The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, 1920-03-04

| Gorda last Wednesday meeting his
many friends and making new ones
Mr.. Watson says he is going to be
elected, that his long service in the
legislature for the upbuilding OF
Florida is appreciated by the people
He has been a hardware merchant al
Miami and Kissimmee fer 38 years.
Mr.. Watson lives at Miami, where
the fish interest is one of the largest
enterprises. He has endeavored to
give the fishermen laws that suited
them, believing that they knew what
was best to protect their industry
He has worked faithfully for laws
protecting the cattlemen and the fruit
and vegetable grower, in fact this
class OF people have always kept him
in the legislature.
Mr.. Watson says that he believes
taxes can be reduced and states how
in the following Platform:
To the Democratic Voters of Florida /;
In presenting myself as a candi-
date for the nomination to the gov
ernorship of Florida, by the democ-
rattle voters of the State, l realize the
many heavy responsibilities l will
assume, if nominated and elected.
believe that my long experience
as legislator, covering twenty-five
years, has given ME q thorough in
sight of the needs of this great state.
My record in Office is IN oren book;
have consistently stood for real pro-
gress of the State, and have been a
strong supporter CT TIE great meas
ures which have passed the legisla-
ture in my years of service there.
l believe that there never was a
time in the history of this State or of
this nation that has demanded great
er clearuess of thought or firmness
OF action than the present. The
seeds Of Bolshevism and AnarchIsm
have been scattered broadcast over
this country until their fruits threat
en- the very life OF our nation and our
state. These things are not Ameri-
can and not of America. They are
foreign born and speak a language
foreign 10 our institutions. They
are not of us and must be destroy ed
If we are to perpetuate our liberties
under our present form OF govern
ment. Our only safety is in just
laws vigorously and impartiaIly ad-
ministered.
If | am elected Governor of the
state Ct Florida, | pledge myself TO a
NiEoroHs administration Of tn @
States affairs and the just enforce
ment Ct all its laws.
Lower Taxes and Retronchment are
Absolutely Necessary
state legislation revOlves around
the question Of taxes, the great prob
lem Of civilization is to see that the
burden of taxation will he Coualized
and not excessive upon the individu-
al. believe that a considerable re-
ductic1 can be made il The taxation
of this State: First, by the elimina-
ton of useless Offices anC the REQUIRE
mcnt of full service from everyone
VINO holds commission from the
state. Second, the Budget System
oHers great opportunity for the elm
nation of unnecessary State ex-
pense. If / am elected your COVER
nor | will urge upon the legislature
the passage of such laws as VIII re-
qulre a complete estimate from heads
or the State government of the re-
quirements of each department for
the succeeding two years. These re-
ports to be submitted to the Govern
Or who will in turn present them to
the legislature so that a proper bud
get, NOT BE EXCEEDED. can be
by the legislative body.
There will be an adoption of strict
business methods and the equaliza-
Ion OF taxes of the State. favor
he lowest possible tax rate consist
mt with good government, and main
aiming our state institutions up to a |
high and humane standard.
Good Roads
! have always been an advocate of
'ood roads. The adoption by the
asst legislature of law which meets
ne requirements of Federal aid for
State roads has eliminated the neces-
ity for further education of the peo-
lie on the value of good roads. If
elected ! VIII use all the powers Of !
ne office to see that the funds raised
or good roads are efficiently and
economically administered and that
ach and every section of the State
eceives its full and fair proportion
# the roads provided by that legisla-
on.
Education
During my legislative career
ave always taken keen interest in