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Show Small cities Dear Jack: There was a time when I favored the Valley-Wlde-Clty concept as a way to solve Intergovernmental conflicts. There are a few problem associated with this concept, not the least of which would be the inability to provide the less densely populated areas with the same servicesjind at the same price that would be provided to the more densely populated areas, namely present Vernal City. Also the potential exists of having a municipality too large and too unwieldy to allow for good public control. A 19th century "builder of cities", perhaps the greatest city planner ever, was a t'eiiow by the name of Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph Smith stated that the optimum size for a city was about 20,000 people. I believe he was right. We have the possibility here in Ashley Valley to have three nice little cities about this size, Vernal, Maeser and Naples. I believe in the idea that smaller governments are closer to the people and easier to control by them. I recently moved from Vernal City to the Naples are so I am speaking as a Naples resident. I don't know the people In Naples that well yet but I do feel that most of these folks would like a bigger voice in government. Presently the government that these people have to deal the most with is the County Commission. Obviously the commissioners com-missioners have tobe concerned about The wnole county and that is the way it should be. Since this is true, Naples Influence on the commission is diluted by that of everyone else in the county. So it is plain then that the Naples people would have more control over their lives and property through a government govern-ment entity whose sole concern is Naples City and its residents. Some are concerned about the tax base and the level of 'services provided by a new city. These two .elements of course must be inseparably connected. The moment that you begin to spend more than you make you either have to raise taxes or bond or both, we don't want to do that. The tax burden on individuals and corporations are already too great. I might add, you never really tax corporations you only tax consumers. The corporation must pass the tax on to the consumer, if they can't do that then eventually they cease to exist. Either way the consumer loses. It is not our intent to create another level of government to harass the industrial in-dustrial community in our area. Since we do have to put up with the negative aspects of industry e.g., increased traffic, noise, etc., then we should also reap the benefits, e.g., revenues. We would like to build a good, well balanced community with close cooperation between its various component parts, and believe that we can. We aren't so naive to believe that Naples City will be a panacea, it will solve some problems, create others and others will likely remain the same. We are willing to face these problems in order ot have a more representative government. The principles of liberty and self determination sparked the fires of the great revolution over 200 years ago. These flames continue to burn in the hearts of the residents of the Naples area, we merely are carrying on an "old family tradition." Sincerely, GEORGE COZART |