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Show 3 FROM 25, 1988 Thursday, February PAnc hkic U.S. House Subcommittee Probes Scope Of by Ralph H. Goff Green Sheet Staff Writer First in a series transportation is indeed the lifeblood, then Salt Lake Valley is in dire need of surgeiy," Rep. Howard Nielson STJTO.tyP"8 told those in attendance at the U.S. House ot Representatives Government Affairs and Subcommittee field hearing here Monday1"011 It is no secret that as our nations cities and 311 areaS row 80 their problems," he added'30 Nielson, the ranking minority member on the subcommittee, was joined by subcommittee chairmmi Cardiss Collins in assessing the problems and proposed solutions to traffic problems m the valley. While mention was made of problems all along the entire Wasatch Front from Payson to Brigham City " as well as in other parts of the Salt Lake Valley itself-- - the hearing focused specifically on the corridor from Salt Lake to Draper. We want to examine the significant work that has already been done with respect to Salt Lakes e plan to solve its serious traffic and transit problems," Rep. Collins told those in attendance. We hope to learn how federal policies and actions are relating to these local efforts," she added. Federal, state and local government officials testified before the Subcommittee, in addition to (D-Ill- .) long-rang- representatives of the private sector. This series will focus on the various concerns expressed by that varied group of individuals. corridor is absolutely essential "Improving the to the economic growth and quality of life of the state of Utah," Lieutenant Governor Val Oveson contended before the Subcommittee, adding that "there is a commitment at all levels of government here to solve the problem." "Eighty-fiv- e percent of the population of this state lives in a narrow band of land between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains," Rep. Wayne Owens testified. "More than 500,000 cars travel the streets of this valley every day, and we can expect a 50 percent increase in the next 10 years." Owens also pointed out that Utah has 'already contributed $1.25 million in state funds toward a feasibility study for implementation of proposals by the Wasatch Front Regional Council, a group of 16 elected officials from Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Morgan and Tooele counties. 'Were already on our way to solving some very real transportation and environmental problems," he said. Part of the Regional Councils proposed solution would be the addition of at least two lanes to from 800 North to 10400 South, with the addition of four lanes proposed between the higher-traffi- c zone between the interchange and downtown. "Something must be done or were going to arrive at gridlock in the early part of the next century," he said. Gene Findlay, executive director of the Utah WEST VALLEY. Although the bill to deregulate Mountain Bell didnt pass this session of the Utah State legislature, "well be back again," said Mack Lawrence, Utah vice president and chief executive officer of the company. In his talk last Thursday to the footing with our competitors." Lawrence noted that revenues to Mountain Bell from Utahs seven largest companies have decreased by 22 percent over the past two years. He predicted that, if the trend continues, rates for local service would have to West Valley Area Chamber of increase 18 percent. Commerce, Lawrence said that Although certain consumer deregulation is badly heeded by groups have opposed the measure, the company because "it will Lawrence noted that Sen. Lyle allow us to compete on an equal Hillyard, the bills sponsor, believes consumers eventually will regret it most if the bill fails to pass. Hillyard has observed, said Lawrence, that he has never seen an issue before the legislature that has generated so much misinformation and misunderstanding. In its current fora, the bill would place a cap on local rates for three years. After the three-yea- r freeze, the phone company could go to the Public Service Commission to request rate changes. Lawrence also encouraged chamber members to support the d Utah Economic interested in creating an identity Development Corporation "Im for the area and are willing to excited about UEDC and what it help the new city in any way we will mean for Utah." He said can." Utahns should be more Saretta says the seeds of a about what the state has topositive offer. Chamber of Taylorsville-Bennio"We downgrade ourselves and Commerce have already been talk about the negative. Lets be planted, and that businesses are more positive," Lawrence said. organizing here for the future. In other business the chamber Those interested in additional heard reports from two of its information may write to Robert committee chairmen. Saretta, P.O. Box 382, Salt Lake Dick Flack of Valley Fair Mall, City, Utah 84101, or telephone who heads the Small Business newly-forme- 1 fora like Murray has the advantage of direct voter input in the affairs of the city. Since the Mayor has no vote, he or she must ultimately seek City Council approval for difficult " y decisions. Barring death or impeachment, the Mayor serves for his or her elected term of office, whether or not he or she is an efficient This of fora manager. government is also subject to political whims and can change each new with quickly administration. While Murrays government is similar to the federal model, the City CouncilCity Manager form like West Valley is more comparable to the way a corporation functions. The City Council serves as the board of directors, the Mayor as chairman of the board, and the City Manager as the professional Executive Director or Chief Operating Officer. Because the City Manager is theoretically outside the political this fora of city arena, government has more of a sense of continuity from administration to administration, but can bog down if the City Manager faces difficult choices and needs City Council guidance. Since the City Manager is an employee of the government, the City Council (along with the elected Mayor) can be selective in choosing the "right" man or woman for the job - and if he or she does not perform to City Council expectations, can be -- - n 966-161- 7. Help Committee, West Valley Continued from page 1 Planning Commission requirement that 20 feet be landscaped at the front of Care Free Homes, 3888 So. Redwood Road, before sales of automobiles will be permitted. Owner Stephen Blaser told the council he had been operating in the West Valley area since 1972 as a motor vehicle dealer and was unaware that an additional permit was needed for the sale of used autos on his property. Jeff Beck, a city council candidate in District 3 last year, was appointed to the Board of Adjustment, and Robert Miller was approved as an alternate member of the board. Beck is construction and maintenance manager at the Salt Palace. Miller is a partner in an industrial supply firm. The council also appointed architect Harold Woodruff to the Planning Commission. Department of Transportation, echoed those sentiments. "Transportation is one of the most significant problems facing this state," he said. "It will rival education in cur funding priorities in the future." Interstate 15, he pointed out, "reached its design capacity in 1975" and has been getting worse ever since. He recommended implementing the Regional Councils plan for adding lanes and upgrading interchanges along the freeway in addition to a proposed light rail system along the Union Pacific right-of-wae m right-of-wa- y east-we- il north-sout- observed that many businesses in the area which are struggling are often too embarrassed to admit that they are having trouble. Flack said names of those seeking assistance through the committee will be kept confidential. Chuck Sparrer of McDonalds said the Government Relations committee has focused on three bills before the legislature. He reported that HB31, which would provide health insurance benefits e for workers, likely will not be acted on during this MAGNA. If first impressions are any indication, Soviet inspectors should be quite happy living in Utah. Last week an advance trio of Soviet technicians who toured the area made it very clear to their American hosts that they liked what they saw. The team came to look at facilities and living conditions, primarily in a radius of Hercules Inc., where 30 inspectors eventually will be stationed as mandated by the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. The first Wasatch Front feature - the viewed by the Soviets mountains came as their Delta Airlines jet descended last 31-mi- le -- - Wednesday morning. A spokesman for Sen. Orrin Hatch said the Soviets called this aerial view "spectacular" and compared it with Geneva, Switzerland. On Wednesday and Thursday, the trio and their American toured Salt Lake, chaperones West Valley, Magna, Valley Fair Mall, Pioneer Valley Hospital, Temple Square and Park City. The Soviets frequently commended their hosts for the friendly and courteous treatment received during the visit. At Pioneer Valley Hospital, the nearest to major hospital the group visited Hercules, intensive care, coronary care and the emergency room. According to Jone Kofford, assistant hospital transplantation programs. Kofford said the group discussed with administrators some of the differences in health care between the USSR and the United States. The Soviets expressed amazement at the high costs for a hospital stay in this country. Nevertheless, they made it clear to Pioneer Valley officials that they were pleased and impressed with the quality and extent of medical services that will be available to the inspectors who come to Utah later this year. WEST VALLEY. Elected officials and department heads from West Valley City have been invited to a dinner meeting of the West Valley Committee, committee chairman Bryan Shafer has per-da- y Russell Chairs Kearns District KEARNS. Donald G. Russell has been elected chairman of the Kearns Improvement District board of trustees. Russell served on the board for a year and a half and is currently serving a six year term, to which he was elected in December 1986. Serving with Russell will be Royce A Gibson, vice chairman, and George Sadowski, board clerk. Russell indicated that Kearns Improvement District will be having a busy year which will such include activities as automating and computerizing the trio was the entire water system, and a administrator, impressed with the hospitals substantial effort toward improvambulance service. ing the water system and They also seemed quite interested developing water sources. er Sparrer said HB 75 "can be a real benefit, especially for cities and towns." This measure directs that the state place signs near freeway off ramps to designate services, such as gas, lodging, or food, which are available for tourists. He also noted that SB 67, relating to alcoholic beverage service at restaurants, is ready for a vote in the House of Representatives. It has already passed in the Senate. Those wishing more information about the chamber and its activities are invited to call at 974-509- 4. Anderson Is Recovering At Home WEST VALLEY. West Valley Mayor Brent Anderson is now at home and continues to recuperate from gall bladder surgery of Feb. 4 and from emergency surgery of Feb. 11. The mayor was released from Pioneer Valley Hospital late last week. Hospital officials said Andersons condition improved steadily since the emergency surgery. TURNIOFE VEJVTSJA TERJIJTEA R S WATERBEDS BEDROOM COMPLETE CHESTS X V 'V A. & DELUXE GLASS WOOD DINETTE SET 974-534- . TWIN, FULL QUEEN, KING 2 PC SOFA LOVESEAT s Piece Set V BUNK BEDS vSETS VWaV 90 DAYS SAME Pet Of The Week REGAL ... This old male Blue Point Siamese cat is currently up for adoption at the Humane Society of Utah, 4613 So. 4000 West Groomers at Artistic Pet Groomery described him as "real sweet. For more Information on pet adoption, call the Humane Society. one-ye- ar AS CASH INSTANT CREDIT 36 MONTHS TO PAY DELUXE PATIO CHAIRS 6 for SOFA, LOVESEAT HIDEABEDS, COFFEE TABLES, LAMPS, RECLINERS, BEDROOM FURNITURE ALL PRICED TO SELL THE GREEN SHEET 155 E. 4905 South Murray, Utah (4107 9 sAwEi9 EACH PC G.E. WASHERS, DRYERS, REFRIGERATORS, RANGES, FREEZERS, DISHWASHERS our carrier's wage comes from your payment, and If they do a good loo we hope you reward them. We greatly appreciate your support. ) V TWIN SIZE We would like to thank you tor participating In our voluntary pay program. Much of Peter Bernhard, Publisher Robert Prince, V.P. Operations Bill Olsen, V.P. Marketing Michele Bartmess, Editor Ethel Bradford, Editor Karen Egll, Circulation Jan Brown, Business Griffin session. THANK YOU p.m. announced. The meeting, which is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday Western the at Sizzlin restaurant, 2222 W. 3500 South, affords an opportunity to all business people in the area to discuss problems businesses face in complying with city ordinances. "Progress has been made in past weeks in relations between the city and businesses, but there are still some areas that need discussion," Shafer said. "This will the meeting give businessmen a chance to air their problems with city officials." For additional information, those interested may call Bob part-tim- fails. proposal incorporation There is a growing body of support for the proposal, however, not only from residents but also from the business community. "There is a lot of support from businesses here," Jim Saretta said. "Businessmen here are very 5 Committee Hosting Dinner For City Officials, Businessmen DECK MATT OPTIONAL a.m. h in Pioneer Valleys participation in the artificial organ and While They Last , st stop-and-g- HURRY Mon.-Frl.- ," "Light rail, a train that runs on standard-gaugJohn Pingree, general manager of the Utah track with an overhead electric wire power supply, is clean, quiet and efficient," Rep. Nielson observed. Transit Authority, also pointed out that both the "It is estimated that light rail has a passenger Miami and Los Angeles light rail proposals, along with a similar system being built in Detroit, were capacity equivalent to five lanes of freeway traffic." Nielsen also pointed out that while upgrading political decisions, approved in the late 1970s. "I hope were not being penalized for following the solution to the growing problem may be a short-terof traffic congestion, there is "little if any room left regulations of the federal government in order to for new freeway construction." qualify for federal funds," he said. He also pointed out that Utah is in a unique "There is no question that something has to be done," noted Bob Farris, 'Administrator-designat- e of position because of geography, with major cities the Federal Highway Administration. "We obviously lined up in along a straight line and an existing which would substantially reduce (he have a glut on our highway system." Farris pointed out that highways are rated by the costs involved in installing a light rail system. UTA, he explained, would also "significantly government on a grading system, and that during feeder buses into the line," receives an "E" or "F" rating. increase portions of the day "E being while is at standstill," he suggesting that a single fare would be charged for transfer system. seemed to receive those who use the bus-raexplained. While upgrading tacit approval from federal officials, the proposed "Environmentally," Findlay pointed out, "the light rail concept is economically feasible, but it alone will light rail system received a traffic response from Matt Wirgau, Deputy Administrator not solve the problem of of the Urban Mass Transit Admi tv strati on (UMTA). congestion." DAVBED Office Hours: rail has not proved he cost and overruns citing ridership on the light rail system in Miami as evidence. He also, noted that a substantial portion of federal funds for light rail construction are already earmarked for the Los Angeles area. Several officials registered complaints concerning the red tape involved with UMTAs grant process, while praising the cooperative way proposes have been received Federal the by Highway Administration. "Light charged, With What They See Of The Area Incorporation Continued from page Traffic Glut 1-- 15 First Soviet Visitors Are Impressed Mountain Bell Vows To Return To Legislature For Deregulation day-to-da- THE GREEN SHEET Ml ALL ON SALE OPEN MON, SAT -- WATERBEDS .57ZSOl2820Wf(MARKEnST:j, GRANGER SHOPPm CENTER 9677629 10-- 7 SUN, 12-- 6 |