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Show THE ZEPHYR Phyr: What about the suggestion that the Moab Police mow back Into the courthouse? Have von otven much thought to that? Tom: I think the county commission needs to take a real hard look at the possfcllltles of getting some grant funds to go with their low Interest loan, and to part down the building to where Ifs not going to be so burdensome. I think IPs Irresponsible for the sheriff to say hes not going to keep people In the Jails and that he needs all the Jailers, Just as many as If he had a 20 cell facility. I think It could be handed In a more efficient manner. I know that you get Into office and you feel you are busting yourself to make things work for the betterment of alL I know that the majority of elected officials and employees do that But sometimes they get a little callous, to the point that they think they're worth more than are. they really JAN-FE- B PAGE 9 1991 LEMA INDIAN TRADING CO. Moabs finest selection & quality of authentic Native American Indian Art RUMORS AND POLITICS Zephyr: Let me ask about Tom: The drug problem? Zephyr: Well, what do vou have to aav about that? Tom: I was very annoyed to hear that people were making Inferences that a councilman running for office was a drug dealer, and that I was a part of that I have a family, and thats been one of my biggest concerns, to do away with drugs In this community. Zephyr: Who was making those charges? Tom: Jim Nylancfs wife, Cheryl Nyland, It was reported to me by two Individuals that Cheryl Nyland had called them and said, dd you know that David Blerschled was dealing drugs, and that the mayor was a kingpin? Do you want that In your paper? Zeohvr: Sure. Did vou ever talk to her? Tom: No. Zephyr: You thinking of pursuing anv action around It? Tom: I dont think thats necessary. I think Its an Irresponsible remark on the part of an Individual, and that IndMdual ought to pursue the facts and knowledge to know how people feel about that I think If you check with David Blerschled, he had a brother who was lost to drugs. And he's sensitive to that Ive been around him, and know that I think those kind of comments are Ibelous on the part of people who do that Id have no objections to seeing them on the witness stand, backing up what they have to say with some facts, Instead of Just telephone calls for political reasons. That Is Irresponsible. THE PAST YEAR, THE YEAR TO COME S Zephyr: Ifs the end of one year, the beginning of another. How did the council and the mayor function In 1990? Tom: Ive been very pleased with the functioning of the city and my office. I think honesty on the part of elected officials Is the only way to work, and I think Ive been very open and very honest with the council. I try to apprise them In advance If something Is coming up, weve had staff members In before the council to foster communication that didnt exist when I took office. Zephyr: What actions of the city are vou most proud of In the past year? Tom: One of the biggest problems Is funding, and you are limited. You cut the staff by fifty percent, which Is what has happened since Ive been In office. Were maintaining the service level, and that's hard on employees. But the best thing that's coming? Ifs the way David Blerschled and I went over and met with City Market officials and encouraged them to come here. Ifs a new facility, Ifs dean, Ifs nice. The groceries are more expensive than I would have hoped, but we are encouraging the tourism, and that hour a day service Is great I think the ruboff of that certainly has happened. Twenty-fo- ur Is the opening of McDonalds. I believe the college coming here, I called every board of regents member to ask for their support when they voted to have the University of Utah arts center here. Education Is tools, and they are tools we now will have access to. The handicapped center up the street, Curt Freemen got me Involved In that Others might take credit, but Kurt Freeman was the guy who did It We worked hard with Sue Behle. And we worked hard to get that here. And many In the community have helped. Theres been some upset over how they are going to operate It, but there are going to be Jobs here, and local people doing the work. Im happy with that Im happy with the change In the hospital management because that management company has people who can come In and help us. They have the expertise to give good advice to the board. BOTH LOCATIONS ARE NOW OPEN 60 N. Main 860 S. Main 10 AM-5:3- 0 9AM-10P- M 9AM- - 6PM PM 259-505- 5 259-594- 2 Zephyr: Looking ahead to 1991. what will be the hot Issues here In Moab? Tom: I don't know. Have we got something coming thats going to be hot? You have any suggestions? cottonwood Condos Call 801-259-88- 97 or write COTTONWOOD CONDOS Kyle D. or Carrie Bailey 338 East 1st South Moab, Utah 84532 |