OCR Text |
Show Thursday, October THE GREEN SHEET 2 29, 1987 MnrattM ironin') ft Colonists' Cry Still Rings Loud And True Today - Go Vote "No taxation without representation," a young man yelled one night when a group of angry Colonists wre gathered at the Boston Common. That simple statejnjnt was one of several which became the vatchcry leading to forging the Declaration of Independence. That in turrr set the stage for a successful revolution against the Crown, followed by the careful writing of the Constflution and creation of a nation unique amorfe the countries of the iorld. "Suffrage for all," cried Susan B. Anthony (as she and her sister suffragettes fought for the right to vote for women. Later on, that same battle would be waged for Blackpeople and other minorites who call America home. Today the right of suffrage is guaranteed to evfcy American citizen ever age 18 who takes advantage of the opportunity to register. There can be no taxation without representation. Yet each time an election is held, the selection of that representation is made by a smaller and smaller percentage of those authorized by their very citizenship to do so. Letters Hercules Municipal elections are the most basic elections held, yet seem to draw the least in terest. Those people, our neighbors, elected to be mayors and city councilmen have a huge impact on taxation, economic development, services and the very future of the communities we live in. Yet if any city even approaches a 50 percent voter turnout T ues day, it will be a surprise. The polls will be open for 13 hours. Even with the voting districts being combined they are within walking distance of friost homes. It will require no more than five minutes to cast a ballot. We already know that the sacrifices those Revolutionary soliders made were not in vain. Nor were those that have been made in battles since that have preserved this . freedqm. The right to vote was It's an opportunity we should treasure and never take for granted. Nor should we ever be willing to let the majority be represented by one who was elected by the minority. Take time to vote Tuesday if you live within the boundaries of an incorporated city. It's not only your right, it's your respon sibility. hard-won- Coaches, Like Wine, Mellow What's good for the goose, say, is good for the gander. they guess I'm the gander so to speak terms o our ward's girls volleyball tem. But last week, I tried on the goose role and learned J something. Its not a whole lot of fun having that ball come at you with side out or point resting on your ability to return it, I discovered. Of course, I knew that from previous experience, but this was the first time I had played since I took up coaching. And half my team was looking on. I learned volleyball from a master, BYUs Elaine Michaelis. That was before the team was anything more than an intramural activity, not the national force it is today. But Elaine is a superb I in mellowed. Considerably. chance to laugh at her. When I was on the floor. So I find myself with a team that has yet to lose in eight outings. Only two players have participated in ail eight games. Two others are standouts on their junior high teams and their skills and those the others have developed in school are more of a factor than anything I've done. Practice? Well, the gym is available in the early morning on Saturday and none oi us likes to get up, so we just show up and play on game day. was I acutely aw are of what they no doubt go through w hen they're playing. Don't let it come to me," you pray as the server glares menacingly across the net. When it does and you manage to return it without embarrassing yourself, you feel pretty good. But when you come up with nothing but air, bat it into the wall or, worst of all, get hit by it, you wish you could crawl under those floor teacher. Incidentally, college volleyball is one of the most exciting sports experiences there is. For thrilling action, it cant be beat. I took up coaching with vengeance shortly after finished college. Not Bluffing Is Dear Editor: Hercules is not bluffing! g Last week a letter appeared in these columns to be factual, according to media accounts. Facts and media accounts often differ, as in this case. May I explain the truth about the Hercules problem and the real plan to rectify the situation. For 15 years, Hercules has tried unsuccessfully to work with county officials to halt residential encroachment. County officials turned a deaf ear and rezoned as they pleased, in spite of the obvious dangers they were subjecting Hercules and potential homeowners to by their disregard. Now we are faced with the possibility of a major employer being forced to leave if we do not take immediate action. West Valley is now in a position to turn this problem around, not only to the benefit of Hercules but to the citizens of the city as well. We are able by annexation to include Hercules and the surrounding property within our boundaries while at the same time maintaining l he buffer zone Hercules needs to continue its operations All the while, we will be creating a new industrial park and expanding the tax base of West Valley City. Contrary to the previous letter, this plan will NOT leave the West Valley taxpayers holding the bag. We will be bonding to acquire the property in question and then immediately selling it to various interested industrial property developers. We already have been in contact with several good prospects. This will enable us to retire the bond even more quickly, using the proceeds of the land sale along with extra tax revenues generated by the Hercules annexation. In addition the new industrial complexes that will be built will also contribute taxes to retire the bond. ( )ne ol the best parts of this whole plan is that we will have land remaining after the bond is retired and the lax revenues coming in to develop for recreational purposes Some of t he uses might include little league diamonds, a goll course, a park, soccer and softball fields or other such developments sorely needed by our city. Simply stated, we need Hercules in our city. Hercules spends $20 million a year with our West Valley businesses alone. This w'ould be a tremendous loss to our city and our businesses if Hercules were forced bei ause of the residential problem to move outside of the state. The Hercules payroll is another important item. It is estimated that nearly 1,000 employees live in West Valley City and bring home approximately 25 percent of the total $171 million annual payroll. This amounts to nearly $43 million going into West Valley City households each year. I know for a fact that Hercules is not bluffing when this company's management says it may be forced to move parts of its business outside of the state. This has already happened in one case when Hercules officials announced last spring they were moving a large Air Force contract to another plant at least partly because of the growing residential problem. W ith facilities already in operation in other parts of the country, it would be an easy matter to move and hang out a sign in the other locations. Right now, the outlook is for steady business growth with the $500 million contract awarded Hercules earlier this month for building the Titan IV space vehicle boosters. understand that this could be just the beginning, and employment could grow to nearly 8,000 in the next eight to to years. We need Hercules just as we need all other good, clean businesses within our city to provide the jobs and other resources to keep our community growing. Annexing Hercules is another positive move which, I am certain, will make West Valley City the best metropolitan area in the state. help-wante- d a I 1 wanted to impart everything 1 learned from my experiences to the Young Women in Kearns 10th ward. Our practice sessions resembled an NFL training camp. Our volleyball, basketball and softball teams were consistently a force in stake and region play. But that was back bemic v school programs olfeeu young women n chance to npete. No - had suf 'miht s; ; r o ( ur r hat tht,iL. might have for scholai five or 10 ships had the years later today gn s with that kind ol talent are playing on high school teams and nnot play on the church team. I : .on.-ude- : . i In Kearns I would have been a maniac. If you didn't practice, you see much playing time, i haven't sunk so far that 1 11 take my best players out of a close game, but I try very hard to see that everyone gets her fair share. I'm when they win. but it1 not er passion. Still, having them watch me play was an unnerving experience. c- We had tun. but winning, as I look back, may have taken on too much importance. That was men. this is now Ill admit it. I have and They fully admitted that they were on hand to laugh. At me. their mothers, their MIA president, etc. However, our MIA president is one of those who did have a scholarship offer, so they were cheated out of a boards. When your serve clears the net and you actually score a point, you're on top of the world. Even if it is the underhand serve that most people can return. At least it goes over. Like the exgirls. perienced both the agony and the ecstacv. B I never laugh at them When I was on the bench, I lelt what no doubt they feel. When someone misses, you automatically assume one of two things - depending on your personality - Whew, I'm glad it wasn't me, or I could have had that one. We weren't as fortunate as they have been this year. We didn't win. But were going to practice. The Millcreek 8th ward women will yet be heard from. Sincerely Claude Jones West Valley 1 City Councilman Doesn't Miss The Green Dear Editor: As one ol the many hundreds of readers of The Green Sheet. I have to admit I didnt at first recognize the last issue ol the local valley newspaper. In fact, I had to take a double look at the plain white newspaper lying on my driveway. Recognizing the weekly issue I picked it up and wondered to myself, Wheres The Green Sheet Unfolding the paper I read in bold lettering, Save this issue - it's the last of a breed. Understanding that (here wasn't going to be a Green Sheet anymore. put the paper down. I began doubting the newspaper's success. Sorting out the conflict in my heard a voice, "Dont judge a book by its mind cover. An mslant later I began searching through the hidden pages, finding many interesting and intriguing articles and comemnts lound that the Sandy Sentinel wasnt any different from the past issues with or without the green coloration To my surprise the new issue showed brillant in certain areas. You have my support in reading the Sandy Sentinel. I am a college student who likes to deal with surroudings I can relate to. I feel to some extent I get more out of reading the Sandy Sentinel than leaning larger daily newspapers. Last of all I look forward to being informed of upcoming events pertaining to my immediate surroundings. Keep up the excellent work. of the people they represent. Some of these issues of vital concern are: sound financial management of our city; providing viable essential services; the proposed new city hall; West Valley Boulevard; business and economic development in the city; regulations and restrictions on our businesses and residents, and many more. These are strategically important issues that warrant sensible and accountable action of our council members and you as a West Valley voter should help decide who will sit on that Council and make those dt "sions. There are many credible individuals asking for your vote of support on Nov. 3. I would urge you to learn about the candidates and respond by casting your vote on that day. One of our chief responsibilities in living in a DemocraticRepublic society is to help decide who is going to be our leaders, and then to hold them accountable for their actions. Lets not settle for even 30 percent of our neighbors making our decision for us. Senator Bill Barton West Valley Study The Issues To The Editor: West Valley elections will be soon. I hope that people will study the candidates and get out and vote. I was against the incorporation and I feel that some of the laws they have passed are not necessary. There seems to be a lot of disagreement in the issues before council members. They have tried to push city hall in Granger Park and now they are trying to get it on Market Street. Some say that it is not necessary. I was glad to read that some of the candidates feel that there are better locations or it is not needed. Why put so much traffic in an already busy place? Let Market Street be and it will in time straighten out. Put city hall west like Claude Jones thinks . . . 2700 South 3800 West, where there is room to move. Hercules, landscape law . . . what a mess. Where is the free agency that people have? I was surprised to learn the other day that new houses have to have certain outside lights. Maybe we need to vote for new candidates that will look over the old laws, use peoples feelings and desires, and let the councilmen be concerned about the people and not trying to just hurry and make changes. Thanks, Jan Wynn Misuse Of Power To the Editor: After reading your editorial of Oct. 22, I can no longer just sit and do nothing. The very idea that our elected officials are passing laws that dictate what kind of trees I can or cannot plant in my yard and that they will turn my power off until I comply has angered me. I understand that dwelling lots should be improved with grass, ground cover, trees, shrubs, etc. but to tell me what, when and where is going out of bounds. These people are elected by the people to do the jobs they were elected to do. They get their authority and power from the people they represent. I do not recall giving them the power to take away my freedoms of personal expression. If they are willing to pay for the landscaping of my yard, then I would be willing to give them some say. Perhaps we are paying our elected officials too much money. They seem to miss the idea that there are some people who work very hard just to make ends meet and it takes time for them to get their yards whipped into shape. This seems to apply to families of all ages and not only to the young families just starting out. If the officials of West Valley City want more time and money spent on property belonging to private citizens then why not give things like tax breaks or interest free loans to those who spruce up their yards. I have to wonder about the mentality of people who unjustly wield power with little concern about the freedoms oi the people uiey claim to cpresent. If a person will violate the trust placed in him by the public then heshe is no better than a common thief. Perhaps we should consider carefully those names appearing on the ballots this coming election. I for one will not cast a vote for anyone trying to take away my freedoms and I will be voting in November. Sincerely Eldon Griffiths West Valley (10-8-8- Letters Scheme Has No Merit Dear Editor Re the editorial in the Green Sheet ol ( id. 22 Months ago. when this newest drive to consolidate was Salt Lake City and County governments generating, one of its proponents asserted "Let's decide this thing once and for all. Which reminded me of a most appropriaie and laughable story - the one about a man who sidesteps church one Sunday morning in order to play a round of golf. He explains to his fellow golfers, I decided to flip a coin - heads I go to church, tails I play golf. Would you believe, I had to flip 14 times before it came up tails?" In the long and tiresome history of this ongoing effort. the voters have repeatedly said, "Forget it! to similar proposals - Metropolitan Government. Unified Government iL'nigovi. City County Consolidation, Urbanized Government, etc. As the Noble Bard penned. "A rose by any other name would smell But, as your editorial reflects, it keeps raising its ugly head, pushed by a variety of special interests who, though the powers behind the throne, for the most part conceal their identities. More than 30 years ago, Dr. Ellsworth Weaver of the UofU, even though a proponent of governmental consolidation, admitted: "The further you remove govern- ment from the people, the further you rpmim f hoi' control. Government should be as close to toe peooie j; its possible to make it. Which is typir:-- of the muddl-- ed thinking that accompanies this periodic effort - how can government get bigger, yet remain close to the . ; I-- . people? Dr. Louis H. Masotti, Professor of Urban Affairs at Northwestern said, not long ago: University, Metropolitan government is an idea whose time has passed." For 32 years Ive listened to these proponents of a 1 I scheme which has virtually no merit. I find it hard to understand why tax dollars continue to be spent -$230,000, for example, for one committee study and some $60,000 for a single special election - so that John Public can reaffirm in the voting booth his opposition to a plan that clearly isn't wanted. Very truly yours, Jim Cornwell Driver Owed Apology Sincerely, Marda Case To The Editor: I feel the article. Boys Death in Magna Prompts Call For Aciton" (Oct 22) is very misleading. First of all the truck that Mr. Webster was driving had two pup trailers behind it and the boy that was killed rode otf the sidewalk and between the first and second trailer. This means that Mr. Webster had gone past the boy when he rode into the side of the trailer. You make it sound as if Mr. Webster saw him in the road and didn't even try to stop, or was negligent by not paying attention to his driving. When in fact there was nothing he could have done to avoid the misfortune. Secondly, the article makes it sound like the truck was traveling over the speed limit when in fact it was only traveling about 30 MPH in a 36 VPH Voting Percentage Sad DearKditor: Oct H was our Municipal Primary election day. It was sad to note that such a small percentage of voters made the effort to cast their ballot that day, especially when you consider the number of negative comments that are heard about various decisions and actions on the part of our city. ) Mht-iuw to lc o met;., d j'lii- Wl-.l- , ! .. - a Ira.- v JI- .ue public nowevei, 1 ln.nk if you are going i.t to print the drivers name in the article, you should at least give him the courtesy of telling the whole story. I believe Mr. Webster deserves an apology because the article makes him look like the bad guy when ap parently the young boy was at fault. Mi- A Concerned Reader, Scott Riggs West Valley ' di,-.t- , (i is , .'icd uisLitcts attained only 5 or 6 percent The citys total average was only approximately 1() percent. There are several very important issues surrounding West Valley Citys involvement, and being the second more Issues larges! city in the state, there will be many of vital concern following in the future. The mayor and council members deliberating on these issues and of us daily making important decisions that affect each must have the abilities that equal the task. Perhaps as important is that they be elected by a large percentage ix lo, t. 107)1 t The Green Sheet welcomes contributions to both "As I See It." " Letters should be confined to a length of 250 words or less and not contain libelous comments. They must be signed but the writers name will be withheld for adequate "Letters to the Editor and cause. Me welcome lengthier correspondence for possible use as "As I See It" commentaries. Primary consideration will be given to those submitted by people utth expertise in the topic about which write. A brief description of that expertise shouldthey accompany the submission. clarity. They may be addressed to: The Green Shi P .0. Box 7187, Murray, Vtah 84107. |