|
ms commas
comes mans 31mm
rmmsss
ocrossa 29. 19M
NEHSMEN PARTICIPATINB: Doug Starr, associnran PRESS; Bob Sandler,
ASSOOIKTZD PRESS; John Hayes, WPGA, WTVU: George Thurston, WJXT}
Martin Valdron, ST. PETERSBURO TIMES SERVICE-~NIAMI HERALD; Bob
Sherrill, MIAMI ssaann~-sm. PETERSBURG Tls SERVICE; Budd Mellichamp,
ABC RADIO: Pete Barton, FLORIDA nsvssorssur COMMISSION; Everett
williard, FLORIDA TIMES UNIBN; Robert W. Delaney, ORLANDO SENTINEL-
STAR; Don Dushi, HOTV.
GOVERNOR: Good morning.
SEVERAL: Good morning
D. STARR: Governor, before we begin I would like to introduce my new
staffer, Bob Sandler.
GOVERNOR: hr. Sandler, how are you? Nice to meet you. They have
put you on the front row or the firing squad, I use. (laughter)
DELANEY: You are late this morning for the first time in nearly
four years.
GOVERNOR: I am late this morning. You know, I am really on
vacation, but that's no excuse for being late, and I apologize.
DELANEY: Is this your idea of a vacation? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: Gentlemen, we have wrapped up our first year at the 35!
York world's Fair, and I can report that from most atandpoints the
Florida Pavilion was an outstanding success. There were some areas tha
we did not achieve all that we had hoped and anticipated doing, but
when it is looked at with wisdom of hindsight a success has been
recorded. It is estimated that we had an attendance at the site
itself of between 5 and 6 million people. In addition to that,
of course, millions and millions of people have seen the Florida
site coast to coast over televisidn, in magazines, and newspapers.
The scrapbooks which I usually look at when I an in New York at the
site, whioh I hope will be available here for you at some time, show
a remarkable coverage. -Almoat 2 million tourism folders were
distributed from the information center. That's one indication of
the kind or people that went to this exhibit. Over 350,000 people
paid about $h50,ooo to see the live porpoise show. The porpoise show,
exoept for one month, was below our expectations but by-and-large this
was not because of failure on part of the Fldrida Pavilion or the
Florida show, but because overall attendance at the World's Fair was
below the figures upon which we had originally projected our estimates.
About 175,000 people paid 25 cents each or $43,000 to see the
Everglades show which, as you recall, was.started very late in the
10
the next Governor is going to have, all this is kind or hard for me
to make u decision as to which is the right thing for me to do -- which
is the right way to vote. I haven't thought about it as much as I ehoulf
have, I admit that.
NALDRON: How about the Dede Change Amendment?
GOVERNOR: I think it's a good amendment. I think it's going to be
the only practical way to get a revision of the Constitution.
VILLIARD: Are you still for the 8choo1.Fund Amendment?
GOVERNOR: Yes sir. I'm not as strong about it as I was when I
proposed it because we have begun.... I don't think it is as
critical matter as it was then, but I still think it's a good thing.
One thing I have not noticed in press stories, and perhaps you may not
be aware 0!, therefore, each year tor many yearn now as I understand
it, when the revenue -- the interest from the trust fund comes before
the Cabinet for distribution this money in distributed as provided
and than general revenue monies in equivalent amounts are withheld
so that the result is that the amount of money that the schools are
getting is no greater by reason of the trust fund than it would be
under this procedure without a trust fund. Have I made that clear?
WILLIARD: I think so, but how would that effect the state buying
bonds -- school construction bonds out of that fund?
GOVERNOR: Your question doesn't ring a bell.
WILLIARD: Some or the school bond funds has been used to buy parts
of county bond issues, haan't it?
GOVERNOR: I think it has. It is only $17 or $18 million as I recall,
in the whole thing. I am sure we-are not going to disrupt any
county finances by the unorderly distribution or those funds. There's
no requirement that they be spent in any special fashion. I would
not think that that itself would be a factor.
D. STARR: What I wanted to know -- this money in not additional
money for schools, but to supplement the general tune?
GOVERNOR: No. The Constitution provides that the funds from this
must go to the schools -- that is the revenue from it must go to the
schools. But the wsy it works, it doesn't. The law is fine. but
after an overall budget for the schools has been determined and this
is how much we need, then they say allright, but we've already got a
million dollars or it here so we'll cut down the other monies he need
to provide by a million dollars. Do you follow me there? So the
11
net resulte in no additional runde for the schools. It'l the
name with the general revenue, but then the general revenue is what
we get the proceeds of the money in effect because we would cave
general revenue capital outlay money. 30 ite e one-pocket or the
other sort or situation.
aILLEBPY: Governor, have you received a petition from the little
town of Altamonte Spriggo for an audit or books...
GOVERNOR: I'm not familiar with it at this moment. Mr. Miller,
have ue received such a petition?
MILLER: hot that I know or. air.
WALDBON: how about the Board of Regents Amendment?
GOVERNOR: I'm going to vote for the Board of Regents Amendment.
WILLIARD: Would the appointments to that Board be yours?
GOVERNOR: Yen, they will. I would undertake, and I have discussed
this with the nayor... As a matter or feet, after our discussions
I wrote him a letter to that there might be no misunderstanding and
no he would know exactly what my position would be in the event he
is elected, but really no he could take the position now. My
position in that I would make the appointments -- all appointments ~-
up through noon of January 5 or 1965. In the making or theme
appointments. I would be delighted to consult with the next Governor ~-
the only one who has asked me about it so for ie the Democratic
nominee. But the decisions will be mine. I will have, incidentally,
recommendations I am sure from a lot or other people too, but I will
certainly give great weight to what the elected Governor has to any
about these appointments.
GILLESPY; In the event it's passed and you go ahead with these
appointments, do you anticipate appointing... reeppointing memberc
of the Board...
GOVERNOR: Well, thet'a a bridge that I won't have to croee Juet yet.
Certainly, there would be a high probability of that, but I don't
want to make any commitment to do that at all. First or all, I
haven't had any dincuooions about which we Just spoke e moment ago.
DELANEYI Governor, are those Regents not appointed by the Governor
with the concurrence or the members of the Board of Education?
GOVERNOR: The Statute provides. an I recall, that they are appointed
by the Governor with the approval or the Board or Eduoetion end the
confirmation or the Senate. I think that's the way it runs.
12
DELANEY: Well, could you make appointments to the Board of Regents
that didn't meet with the approval or all the members or the Board
of Education -- or a majority at least?
GOVERNOR: Well I could make them. They wouldn't have to approve
them. If they didn't approve them, that would raise the question of
whether or not it wee proper to reetriot the power or the Governor
to appoint. (laughter)
HALDBGN: Are you in taVOr or the Sarasota homestead exemption?
GOVERNOR: Well. thate a local matter. I think a new approach
to homeotead exemption is worthwhile and I think that experiment
will be helpful to all or do an we study problem: applicable on
taxation.
wALDRON: It's voted on ctete-wide though.
GOVERNOR: Right. My normal practice where you have local iaeuee
or that kind not involving the county in which I am registered. is
not to vote on them at all and leave it, therefore, up to the
reeidente of the county.
WILLIARD: Well that covers everything but the School Bond Amendment
end the two appointees, I think....continuin5 the allocation of
auto tag funds...
GOVERNOR: Well, I think that certainly ought to he done, and I
will vote for that. The school Bond Amendment motivatee on the
Capital Outlay Amendment and has been one or the fine ctepe in the
advancement of the eohoole in ?lorida. I think it's worked out well
and ought to be continued.
Are there other questions?
DELANBY: Governor, a few momenta ago you said you liked £2235
patriots by your definition. How do you feel about them when they
require that you think precisely as they do wave the flag at
their prescribed tempo and march at their cadence.
GOVEKROR: Hell. I write a lot or lettera to these people who think,
"I voted for you, but now you've done something else and, therefore.
I'll never be for you again -- and you're not a good American, etc."
You set letters of this kind, and I tell them that one thing that
makec America great in the right or people to differ. I reapect
them in their cpiniona on political matters and their right to
pose opinions, eventhough I dicagree with them from time to time.
I don't think they should try to dicinrrenohine me, as it were.
., 13
DELANEY: and you don't think that because they do disagree with you
that thoy are Communists?
GOVERNOR: No. That doesn't make a man a Communist. as may be one,
but that doesn't make him one.
.Are there other questions?
a. STARR: Governor, could we ask you it you would moot with us
next Wednesday morning following the election to get a reflection
or two from you on what has occurred?
GOVERNOR: I would be glad to. I can't think of anyone whose vieuo
would be less significant by that time. (laughter) In fact, Ill
probably be-tlattered 1: you ask me.
R. STARR: Would 8:30 be convenient?
GOVERNOR: Do you see any reason, Mr. unter, why we couldn't do
that?
am: No air.
GOVERNCR: Then, that will be fine.
DELANEY: Govornor, If I could ask you one more question -- former
Governor Puller Warren is-goins out into West Florida to campaign
for President Johnson on Saturday. We've had a lot or talk about
firearms here today. Do you think he should go armed? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: I'm oure that he will be welcomed with opened arms.
(laughter)
2
season and was put together on a site that had originally been
planned for another housing display. The coat ran too high for the
exhibit in that instance. I'm sure that with the experience we
have and getting started early and doing it in the fashion that, with
eXperienoe, we know how to do, this can be tripled in income by 583
year, and it showed a very large profit ratio. The Florida Pavilion
and fashion shops there selling all Florida made merchandise greased
about $50,000 or merchandise sold on consignment and this was sold at
a profit above the cost or doing it, so we not only exposed these
Florida goods to the market, we made a profit in doing so. The
construction project was accomplished by a construction company at
$118,000 under the approved estimate including a reserve or $120,000
for demolition. when you reflect all the stories you have read about
preJects going way way over estimates, you can understand what pride
we take in that accomplishment. The employees, the people who work
for the Development Commission, for the Florida World's vair Authority,
for the various exhibitors, and who in numbers or ways assisted us
from day to day to present a pleasant and worthwhile exhibit did, in
my Judgment, a tremendous Job. I made a special trip for Just a few
hours, really, to New York on one occasion at the closing or the Fair
to tell those people when they were assembled for their closing
dinner, how very much I appreciate that I thought was an outstanding
Job and how much the people of Florida appreciated it. rhe mail that
I received about the Fair and the treatment the peeple are given there
has been 99.9 percent favorable. Florida has continued to receive
all during the year a rating as the number two state exhibit.
defeated only by the home state exhibit of New York. When you
consider the relative cost -- the New York State Exhibit cost $1
million, and it's in its own home state, you can understand that
number two is top Quality for rating. Some or the other exhibits
that were real good had Very bad experiences financially. One or
them that I heard about which I think, and people have told me was one
of the finest natural exhibits, had about a $7 million deficit. And
yet the country that has put up that money thinks it has made an
excellent investment. It is estimated to have cost General Electric.
so Mr. Stensgeard tells me, about $5 per person for each of the
millions that have seen that exhibit. Other industrial exhibitors
estimated their cost per person anywhere from $2 to $5 each. or
___- ___ ;L _
3
course, ours has been so much less than that. There are additional
benefits yet to come from the Florida World's Fair. The Florida
Citrus Tower. of course, will be seen all winter Ions. It ha! been
viewed, or it has had 100 million exposures already to the
immediate traveling public in that area. And now during the winter
on the Florida Pavilion there is going to be carried a huge sign,
that will flesh out to the hundreds of millions that will pass by
on the expressway while they are fighting the snow and sleet, "HADN'T
You RATHER BE IN PLORIDR." We think that this has been an
unqualified success -- that next year it will be even better. and
that we are fortunate to have been participating. Are there any
questions about that, or any other subject?
R. STARR: Governor. how do you get this rating or number two. What
is involved in the rating?
GOVERNOR: The World's Fair Authority that runs the whole Fair
carried on a continuing market research. They have a term -. I
don't know how you do a market research -v I assume you go out and
ask the people that have been there various questions about the
products that they are sampling u- and the continued rating of
Florida published by the market research and distributed among the
exhibitors at the Fair, is number two among the state exhibits.
And those, of course. are the ones with which it is compared.
Are there other questions?
AXES: Governor, I understand that the producers or the Democratic
film, "The Florida Story" requested from the Development Commission
free footage for this political movie. The Development Commission
gave them free film. Do you think this aheuld have been done?
GOVERNOR: Well, first or all, I don't know that it has been done,
but secondly I think that anytime you can use the footage that we
have on the growing and prosperous elements or Florida to get wide-
spread coverage at no cost to the state it is a good thing to do.
has the Development Commission should not, and I hope it did not -.
and I believe it did not, go out and incur the expense particularly
to produce the film for this political exposure. But it they had
film and it is going to he used in this fashion, I think it was a
wise use, because the political film will get wide coverage and, I
hepe, do a sand sales Job for Florida.
8. STARR: Governor, how do you feel about Cabinet Officers who
a
would say to their employees, use coercion. or anything else, in
getting them to support the major political candidates?
GOVERNOR: Your question was "say to employees or use coercion."
First or all let no answer the specific question. As to using
coercion they should not, and so far as I know they have not.
Second, none has been exerted from this office and when this
question came up I had Mr. Miller investigate the law. He advised
me that under the Merit System, not only could we not get them to
use automobile tags (political bumper stickers). but I think it is
against the law for Merit System employees to use tags (political
bumper stickers). Personally, all my employees except those right
here in the office, are under the Merit System. As far as I am
concerned that was a complete answer.
R. STARR: What about those not under the Merit System, Governor,
strictly state employees, who are being told that they must do this.
GOVERNOR: I don't know that that's true.
8. STARR: Do you feel that the practice is going on?
GOVERNOR: Coercion is not preper, but you are making a statement
as a statement or fact which I do not know to be true.
"ALDRGR: Governor do you have any thoughts about a Florida law
which would require all firearms of any description to be registered?
GOVERNOR: Yea, I have always -- in my legislative experience --
opposed a firearms registration law for the reason that by-and-larse
it kept the honest people from having firearms to protect themselves.
The crooks don't mind not registering it anyway. If they are going
to use it to shoot somebody they don't mind violating a little
registration law.
WALDRON: Hell, shy does it keep the honest people from having a
gun?
GOVERNCR: Hell, that's a nice point. It wouldn't do that, but it
would be an additional inhibition on the use or a firearm. It would
effect the honest people. I would say. rather than those with other
intent. You are correct, it wouldn't keep them from doing it unless
it were hedged around certain qualifications for ownership.
HALDROR: my question was prompted by the actions or a rather
powerful right wing group in our area which has begun to mail out
literature to all its members to arm themselves with ammunition, that
the time is coming when patriotic Americans will be shot by firing
5
squads and they will need to protect themselves.
GOVERNOR: Well, if anybody is going to be shot by a firing squad
they do need a sun -- that's right. I don't believe it myself.
WALDRON: Do you believe that situation is serious enough to warrant
consideration on the part or upper authorities?
GOVERNOR: I think.the Legislature should review the questions of
firearms control in the light of the changing urban situation in
which we find ourselves. Now the decisions that I used to make
in the Legislature when this matter came up had to do with the
state that was relative to the tomorrow or rural or
suburban or small town state. It ought to be reviewed and quite
conceivably as we become more metrOpolitsn in nature this should
change. At the present time my own mind about it has not changed.
THURSTGN: Governor, do you see any disadvantage to any law that
would simply require that the ownership or suns be registered Just
as the ownership of automobiles is registered?
GOVERNOR: he. I approve or an organized state. I instinctively
resist a regimented state. It I were arguing the case, I would argue
that this is e beginning step. First yon find who has them all
and then you begin putting on minimum restrictions and than you
sXpsnd the restrictions until it does become an almost burden. This
would be the feature or it that would call itself to my attention.
D. STARR: What is your reason for your thinking that it should be
reviewed in the light that we are changing to an urban or
metropolitan society? Do you feel that people in cities chauld he
allowed to have wespons?
GOVERNOR: I think that in an area where there are a ten people per
square mile 1! I may use that es s basis or reference, there are
more normal usages of guns for sports. for protection from snakes,
to get the rabbits out or the garden, and things of this kind. As
you get into an apartment complex this is not so. The normal use
or guns is a less frequent thing and it becomes more an anti-
personnel weapcn than it does an anticrodent or sports weapon. I
am not suggesting that we have arrived at a point where there should
be a change, but it seems to no that this is a factor which ought
to he considered in a review.
R. STARR: Governor. have you had any comment cone to you since
Tuscany'l Cabinet-Meeting of the no action thnt the Cabinet took
6
on the request or Hr. Brown for the Eoll watchers on electiog_g§z?
GOVERNOR: I'm not aware or any. I know or no comment. Let no
point out here that there has been no provision fer the state to
the Secretary or state to do anything that each party or candidate
is not authorized to do with greater powers and more effectively
for himself. The Secretary or state's function is instructional,
really, in this area and he has been busy during these last several
years giving the instructions to these supervising officers. I
think it needs to be made clear that our action on Tuesday was not
a denial, it was simply a decision that state government has no
reason for its increased intrusion into these elections.
WILLIARD: Why did the state government see the necessity in the
Second Primary?
GOVERNOR: Because there were a number or requests based upon a
situation then which the Secretary tells me has been largely improved
by new.
WALDRON: Governor, what are your thoughts on the necessity for
what the people called armed minute men" groups?
GOVERNOR: I haven't, strangely. received one or these appeals
myself, although I do have a couple of guns, but I got them many
years ago and haven't used them.
D. STARR: They're still anti-rodent? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: They're still anti-squirrel, really. (laughter)
R. SEARR: Since Mr. Waldron opened the door on that particular
subject, Governor, I don't think you have ever given us your
opinion on what you personally think of the super patriots in this
country.
GOVERNOR: I like super patriots -- by my definition. I don't think
a man can be too patriotic. I fully subscribe that Breaths there the
man, with soul so deed, who never to himself has said. this is my own, my
native land. I think a man who is not moved by passion for his
native land is a strange creature.
WILLIARD: Governor, Eager Burns said yesterday he thinks that
Senator Goldwater now is ahead in Florida. Hhat is your view or the
situation?
antennas: well, of course, this is an area where anybody can be
right. My own opinion is that ggggigggt_gghg§2§ is ahead at this
time.
7
D. STARR: By about how much. Governor?
GOVERNOR: I would think, Mr. Starr, that (this is a mere
cpeculetion) it might be as much at 100,000 votes.
mm: That figure you used Governor, at 100,000. In that the
moat optimistic figure that anyone has used no for?
GOVERNOR: No. I heard Congressman Pepper the other day any that
in his Judgment it was more than that, but he didn't tell me what
his figure wee. But he did indicate it was more than that.
DELAHEY: well the last time-you caid_nnything about it, I think
you said you were not quite to the point of predicting a victory
for the next President in Florida.
GOVERNOR: Right. About the time of the San Antonio Conference,
Just before leaving out there, I became convinced -- one doesn't
have the assurance to convince him in a thing or this kind -- but
I became of the opinion that the President would probably carry
Florida. Now I think the situation has improved.
DELANEY: What made you reach this conclusion?
GOVBBROR: Just general feelings. I have continued to ace polls
which do chow an increecing lead for the Precident, but more than
that it has Just been the reflections that I have received -- not
scientific. Just a feeling from talking with e lot or people about
the outcome or the election.
DELANEI: Reflected in your mail to any degree?
GOVERNOR: Rn. I haven't had too many letters about the election
per 3e.
8. STARR: I note in the LBJ campaign literature many of the Cabinet
Officers have come forward with ctatenente for the President.
I have ceen none from you or any releases made by you. Have you
been naked for thin or do you intend to turn out etomething along
this line?
GOVERNOR: Well, listen to your radio sometime today. I put one
on the air sometime last night. I believe.
R. STARR: I mean printed statementc. Governor.
GOVERNOR: I don't recall whether I have ienued a printed etatement
or not, but I don't think there is any question about my position.
I'll be glad to print one.
VALDROH: Do you put out one in braille? (laughter)
8
HALDBON: Are you going to Congressman Pepper's breakfast in the
morning?
GOVERSOR: I'm sorry, I 'm not. I was being facetioua a moment ago,
but really and truly, this is my vacation periOd.
UALDRON: Is this your last one?
GOVERNOR: My last vacation? Probably.
SHERRILL: Governor, you rent on a moonshine raid resently, so you
are interested in liquor. (laughter) Ligggr law enforcement. It
came to my attention yesternsy that there's a whole stack of cases
sitting over there, some of them a couple of years old. That is
from the time the charge was made until the time they get around to
doing something about them. It was a case in relation to a very
notorious bar in Miami. They say that lack of personnel, lack of
attorney, eto., is putting than way behind. have you heard of any
effort on their part to take the step necessary to catch up with
these flagrant cases?
GOVERNOR: In the Miami area?
SHERRILLa Anywhere in the state. Their desks ere-piled up over
there with cases -- most behind.
GOVERNOR: I was not aware of this, Mr. Sherrill. I will find out
before the day in over.
SHERRILL: At least this is what they told me when I asked why it
took them two years to close this case.
GOVEENOR: I am not familiar with that. I was not familiar with the
situation, and I appreciate your calling it to my attention. I
will find out about it right away. I'll be glad to give you a later
report on it if I can.
RALDROH: I might sound like I'm harping on this minute man thing,
but awhile ago I asked if you had any Opinion on it and you said
you had not had any request yourself. I'm under obligation to write a
story in the morning about this thing, and I don't want to leave
your position in doubt.
GOVERNOR: Mr. Waldron, I believe in maximum freedom for peeple
whether they are for or against. I would not, myself, do many things
or prove for myself many things that I would not object to other
people doing. I might think they were extreme or perhaps that's a
bad word to use in the context of the current situation. I might
9
think they've gone too far in one direction or another and atill not
want to inhibit them from doing so. It's sort or the philosophy of:
I don't agree with what you say, but I'll defend with my life your
right to any it. That's really about the upproeah that I would take
to the matters a: which you speak. You know I have been and am
trenendoualy interested in cold war efforts and in right against
Communinm.par so, but I don't think that personally we have arriVed
or are anywhere near a point which in an indication for people to
be arming themaalvea against firing squads. Although I believe that,
nevertheleaa, it you feel that your life in in danger, I am not
going to try to inhibit you from taking any lawful means to protect
youraelt.
HAYES: Governor, you say you believe in people being for and
against things. Are you against any or the constitutional
Amendment: coming up for a vote on Tuesday!
GOVERNOR: well, let no see. (laughter) If you will take them up
one at a time, I will be glad to.... (laughter)
HAYES: Reapportionment.
GOVERNOR: I think that I will vote for that. I have a strong
feeling because obviously. in all probability, it is preparatory
but I think that I will nevertheless vote for it.
HAXEB: How about the gas tax?
GOVERNOR: I am of a divided opinion on that. I do recognize the
practical neoeaaity for counties to continue to raise moniea tor
their secondary road programs on the one hand. no the other hand,
I do think that formula in way out waded and ought to be changed.
or course, It can be changed by another Constitutional Amendment.
and I'm not aura. I think probably I will vote against that one,
but I'm not aura.
HILLIARD: Governor, do you know enough about it to know what would
happen if that amendment is rescinded? I mean if the amendment does
not paaa.
GOVERNOR: I think that we will continue to operate ea we have except
that theae maturity date: of future bond issues would have to be
earlier and, therefore, the funds available to the counties would be
lean. Now the counties are crying and the cities too, as you know,
for the state to assume additional responsibilities in the area of
rightaoof-way. If this were done perhaps the needs for county
{undo would be leeggggd. So without knowing exactly what program
PAGE 2
--: .; ---.-..-; .:
PAGE 4
: I -, -.s
|
