Arizona republican., 1920-01-19
Many Express Desire for. Concrete Construction = Give Their Views as Sug- gestions, Not Criticism

The Republican has experienced no difficulty in obtaining the opinions of taxpayers on the recent decision of the Maricopa county highway commits sion to eliminate concrete-cement construction from plans for the $4,0oO,- 900 highway program. On the con- trary the taxpayers have generally evinced a marked readiness to ques- ton as to their preference in road types.
 Many express a desire for concrete construction-a concrete cement base, because they have learned by experf- ence that this type of road is gen. erally permanent one. To the aver age observer many of the opinions are similar. many of them identical; out of the 60 or more opinions expressed to The Republican. only three nave to any extent favored the reported deci- sion of the highway commission to eliminate concrete cement from tnelf plans
 Some taxpayers frankly admit they have given no particular thought to the road program: they voted Tor the bond issue, and then left the matter entirely in the hands of the highway commission. But these persons inVa- riabIy. when asked their preference in road tyes immediately announce an advocacy of "a permanent road-one which will not require reconstruction every few years- Still others declare and this seems to be the opinion or the majority who have come within the scope of The Republicans sym posium-that the money should De spent on permanent highways as far as it will go.
 Several yesterday said that they did not express their opinions in spirit of criticism of the highway commits sion; they felt, several said, that the members of the county highway com mission were in a far better position to judge road types than themselves but taxpayers, they added, they judged that the roads should be Of a permanent type-a type which would not carry with it a high upkeep ex- pense.
 Here are some of the opinions:
 AT Esgate: T do not care whether they build a bitulithic road or con crete road; the type does not interest me much, but I think we should bulio the best possible roads as far as the money will go and then vote more bonds.''
 U. b. caqe: My opinion is that the county highway commission can save the county much money and can lay a good road of crushed rock, With ar asphalt or bitulithic surface. providing it is properly laid
 R. s. CadwaIIader: "I favor per- manent highway I think concrete is the best bet. It is better to have a few miles of good roads than many miles of poor ones. That's the way look at it."
 Harold Baxter: 'I undestand thai concrete construction will cost one third more than the highway commits sion has in hand. I would rather sec no road laid than a poor one. Roads of the loose rock type will last year or so, and then require repair. anc later rebuilding. It is a mistake, think to state that the state or gov ernment can produce cement cheaper than an individual concern. l do no want a loose rock road. and at the same time I do not wish to criticize the highway commission. We know that what would have amounted to ar ample fund for the concrete road wher we voted the bonds is not now sufficient to lay PTS miles of the best road. A the same time I do not wish to set a loose rock road laid here
 C. E. TannehiIi: "As taxpayer would like to see the best possible road put down here in the county am in favor of the best roads and O the best materials, but I am not pre- pared to say what is the best ma teriai."
 Jake Miller: "If we build any roads at all let us build them right l would not like to see a loose rock base lait down If we only build one-half thu proposed program. yet us build Una half right. not at all. l would no