The Winslow mail., 1926-07-09

AS a staunch believer in State
rights, l shall continue to insist
that Arizona is entitled to receive
revenue from all power DEVELOPED
on the Colorado River within the
boundaries of this State and to
Just portion of the revenue derived
from power developed between this
and other states, and to an equit-
able amount of the waters of the
Colorado River with which to irri-
gate lands in this state.
Taxation
During the four years, 1919-1922
inclusive, the total amount levied
and raised by taxation for state
purposes, as shown by the records
ofFthe State Board of Equalization.
was $19,121,200. For the years
1923-1926, the four years of my ad-
ministration, the amount levied and
raised by taxation for state pur-
poses was $17046,O73, or $2,O75, ,127
less for the last four years than
for the previous four years.
In spite of this fact, the burden
of taxes still remains heavy. This
is due primarily to decreased valu-
ations of property subject to taxa
ton combined with increases in
population resulting in growing de-
mands upon all agencies of the
state government.
Every department of our state
ic in
sponse to public demand and is
performing a definite useful func-
tion for the benefit of the people.
believe the people are receiving
full values for the money expended.
All lines of industry have passed
through period of deflation and
hardship. 1t is only natural that
these conditions should reflect
themselves in tax values. Eighty
per cent of the reduction is reflect
ed in the decrease in mine yalua-
tions, which, of course, makes the
burden upon other classes of prop
erty heavier.
A general improvement is being
noted, however, along all lines OF
industry throughout the state, es-
pecially in mining. I believe that
we can look forward to increased
valuations during the next few
years. But 1 am making a deter
mined fight to protect our inter
ests in the Colorado River, because
I feel that it is absolutely essential
that Arizona derive revenue from
this great resource.
Schools
| I recommended to the last Legis-
1ature some changes in our school
laws 1 believe that the admins
tration of the schools should be
kept as close as possible to the
people of the various school dis
tricts but that general policies car
be adopted which will tend to i'm
prove conditions and to keep down
unnecessary expenditures. I shall
again make similar recommenda.
tions and work toward their reali.
! Zation.
Other questions of public policy
will receive the same careful at.
tention that I have given to then
in the past.
Conclusion
| | felt sense of : relief from
strain when l decided to lay down
the burdens of office. But so many
people in the State would not ac-
cept my decision to retire without
making another fight, that I coulC
not do otherwise than respond. II
making this announcement, I hope
to receive the endorsement of the
people of Arizona. I renew my
pledge of fealty and devotion to the
| interests of Arizona.
In entering the race I appreciate
the fact that forces of tremendous
strength, including financial, poll
tical and economic organizations
will be lined up in opposition to
my policies. These forces are seek
ing control of the State Govern
ment for selfish, mercenary pur-
poses at the expense of the people
of Arizona.
The opposition will embrace such
papers as the Los Angeles Times
the Hearst papers, the Arizona Re-
publican, Prescott Courier, Tucson
Star, and others, and will bring to-
gether Republicans and Democrats
who seek special privileges.
There is nothing new in the sit
uation. 1t is the same fight-never
ending has been going on
since statehood. 1t is the same
fight with which other states are
confronted in different ways. 1t is
the fight of "Shall the people rule
or shall they be governed?"
I shall appreciate your advice,
cooperation and assistance.
Cordially yours,
GEO. w. P. HUNT,