OCR Text |
Show Public officials disqualification Dear Jack: Thomas Jefferson once said, "Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe." (really?) Section 8 of article 13 of the constitution of the state of Utah reads, "the making of a profit out of public monies, or using the same for any purpose not authorized by law, by any public officer, shall be deemed a felony, and shall be punished as provided by law, but part of such punishment shall be disqualification to hold public office." A year ago this past March I was instrumental in a lawsuit being filing against Uintah' County Commissioners and Vernal City Council. The intent of tne lawsuit was to force these individuals into repaying the tax dollars spent illegally to retain a law firm to sue a woman for $2,420,000, the bulk of which (if successful) would go to the county sheriff and chief of police personally. I choose to believe that the intent of their (Uintah County & Vernal City) lawsuit was to stifle and intimidate any criticism of these law enforcement agencies, which would in effect make them above the law accountable only to themselves. As a taxpayer and member of this community I have one or two questions concerning this lawsuit. If the courts ever get around to ruling on the point of law questioned in our lawsuit, (and rules in our favor) does this force immediate resignations from the two county commissioners who authorized the illegal payment) the county sheriff who wrote the check, and the county attorney who rendered a legal opinion which he knew was wrong? All of these "public servants"took the oath of office which reads, "I do solemnly swear(or affirm) that l will support, obey and defend the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity." I'd be surprised if either of the district judges assigned to hear this case has the courage to rule on the points of law in question. I believe that they (the judges) will choose to dismiss it on some technicality. I also believe that they are reluctant to dismiss because they know that it wi ' be appealed and heard outside He Uintah Basin. The above mentioned section of constitution of the state of Utah says in part,"or using the same for aui purpose not authorized by law." All l ask is that the county attorney tell me what law authorizes him to ir numbers, I'll look it up myself. Perhaps Mr. Allred would rather lei me what parts of the constitution art not applicable to the great Uinlal Basin so that I can tear those pages out. -While I'm at it I would also like! complain about some of the streets ii this big "chuck hole," but I don't dare, I'm afraid of being sued for libel ot 1 slander. I once heard Murray Johnson expres his feelings on honesty. Murray saii "honesty and pregnancy are very mo alike, either you are or you aren't. 'fi this I can only reply,"amen.". Respectfully, TOM SNYDER - |