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Show J I ENOUGH NONSENSE - THERES ANOTHER WAY , Three Cheers, Barker s City Commissioner James L. Barker last week expressed the one-ne- ss of minds in the City Commission in relation to a determination that any cooperative effort in administration of the Hall of Justice wUl be carried out in the best interests of the people. It is the duty of each of the City Commissioners to protect the city investment in the Hall of Justices The City Commission, even in the face of sharp dispute with Mr. Barker on other matters, has given him their full confidence during negotiations on Hall of Justice occupancy. Such ability to dispute in one area and cooperate in another is, in fact, one of the major contrasts between the City and the County Commissions. It may be embarrassing to County Commissioner Marvin G. Jenson that Mr. Barker should now require a resolution from the County as evidence of good faith in the wake of i , When Mr. Jenson engages with reactionary emotionalism in such a manner that he threatens to involve parties to a contract with the county, he must expect a reaction from in this case, Mr. Barker speaking on , those parties behalf of the city. If Mr. Barker expressed lack of confidence in the county becauseufcof an action by Mr.,iJenson, it would seem. Mr. jensori could do better than to include Mr. Barker in his krgareOorVvihdictlve response tQ Mr. Creer. For Mr. Jenson, under such circumstances to admonish Mr. Barker for an honest determination of purpose, it would seem, widens the separation between Mr. Jenson and the responsibility a county commissioner has toward the electorate In his brief career in elective office, Mr. Barker has shown a determination to achieve economy in city government. He is concerned that government waste be sacrificed as an alternative to increased taxation beginning July 1. He has been willing to undertake for the city those initiatives that have been so critically needed, but so long to bring about economy avoided (except through . lip-servi- ce) in city and county government. Such service in government leads us to view Mr. Barkers distrust of potential county purchasing procedures as well-tak- en and demanding upon Mr. Barkers responsibility to the public. .... Many Moods 01 Will Lucas Salt Lake County. Because of some very funny laws, many SJJ LakeCity families are being broken up. It's happening to my family. For years I have been supporting Utahs skiing economy by loading all my family in the Jeep and spending at Alta. the week-en- d In After a brisk Invigorating day cm the we all go into one of the many lodges and relax and Just talk and eat and drink the beverage of our choice. Mommy usually takes coffee, the kiddies take hot chocolate and daddy sometimes orders a small beer and we all sit around casually enjoying each others stimulating company... .but....now that's all changed. Because of some parsimonious archaic county law, now daddy has to leave the children on the main floor of the lodge all alone and take his small beer down to the lower depths of the structure" ...down tlje dark stairs down into the catacombs amongst the dank subterrainian....,.down in exile among the flotsomandjetsomofaneither world away from the family. Why??? Because there is a law in Salt Lake County that states daddy cannot consume this vile elxier of mephasto-phale- se where persons under .the age of 21 can openly observe him. Apparently it has such an overwhelming impact on our youth that the mere fact that a 'youth' under 21 years of age who catches a glimpse of someone else sipping a beer would be so stimulated by the odious sight that immodiately he would undergo a slopes . strange metamorphasis and be transformed into a delinquent or worse still... he might be tempted to taste the terrible tea. Now I ask you??? Am 1 too naive to assume that any child unde 21 years of age is sufficiently conditioned by that age to formulate his own particular moralistic values concerning the intake of liquid refreshment so that the observation of other persons consuming said same liquid would not in the least effect his morals??? Meanwhile, literally thousands of families who ski at Alta are being broken up. While mommy and daddy are being forced to go down to the celler of the lodge to sip one beer.. ..the children are (by law) forced to stay all alone in the left to fend for them upstairs portion selves. You say, 'Well thats no problem Just dont orderabeerafteryou ski with your familyI!! And I say isn't that the reason the ridiculous law is in the to stop the consumption of books beer??? Think about it. The county attorney, Ollie McCullouch, says that if the' law is on die books then we must enforce it. Well now thats Just wonderful Ollie.... but then well Just take that attitude we are forced to enforce all the other like every ridiculous ordinances too county sheriff who owns a horse will curry and comb it every nite before off duty... .and county owned surrys Soing drawn vehicles) will be lacquered once a week. 1 am very much for the enforcement of our ordinances and laws so how about it Ollie? And Published every Thursday by Great Western News, Inc. Subscription $5.20 per year Offices at 2245 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 Phone: Entered as second class matter at the Post Office at Salt Lake City, Utah under the act of March 9, 1878 487-74- 01 ' Co- - Publisher-Stephe- n Rosenblatt and Managing Editor -- Norman Rosenblatt Member: Utah State Press Association American Newspaper S ' ' X s S DOUBLE TAKE v ,v Political Comment By 1 A new face in city hall this year.... Phil Dern....is taking a closer look-s- ee at the measures of his boss, City Commissioner J im Barker. With action taken Friday. Phil now serves SaltLake City as administrative assistant to Mr. Barker.... as public safety department budget director.... as department coordinator... And as civil defense director. He does it all on (me salary. So that Phil can get the sympathy he deserves for such excessive burdens, Jim has formally designated Phil to serve as Departmental Chaplain. Phil may, though, need a special . shoulder to catch the tears of Georgia C. Frank, .Jim Barkers bixzy-biz- ry secretary. When Jim makes the fourth or fifth luncheon engagement for the same hour on the same day, as he so often does, Georgia collapses in her vale of tears. future. The name of Allen Howe -attorney under the attorney generals office assigned to the Governor - is most prominently mentioned al though as of midweek Mr. Howe opposing Larson for whatever post hadnt definitely decided. The post is of interest since for Larson chooses. No official announcement has been the last few years the real power made - but the rumors persist. If in the county attorneys office hasnt Mr. Creer chooses to move in that been Grover Giles - the elected head but Ollie McCullough the appointed direction it will be with the advice Mr. McCullough is Chief deputy. of influential people within and outside of the party. Their concept -- officially out now. having resigned Unless he pokes his head Monday. beat the G OP to the reform bandin the building more often than he wagon. While Creer has displeased some Democrats - many feel he has indicated he would, the move would be a better alternative to the leaves a political vacuum since some voter than Larson, and feel that after Commissioners - including both Jenrecent altercations Creer would find son and Larson have often relied on it difficult to run on the same ticket him for political guidance. McCulwith Larson. lough is close to Attorney General Undoubted both would make it Phil Hansen, and rumors persist through convention. The next step -- that hell move up to the capitol. the primary - may be a bit difficult Mr. McCullough insists he wants for Creer since this is the first year t only to remain in private practice, that a party declaraUon is required but he is, by nature, a political aniat a primary. Under the past system mal well see, ,w , some Republicans and Independents might have sided with Creer - but A story appears on page one of some of these might hesitate to put this issue about a meeting of the their name on the dotted line as DemState Democratic Committee last ocrats for such a purpose. Saturday. An interesting feature of that meeting was the evidence of increased participation in the political arena by Governor Calvin L. Rampton. It is to the Governor's credit that he has demonstrated first concern with being Governor of all the people first- - and leader of his own party second. ar elecBut as an important tion approaches the Governor increasingly wears his political hat. This year is particularly significant to the Governor and the achievement of his goals since for the second time in history an entire legislative slate consolidation-cooperation-econo- An enigma posed by last weeks switch in purchasing in the County Commission why? At the same Thursday meeting Commissioner Creer got back the Most newslicensing department. men who cover the building knew of this move in advance. The purchasing switch was a complete surprise to everyone - newsmen and Creer alike. Commissioner Jenson isnt saying what event triggered the move, although he does say he has felt it should be this way for quite a while. Two weeks ago in this column I noted that Commissioner Jenson was often motivated by emotional factors I would guess that's what happened m this case. Another guess when Jenson read his Dear John letter in commission meeting Wednesday morning asking Creer to write a letter detailing his own understanding of his responsibilities, Jenson exCreer pected Creer to strike back didnt, and this made Jenson mad.... presto, chango, purchasing. Creer is making a white paper out of that letter and is expected to detail not only his own Job, but everyone elses as well. Filling of other county posts is a task which currently occupies a number of Democrats. If Creer decides to face Larson the other county commission post will be open. The name of Esther Landa is often mentioned by almost everyone except Mrs. Landa. Incumbents in the Surveyor and Attorneys office probably wont run. New candidates are needed there. While the incumbents in the Clerks and Assessors office probably will run - theyre concerned about the party image. Both Jacob Weller, as appointed clerk on Alvin Keddington's retirement, and Clifford Cockayne as assessor have performed capably and ' are logical choices. The post ,of county attorney id an influential one and historically the caily springboard for a later political M interest. Instead of merely responding to pres- sures, Juddy could take the initiative. Juddy, Jim says, still hasnt nibbled at the bait offered by the city to give the sheriff the citys entire police records function. Maybe J uddy doesn t know how easy it could be to make Metropolitan Sheriffs District read Metropolitan Police District. If city functions grow too big in other directions, it might be impractical to turn things over to a second-rat- ed sheriffs office. voters. here s a fine at long last, has been added to the vice picture in Salt Lake Now Cock-fighti- ng, County. But, don't get the idea that its anew phenomenon. Like numerous other unlawful venng tures in the county, ...have been with us, and for several years. quite openly Its almost as common as were pornographic movies, involving a certain small town chief of police, a few years back. ng raid The recent engineered by our new acting Chief Deputy Sheriff, Art Alien.... .with the full support of our new Sheriff, Juddy Nielsen... .doesnt mark anew problem. It marks a new attack on certain probaround. lems that have been It marks, hopefully, we believe, a new trend in county law enforcement. Our occasional criticism of Juddy in this column, we would emphasize, is no more than suggestion made in the form We remain convinced of criticism. that, within his ability and understanding, he is determined to give Salt Lake Valley good law enforcement cock-fighti- dog-fighti- cock-fighti- toO-lo- ng May. Tit? A MCE lighter the The Commissioner said he would be most happy to discuss consolidation of city and county Civil Defense units into a single county agency, but Says J im: How do you go about finding anyone in county government with whom to explore such a proposal? Shouldnt be too hard! Shouldnt be as hard as it is! Juddy Nielsen is official countyCivil Defense director and he could show an Also with the newly apportioned legislature more political power lies in Salt Lake and Weber counties than ever before. And, sur 'nuf, thats where the problems lie. County chairmen from 14 of the states 29 counties came to last Saturday's meeting. Higher party interest from outlying counties than ever before was shown - even by such a relatively minor symptom as brisk sales for tickets to the Jefferson-Jacks- on Day Dinner. But the problems lie in the metropolitan areas. The Governor asked each county chairman about progress in obtaining and then legislative candidates gave clear instructions that he wanted a list of names within three weeks. The Governor s support from within his own party isnt unanimous. Schisms exist within the party. Many supporters of Pete Haywards for sheriff arent also supporters of the Some Democrats also Governor. claim he isnt using his patronage opportunities enough. At any rate Democratic mass meetings will be, to say the least, lively this by the way, has one good proposal for making load of his new Chaplain! off-ye- the Our local legislative bodies, the' state Judiciary system and, probably most of all, the State Legislature, meanwhile have done little or nothing to relieve the difficulties encountered by law enforcement officers in the accommodation of bailbondsmen. The bailbond profession in Utah remains, in the shadow of progressive example set by other states and cities, virtually uncontrolled and unregulated. The relationships between bailbondsmen and Judges, deputy county attorneys, city prosecutors and law enforcement officers leaves much to be desired in our area. From time to time, city police must transfer personnel who it appears have become too closely involved with bailbondsmen. Its an almost semi-annu- al matter for Judge Neeley to conduct an investigation of complaints that a bondsman has reached one of our Brightest political comment of the comes from State Demo hair- man Ray Pruitt supporting a party week i auxiliary rummage sale. lts things like this that are going to help us get a victory. , Somehow, Mr. Pruitt, our impres- sioo is that its going to take a little more than things like that control of procedures in county Jail. Juddys objectives are commendable but it seems a futile gesture to commend him for it. Until the Judiciary, the city and county commissions and the State Legislature view and acknowledge the evils inherent in an unregulated bailbond system, the evils will be a part of our local court system. Certain recognized bondsman relationships with government officials should be prohibited..... by laws with sharp teeth. Dr. J. D. Williams, who a few years back was the local symbol for home rule now is striving toward a new symbolism. On home rule, he lost. What is home rule? Faw people know! That s one of the reasons it lost. Later the daily press came out for urban renewal. Urban renewal was thrust on the from public from a narrow source a narrow point of view. It came upon them late.... and it hit them over the head like a sledge hammer....! .. and it lost! the dailies Now, the same people and Dr. Williams... .are coming out for metropolitan government. ty They wont say what kind. ty consolidation? sep- aration?.. Federation? Urban county? Joint administration? Intergovernmental sales of services? Single or multiple service districts? Voluntary metropolitan council? Use of extraterritorial powers? Transfer of function to the state? Annexation and consolidation? Theyre all forms of metropolitan government. Some can be used Jointly with others. But there is no single "metropolitan government. Dr. Williams wants support for permissive legislation for metropolitan government this fall. What kind. Dr. Williams? Home rule is permissive for some kinds. Utahs Interlocal Cooperation Act is permissive forborne kinds. Our now unconstitutional County Services Area Act is for another. What kind? Why not, Dr. Williams, be the first to say what you mean by 'metropolitan Why not say what you government? mean by permissive enactment? The voters, who vote no out of ignorance and confusion, may give you the same in November that they gave you cm home rule and urban renewal. Theyve done it elsewhere in the nation more often than not.... and for the same reasons. The message from the voters on the last two tries was a simple one: You give us a choice....anda chance ....or we give you nothing. ' City-coun- Jim Barker, w. parades before Jim Baldwin N A drastic change in political tradition appeared possible this week with the rumors that John Preston Creer would oppose William G. Larson in the Democratic primary, with Creer County Commission. Employment of personnel and purchase of supplies for the Hall of Justice is. by contractual terms, a joint city and county responsibility. to being exposed to $ By Norman Rosenblatt It could prove even more embarrassing to the city if Mr. Barker failed to make such demands upon a vascillating IU have to admit " WHOLL PULL THE TRIGGER IF ALL ENTER THE RACE? last weeks purchasing department developments. a dastardly situation that exists county affairs. The day to day administration, of roads and bridges -recreation - purchasing - and all other departments not under the jurisdiction of elected officials would be run by the appointed administrator. Thus all county departments would be under all commissioners - but their actual administration would be carried on by a trained competent and able administrator. The administrator could be paid $20,000 to $30,000 per year - and could function with a limited staff of specialists The total costwould probably be less to the county than at present, certainly no more. If the current commissioners were of a mind they could accomplish this plan today - with no changes of our laws. If the people saw wisdom in the plan - and we could find candidates to run on this basis we could try it for two years under our present structure. The plan represents a bold step out of a quagmire. It and advantages, and serious poli- does have drawbacks tical implications. We'll discuss these next week - in the meantime we welcome reaction to this plan. vote this misery away next November if we have the courage to try something new. The Review has a plan. We dont claim it's the final answer -- we even see several drawbacks to it. But we honestly believe it to be better than the mess were in. And we are also convinced that a simple change of parties isnt going to make that much difference. The plan is simple. It requires two community leaders to run for county commission. Men or women devoted to better government with proven experience and judgement are needed. They would run with the expressed purpose of becoming part time commissioners. Upon assuming office they would immediately vote themselves a token salary. They would eliminate administrative assistants for each commissioner, eliminate secretaries and auto allowances and other extras. The elimination of these offices and salaries would provide a fund of over $60,000 per year. With this fund we suggest the new commissioners employ an experienced and highly able administrator. The commissioners would still sit in county commission meetings three days per week - they would still determine all matters of policy, and provide the overall direction of We could The spectacle of government by reaction has brought Salt Lakers to the point where some laugh, some cry. We should be shocked by the indications that last week's change in purchasing was not part of a well considered plan,1 but a reaction - a last minute reaction. Does either party offer us an alternative? Not so far. County governnfent has never been an example of excellence. We notice it now because the spotlight of publicity has been focused. we expect? What We condone a system where three commissioners rule with divided responsibility - divided loyalty, maximum political pressure and minimum pay. Who can we expect to accept these jobs? The successful businessman or professional man who has demonstrated leadership capacity? Not on a bet - not with that gaff and with that salary. The aspiring young politician on the way up? Maybe -but John Preston Creer is trying it with mixed results. The retired businessman or professional man? Why should he withstand that misery alter a lifetime of work. By our system we invite only political hacks or men of medium capacity - or the rare dedicated individual. coirnty si Jailors. Juddy Nielsen, determined to do his best to prohibit jailor favoritism to certain bondsmen, last week issued still another in a string of qrders on City-coun- You pick up all sorts of if you keep an ear to the ground. With one ear to the ground, for example, we come up with the sug- gestion that Marv Jenson might be flunking of Joe L. Christensen to fill the very critical post of Federal Coordinator. There are those who think Marv could go beyond patronage and find someone technically qualified for the task of coordinating federal programs. The job requires someone who can research the areas of federal grants available to county governments . . . then put the wheels in motion to get them. Political patronage, yes! But, a research of the complicated federal grants could be done much better with a legal mind, ' Lawyers, in our town realty do get around. J!m MItsunaga, director, Salt Lake Legal Defender Assn., this week announced several changes in his staff. Joe Bogaty; investigator for Galen Ross and Associates, has Joined the SLLDA staff as Investigator. Gerald Gundry, serving Salt Lake County as deputy county attorney since last August 1, joined the defender staff Tuesday as trial counsel. Hell break up the law firm of Hisatake and Gundry. Terminating with the local agency.... but going up in public legal service is William D. Marsh. Bill, leaves SLLDA to go to Chicago, where hell serve as national field representative for the National Legal Aid and Defender As m. Thats the parent agency which siphoned Ford Foundation Funds into local coffers to make the local legal defender project possible. . |