The Coconino sun., 1927-08-19
The Deadlock Is
Finally Busted


The passage of the state highway
bill and the appointment of commits
sioners prompts conflicting opinions.
Compromises are never satlsfac-
tory
In this instance, it would appear
that the governor receded from his
position more than the majority OF the
legislature The new highway bill is
practically the same as old house bill
No. 127 except for a few changes.
Some economy was taken out of the
bill when the limit on force accounts
was raised from $4,000 to $4,000. Re-
cess appointments are transferred, in
the new bill, from the commissioners
to the governor, a change which lends
itself to control by the executive.
These changes undoubtedly were
made before the governor would sign
the BILL
The commission, appointed by the
governor and confirmed by the senate,
is a disappointment. Surely there are
five men in the state of Arizona more
ably fitted to supervise the construc-
tion of state highways who would be
glad to serve on the commission.
The Star has been firm supporter
of the majority faction in the legis-
lature and has urged the passage of
the highway BILL Now that the bill
has passed and is in the hands of a
commission the majority of whom
have been loyal supporters of the
governor, we can but wonder what has
actually been accomplished.
Frankly, it looks as if the legisla-
| ho.nIoI hn
people the old brand Of politics under
new name.
There are other editors in Arizona
who view the passage of the bill with
cheers. Bryan Akers in the Arizona
Gazette, says: "The democratic legls-
lature today made commendable his
tory for the democratic party of Ari-
zona by passing the creditors bill,
and thereby insuring the passage Of
the entire highway bill.
"Other states, some republican, still
are without a highway bill as pro-
gressive, as business like as Arizona's
measure. This fact alone unites,
strengthens and completely harmon
ICES all factions of the states demo-
cratic party. 1t completely deprives
the republican propagandists of their
Forthcoming campaign issue because
the democratic legislature, a demo-
cratic governor, and the democratic
party have made good. And, indeed,
because the present democratic gov
ernor and legislature have, in truth,
given Arizona the greatest piece of
| legislation in her history"
Superlatives are out of place at this
time. The greatness of the bill will
depend upon future performance of
the commissioners, not on the present
prophecies of editors.
When any law is heralded as being
the dawn of a new Utopia, we begin
| to look for the flaws. The flaw in this
case is the commission.
| On the other hand an embarrassing
deadlock has been broken embarrass-
/ ing to the governors office and to the
legislature. 1t has been no easy task
| for the legislature to thresh out the
measure. and it has been no easy task
| for the governor to concede to any
ones wishes.
The bill is important to Arizona. 1t
will mean resumption of highway
work and relief to creditors.
| If the commission functions as well
as it's ardent supporters promise it
will the state will be well pleased. If
| it fails, and the highway department
remains the tool of the executive, as
lit has been in the past, the whole fight
will have to be made over. aagin.
In the meantime, the best that can
be said is that the deadlock has been
broken and the people will be hopeful
for future performance. - Tucson
Star.
] Edsel Ford will back Commander