The dispatch-news. [volume] (Lexington, S.C.) 1919-2001, 1920-01-21
THINKS SUPERVISOR
SHOULD BE ELECTED
Mr.. s. +. Smith Urges Cooperation Of
All Concerned For
Good Roads.

Good Roads.
Editor Dispatch-N News:
/ beg among others. to submit my
views on the Ridgell proposed good
roads bill, which taken, as a whole, I
consider a great improvement on any
thing we now, or ever have had in
Lexington County I beg to differ with
the Senator however, on a few ar
ticles of his bill.
First, I think our Supervisor should
be elected by the direct vote Of the
people in the primaries. When we con-
slider the vast amount of funds this
office handles, it is readily seen that it
is one of, if not the most important
in the gift of our people, and 1 do not
think any men comprising the leg
islative delegation, however efficient
they may be. should have the power
to fill it. l believe tho, that the ap-
pointment by the Circuit Judge, upon
recommendation of the grand jurors,
of the commissioners is the best plan
to secure competent board, because
a commissioner is thus secured from
each district, and there is no politics
as see it in this, as the office seeks
the man and any man in anyway seek
ing the office, by this act, disqualifies
himself for it. Then again, if an in
competent, or unsatisfactory man is
put in, he can be retired after one
year, and a good one can be reap
pointed as the law now provides,
Again, dare say no two districts can
build and maintain their roads by the
same plans, so I think this should be
left to the judgment and discretion Of
the several commissioners, whom the
law provides shall be competent and
business men. Next, do not think any
new road should be opened, or an old
one closed, except by an intelligent
petition, stating competent reasons,
and endorsed by those whom such ac-
ton would most benefit or injure as
the case might be.
very earnestly believe too, that all
of the automobile tax OF this and ev-
cry county in South Carolina, should
be returned to the roads funds in the
township in which the cars are as
sessed.
This, with our present high taxes,
would raise the necessary funds with
which to build and maintain our
'County roads.
In justice to Senator Ridgell, who
is warm personal friend Of mine,
and for whom I have the greatest re-
spect, l want to say that I do not
think his proposed bill is in anyway a
political scheme with him, as has been
suggested, and feel sure that he well
comes fair and impartial discussion
of it.
I believe | voice the sentiments Of
rs per cent of the voters Of nay dis
trict, and of Lexington County, when
I say, as have said, in the campaigns
of 1916 and 1918, that our citizens do
not object to high taxation, even to the
$500 computation tax, provided they
obtain the benefits deserved and reas-
enable to expect, but they are darned
tired of such taxation without any
benefits, and 1 perdict now that the
present delegation,- unless they. get to-
gether, stay and work together on
the good roads proposition p. in our
county, devising~ some plan whereby
we may see this high tax money spent
advantageously. equally and well, will
likely find it necessary to defend their
positions, if they are candidates in the
approaching primaries, and explain
to the dear people, the why's, and
wherefores of it.
In conclusion, friends, let me re-
mind you that any bills and argu-
ments will fail without the necessary
funds to finance it, and likewise, the
funds will be useless without some well
defined plan. the conscientious term
work Of our delegation, and the ear
nest and hearty cooperation of the
citizenship Of our County. These, alto
gether. will do the work Let's have
them say |.
! thank yon Mr. Editor for space
etc.
S. Z. SMITH.
Swansea. s. G.. Jan. 18th. 1920.