Arizona republican., 1921-02-12

one of his special recommendations
made to the association, and referred
to a highway commission bill as
follows.
Personally l strongly believe that
a system of main, through-line state
highways should have back Of them
the resources of the entire state Win
out regard to county lines, but solely
with reference to the best develop
ment of Arizona. Our present high
way laws are, in my opinion, ham
dicap in getting the most practical
and economical results. The success,
however, of a state highway commits
sion would depend on the ability, en-
ergy and character of the adrninistra-
tive officers. In the large number OF
states where highway commissions
are in operation effective and economi-
cal results are being obtained. The
principle involved seems thoroughly
sound from an economic standpoint,
that the commission acting as does a
board of directors of any large business
institution, would lay out the general
business policies or administration,
outline the highway system, and en-
gage highway engineer who would
act as the executive officer having full
charge OF construction work with pow
er for hiring and firing his subordi-
! mates, with the exception of a few of
| his immediate executive associates
| who should be appointed with the ap-
prevail of the commission. Highway
| commissions of this type, when run
on a strictly business basis, and with
employees chosen solely on the basis OF
| their efficiency with no regard to the
payment of political debts, have ac-
complished excellent results and have
materially heightened the value of the
taxpayers dollar.
Should Frame Bill
| 1T does not strike me, however, as
desirable, with the present more OF
less complicated road situation, at this
| time to recommend the introduction OF
a highway commission bill by the leg
| islature, but 1 do feel that this asso-
citation can render a genuine public
| service by appointing a special com
nittee, to be known as committee
on research to make a careful study Of
I highway commission laws in othel
states with the results obtained. i
their investigations justify, they should
be authorized to present to the mex
meeting of the association definite
constructive highway commission bill
adapted to Arizona's conditions.
Under the handicap of our existing
road legislation, and the difficultie:
involved in securing federal aid, fee
that much excellent work has beer
accomplished in Arizona and that Mr.
Maddox, handicapped as he has beer
by a bad system, has obtained quit,
; satisfactory results.
If the Arizona Good Roads associ
alton is to be of genuine help, anG
service in the development of con
structive state good roads policy, it
!, recommendations must be invariabl,
free from sectionalism, personality ans
partisan politics, but directed solely t,
the best welfare of the state, and tn
. interest of the taxpayers generally"
/ In conclusion Mr.. Heard stated tina
for three years he had acted a.
president of the state association, ha,
enjoyed the work, but regretted that h
had been unable to give it more time
ana 1elt that the time had come whel
some other man should be chosen t
take up this work, and pledged to hi
successor his vigorous support. and a,
assurance that he should thorough,
enjoy the opportunity to work har,
for good roads in the ranks of tn
association.
He thanked the directors and mem
bers for their friendly cooperation an,
support, and specifically Thanked tn
variable helpfulness, MANY excellen
suggestions, and systematic and thor
ough attention to the work of the as
ISOLATION.
Recommendations Offered
AS the retiring president, Mr. Hear,
offered the following definite recon-
mendations for favorable consitlera
ton by the association:
An early amendment to the stat
constitution providing for a reasonab l
increase In the present extremely Low
limitation of state debt of $3.50 900 s.
, tnat by bond issues which might frou
. time TO time be justified funds Nigh
be. provided for the construction o
bridges. main line state highways O
other essential improvements
|. 2. Legislative action which woul
enable state and county highway of
fees to manufacture their own roa,
making material, including cemen
when in their judgment such actio
would result in more economical roa
construction
g. constructive graduated motto
vehicle law which would provide
reasonable return from motor vehicle.
r consistent with the steadily increasin
tonnage and the steadily increasing US
: by these vehicles of the public high
ways; such funds to be used for main
: ttenance purposes.
+ 4. The establishment throughout til
: state of some practical road patrol sys
l. tenn for the purpose of decreasin
8 maintenance costs and preventing tt
e heavy loss that occurs from the lac
), Iof prompt repair
e 5. The creation by the Good Roaf
). lassociation of a new committee to
e known as the research committee