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Show A4 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition TO THE EDITOR... FOR LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR POLICY GO TO WWW.SANPETEMESSENGER.COM, CLICK ON ‘OPINIONS’ THEN ‘LETTERS TO THE EDITOR’ Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month As I write this, it’s Hispanic Heritage Month. As an Hispanic/ Latino resident of Sanpete, I look forward to this time of year and considering the growing hispanic population in this county, I’m surprised that we, as a community, don’t celebrate this as much as we could. I recently attended a fiesta in celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. It took place at the LDS Chapel in Ephraim at 750 W. 100 East and was sponsored by the Sanpitch Spanish Branch of the LDS Church. Latinos from all over our community from different economic levels and different faiths came together to celebrate their heritage. Some “white” Americans might find fault with this, perhaps questioning the American allegiance of Hispanics in the community, regardless of their status as citizens or just residents, but there was no concern in mind about that. Following a couple hours of games and eating some delicious Latin food, there was an exhibition of traditional Mexican dances. But before they started there was a flag ceremony in which the American and Mexican flags were presented side-by-side and saluted by everyone in the room. It’s interesting to note that the civilian salute in Latin countries differs slightly from the American placement of one’s hand over the heart. Instead, their hands are held against their heart, palm facing down, similar to the way a soldier salutes, only not against the brim of the hat. There is a great deal of diversity within the Hispanic community itself. Take the food for instance. Most Americans (on both continents) might think of a tortilla as a kind of flat-bread. When I was growing up, a tortilla was a hearty omelet with potatoes, vegetables and any meat you can think of. Why the difference? It’s because it’s a Spanish Tortilla. My family history is rooted in Spain. It also explains why I tend to speak Spanish with a lisp. Every Memorial Day weekend, we celebrate the Scandinavian heritage of those who settled this community. I would like to suggest that we make a greater effort to involve our Latin friends to come and celebrate that with us and in turn celebrate their cultural heritage as well. How about a huge Cinco de Mayo celebration? It’s already celebrated across the states by Hispanics, Caucasians, AsianAmericans and African-Americans alike. I say let’s join the party! Of course, as you know from my community invitation to a birthday party for my dog, Phil, I’ll throw a party for almost any reason. And let’s also participate in Hispanic Heritage month. Perhaps write profiles in our local papers of Hispanic members of our community who involve themselves through their businesses and community work. How about some special Latin dishes at our local restaurants? I was so pleased to see a Hispanic Club entry in North Sanpete High School’s recent Homecoming parade. Let’s follow their example and celebrate the cultural diversity of this place we all call home. Joseph L. Puente Moroni Concerned about new court building I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the need for and placement of the new District Court Building. There are many rumors and misconceptions about this project. This happens when those who are making the decisions fail to inform the citizens of their plans. The commissioners have been working on this project at least since early in 2005. They discussed it right along with the jail issue. In fact, their first plan was to house the jail and the courthouse in the same building. This would have been the best choice. Some things we do know. It is not against the law to build a courthouse in combination or adjacent to a jail. There are in fact other such facilities being built in Utah. It is simply against the new philosophy and policy of the administrative offices of the Court. This is of course subject to change. This is the very reason that we have local governments, to do what is best for our area. We, the people who voted in the commissioners, and pay their wages, should have been given as much consideration as were the state people and judges. We also wonder why the plans for the courthouse were not printed, talked about, and made available until after the jail bond was passed. Now I have some questions: How much will the building cost? Was a cost analysis done on a combination facility and how much it would save? Do we, Sanpete County have to acquire a loan to build the building? If so, what does it do to our debt rating and subsequent interest rate if we need to fund other projects? How can we be sure that the state legislature will fund this expense? This will have to be approved by them. Who will own the building and land it is on? Will the state fund future major upkeep items that all buildings require? How will the space in the current building be affected by the new building? In the August 9th issue of the Messenger, Mr. Blackham said, “If the county didn’t go along with the state courts, the commission was afraid the court might move in for a few years, and then move out leaving a $3.5 million building to pay the rent on!” My question is if the court system can get out of a contract in such a case, how can we be sure they will not renege for other reasons? Commissioners have agreed to provide an extra officer to the high school on court days. Who will pay for the officer? Who will pay for security and transportation costs from the jail to the courthouse? Does the commission have an obligation if not legal, then ethical to consult us and inform us? Is the south end of town less prominent and less desirable than the north end? If it is so prestigious and prominent, can forced removal of cattle, fairgrounds, and country style property be far behind? Out of allotted words, but not out of questions! Kaye Crane Manti, Utah Conversations with ... Verl has been watching the progress on Art Nell’s old garage. He says there’s a guy working there who wears suspenders. Verl asked me if I ever wore suspenders and I told him I tried some when I was a kid, but my shoulders aren’t square and they were always falling off my arms. Verl said when he was a kid in grade school his mother made him wear long stockings in the winter to keep him warm. He said he had to wear a garter belt to keep ‘em up. There was one other boy who wore long socks like Verl’s. Verl said the last he heard the guy was still single and had a flower shop in California. I told Verl it’s a good thing he gave up the garter belt and stockings. Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials! Kids eat free Family Night: Monday, between 5 & 8 p.m. 61 S. Main, Ephraim 283-FOOD (3663) 2 Kids eight and under eat FREE with each “one” paid adult entree. Large dining room for wedding luncheons/ dinners. Several menu options to fit your budget. Call Don’s Reservation line at 8353666, ask for Sylvia. Additional parking in back, with a back door, for your convenience Wednesday, October 4, 2006 Fairgrounds location in Manti is flawed The hour is late, but as the reality of a court building at the north end of Manti—beneath the Manti Utah Temple—looms ever closer, it becomes more and more apparent that the planned location is flawed. Safety issues for our children simply must be a top priority. Last week’s news of tragedy in Bailey, Colo. have underscored concerns. Let’s not protect young people with promised fences and policemen, but rather move the building to more appropriate setting. The impact and beauty of Manti’s north entrance must also be protected. Space and organi- zation of themes are vital principles to be observed. How does a court building fit into this area, aesthetically or otherwise? The block between 100-200 North houses an impressive courthouse and much space, which is blacktopped and largely stands empty. Surely, with the jail being moved to the south end of town there will be even more space left “empty.” Why not build the proposed building here, or incorporate it into the present courthouse? Here, the organization of civic buildings would be most appropriate. The U.S. Post Office and Old City Hall would add to the cluster. Significantly, this was also the chosen site of the original Sanpete courthouse. No doubt our elected officials have put much time and effort into this matter. Through the years they have earned much appreciation and respect. However, this time the voice of the common citizen must be heard. Then surely, serious differences can be resolved; differences that are much more crucial than “free money” which sounds like the tired, old, proverbial carrot. Jane Anderson Braithwaite Manti Recently changed parties to become Democrat I recently changed political party affiliation to be a Utah Democrat. I am a centrist politically and I believe that this is where the heart of the country resides. This is where the anchors lie that hold the country together, linking both the left and the right and keeping all of us Americans under one roof. In California, the centrist position for me was a moderate Republican but after moving here to Utah 12 years ago, the same spot in the political spectrum, the centrist position, for me now is a Utah Democrat. I also believe this country is best served when there are two strong parties, where there is balance and where checks and balances keep us on track. When one party has too much control, we get mediocrity in government and complacency and apathy in the electorate. I see a new Democratic Party rising, especially here in Utah, which will try to bring us together. This excites me. This will be a party with values that allows room for diversity; but more importantly, a party that will try to unite us, not one that draws lines in the sand. In local politics party affiliation has little relevance and we, the electorate, try to determine who will best represent us and who has the ability and vision for the future for all of us. This year I believe that our local Utah Democrats have an impressive slate of candidates: For County Clerk, Kristine Frischknecht has done an excellent job for many years. And puts in unbelievable hours in her work. With all the new changes in voting equipment and the activity in proposed building construction, etc. we need to keep her experience and expertise in that office. For the office of sheriff, Kevin Holman is in the unique position to unite and bring together the polarized elements that have fragmented that office too long. He brings to the office great NOT IN OUR new ideas for the future as well as an impressive resume. For county commissioner, Vern Fisher will bring to the commission fresh, innovative ideas, funding expertise gained through years of experience, and a commitment to work hand in hand with the citizens of Sanpete. Meet him and listen to what he has to say, you’ll be impressed. As representative candidate for district 68, Kim Christison has done an impressive job in reaching out to rally support for his vision of what that office should be. Even the NRA along with many other organizations is throwing their support to him. I strongly support our local Democratic candidates; nevertheless, I challenge all of us to meet the candidates and learn about the issues, then go to the polls as an informed electorate and vote for the best person for the job irrespective of party affiliation. Robert Buckner Spring City BANK! Prompt, courteous, friendly service awaits you at Gunnison Valley Bank. You’ll be in and out before you know it! Gunnison Valley Bank Your Locally Owned Bank Member FDIC - Gunnison, Utah 528-7221 We are here to serve you! |