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Show County Commission, State Legislature, School Board - Candidates Share Their Views As General Election Nears the lowest possible cost. This might mean the formation of fire districts and possibly public safety districts. I feel that we as the county must first lobby . the legislature for the necessary laws and legal means to have home rule in the county. I do believe that the executive and legis-latuv- e functions should be separated, but not at the expense of eliminating the function of the auditor as the check and balance, and watchdog of the government. The general principle that the county has no powers not specifically granted to it by the State (Editors Note: Candidates for county offices, the State Legislature, state and local school boards involved in the general election Nov. 4 were offered space in the Green Sheet to their voice views, in response to specific accompanied by a picture. A majority of questions, the candidates are participating.) County Commission Question: In light of annexations and incorpor- continuing should make ations, county parations the Legislature really pre- hinders any positive actions that I as a commissioner might see fit to take. Thus, the positive approach must be taken to the State Legislature this January. toward phasing out of the business of providing municipal services? What form of government do you feel would best serve the countys future in- terests? Seat r Two-yea- Bart Barker The county shouldnt get out of municipal services until all the unincorporated areas choose to incorporate or st annexa- State School Board are not planned an- for ??. a nexation blocking tl cities by and must and receive an- nexations, would violate the right of citizens to choose how they will be governed. W'hen a city wants to contract for services, the county should compete for those contracts. When a new city provides its own municipal services, the county should cut back accordingly (except in law enforcement). If this leaves the county with unneeded emloyees, it should offer these trained workers to the citys new department, transfer them to understaffed county divisions, or reduce staffs through attrition. If cutting back a county division causes diseconomies of scale, perhaps the county police and fire protection from the county. authority to coordinate the 49 independent governments in this valley, as well as dealing with annexation, must now be obtained from the Legisla- for needed services, where appropriate. The proposed executive-counci- l government might solve a few of the countys problems if the State Legislature resolves some legal questions when it meets in January. The best form of government is the one you and I, as county voters, choose after careful study and full discussion. public our right. Of course, a government is only as effective and responsive as those who serve in it. Thats Aaron Kennard Democrat First, I must address the question as to whether all areas in the county want to incorporate or be annexed. During cam- paign, I ture, since voters have rejected previous alternatives. The current proposal by the commission addresses only separation of the executive and legislative powers as well as permitting area representation in a council. It does not deal with coordination and annexation. Moreover, if enacted it could not be changed for six years. I favor public hearings and new legislation mayor-counc- unincorporated and cities to coordinate fire and police services, perhaps in a public safety district. A possible sharing of sales tax revenue - perhaps place of purchase for cities and a portion determined by population for the county - could work and could solve the rush to annex the valuable tax plums while preserving the capacity of each to deliver its respective services. -- -- John Hiskey In the attempting to define future of Salt Lake County, there I First, believe we must rec- wanting to vested in the She- been maintain they want annexation. If this attitude is maintained, then I as a commissioner must be prepared to provide these residents with municipal services as long as it is needed. Should the valley go to a situation where there was no longer an unincorporated area, then the local leaders and county leaders (commissioners) should be working in "cooperation to develop the best plan 'f action for providing these services at family evenings need to be eliminated. investment its own cut out any activities nor expand them, except they believe that all students ought to be able to participate and enjoy those programs now enjoyed by a relatively few students. Many people are concerned with the cost of activities and feel that students should not have to pay large amounts of money in order to par- ticipate. Girls marching groups seem to be of inordinately high cost thereby eliminating many girls from participation. Some feel that there is too much time in school for activities which takes away from basic instruction; others believe that students should not be expected to give extra time their basic school program. A good number of students are kept in academic programs by being able to participate in activity programs. We need to look upon both programs as being useful parts of the total program. In my opinion, both we other but utilize have paramedic services, including the total dispatch efforts and other communication needs. However, through cooperative efforts we could utilize existing county services and not have to favor a reappraisal of the balance between I academics and ac- tivities for 1 . E me that the state should pay out food stamps to people who cant limitation amendment is apparently in conflict with the Utah State Constitution and I op- crease the price afford buy it. I statutory tax limitation. I am in favor of the Sagebrush Rebellion. Utahs land should be under control in order that valuable land can be freed up for conscientious energy development. I favor mandatory jail sentences for anyone using a gun in the committing of a crime. I am opposed to theE.R.A. a I favor leav- to through the sales tax. think it would be a demonstration of good faith for the state to eliminate the food sales tax as it would show that our government is really interested in helping Utahns overcome the high cost of living. Cutting sales taxes on food will increase the buying power of Utah shoppers by lowering the total price we now pay for groceries. Im Yes, Im in favor of food sales tax removal. No, Im not in favor of the present structure of limit-- a think know- of coun- gives me a true understanding of what people in this area need and want. I feel that candidates should never commit themselves to promises that we all know cant be achieved by one individual, but each is with tax concerned limitaion to all government entities as well as the potential elimination of property tax on home owned, occupied housing. I am in favor of tax limitation, but not init- iative B. Douglas Bennion Democrat Taxation is always a controversial issue. There is no doubt in my mind that all of us feel as though the y- In the area of cuts, we should eliminate those unwanted programs which are not the proper function of government to provide such as Planned Parenthood and Affirmative Action. On the subject of tax limitation, I favor the concept of property tax limitation and I believe the tax should be limited to one percent of the 1977 evaluation. To be fair, however, I believe that all property taxes on all homes should be limited to the 1977 evaluation, regardless of when the homes are purchased. If Initiative B is passed, I favor having it modified to conform to this standard of fairness. Vote on Nov. 4th! tax burden is too great. All of us would like to see our i o n tion and recession for Representatives responsible tax limitation, but do not feel that either of the p r on ballot at this are The property limit has so in- equities built into it that we would be forcing our children and home owners in general to pay a share disproportionate of the property tax in the years to come. It is in my opinion also unconstitutional because of the inequities. If sales tax off of food it is to be removed, should be removed from not only the state portion, but also the local taxes portion. Programs would have to be cut. Class size would have to be increased. The quality of education w'ould suffer. All of this at a time when projections tell us that the number of school children in Utah will increase by 60 during the Reed on resi- dences. This will give the legislature the flexibility it has not had in dealing with residential property taxes without corresponding reductions in other property taxes. that the I feel legis- lature will be responsive to the vote of the people on the kind of tax cuts they prefer. Citizens, it is up to you to make this choice. Get the facts, then vote your convictions. District 31 Republican talking about tax limitation and tax reduction or removal, it always sounds good on the surface. When I , as as anyone, feel I pay too much of unnec-- e s s a r y taxes. However, when taxes are cut or e 1 i m in those dollars must be made up The sales tax is one of in some other area in the fairest taxes we order to maintain the services and functions have. To eliminate the tax on of government. The key food would require to tax limitation is the way it is implemented. another The reduction of proto perty tax is, 1 feel, a determine step in the right direction, and I favor this. items are However, I question the manner in which it is befood items and which ing proposed, simply because the answer of are non-- f where this tax will be o o d offset still is unanitems. I swered. feel Removal of sales tax that the on food is not in our best structure of government should be interest. It accounts for of our state simple, fair, minimum sales tax revenue and and straightforward. Elimination of the sales would create a sixty tax on food would be an- million dollar reduction in revenue. This would other step toward comnecessitate an increase plicating our governin one or more of the ment even further. I am convinced that major taxes which the sales tax should be would offset all benefits. retained because it re- It would provide larger quires no records lo be tax savings to the kept by the taxpayer or American which one-sixt- h tax Leon Reese Democrat It would be presump-tiou- s for me to tell the people how to vote. As a public servant I will live with and abide their by Proposal The A tax sales off food As to taking the sales tax off food. really believe the 1 would be a tax shift, not a tax savings. cost to There would be a grocers and million loss of 60 others to handle the cum- , li' y I the raise cost of handling food to the amount nearly reduced by taking the tax off. A major share of the cost of food is for labor and getting it to the consumer, not in what is paid to the farmer. This proposal would certainly take more labor on the part of the grocer and could well use up most of the tax reduction, thereby helping on one and certainly reducing the needed money to governhelp provide ment services. I do favor tax limitation, but feel the present proposal is cumbersome and poorly drawn. If this proposal passes, I feel we will have no one to blame but the leadership of the government agencies some and officials. When state government is in one of its worst financial crises in decades, we find some school leaders announcing a demand for up to a 17 increase in their current budget. Is it any wonder the taxpayers have lost patience with their public officials? school District 32 Richard Williamson Republican The tax proposals have their problems, merits and Utah's base and revenues. Duayne Johnson Democrat rewards. can accept the sales tax removal on food. My I own legis- lative district needs dollars in the next fiscal year and 20 million dollars this year. The loss of this revenue comes at a time when Utah school population will increase by about 20,000 students each year. To replace this revenue loss, it would take a 12 mill property tax increase, or a 25 percent income tax increase or a one percent increase in sales tax on non-foo- items. d Therefore, although tax relief is desirable, removal of sales tax now is untimely. Proposal B. During the last legislative session, I supported a tax limitation for one percent of fair market value on all property at the present time, without the "roll back to 1977 valuation called for in Proposal B appearing on the ballet this Nov. 4th. The proposal as now written would destroy property tax uniformity and equi- ty by requiring that homes sold, or newly constructed, pay more taxes than property identical non-solproperty. Proposal B will even-tualld y require homeowners to pay higher property taxes than business. Furthermore, I am of the opinion that sections 2, 4, 5 and 6 as now written are This unconstitutional. proposal penalizes those who build or buy property while shifting taxes away from corporations and toward homeowners. For the foregoing reasons, I will have to say I am against Proposal B as now written, but I am for one percent of fair market value without the roll back to 1977 valuation. Robert Darby American this initiative passed. I do not sup- Without reservation, I support both tax limitation initiatives. port these designed to allev- William Quigley much creasing wishes. b a b have been a leading advocate in the House of erty has put Utah Government in a real bind. As a citizen, I will vote for the removal of the state sales tax on food. As your representative I will vote to delay the implementation of this tax cut until it can be shown to me that it can be done without destroying our present programs. I will vote against Proposition B and I encourage all of you to do likewise. It is an unfair proposal. It discriminates against those counties who were reassessed before 1977. It discriminates against new home buyers today. It is estimated that if Proposition B passes, over $100 million would be lost from public 1980s. Republican many and private ownership thereby significantly in- wisely. of food tax could pro- - I tax of the general revenue fund in Utah, financial support for social services, health, education and other vital services would be reduced. Once again. I would stress that tax limitation or reduction, in any area, is only in our best interest if implemented responsibly and reduction Bangerter time largest to source mplicated ( of percent Norman the Also, because it is the bersome and co- does not cover the total issue. Vote for the constitutional amendment proposition 2) that will allow the legislature to directly reduce prop- infla- education. District 30 This initiative the present economic situa-- t both inflation as w e are. A clamp on federal taxes at the present level would remove the incentive for the federal government to promote inflation by printing more money. government taxes cut. However, confidentthe that food Newmeyer eliminating state government to reduce its size and operate more efficientl- Democrat industry of food sales tax will force our Arlo James I inI support the property tax t i o n mostly because the state has no surplus of funds. to food, then The proposed tax district and of resources bulk of activities home, church and dicrous to ty, this When scarce ing the lu- cannot allow the sales tax to rise as it has in Ohio where the rate is 9.75 percent. this onomics. choice, it tax, seems We ledge c- - force favor eliminating the sales tax on food and I also support tax limitation. On the subject of sales I mistake, my seven reasons. Osborne American the line on rising taxes as everyone is hurt w'hen we allow them to escalate. However, in view of the deficit we are now facing, I feel that elimination of sales tax on food at this time would be a pose if Richard that we definitely need to hold parents would not a constitutional, would result in a loss of revenue of over 100 million dollars to local school districts in property taxes. And, if we do not pass the tax revision article, which allows the state to cities, counties and school districts, there could be a total loss in revenues to the schools alone of 150 million dollars. I support the sales tax off food, however, it may have to be postponed in implementation until the state is more fiscally secure. We must work for a fair tax system, one that will produce enough revenue for the legitimate needs of the people and will not cripple the state's ability to function. Republican about right. The ing. We need to be more adopted and held District 27 believe IPP uniformity in taxation. Also, the impact, Question: Do you favor passage of the proposals on tax limitation and on state sales tax on food? (Yes or No) Why or w hy not? I portion) comes of the food items only. To most poor and elderly the actual monthly food only purchases amount to $52, which will give a savings of $2.08 per month. The store owners have predicted the increase in price of food to compensate for extra work and bookkeeping involved will more than absorb the miniscule tax sav- large there must be it is not must We remember that only four percent (states and allows horizontal revenue sharing between counties and cities which would allow counties, profiting from MX and energy developments to share their revenue with cities. The tax limitation act may not be constitutional for several reasons, one being that our State Constitution says I ad- proponents vocate. i like Utah House is the projects favor more in physical training fitness and life long activity skills. ac Maxfield we tax benefits are summary, e g money and is a victim of poor and elderly as -- 1 doesnt print paper not the to Floyd Lerdahl academi- Richard made and not make use of their professional and technical services. For example, it may prove too costly for each city to attempt to provide be-twe- benefit students. and Public Works Department. I believe it would be irresponsible to simply disregard the 1 values. Pleasures as an end in itself is a growing value of our society and the motivation behind many of the newer The school activities. result is less a lowering of the work ethic and reduced commitment to excellence. 6. Educational objectives. Many school activities have not had clear cut objectives nor have they been correlated into a total program. 7. Physical fitness. When the cost and long assessed, d y middle income and above citizen and it allows the Attitudes and term s tax the ences, question, rather what is learned or not learned through the activities that matters. their strengths to in- r activities themselves that are in The State Board has made two surveys in the past four years concerning activities. Both show that parents feel the bal- tivities primary i e food will benefit major-all- on practiced commonly the Christensen cs and Activities which interfere with religious holidays or Glenn ance of Schools have not properly taught respect for the family and its belief systems. sales Although I see some difficulties, I support the tax revision article (SJR 6i, as it allows the legislature to exempt all or a por- tion of the solidarity. Family District 2 the partment do a major cause discipline problems. Removal of Democrat dramatically. The desire to please peers is on an individual. It does not favor persons who incur debt and does not favor those with savings. Most of us are now doing some serious "belt tightening. I feel that the government should do the same. am basically in favor of the tax limitation proposal, although I realize that the federal government would be the most important target of tax limitation legislation. The state government the government I am against the initiative for removal of sales tax on food. Sales tax is the most fair and equitable tax of all taxes. Lynne Turner up In shouldnt pit one against riffs Department, Fire De- sta- District 28 Granite District are valuable; the that have area are several factors which must be considered. dollars residents Question: Do you feel there should be a change in the balance between academics and activities in our schools. Why or why not? Be specific, please. beyond Democrat ross many tus quo. They do not want incorporation nor area millions of ac- their il form. Whatever the structural change, authority is needed to permit the ognize have come Peer influence and discipline. Partly due to The permitting several including could eliminate choices, the facilities and contract strengthening commission or a my elec- ted auditor are corrected. the county nex, or fair administrator and have the responsibility for administering a variety of services beyond the basic services that Many areas in Forcing areas to or tween the elected deliver. by cities. prob- lems under this proposal unless the issue of overlapping duties be- Republican Republican tion decide their future. I do have concerns about the present proposal to change the form of county government. There will be serious The county will always tivities. 5. peo-pl- e of the unincorporated area to Mike Stewart comes from voting people, get out and vote. the type and degree of activity time together, peer influence has shot the essential administrative government District 29 Reed Palmer Republican 3. government. This could have prevented costly duplication and front end costs to the city. The key to achieving such agreements is a more cooperative attitude and the creation of an environment of trust. The County Commission should not be an antagonist and should provide fairly and facinformation for the Seat r Four-yea- 2. academics. and established a reasonable transition period for the new tually sue must he weighed on its own merit and its affect on the majority of the people. Dont be misled, good Interference with Schools which have resisted the decline in test scores and academic performance have also resisted the trend to ac- duplicate their efforts. Second, I believe it has been most unfortunate that the relations between the county and West Valley City have been so strained. I believe we could have worked cooperatively, using existing county personnel and resources However, the iate post- ponement, but I Pre-fy- fer a grad-ua- l imple- - ' ;iXV? ' " mentation over a two-yeperiod in order to give the state government time to adjust. support the one per1 cent tax limitation because it gives our pro- perty tax structure more flexibility, but, un- fortunately, does not offer much hope to our and local governments. The schools passage of the one percent limitation alone would be a disaster. I think that the Constitutional Tax Article Revision is written with the necesary language to make the one percent statutory act work as a real tax cut for the people and at the same time provide local jurisdictions with operating funds. It provides for 1. the state reimbursement to 2. local governments; the sharing of taxes and revenues; and 3. the removal of the state 75 percent limit on funding schools. The question now becomes How w'ill the state fund its own and local government proIn the short grams? term, the unfortunate answer is in taxing Utahs energy development (taxes that would eventually be passed on to you and me). In the long run, however, the answer lies in the release of federal lands into state a are problem? not Yes, you say? Then what is the problem?" Everybody who held jobs this year, had to work till the later part of May just to pay hisher share of the total tax load Well, if the solution is that simple, well just lower taxes and the problem goes away. Right? Wrong. The authorizing agent of that tax must be dealt with. The of administator that tax must be dealt with. Any unwarranted recipient of that tax must be dealt with. If these are not all separated from their position of influence with regard to this tax, the abuse will continue. If you refuse them a tax on your property, theyll strike for an increased tax on your income (income tax is used here as an example only). The time has come for the giant transfer of private property through repressive taxation, to government property to an end. The time has come to accept the responsibility for the welfare of ourselves and come those immediately around us. Lets quit funding The giant giveLets throw the away. rascals out. BE SURE TO VOTE ON NOV. 4th I |