Adams County Farmers Challenge New Road Laws in Court
A legal battle in Ritzville challenges the constitutionality of a state law that stripped local road supervisors of their autonomy and tax-work privileges.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A suit has been filed in the superior court at Ritzville to test the constitutionality of a new road law passed by the state legislature. The action was brought by W.C. Griffith, an ex-county commissioner of Adams County. The law abolished the system of electing district road supervisors, placing that power in the hands of the county commissioners and removing the ability for citizens to pay property taxes through road work. Farmers in Adams County argue the law is iniquitous and against their interests. They have raised funds to challenge the legislation, and are seeking an injunction to stop the appointment of new supervisors.
“Adams county farmers contend that it is iniquitous and antagonistic to their interest.”
The conflict between state-mandated administrative control and local rural autonomy is a persistent theme in Washington State, echoing contemporary debates over land-use planning and property taxes.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.