The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, 1920-10-14
WAYBRIGHT ON BOND ISSUE,
Member of Legislature Says Proposed
Amendment Should Carry.

In a recent issue of the Florida
Metropolis, Edgar A. Waybright, ;
well known and influential member
of the Florida Legislature, gave his
reasons for favoring approval of the
proposed constitutional amendment
which if adopted win give the legis-
lature authority to issue bonds for
road building, to at no time exceed
! in amount five per cent of the states
assessed valuation.
Tersely, Mr.. W&ybrfght states his
stand for the amendment in three
reasons:
l. This amendment should be
ratified because 1T affords our only
means of meeting the federal aid and
securing the important assistance of
the federal government in building
our roads.
The federal government is meeting
dollar with dollar to states which
issue bonds for the building of per-
manent roads. That u.s. if Florida
should float bonds to the extent of
100000. a like amount will be
forthcoming from the federal gov
eminent for road building. 1t is
strictly up to the people of Fl. rfda
whether this opportunity of securing
100000, 900 is to be ignored. Per-
haps later the federal government
will withdraw this proposition. and
when Florida does decide to build
better roads-which she will do soon
er or later, for the other states will
force her to it by their example-it
will be necessary for her to bear the
entire cost. Twenty million dollars.
gratis, is not to be laughed at.
2. Florida, by reason of her tour
lists and large stretches of undevelop-
ed land, needs system of good roads
more. perhaps, than any other state.
Tourists are big asset in Florida. |
There is little question but that it is
the ideal state of the Union for tour !
ing. These tourists used to come by |
Train; now large percentage of them |
are coming by automobile, with the
suu intention of travelling to all parts
If the state, and we must not be
egotistical to the extent of believing
hat they will not go elsewhere if we
all to develop our roads. Our COM
'etitive states are busily engaged in
Dad building. Nature has indeed i
'een kind to Florida, but she expects
Is to do our part if we are to derive
he full benefits of her gifts. AS to
he undeVeloped lands, any reason
bic minded business man can appre-
late just how great would be the use
illness of good roads in these Sec
ions.
). The legislature of the state
an be trusted to guard the public in
crest in the issuance of these bonds.
Surely the legislature of the state
# Florida, composed of representa-
i've business men from different parts
If the state, is equal to that or any
'ther legislature in the Union, and
he people of other states, where .
ponds have been issued, have trusted |
heir legislatures and found them |
The idea is ridiculous If !
the legislature of Florida cannot
handle wisely and in a business-like
manner the issuance of these bonds.
then the voter himself is to blame.
Florida must keep apace of the
times. Next to educational facilities.
good roads are closely allied.
We need better roads in this state
They are imperative to proper pro-
gress.
A bond issue is the best method of
raising necessary funds, plus the ap-
preparation of the federal govern
ment.
The amendment should be carried.