Exposing the Color Line

Many observers believe South Miami lost its innocence during the election.

Whitt has left city hall. Price is gone too. So are Hernandez, Asher, and many of the people at the center of the controversies. About the only one left is Chief Watson -- and many wonder how long he can hang on.

The city recently brought in an interim manager, Charles Scur, a 46-year-old adjunct professor at Florida International University. Rumors circulated that he would be asked to fire Watson. Many local blacks, already alarmed by the flyers and the gradual thinning of black officials, showed up at a commission meeting to protest the move.

David Bethel, the only black commissioner left on the dais, voted against Scur. With more people than usual at the meeting, police stood guard. Notes publisher Miller (who is white): "I've never seen three uniformed cops attend meetings before. When 50 whites gather at a meeting they're considered 'concerned citizens.' When 50 blacks gather, they're considered 'disruptive.'"

Meanwhile, Scur assures all who ask that he has no intention of firing Watson. And Robaina also contends that he has no quarrel with the chief. He claims Whitt deluded everyone.

"The lawsuit will probably be settled very amicably, once he understands it was all a ploy," Robaina says confidently. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to tell the chief this. "Apparently he's been told he can't meet with me.