The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1953-03-26
Papy Gives Reasons For Charter
In Talk To Legion
Urges All To
attend Meeting
In Court House
On Friday Night

State Representative Ber-
ME c. Papy spoke up last
night in defense of the legis-
lation he will introduce next
month when the State Leg
islature convenes in ITALIA
hassee, at the regular meet
ing of Arthur Sawyer Post,
American Legion.
Before a large gathering
in the Post Home on Stock
Island, Papy outlined the
reasons behind the stack of
bills affecting the charter of
the city of Key West which
he will present before the
states ruling body.
In his informal, off-the.cuff
talk, Papy discussed only the
bills which he personally is intro
ducing. He pointed out that the
only bills he is sponsoring are
those relating to the city.
Papy told Of how, eight years
ago. he was approached by a
committee OF local citizens and
asked to sponsor a bill calling for
change in the form Of the city
government from the council
mayor type to the commission.
manager form Of rule.
~ was opposed 10 II 81 that
time" said Papy. 'but when I
found ovf little more about II,
] thought that II would work for
Key West"
Papy then told of how he work
ed with a committee to draw up
a suitable charter, which he says
combines the best features of the
charters of Lakeland, Deland,
Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Mia
mi Beach.
Papy said that, even then, he
was severely critized for not
allowing the measure to come
before the people by referendum.
81 was accused Of being a Hitler
and a Stain" Papy told the
Legionnaires. but because Of the
political situation at that time =
I knew that the people would new.
er even get a chance to try the
new plan If We had a referen-
dunn"
Il was very much interested in
seeing it work out satisfactorily, "
the veteran legislator continued,
land l asked each civic group
to be alert in the future and to
suggest amendments when pos
sible shortcomings of the charter
were discovered"
But. in eight years, have
not received one single constrac-
tive suggestion from the groups
or from the city commission al
though il is common knowledge
that all is not well in the city
hall"
Pspy pointed ont that under the
present setup. the mayor cannot
succeed himself. But. be reveal
ed that under the terms Of one
Of his charter amendments. con-
corning the method Of electing
the commissioners and the may.
or. IF We get good man in Of
flee. we can keep him there"
He termed his bills remedial
legislation"
Papy also commented on bills
affecting civil service regulations.
particularly affecting the chiefs
Of the police and fire department.
"My amendments concerning
the fire and police setap are de-
signed to give control Of these
functions 10 the city eommission
and their respective chiefs rather
than to TIE city manager sho
works from nine TO five O'clock
every day"
Papy said that this BIZ Is pat
termed after one already in effect
ia Miami Beach which be said
is Gre Of the best administered
cities ia the nation.
Pspy also scared TIE city con-
misxsnV for EDt carrying cut iss
rsspc . Lily Ia hokIag over Ire
city erseg
lie pointed oss sksat ofe n
TIRE penalty pres assegzs - ths
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