The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1940-11-02
KAY DISCUSSES
SIX AMENDMENTS
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tOOnL1nuo0 IIOm rage Onel
penSe, prove attractive to new
settlers, and be in accord with
the taxation program of Cover
nor-elect Holland. Disadvantages
are that it might possibly prove
the opening wedge for a sales
tax, that it will take funds from
schools, pensions, health, prisons,
tick eradication and free text
books. but the amount is rela-
lively small and could easily be
made up from Dther sources. -
State Parole Commission
Establishment of a State Parole
Commission would do away with
the present pardon board and
provide an agency to intelligent
ly handle the parole of prisoners,
giving Florida a set-up similar
to all but two other states, where
it has worked with good results.
1t would provide for more care
and investigation in parole cases
and should put a stop to whole
sale pardoning of criminals, as is
now practiced. Such a commits
sion would have great power,
and could be dangerous in the
hands of corrupt politicians.
Seven Justices
Provision for seven Justices of
the Supreme Court is needed to
speed up the work of the court
and eliminate split" decisions
that now frequently occur. The
court would have two divisions
of three Justices each with the
concurrence of the Chief Justice
required for a decision by either
division. The amendmcn: pro-
videS that the present governor
would appoint the seventh JUS
tice to hold office until 1913,
thereafter to be elected by the
people as are the other Justices.
commandments 4GIm
The amendment affecting the
term of county commissioners is
one that directly applies to local
government in your community
and should have your most
thoughtful consideration. 1t is
proposed that such commission
ers be elected for a term of four
instead of two years. AT present
the number of commissioners in
each county is limited by law to
five; however, under the propos-
ed amendment the legislature
would have power to create any
number of districts and this fact
paves the way for unlimited po-
litical racketeering as efforts
would be made by local political
groups to have additional COM
InissionerS' districts created to
gain advantage for themselves
The amendment offers no i'm
provement or advantage to the
citizen and taxpayer and should
be defeated.
Widows Pension
The Widows Pension amend
ment provides that all widows be
favored with tax exemption on
property to the value of $500 and
does away with the existing
clause in the constitution which
reads that has a family depend
ent on her for support. It's pas
sage would help many widows
entitled to assistance who are not
receiving it. The amendment
also gives similar exemption to
those who have lost limb or
have been disabled by either war
or misfortune. Some oppose the
amendment on the grounds that
under its provisions, wealthy
widows would receive the same
consideration as those who are
destitute, but it is pointed out
that the amount of the exemp-
ton is so small that it would Of
fer little advantage to a wealthy
person and yet means a great
deal to one who is poor. The
amendment should be passed.
Tax Distribution
The Tax Distribution amend
ment would give the legislature
power to distribute and allocate
all excise taxes now collected by
the State of Florida from the op-