The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1911-06-16
GOOD ROADS ELECTION.

( A number of the enterprising bust
ness men OF Caldwell and farmer!
living near this city have undertaken
to organize a good roads district
under the provisions of the law
passed by the last session of the
legislature. Upon the organization
Of the proposed district the people
: will vote tomorrow. A district has
already been authorized in the ter
ritory to the east of us. On the
same day the people of Payette will
also vote on the question of or
ganizing such a district. 1t will I'M
doubtedly carry at Payette. If the
people living in this vicinity are to
keep abreast of the times they too
will authorize a district organization.
1t is freely admitted that the dis
trict law is not an ideal measure in
every particular. In fact there is
room for many Improvements. 1t
is thought though, that the district
method of handling the road ques-
ton will be an improvement over
the present system. The hope that
1t will be is the justification for the
steps already taken.
At present each commissioner is
supposed to give general supervision
to the roads in his district. The
class Of men we usually have, and
those we now have as county COM
missioners, does not inspire any
great confidence in its ability as
road builders, or as anything else
really worth while. But even If we
had most capable men the districts |
are so large, and the other duties |
devolving upon the commissioners |
so many, that at best the roads
would receive scant attention. Under
the present system the local over
seer of roads works when and where
he feels like it. He usually feels
like 1t when he has no other work
to do and he works in the most
place. In consequence
vast sums of money are spent on
The roads without substantial &C
'omplishment. Thousands of dol
ars have been spent on Canyon
county roads and there is not two l
n dc he |
n the county. Under the district |
Ian, the territory in the district is q
mall and compact. The three high '
way commissioners will have no I
ther public duties to perform and B
an give their attention to the high t
rays Immediately under their sup b
rVision. They will employ a COM a
etent man to do the actual work h
nd he will work under their dkrec- II
on. In this way the money will Il
spent more economically and to W
7tter advantage. Some system of II
ornament road improvement will W
adopted and worked out with the
suit that In few years the roads
9 have will be good roads. 1t is
Vt the intention of any one to i'm
ediately enter upon a costly, elab-
ate scheme of road building. For rii
few years no more money will be na
pended than in the past. When 70
people feel able they may au- fo
orize bond issue with which to w
instruct highways in the district. ma
In the face of the experience we Is
We had during the past 20 years en-
more We think it likely that the He
ople will be willing to try any in
stem that promised better results, vic
at least some results. We be. bo
We the taxpayers are tired of str
ing their money frittered away. nm,
If after year. without taking some aw
ps to change the management. foo
9 district plan promises relief. 1t baa
ures an improvement. 10,