a a rsis for comn-sa Ing county office a nd the establishment of a salary schedule reasotable to ofncials and tobxpmyers. Gonclment is no better than the people who admttliter it. Al appountmets made by me to serve in state or local office will be men or women of the highest chatacter and ability. 2. Constitutional Revision Om Constitution of 1885 badly ods a genraf onehauling. Any tch rension, boweec, should be siblect to a final aolproval ot of the people and our Constitstan 0. it new stands does oat o require. I offer this plan to get the Job done in ihe two-eac term. (a) Pa-oag hy the 1955 Lecislature of an emergency aneod.ent to the present Cmonsitutio proenoiag ce 01500 of a Constitutional Commission to Ne appointed jontel by the Gveenor. Chief Jostie, Senate President and Honuo S;Xeakee (b) A special election on thi amendment in the fail of 19551 (e) The draftin oa a pe Co.s totion by the Comissin within approxImately slx months, and at lonst long toe public otody sot A tote by the people at the general election W Nfvnemlee 1956 on the Coostitutoa than proposed. 2
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The amendment creating the Commission must pro,ide for retention of such basic policies of the state as tuomesilead exemption. the prohibitions against state bonds anld income tax, legislative authority to distribute partiutuet fx revenue to the counties as at preset, and constituttOnat security dor school building bods and other existing obligations. No Governor shomd attempt to dictate a sew Coostisutton, but there ae certain fields in nhich the needs fr reision are clear, Tese include-and I favor: (a) A e" ",an foe successonshni to the Offlc of the Goen-e in the eet. of the Goernor's death or disobility; itt L-eisiative esnaeortonentt with t fairer distributton of representation to the moe poaoss areos: tc) Elimination of the os bill c-it from the Legis,store anld establishment of .sornd systern of Illo Rule; (i) Reste'ofton of exeeotive sessions OS it, SenSate and g cea' tateSment of the broad notice of the state requitrint oen meetings of all fubi bodies; e) feoroanization of sue .-.ts, now under ontinetop study by the Judicial Commit, the establishment of which I so-sred I the 1953 Session; if) Removal of pardon powers from politics and the devetopect of i ostdinatted peonal system; to) Rcorgantoation of execertive departments. where costitottanatlreisio isncessary to aeieve consotidations economy and efficiency: (h) Creation of a State Tao Athortty to etltintate ineoutiesI. ossressets; and (i) Creation of o State Department of Labor, epecilly owthat the Fedeati Goe etonent i sonsidering abrogating 00 the states some of Its Jurisdiction in dealing with labor eaions matters. To me it seems establishment of the leative office of Limtentalit Goecrnor-the officeholder to preside Oer the Senate-hould be considered with relation to both legislative and ecutie reforms as -1ot as in answer t0 the sntcessorship mueutiant The question of o andstitatint Psrocision tfr ftht Legislature so call itself lnto session also should be rtadied with great care. I was the co-sponsor last year ot a proposed Constitutional Amendment, which the people sill rate ot this Norember, allowing the Legislature to extend its eganar sessions be as ..oeb as 30 days., ot noessaeily ronseoutive. If this amendment is adopted, the Legislature likely will be in session through o large part of le"sfative yars The atternt years are elertao Years. att legislators seeking reelection might be subject to bresa from special groups wanting special sessions to gal special benefits. The danger. however might be moiimied by excludin appropriation and tax matters from any self-started session, The emotional 'new we new take of conetituti.naI coafusian revealed by the loss of a great Go.enr and 3 A
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by the dictotorial secure of power which followed, atould not attract us to hurried ehanres embodynrg poslite greater evils We "ust use ith interest no arO,to,,d elfeet 0sund, oaerlly planned revision of our Constituhon. ThiS I propose to do. with the help of the Citien Constitution Committee and othee interested oganzaotiont. 3. Better Educational Facilities and Opportunities Iy record oet my oenvition that eductton is one of those foundation fieldso 1Wa0h we huold .better state, a bettlr fut, e. It is the meeting of a responsibility to Ou hIlren and a good buonest investment an welt. Gains under the Min mtms Fuoudation Pro tm mait he pOteted utainst undermning mendento 00d extented ben f 0n the minium. An adequate pelganm should now be onr goal The state and ounties must shar the ftnneaeul burden a the ability of each allows. Adtealte funds mist Provide: (a) Tn handle Feritd's cosantly riienp ho -1ntntttntt ,bI To Pay better natarien an that tt teaching profes,on wU attract capable enunn people and hold goad teaches; :o0 To gont oatftelent snho-nPes: di To furnish neessary administrative and elteipal >T glee pTptl .t the litral, cuidane and other speota nerolets neeay for their progress and weetale. If) To eostruet adequate and well destined athgnl IPI OTt e o ntulable onlttent textbohks, libatoy tmateials atd other noe tools for both PuP1s and tettherl and ,h) To arane atn ndeqtate school ttnh Proam. I wtll 0rk with the Board of Control on a long-range peoam att r the devopm~nt 01 out niveerotles tao et the higher learning demands of a growing and progesdoe state. Tip denttrte training of leaderhh-fo indutry, a"r..eure the peofevstons and 9oetrmet-is __toti., 000 in O sfenSe t lunry. At my eo ...d shows, I .or the tometon of the Medaln School at the University of Florida and otate support for the Medical OrhtOl a1 the Olntvtrity of Miam0. Volt udsaotnge should he taket of ou nppottuittes m the tf101d0of rdooatlnnal lelenision and adult edeuetion. Our rotational rehabilitation opportunities olo are ohalleongn, and these servioet should be expanded. 4. Improved Labor. Health and Welf are Standards In reovisg the Cnstittnon to make provision for a department of labor, we must not contemplante the stare entering into ny phase of labor-management reotion. with a pfutive attitude toward either penployens or enployes. I do not roard choe Labor as gn attration to m d inutrs. On the ontraur. I thlolk Florida's 4
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industrial and commercial development, its overall growth will come more rapidly and more soundly with payment of good wages, with assurance of safe working conditions, with the eeomise of life In pleasant, healthy communities offering good schools and the other attraction s of good government. Important to the state as .whole and a Proper field for state encouragement cogeat ion is the soutiOn of I0ch local problems a, t ponnn. industrial waste sewage disposal and drainage. I lravId d leadership in the Senate last year for a slate program of mosquito eradication aod research, and I recognize the importance of carrying this pirogrm forward. We moot conclave the Irogressvy a' roech wch in reeat years has carried Florida to the foryfryt in Public health work, particularly in reducing comunicle dlceae., matecal and infant death aes. and as deofing roanty health depiartments. I want Florida to make further srssress in other fields. Particularly iosre anrer cinis; in diabetes coneol and in mental health by the Operation of regional hospitals far the insane and expansion of or Ireentive program through distrit psyrkiatric clinirs and a mere Intenase emoram of training and research. f will ropoar a study looking to humane car of the senile. As a sponsor of Florida's first old age assistance Prograom I have long been on record in favor of a sound and adequate welfare program. The state should do its utmost in the for fields of Federal aid-to the aged, in the blind, to dependent children and to the disabled. In the 1953 Legislature I sosored the bill wthich smught to brina Florida for the first time into tie aid-to-disabled grograo. 'Tese groamsct should be administered Soundly, courteously and with fairness to both the indivcduhss entitled to assistance and she tcpayers. 5. Conservation and Restoration of Natural Resource No state has a reader stake in this field than Florida. As the legislativessvr of the State Biaird of Parks and Historic Memorials. I naturally favor making more parks enjoyable to more People. I favor easssion of the Fvrglades National Park to its fullest teful ctsct. with a West Coast as well a. .it Eist Cat rntcaace. We have c tao-fold water proble-tc much and too little. I will exrt every effort to get comflttin of the South and Centea Florida flood control project. I will urge cs eltbfccdevloment anid conrsectuo0 of ty fresh otor supply. Ose foest peortnm-atte should be developed effectively not only for beauty but also to keep wood-eronsmig Industries adesusatey supplied. The state should hted local public interest in the dnsgolton ye sabmeeged lads. Tne beauty of oe snlantd
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waterways should be protected, theer usefulss deeIoped. The maintenance of adequate luhdi heOrhen r, of ptrime importanCe I win matte appointments assuring non-poolfttn1 handling of the work of the Game and Fresh Water Fir Commission. I dvorate the hringtn of millions of addif0ial tets onder fame mnaoement opening me land and more take to Public huntn and fishing. H0acilth control mo.o te enpaded. Osr mnortunities tn the iid of solt .ato, onoervntin and development are eratically n Ited. I am hopeful tMat the interim ,lsdy of this field autlooied b the last egtisoreee will pitl the way so so .t, fr-rean progrs. The dtetd of tonscrvation Ofes one oa our eatet o eeie t for n oan ofattvitie. for settlemeet t onflits. We mttt scgnoza the econm vau of o.ttrtatl fntt to the state and encourage ts denslnpen t soet of intereeene with sports tInote oot s ane of Otto Createdt pleasures and greatest ats G. Agricultural and Industrial Research and Development: We mot.stsep up and cooedimate our etfoe Is to make more land nore prothloy productive and to provide mote jobs for more people. I adlt k to 1t, a1tatv2elnts d a insueh alri turot rtturss aso trr, eetale and eatok grons for leoadrthip asnd advice r. Polites affeetiag their interest. I well nrs destae fitanneg of traetieal researh and eaperrenat.tian hn both arieltoe mid bndustrial foolds. I nll 'rpeate with the Inter-Ameeian Council i the dtalopen't of a cltonal and trade center and with ay similar otoui spansorig projects widh give promoe of admig ttreangth and balance to our ,tait 7. Highways Adequate to Meet Proven Needs: Florida faces no greater, no more urgent problem than the inadequacy of its primary or arterirl highwavs. Promises alone t will nt make thens ider, mother or ,afer. In fact. we must make an entirely new appereoh e "imieatjit pentical considerations and spending our rad money where established needs reuore. I ree,.mend that the slat ditramne the enifcy of ddid r phsria.r road neano acordoi, Road Board district lines, based on 0111 conrestionat districts which Iet.n little or no rathona ta eistina require nnnts. I will urge lral designattio of a state srteriat sesten jetonin -pout[. centers. Pevision sahatld be ado for lttmate resnable limited ncess features on highways .it.i this system. I ats will serk to insure long-range praoromming of gnad constreanhn by having temo of Road Boad meem-
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bere staggered so that an entire board is not displaced at le start of each Governor's tem and by protecting career pernoinl from political pressures. Staggered terms are also important to view of various bond pro e, including those for the Lower Terma, Bay Bridge, the Joaksta ills Epi esay, the Manaite, Saroota, Martin nd B3roward rOidge. ai=crloros will correct abuse, which lire made it nea-taary for rs to look to a toll road for raily solrutom of at least or nor h-oth through tfric prebucm. Thr reta.ls of charging aor way wI not be fell in time to ruble as to delay the turnpkeo Thi authorized part of I should be slatted now. and. realitzig that aty toll r.ad finance rsts on a determination of feasibility. I win rge the Le-islatre to authorize frill-lingth astension. The rout of a turnpike of any lrg1h is not for the Covernor to decide, but I beliv i. Cntrlral Fida ront olyris habeat overall sonlitin. I favor a cross0atre er to the Tampa Bay area-free if paor-ble. I do nit sre a"tnrnpik as eliminating the need 9r adeiute free hirars. I favor it ndy as the eariest possible answer to an argent prbdem. and .s an ultimate generator nf aditinnat trattir. I naturally prefer free hinats. I will pursue the Mccarty Administration program "t "ntl tonrhaning of U. S. 1, the ned for which is obvious. Four laranin is a neessity on many there highways in all setios of lie state There are other eeuaoly elear needs inladins rorltinion of the Jacksonville Exiresway and catsios of the can between the Gulf Coast Highway aid the 1neer Tampa Boy Bridge. I will carry forward as speedily as eassitlIe these and similar oramsm t which the state has bern committed All s,,ch ammitmentts can be net within a reasonable time only by adoptis,reforms such as I propose or such as will result from a current study by the Legislative Coanri. TIre nered for a tond larn-io-maoketnoceodary rad program is vital. Thee rcads seir iot ony oae arcultuaI and ommerial Ireds hot alo se as orstIal feders fto ar or ecral ossiom. I f,.er entinruog the porey of airari aclnty commiassorn ratr of secondary Ird precltt A comlctely raircd ta e Road Department law o21d prohibit lin fatracts in rests of cri Ovai bl within 01a curosract an period. I oll eispose tiny aeaeri orate-wide bond prangrm for highway canstructon. 8. Effective Highway Safety Program: We must do more than deplore leaths and injuries in antmobill accidents. We lut develop a positive progra around the threat E' of highway safety: Elfortemrrrrt Edcm at nnd Eniiieeiie. I prone exartin the Highay Patrol stfttrientiy in asne nonrplte and effective latret
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1ork. Lower automobile isarance rates mould more tham offset the cost. l will aDvoat, uniform traffic regulattioons and devies_ oot only to avoid bOn uon tut als to coarolt seedri trots. I will advocate perodlit eextamtinto nso to at tinsfe drivers off the highways and triet law en-nfremttent to elainate the repeaters and druken trir rotam t e tnhih ys tnttucton in sate driving should be tiven every bov ad Prt in tr public sc Our rod, ohold tie carefullY eginered to, safety. 9. Aggressive Campaign to Promote Florda's Tourist Business: The aeuroiation for the State Adreettsina Coamissiuo moot be regartled as tnuetiient as ion as ite state aan get more taa offsetting ,etur. on its investment. We mutt be alert to new and protpee ideas for at. teatina fd entretanon' visitor, ,umr and winter. Ournettoodatnon, ode Ottvitest attn paekn or roads, Ontr government, -it turtttpitliy D.nnt not dataint thn. Whenevesr pnhie, a must tordinat our alpDeal and our even aIn this, I will provide leadrnp mid eneouragr acgire state iarticipation when ietittble. I will denote atite attention to programs tuigned to ttede retired prsons to Foeida anrd to e-Otulaliona aimed at frotecltn them ..ofnst b.ses ad disointutmrts. 10. No Additional Taxes We ran make the oatress ttnvirned in thl, platform wth t addingto dhi thr brden because Flida is rwng tate. Et peily sdre Detedoent of the sales txunpleaant as the necesity for thes beradenon of our tox hase nor-ur revenue from eaisn a.,"noes has grown apace with the demands If a bigger and better tote, We ltn-and we should-always conotde er .retoo at inesoities in our tax stactre therehy eating tie brdon whee it il fair. just as we mrst protect 0afo t"' suret aainsl federal encroachment, we must asfore lair ond odeqtale sonresotnn reue to ourecitiet and counties. The pro ey tan eld h r bettnll to them. In new of their Present heay rlatce oa state aid far ertn futiuo, the ate has a duty to ail its taxsayoers to make r-oisloas for the use or standard uniform asssment polileas by the reorspetie coutiet. Eahenially with the achievement of economy and efCirneory in state government and with home rule offering the same opportunity in local government. I am confident we ran carry Florida forward without additional taxes. With all the energy and ability at my comatnd, with constructive leadership. with stable sernent, I wiU do Just that. .... 8
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