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Show New Utah! - Wednesday, October 28, 1998 - Page 21 Utah County Commission Grover says his training has An n intu ic fnr hp v nil iivflw ivi mi vwii "I decided to . because of my background," explains Jerry Grover, the incumbent and Republican candidate for Utah County Commissioner, seat A. "In my background I was already pretty familiar with what the county did." "I'm a Utah County boy" Grover says, sharing that he was raised in an unincorporated part of the county. "I was raised on a farm in Lakeshore." Grover attended BYU where he got his bachelor's degree in geological engineering. Then he went on for his master's degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Utah. . "I worked as an engineer for Mercedes Benz," he explains. "Most recently I was the senior environmental engineer at Geneva Steel. (There) I was in waste water, drinking water and solid waste. "I also served on the North Utah County Solid Waste Board," Grover says. "That's what I deal with, solid waste issues. "The issue is always managed growth," explains Grover. Grey says county should focus on fiscal responsibility vsvuiiiy "It all boils down to services." He cites the current county landfill resolution as one of those services he was instrumental hi accomplishing. "We saved money and helped them (American Fork and Pleasant Grove) get out from liability," he says. "We finished the training school road, just east of the temple," he continues. And they connected the trail system from the Jordan River to Salt Lake. "We try to help the cities with planning," he explains. "Mostly what we're left with is islands (of unincorporated land) between cities. Once they are annexed its all their (the city's) jurisdiction." "We formed Saratoga Springs. The people petitioned for it," says Grover. "Without the county's help they wouldn't have made it as far as they have." "We've established an agricultural protection zone," Grover says. Residential areas and agricultural practices are sometimes at odds due to late night haying, chemical spraying, and even livestock smells. "I've always been interested in public service and community life," explains Dan Grey, Democratic candidate for Utah County Commissioner, seat A. Although his family now resides in Springville, Grey's community tiininihiinirnriiniii& antli Ir r" Jerry Grover "This allows the farmers that they basically are exempt from nuisance suits if they are using standard agricultural practices," explains Grover. "I established that. I wrote the ordinance." "We're trying to get a coordinated fire district so we can get the fastest response on fires with the best equipment (in Cedar Valley area)," he shares. Grover adds that the county's role has been one of coordinating on this issue. "You're not just dealing with crime and that sort of thing," Grover summarizes. "There are complex water rights and all sorts of things." service experience stretches back to when his family lived in Provo. "I've always believed that anything is possible," he says. "There was no green space for kids to play. So we actually built a neighborhood park in 1995." Grey explains that in his neighborhood, access to the nearest park required children to cross a busy street. Even as a renter, Grey worked to get $144,000 to put in a park at 600 S 500 East where a retention pond used to be. "I'm very proud of it, every time I pass by it," he says. Also concerned with crime in his Provo neighborhood, Grey's and persistence working through the proper channels resulted in the demolition of a drug house. "Sometimes as a citizen if we just make our opinions known it can result in a positive action," shares Grey. Grey is a retired Air Force captain with almost 10 years working with communities in disaster preparedness. "That is something that attracted me to Utah," Grey says. "So I thought this is a place to use my ser- vices." Grey is a licensed clinical social worker at Utah State Hospital in Provo, where he has worked for the past 6 years. The primary issues for Grey focus on fiscal responsibility and fairness. "I'm fiscally con- servative," he shares. "Somewhere somebody needs to say in government, do we need that much money to run Utah County. "I can cut spending within the Commissioner's Office and with vehicle spending," Grey says. "The point is we can't keep growing the budget the way its been." Grey also expressed concern that several sheriffs deputies were demoted to save money within the department and to correspond with assigned duties. He compares it to the recent pay increase awarded to the County Commissioners. "To take that 20 percent Dan Grey (increase in pay) while other people have been cut has been alienating," explains Grey. "People are mad about property taxes going up for the jail, and they are blaming the police department," he shares. It is Grey's belief that the responsibility for increased property taxes belongs to the current County Commissioners, not the Sheriff's Department. "That's where leadership has fallen down in Utah County," Grey says. "That's where I would work hard to restore morale. "We're not a fortress in Utah County. Pollution, crime, transportation issues effect us all," summarizes Grey. "One person can make a difference." Gardner says he still has Woodside says county needs a plan worn to nmsn ror county that "The county was in a shambles four years ago as far as David budget," explains Gardner, Republican candidate and incumbent Utah County Commissioner, seat B. "We've corrected that," Gardner says. "The county is on much better footing than its ever been before." Gardner began his political career four years ago when acquaintances suggested he run for county commissioner. At first he told them, "Hey, I'm flattered, but I'm not interested." They were persistent, telling him, "We don't need you in 20 years, we need you right now." When Gardner won the commissioner's race, he gave up his private practice and numerous other business ventures to con-- . centrate on his new job. "It's been an incredible sacrifice on the part of my family," shares Gardner, who is married and has six children. "The single biggest issue we face in Utah County is growth," reads the text from Gardner's web site, www.commish.net. "We are the fastest growing county in the state. Last year nearly 12,000 people moved to Utah County. "We can't stop it, but we can encourage responsible growth and operate the county according to good planning principles," continues the web site text. "We're the first commission to look at a general plan and it will be passed before the end of the year," Gardner says. "I got behind the Olympic movement," Gardner explains. We worked our buns off to get the Olympics down here. For an investment ol sz million, we have a $14 million facility." On the topic of taxes, Gardner's web site explains, is "County government financed primarily by property tax. We have fought for nearly three years to get some other form of revenue besides that property tax." - - : "I believe community service is really important," says Nancy Jane Woodside, Democratic candidate for Utah County Commissioner, seat B. "I have always, all of my life, served my communi- - ty" With a Ph.D. in law, Woodside is currently a licensed mediatornegotiator. She is involved in 13 community service organizations. "I'm the single head of a family," she explains. To be a successful parent she learned fi 4 to build a support network within her community. "We could not have survived as a family without the communiDavid Gardner ty.; .My community helped to raise my children." "The greatest fear that Deo- In 1997, a 14 cent county sales tax was passed. "It's a ple have, as I meet with them ' crime and growth revenue source attached to is Woodside says. "It just keeps growth," explains Gardner. "There are tons of things getting worse. She then discusses two that I've been working on," Gardner shares. "The jail is emphasis areas that she would concentrate efforts to now open and staffed. We reduce crime. The first would avoided a lawsuit with ACLU be to increase the quantity of and we've got the EPA beat." late shut deputies from the Gardner was instrumental, current number of one. The in getting local phone service for all of Utah County. "That is second would be to improve the prosecution ol criminals one of the things I personally within the county. did," he shares. "Victims of crime in Utah "The major thing I think in have learned painful County the last four years is the apalessons about how hard it is to we have in the thy, people," crime in this get prosecuted Gardner explains. "The majoricountv." she exrfains. of be able to wouldn't ty people County growth is a critical tell you what the county comissue that she believes has not mission is about." "That's the thing I've been be adequately guided by the current commission. "What trying to do is educate the peoneed is a plan," she says. they be and involved at the ple very will tell you that they "They grassroots level," says Gardner. have been working on one and - i - -' James Hunter for Alpine School District 5 Halloween X- events slated Games, contests, and prizes await children and parents at the Halloween Hoot, conducted at the Tracy Aviary, Saturday Oct. 31 from noon until 4 p.m. stations await visitors who arrive in costumes with a sack for goodies. The contest should provide many laughs. Admission is $3 for children and $1.50 for adults. Tracy Aviary is located at Liberty Park, 589 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City. For more information call Trick-or-tre- at the canyon," Woodside continues. "I've read it from cover to cover and there is no plan to preserve the canyons." Instead she sees plans for percent development on canyon slopes under consideration. "It will set a precedent for development on every canyon," she explains. Affordable housing is another issue she believes has not been adequately addressed in the draft plan. "The (current) county commission believes that affordable 0 able housing which would include housing for senior citizens, single people, and families just starting out. "I've been coming out here with my children for 30 years," explains Woodside, who has spent many summers visiting relatives in Mapleton. "I've seen with my own eyes what has happened to Utah County." "I think its important that we need a change in leadership," Woodside says. "I want to be a part of making growth a good thing for the county." Nancy Woodside Alpine School Board District 5 I am running for reelection because I believe in children. They are our hope for future generations. We must provide the best education possible to prepare our students to be productive citizens in our homes, communities, churches, and nation. To accomplish this, I will work for the following: SCHOOLS "Our children's quality at S.L aviary that is true," she admits. "But housing is for poor people," she they don't follow it and it hassays. Woodside explains that she n't been adopted." "They talk about a plan for takes a broader view of afford- - education is my number one priority. " Education consultant - 3 vears Educator - teacher; administrator; coach; activity director; bus driver; custodian - 20 years Every school will be a learning center where teachers, students, parents, administrators, and school personnel can work together for the success of each student. Schools should be a place where our children can be safe, happy, and successful. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Parental involvement is a vital key to a student's success. We must do all we can to involve parents in the educational process and help them feel welcome in our schools. Parents are vital team members. They impact their child's education and life. TEACHERS We must assist and work with teachers so they are providing the best education possible. Many thanks to those great teachers who work hard for our children. SAFE SCHOOLS Safe schools are a priority. We must unite our schools, communities, and businesses, with parents, students and patrons to provide safe schools and safe communities. TECHNOLOGY BA History, BS Sociology, MA Communication and Mass EdS Administration Media, Hoot-like-an-o- Quality education - district wide. Reduce overcrowding - now. More local control - at school level. Re-evalu- spending priorities. Focus on the best use of new technology for the process of education and with this technology train our students so they leave us highly skilled. SMALL CLASS SIZE Continue to work for smaller class sizes in elementary and secondary schools. GROWTH Manage our continued growth while maintaining high standards and accountability. |