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news comes
common FARRIS 1mm
TALLARRSSEE '
some 5. 19.03
REVERE" PARSIGIPATING: Vernon Bradrord, TAMPA TRIBUNE: Robert W.
Delaney, ORLANDO SENDINELPSTAR, James Gilleopy; 031130 PRESS
INTERRA IORAL, David Gretaeh. FREELAROB: Jerry Rook. JOHN R. PERRY
PAPERS: Allen Harris, ORACKBR POLITICS; Tom Rater, INSIDE POLITIC$§
Doug Starr. ASSOCIATED PRESS; Ray Starr, ABC RADIO; George Thurston,
RPLA, RJXT; John Turner, "ROI, WTVO.
GOVERNOR: Good morning.
GILLESPY: Gene Fisher was here in the office yesterday. By any chance
have you gotten a recommendation from the Milk Commission for s new
adminiotretor?
GOVERNOR: Ro.
GILLRSPY: His was Just a social visit?
GOVERNOR: Well, I didn't have the opportunity to see Mr. Fisher
yesterday so I don't know whether it was social or not.
D.STARR: Governor, Saturday you are going down to Tampa to kick of:
your bond iseue drive program, would you care to diacute that today,
air?
GOVERNOR: Well, I certainly an very anxious that you use your good
offices as much as you can to acquaint the people of Florida with the
details or the program and that, or course, is what the Tampa meeting
is designed to initiate. It is the organization movement or a group
of citizens who believe that in this new era Florida simply has to
make a significant and affirmative response to this challenge. we
will organize from the level or otote chairmen through district
chairmen all over the state through county organizatione, and I hope
convey to everyone who is interested full infOrmation about the
PPOBru-
D.STARR: When will you name Mr. and Mrs. "X?"
GOVERNOR: Saturday.
D.STARR: You will name them Saturday?
GOVERNOR: Yes, they will be announced at the.luncheon on Saturday.
The luncheon, incidentally, is at the Floridan Hotel at 12:30 and
its Open to everyone who is interested in promoting this college
building amendment.
BRADFORD: In it likewise Open to those who might have some reserve-
tione or Questions about it?
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forms?
GOVERNOR: Well, I can recall some of the things that I am sure have
motivated candidates in the past races. Once a candidate says, "I em
a candidate and I am running," civic clubs which cant get into politics
can't invite him to speak anymore. Now this is a very practical
consideration. No candidate wants to be barred from all non-partisan
civic clubs and, therefore, he wouldn't want to come out and make such
a statement, not for any dishonest purpose, but be Just want to keep
on spreading his message.
D.5TABR: Another quibble in other words?
GOVERNOR: If you please. But, it seems to he s perfectly legitimate
concern of a candidate.
MORRIS: Governor, do you believe that some public officer should be
given the responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of this law?
GOVERNOR: Yes, I do.
MORRIS: Secretary of state?
GOVERNOR: I think that somebody should.
D.STARR: What's the penalty for not complying?
GOVERNOR: If you fail to do so. and that is established by law, you
forfeit office, which is a fairly significant penalty. (laughter)
MORRIS: The penalty applies only to the winners?
GOVERNOR: That is correct. But then he is the only one who has any-
thing to lose.
D.STARR: Losers win, in other words.
OOVEEKOR: Yen do make s nice point there, Mr. Morris. It shows the
great difficulty and we might Just as sell face it that you ought not
to put artificial barriers in the way of the right or a people to
select whom they wish to fill an office. Now they may make fools of
themselves in their selection, but that is one of the great American
privileges, because a man who appears to be a fool today may not look
so foolish tomorrow. And not only that, many times people have been
apparently improperly elected and yet have developed in their office
to show a capacity which the public in its wisdom saw and the
individual in his evaluation did not see.
DBLAREY: Governor, after a man becomes a declared candidate and begins
filing reports, is he not restricted on what he can spend money for?
Isn't that one of the real reasons, too?
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GOVERNOR: well, yes. I think the restrictions are rally liberal, as
I recall, you can spend them for travel. I don't recall just what
those restrictions are.
DELANEY: But all the expenditures after that.point moat be reported
on the campaign contribution expense report?
GOVERNOR: That's correct. All-expenditures related to the campaign.
Are there other questions?
BAKER: Governor, I'd like to ask if you have any comment one way or
the other on Senator Adama' statement yesterday in regard to his
Opening of a campaign depository? Have you given any thought on it?
GOVERNOR: No, I don't know whether the prohibition againat my making
a contribution to that depository or whether there are such prohibitions
or not, but I am not entering into that race any more than I an any
other race. I feel that I ought not to do so. (laughter)
DELANEY: You spoke a moment ago about the most difficult of opponents,
I think, in relation to the Evergladea Highway?
common: Did I say difficult?
DELANEY: Hell, I think you said something about trying to please the
most difficult opposition and I was wondering it since laat week
you have consulted any ecclesiastical advisers on whether or not the
Deity really was apposed to the Turnpike? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: Ho, but in still quiet memento I heard no voice.
DELANEY: Are the raina atill coming down?
GOVERNOR: I havent had a report since last week, so.I had better
check on that. (laughter)
SEVERAL: Thank you, Governor.
GOVERNOR: Thank you.
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GOVERNOR: res, and I would anticipate that they would be there. As
a matter of fact, I am very hopeful that those who do have reserva-
tions will be there, because the best response to those reservations
in my Judgment is full knowledge or that program.
R.STARR: Have you heard many brickbsts thrown against this program
around the state, Governor?
GOVERNOR: No, I have not. There are, I know, reservations in the
minds of some people, but by and large the resistance or objections,
if there are any, have been relatively passive.
R.STARR: Have you heard about any or the speeches Mr. Bailey is
delivering in St. Petersburg against the proposal?
GOVERNOR: I have heard that he was opposed to it, but I hadn't heard
any or the details. It doesn't surprise me, though it does distress
me.
DBLANEY: Governor, Mr. Alligood, who is connected with the Society
of Engineers, has been here the last couple or days and said yesterday
he came here partially as a result or concern in the engineering
profession that while this program was more or less sold on the basis
or strengthened education programs for engineers that there was some
fear on the part of some of the engineers that this would not
materialize. Have you been able to relieve his anxiety on this
concern?
GOVERNOR: I have not talked with him, however it seems to me there
could be very little foundation for such fear. I think initially the
fact that one or the specific appropriations for the Central Florida
area is the establishment or a branch or the engineering school at
the University of Florida. or course, the Engineering School, with
its new Dean and the emphasis that has been placed on it throughout
this administration, has grown rather rapidly. The new architectural
- I am not sure or the full name or the building, but this tremendous
new graphic science building at the university in this related field
is one evidence or the progress that we are making. And I think
anyone must recognize that engineering will and does play a large
part in plans for this expanded educational program.
DELANEY: I think some or them seem to fear that engineering use not
getting the kind of priority they felt it should in the plans?
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GOVERNOR: I think it's very healthy. I am Quite sure that everyone
interested in a particular field will think that his field is not
Etting sufficient emphasis in this. For instance, there is no law
school in it at all, but this is part or the problem as well as part
or the answer. It has to be a balanced program, and I am confident
that it will meet the needs as they arise in the priority that will
be established.
D.STARR: On a related subJect, Governor, Fred Karl made a speech
yesterday in which he suggested that you lay down guidelines and
safeguards in your outdoor recreation program. What do you think
about that ?
GOVERNOR: Well, I don't know Just what he's talking about. I think.
or course, it's a very wise observation. as would, of course, be
aware or the activities or the Bond Review Board and the safeguards
that are put into the law at that level. He would. or course, be
conscious, because he voted for the amendment itself, of the reserve-
tions there. He would, or course, be aware or the reservations or the
safeguards in the implementing bill because it passed by 112 to 2, and
I am confident that he was one or those. I think he is aware I hope
everyone is or the fact that we are proceeding towards the develop-
ment or this plan in open meetings by the Outdoor Recreational
Planning Cemmittee, the executive branch of this Organization, and
from there we are taking the recommendations to-the full Cabinet as
the Outdoor Recreational Development Council. And all of these steps
are designed to insure that there is a full public discussion, that
we get the beat minds to work on this problem that are available,
that we use the full resources or knowledge that we have, and that we
achieve the maximum results for improved outdoor recreational
facilities. However, let me say this, if there are other reservations
or safeguards that ought to be taken then certainly I an anxious to
take them and would welcome and I don't say this in any racetious
or reserved fashion at all would welcome these suggestions.
GILLEBPY: As I recall what Representative Karl said, Governor, he
seemed to have some fear that unless watched closely or some safe-
guards were put on it that there was a possibility that the state
could be sold what he called white elephants. He wanted to be certain
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that the state got full value for the money they laid out for land.
GOVERNOR: lery good. Actually, as you observed at the last two
meetings, which most of you attended both or the committee and the
council, the first thing that we are doing is cataloging everything
that we know or to be available the state land, the governmental
land that is available at various levels and that which is available
by purchase, or lease, or donation, or otherwise, so far as we know
it, and as you observe, the criteria being established 88 b0 18
desirability for the purposes that we have in mind. Now, in addition
to that we are trying to develoo on the basis or the infatuation that
was produced some months ago the needs in the terms of where we need
the lands or other facilities and what land or other facilities are
required. And then these two are going to be matched up and through
the use of qualified appraisers and real estate people upon review
of the committee and the council action will be taken. I believe that
every safeguard that anyone could hope to have 111 be taken as there
ought to be.
BRADFORD: Governor, what is the status of the Everglades toll road?
latzhaan't reached the Bond Review Board status yet, has it?
GOVERNOR: No, air, it has not.
BRADFORD: Isn't it rather unusual in these days to build a two-lane
toll road?
GOVERNOR: Well, I know or some the Sunshine Bridge -
BRADFORD: That's an unusual thing.
GOVBREOR: Yes, most toll roads are unusual. I think the Bucaneer
Trail is possibly two-lane, I don't know it has been a long, long time
since I have been over it, the Canaveral Causeway.
BRADFORD: Is the Bucaneer Trail still paying its way or is the state
still --
OOVERHOB: 1 think the state is subsidizing the Buoancer Trail. Let
me say about that ~ I noticed a question in the press somewhere about
the possibility of restrictions and reservations one thing that I
have insisted upon since the proposal was first suggested and will
continue to insist upon until if and when it materialiaea there will
not be anything that even the most difficult critic could point at as
being a restriction of any kind. we are going to bend way over
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backward; to see to it that there is no competing restriction of
any kind to keep you from improving a parallel sand road or #1
OP 27 or doing anything of that kind. Now, I think this is probably
the wish or the people of Florida. We ought to recognise that when
You do this it does, or course, increase the interest costs a little
bit more than it would have been in all probability if you had had
restrictions, but in this case the feasibility studies are not
predicated upon any restrictions or if they are they have got to be
redone. And my recollection is that they are not, but if they are
that's out or the window. And I can assure everyone that the
construction of this road will stand on its own bottom, that it will
be supported either by the tolls of those who desire to go upon it.
if the? dc. or by the secondary funds or the counties that desire
to build it.
GILLESPY: Governor, would you still support this if the powers that
are seeking approval or the extension or 1-75 from Tampa to Miami
are successful in getting this extension?
GOVERNOR: Well, let me say that I am one of the powers, to the extent
that the GOVernor has any power, that is seeking this and my con-
versations with Mr. Rex Whitton or the Bureau of Public Roads, with
Senator Holland, with Senator Smathers I don't recall that I have
discussed it with any congressmen but haVe convinced me beyond
any shadow of a doubt that prior to 1972, there is no chance of
securing such an extension. Now Florida has secured what I believe
to be the longest extension in its interstate program that has
been instituted since the original program and that is the by-pasa
at Jacksonville the Jacksonville bypass of Interstate 95 tying into
the bridge on the St. Johns south of Jacksonville at the Naval base
there. But except for this relatively few miles, there simply is
not a possibility of that extension. Now the Bureau of Public Roads
people tell me that about 1967 or '68 or some such time they will begin
submitting to Congress in all probability, assuming that the program
goes along as we anticipate it, a proposal for the extension of the
entire system which will be effective sometime from 1973 on that is
after the completion of this program. But that up to that time there
simply is not any thought or this kind of extension. Now I am quite
aware that Senator holland and Senator Smathers have introduced
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legislation to secure an extension and they are very wise to do 80-
Ad they are going to continue to introduce such legislation in
succeeding congresses so that we can be ready for any eventualityg
but I am convinced that this will not in any Way deter the advance of
Florida in the procurement of the extension of Interstate 75. Th18
is not in any way in my Judgment a substitute for that proposal.
GILLESPY: Then, sir, when both are built should they both be
built ~ they wouldn't be incompatible wouldn't there be a possibility
that I-TS would take away tolls from the toll road?
GOVERNOR: That is a possibility which I am.conrident the traffic
people have considered in making their estimates. If they haven't
they are less astute than I give them credit for being. But that is
a possibility that is of no concern.directly to the state, in the
sense that there are no state monies going into this program. I am
confident, from the studies that I have seen, that in the first two
years of operation or this toll facility it will be supported
completely by tolls and that by 1972 or 73 the growth of that
tremendous area (remember, this is between two of the fastest growing
counties in the fastest growing state in the nation) will be such that
it will actually support it.
sameness: Governor, you said you thought it should be supported by
the tolls from the project itself or by secondary road monies of the
counties involved. Do you have any reservations about using primary
road monies?
GOVERNOR: I am opposed to the use of primary read money to any
extent greater than has been wrapped into the existing program as it
is outlined for construction. That is, nothing beyond this initial
phase or the program. After that, no responsibility. New this is not
a philosophic proposition, this is Just the understanding upon which
the construction or the road has been submitted, and it doesn't mean
that you would never use any primary monies anywhere on any program.
but it's Just that on this particular one that's the way it has been
designed and it seems to me it's been well designed.
R. STARR: Governor, Senator John Pastors has released this week a list
of governors who he contacted about Federal Communications Rule 315,
the rescinding of equal time. He said that thirty governors said that
they were for, on the gubernatorial level, to do away with this
restriction. He said that you were one of three governors who took no
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stand for or against it. Can you tell us why, sir?
GOVERNOR: Yes. I have tried to keep out of the next gubernatorial
race on all levels as best I can.. I have not had an OPPOVtunity t
really study Section 315 and, of course, I had rather an unfortunate
experience in the equal time area in my own campaign,wh16h: I thik
probably effected my views somewhat. And for these reasons I did not
take a stand on it.
R. STARR: Well, do you have any views on it, sir?
GOVERNOR: Yes. In what area?
R. STARR: Well, do you think that it is right with presidential and
vice presidential working under this equal time rule, generally, do
You think it should work on the gubernatorial level?
GOVERNOR: Yes, I do. Now, one or the great difficulties is the one
that arose in my own race when I was denied any time on certain
television stations until next to the last day before the primary.
although I had sought it diligently for months. And then at the last
moment it was granted to the Opposition so they called me up and said
"We will give you time, but we're going to give him a time at 8 o'clock
and we'll give you time at 10 or 11 o'clock -- equal time, you under-
stand." The opportunity for evasion are multitudinous and yet, I
suppose, some variation is inevitable and I really haven't been able
to work out in my own mind a conviction about it which I felt was worthy
of the attention or the Senate of the United States.
D. STARR: OOVcrnor, several counties in Florida this week desegregated
schools for the first time, and all went very smoothly compared to
anything and especially compared to some or the other Southern states.
Would you care to comment on what caused this quiet desegregation?
GOVERNOR: Well, I think that what has happened in Florida has been in
large part the result or the Pupil Assignment Law and its operation.
This was set up by the Legislature in 1955. and control in these matters
was relegated, as it ought to be, to the counties. The people at home
are making their decisions about how best to approach these problems
from area to area and school to school, and I think they are doing a
remarkably good Job or it. They live in a changing legal context and
they are subJect to vast pressures from all kinds, but it is the American
way, I think, to leave the resolution of these problems as nearly as
possible to the people in the local areas and that is the avenue we are
following here in Florida. Now we are providing for local school boards
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all the assistance we can possibly give them to accomplish the
objectives in this area that they indicate they want to accomplish and
the asaistarcc of the Attorney General, and the assistazce of this
office have been continuously available and frequently used. We don't
try to drive them to a conclusion but when they have reached a conclu-
sion we do everything that we can to facilitate its activation.
DELANEY: Governor, you said a moment ago that you had tried to avoid
getting involved in this coming governor's race and, without suggesting
that we are trying to draw you into it, I wonder if you will answer this
question. In this campaign that's in the formative stages now as has
been true in the past, there are a number or people who haVB told
friends that they are running for office -- statewide office now I
am not confining this to the Governor's Office, they have not begun
filing campaign reports that they are supposed to file under the
Florida Election Law after telling anyone that they are going to become
a candidate. Do you think that this is proper?
GOVERNOR: well, let me say that I am not familiar with your predicate
that anybody has told anybody else. I can only tell you what guided
me and what, I think, obviously is the proper guideline. The law
specifically says that a man shall be a candidate from the time that
he tells someone that he is a candidate, not from the time that he
forms the intent, not from the time he starts speaking to civic clubs,
not from the time he starts doing anything on the contingency that if
he runs it will be available. And I think that the candidate should
live by that law. They should not tell anybody that they are a candi-
date until thcy are ready to comply with the requirements of the law
and then when they are ready, to proceed and do so.
DELANEY: Isn't that quibbling, really, when a man is for all obvious
purposes out campaigning for an office?
GOVERNOR: The quibble is in the law.
DELANEY: Well, is there any way to change this in your mind
GOVERNOR: Only by legislative action. A candidate ought not to be
penalized in the public mind because he is living within the terms of
a -- if you please -- quibbling law. This is a standard which has been
set up. A different one could have been set up, but I don't think a
candidate ought to be punished or penalized in the public mind for
complying with the quibbling restrictions which have, in that
particular instance, been established.
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DELANBY: Well, how could this be changed in your estimation? What
legislative change would yOu recommend?
GOVERNOR: Well, that's a vast question, and I think I will reserve
my recommendations for the next Legislature should they ask them.
(laughter)
D.STARR: What happens when a candidate tells his wife he in going to
run, I mean certainly she knows?
GOVERROR: If he tells his wife he is under the law then a candidate.
I shouldn't say that no broadly because I don't know whether it's
under the law or not, but in common concept they are one and any
communication between them really is not a communication to another
peraon.
mamas: It's about like talking to yourself isn't it? (laughter)
GOVERNOR: That's right. (laughter)
THURSTON: Sometime it is abOut that effective. (laughter)
GOVERNOR: You said that. (laughter)
THURSTOH: Do you feel personally that the law should be strictly
construed or that it should be liberally construed within a broad
common aenaa meaning or tell another person? How formally do you
have to tell them?
GOVERNOR: I think a poor candidate who want to build the beat
organization he can and make the beat preparation he can, ought to be
permitted to live by the letter or the law, not by what you might
think is the spirit of the law or what I might think is the spirit of
the law, because he can't live by but one spirit and with the law in
the quibbling situation that it in, it seems to be unfair to candidate:
to say "you make theae decisions at your peril." If.you have the
wrong spirit, of if the spirit changes and this has been known, you've
just loot your chance to be governor or secretary of commerce, or
whatever might be.
THURSTON: I didn't know that was an elected office.
GOVERNOR: Well, we are apeaking generally.
D.STARR: Governor, I'm not familiar with this. Is there a limit on
how much a candidate can spend?
GOVERNOR: I don't know of one.
D.STARR: Well, then what's the objection to announcing the candidacy
other then Juat to get out of the tedious part or filing all these
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