PAGE 12 THEZEPHYRSEPTEMBER 1990 How Government Works in Grand County by Ken Davey the questions In local politics, none have the meaning, depth, passionate Importance of, "Who's to blame? There are perks to local political life. You often get paid, sometimes with no more requirement than attending an occasional meeting. You get to travel, though usually not far. You get occasional free meals. You get to chat with the governor, or former governor, depending on your party allegiance. And people who know you sometimes have to treat you with respect But there Is a downside as well. You have to make decisions. Sometimes, these decisions are controversial or unpopular. Sometimes they are egreglously wrongheaded, unprincipled, or unethical. And, not as often as you think but sometimes, they are wise and farsighted beyond the grasp of others, and are therefore misunderstood. No matter what you do, there will be some people convinced you are out to get them. Vote for a sign ordinance and you'll hear from the guy who's proud his downtown neon blinker can be seen from the rodeo grounds. Support a cleanup ordinance and expect a call from someone who uses 1973 Chryslers (without engines or wheels) as lawn ornaments. Say you are all for mom and apple pie and expect a visit from the Divorced Daddies of America and the people trying to make a living peddling peaches. So the aim of a politician Is to take credit where you can, but run and hide from the Of all blame. For the average citizenry, determining who to give credit to Is generally not a problem, as the politicians have a sharpened sense of how to get out the word about their enlightened leadership. But get screwed by a mindless gaggle of dolts who don't have the collective brains to spell dog when you spot them the d and the "go and you run up against a wall of blank stares, equivocations, and disjointed explanations of budget "mlscommunlcations. requirements, staff shortages, and the But the people have a right to know. ever-popu- lar THE CITY City government Is responsible for sidewalks, curbs and gutters, water, sewers, parks, and basic law enforcement within the city limits. It Is responsible for the actions of the city police (Moab police wear blue uniforms, sheriffs deputies wear brown. For the colorblind, If the cop eyeing you suspiciously Is wearing a cowboy hat, he Is a sheriff.), the swimming pool, and city hall employees. Political power In Moab rests with a 5 member city council. Dave Sakrison and Dave Blerschled were both last November to terms, while Christy Robbins, Bill In 1991. McDougald, and Terry Warner face The city council passes all laws and ordinances for Moab. It approves a budget and Is responsible for sticking to It The council can raise, or lower (heh heh) taxes. It can pass laws, rescind them, and grant variances and exceptions to them. The council meets 2 times a month and can call special meetings when necessary. These meetings are open to the public, and If you have a special complaint or request you can get 4-y- ear re-elec- ted re-elec- tion 1 a point on the agenda. The mayor of Moab Is Tom Stocks. He was last year and serves through 1993. As mayor, Stocks has very little actual power. He acts as chairman at council meetings, but to votes a break Is which since council the only tie, seldom, usually waits until all 5 members are present before holding controversial votes. Stocks often represents Moab on various statewide committees and organizations. But Stocks Is also the city administrator, and as such wields, If not direct power, at least substantial Influence over city decisions. The administrator Is the capo dl capa of the city: ted Back to the Soda Fountain all our food is REALLY real OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK in the T-shi- rt shop - formerly Family Drug report to him. He recommends to the council appointments as city recorder, police chief, and treasurer. He has access to all city Information on a dally basis, and usually knows more about the Inner workings of the city apparatus than the part-tim- e all department heads council members. Complain to the city council If: You want or don't want certain ordinances (signs, bed and breakfast, etc), you think we have too many or not enough parks, and all questions of city law and regulations. Complain to the mayor If: Your water Is off, there's a big hole In the street and the city keeps saying they will fix It but never do, and you want to get a point on the next council agenda. COUNTY GOVERNMENT While city government Is linear and hierarchical, as a floating morass of conflicting and at first glance county structure appears committees, commissions, councils, and board. At second glance most people stop looking. At the top of the heap Is the county commission, the part-tim- e, legislative terms. Feme Mullen body. Beginning In January, all commissioners will serve decided not to run again and will leave the commission next January. David Knutson runs this November. Merv Lawton serves until 1992. He is also chairman of the for elected commission, by the other two. The commission, like the city council, formulates and enacts all rules and regulations. It adopts the county budget, and metes out funds to the various county departments. It also approves most county hiring, but not all. While the city council can hire and fire the police chief or treasurer, many county officials such as the sheriff and clerk and treasurer are elected by the voters and are therefore outside the direct control of the commission. The commission sets the budget for these elected officials departments, and therefore has some control over the situation. But while the commission can tell the elected department heads how much money they have to spend, It cannot tell them how to spend It Everyone seems to sort of recognize the sort of limits. The commission operates the dump, at least until the Environmental Protection Agency closes It down In about 2 years. The commission will then be responsible to decide what to do after that The commission Is responsible for all county zoning ordinances, as well as rules and regulations pertaining to building codes and Inspections. It directs the work of the roads department And the commissioners appoint members to various boards and councils, from Mosquito Abatement to the Travel Council. Complain to the commission If: Murphy Lane Is covered with two feet of mud, you dont like the county nuisance ordinance, you want an even stricter county nuisance ordinance, and all other questions on both policy and performance of county employees. The county clerk's office Is responsible for paperwork of various kinds. It organizes elections and the registration of voters, and functions as a general clearinghouse for county Information. The recorder's office keeps records on property ownership, through maps, deeds, and records of real estate transactions. The treasurer collects property taxes and handles other revenues coming In and payments going out The county assessor determines how much that property Is worth, as well as collecting tax on personal and business property such as automobiles and office equipment The county attorney functions as the local prosecutor for felonies and as legal counsel for the commission. The sheriffs department enforces the laws outside of the city limits, operates the county Jail, and provides bailiff services for circuit and district court Inter-link- ed 4-y- ear re-elec- tion