Editorial: Work Out an Answer

Daily Review, Sept. 21, 1949

Full Text:

It is gratifying to know that the board of supervisors of Alameda county has entered into talks with city officials of Hayward in an attempt to get water Iines laid to Russell City.

Credit for the supervisors action goes to residents of Russell City who sought signatures for petitions asking for consideration; to the Russell community council, which led the delegation to the supervisors: to the Hayward city council, who offered cooperation with county officials; and to many groups and individuals in Southern Alameda county who wrote the board asking that cooperation between the city and county be made a reality.

Although the board of sitpervisors has met with city officials, there still seenis to be the question of "authority." Can the county board act in financially aiding the laying of a pipe to handle Russell water needs?

Attorney T. L. Foley, representing Russell City residents, says the supervisors can under their "police powers', which include jurisdiction over health and safety within unincorporated areas of the county.

It might be wise to point out that should the county find that such is the case—they might legally aid Russell City through those powers, then there should be no other hurdle.

The county need not fear setting a precedent which might work to its disadvantage at a later date. By their own claims, the supervisors say that the situation at Russell City cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the county.

It is natural, therefore, to regard Russell City as an un usual problem. The supervisors can do many things that they might ordinarilly fear because they will not be setting a pattern which might lead to complications from other parts of the county.

Russell City has a problem that is unique to that area in the county. The supervisors have indicated that they are willing to work out an allswer. We feel sure that the water problem can be solved, and by the unusual circumstances at Russell City, the supervisors can feel free to do their utmost without fear of other areas seeking "like treatment", for there can be no other area with a "like problem."

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