I fail to understand any confusion on the part of the Town Council on how to manage the town’s funds.

There is a single purpose for a town, state or federal government: to provide the infrastructure necessary for the citizenry to pursue their lives and their enterprises in an orderly and safe environment. To that end, it’s necessary for the town to provide and maintain fire, police, sewer, courts, water, schools, manage placement of new construction projects and keeping roads in good working order. Those things are the town’s first responsibility.

Its responsibilities do not include festivals, attracting new population, supporting businesses, spending thousands to bring tourists, or handing one citizen’s money to another chosen citizen by any means directly or indirectly. When those direct responsibilities are met, then there’s time for other considerations.

Therefore, where street maintenance is concerned, how can there be any confusion about it? Yet, there certainly seems to be a contingent who buck every attempt to properly maintain them. I’m sure most of us could name various candidates for maintenance right now. The one which sticks out for myself so egregiously is Palomino Boulevard. Driving that lengthy street will likely require four-wheel drive if it isn’t repaved soon.

Looking at the real estate which comprises our town, it’s difficult to square those homes with the state of the town’s streets. So, whereas this maintenance is one of the town’s core responsibilities, just get it done. Don’t worry about bonds if the majority who live here prefer dirt roads and won’t vote for the maintenance. Simply use whatever money it takes from the town’s budget, each year, until it’s completed.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.