Arizona republican., 1919-06-22
Our County Highway System

x The Maricopa county highway commission which las charge of the work of constructing 272 miles Of lermanent highways in this county, has entered it's task vigorously and is holding daily sessions at which the problems in this great undertaking Icing considered Some of these problems are legal some are psychological, though for the most part, they are physical and all of them be brought aSsoundness of judgment and frmness of decision. 1sfter all. what is going in our high way development, is straightforward, business ad- 1ainistration.
 q The members of the commission all of iood business standing, and they have every oppor- tsnity to make record which will be credit to teem and Maricopa county. We wish them we'll and at every step of the work want to be in a position 10 give them thoroughgoing support in putting into effect business like, political plan road con stfucti6n
 < The need of good roads in this county and the e9fidence our people in the ability of the present ccmmission to give them the right kind of a system dE good roads has been very clearly demonstrated in the overwhelming support the bonds at the recent election
 K To say that should have the best roads and he most of them for the money is trite That is uHdsputed but how to put such policy into action issthe problem that confronts the commission and in successfully solving this problem they are bound to run across and have to overcome much of human greed and human selfishness but there are certain principles of definite action which are bound to spell success if put into effect
 First. The definite need of developing the
 highway plans along such lines as will brinq the most active competition in road construction among contractors of various classes of perma- nent highways, and material men generally
 Second. The preparation of complete practical specifications designed to give the maximum life to the roads under the conditions existing in this iclimate and with the soil conditions prevailing.
 In this work, believe the commission should gseek, and undoubtedly obtain the advice and Incorporation of the United States federal bureau of good roads, who might also be induced to detail
 a man to this county to work in co operation with the commission
 Third. The appointment of inspectors for the
 work under progress of such high character and
 trained ability that slipshod or inferior work
 Will be accepted This necessarily means that in- sspeetors must be selected solely on the basis of
 ther qualifications and character, and without
 thc slightest regard to their political influence or affiliations.
 An exceedingly important thing to be considered in working out plan which will mean the lowest possible cost mile of road building is that arrange rnents should be so that the commission may bs in position to get in on the ground floor on cement, gravel and sand the most important ele Inens in road construction Many counties in under taking great constructive plan, such as the good roads in Maricopa county have found 1t best to con troi these sources of supply. We understand that the commission is giving this question most careful attention. and if it is worked out successfully if should mean great saving in the final cost of the road system.
 We believe the commission realizes the tremendous 'sportancc of the task ahead Of them and will not allow themselves to be led into the qua aglnires which hgre so often nterfered with the success of road con sttuction programs in other sections