The Coconino sun., 1923-03-23
THE WATER SUPPLY PROBLEM

Flagstaff's water problem is not quite as SIM
pie as some inadvised folks seem to think 1t
is very easy matter for some people to say
'fto hell with the Santa Fe railroad, let's build
our own water works to suit ourselves.
I'm the first place no reasonable resident of
Flagstaff with good business ability wants to see
the Santa Fe railroad consigned to any such re-
gion. The growth and prosperity of Flagstaff
and the Santa Fe railroad are co-equal--we are
all stockholders in the same game That is to
say, the stockholders of the Santa Fe as official
ly represented, and, Flagstaff as officially rep
resented in the city council.
The city council of Flagstaff realizes how
much once can help the other in developing the
great southwest. The city council further real
ICES that the Santa Fe is a big continental line
nation wide; that they must build along their
hne and prepare for future development. Flu
ture development is one of their greatest assets
It is the same with stockholders in the city of
Flagstaff The Santa Fe railway has been made
a success by reason of stocks and bonds sold far
and wide.
No city Of Importance in the United States has
ever grown and prospered except by the same
methods employed by the Santa Fe.
At times narrow-ninded selfish stockholders
appointees for the Santa Fe have represented
their constituents much the same as elective of
fcers have actually represented Flagstaff. This
is not the present condition with Flagstaff's rep
Tesentatives nor do we believe it fits in with the
for the good of all concerned.
The thinking, reasoning citizen of Flagstaff
realizes the absolute necessity of providing more
water to permit of progress and growth.
The Santa Fe railroad realizes just as the cit
liens of Flagstaff do, the necessity for the addi
nonal supply for its own good. There is no
sense in either interest getting off with the
wrong foot as they did years ago.
The city council as at present constituted,
have no intention of turning the city water
works over to the Santa Fe-they know the peo-
pie would rise up in arms at any such PROPOSE
ton. This sort of propaganda is used by some
to prevent any agreement whatever with the
railroad company There are others who be-
Eeve that no fair and square agreement between
the railroad company and Flagstaff should be
broken that the Santa Fe has kept good faith
and has helped Flagstaff in the development of
the water supply in the contract entered into in
1914 when the new reservoir was built.
We believe Santa Fe officials acquainted with
the intent and purpose of Flagstaff officials, are
In accord with the movement for more water.
All agree a greater supply is needed.
The city council and all other interested per-
sons are against any proposition which would put
Flagstaff IN debt beyond its capacity to pay and,
To pay without a burdenSonle tax. No one wants
an unreasonable tax burden.
II our present water system was in the hands
Of private corporation, with it's present and
prospective earnings, there would be no hesi-
fancy in attempting to float a bond issue of
$685. 900. The Santa Fe has done it and made it
pay.
If the city council had been careless, had not
gone into every detail and there was no future
prospect for Flagstaff, we can readily see where
doubt could arise.