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Show Land donation-trade worthy of County's consideration, thanks According to Ninth Circuit Court Judge Christian Ronnow, "this could be a breakthrough we've been looking for." Indeed, the recent proposal by Frank Nichols for a land donation-trade to provide a building spot for both an Iron County hall of justice and a Southern Utah State College special events center is a real possibility, deserving of careful consideration and of public thanks. First, the consideration. We assume that both the Iron County Commission and the Southern Utah State College Institutional Council will need to look carefully at the proposal before it can become a reality. The proposal, as reported last week in the Iron County Record, is that Nichols donate five to seven acres of land just southeast of Fiddlers Three Theater to Southern Utah State College. The college, in turn, would trade that land with Iron County for another piece of equal value. The County would use the Fiddlers Canyon land for the hall of justice site, and the college would sell its final piece of property for additonal financing for a special events center, something much needed and much wanted by the college administration, as well as community leaders. Initially, the plan looks as though it has no flaws. We hope the county and the college, upon examination, will notfind any. It seems like at least a partial solution to everybody's problems. The proposal could save the county about $500,000 in land costs. This may finally put the jail cost within the reach of the taxpayers. A price of $2 million just may be the ticket for a successful bond election. Also, the site seems to be very good. It is not as close to the residential area of Fiddlers Canyon as descriptions would seem to point to. In fact, it is some distance to the south. The site is not as close to town and the center of arrest as some people would like, but it is closer than some other alternatives, and the cost savings definitely more than outweighs the slight inconvenience. To us, everything seems to be the best possible solution to a thorny problem which has been dragging on far too long. Of course, we don't want government bodies to just jump in with both feet. They must look at it carefully. We would only advise ad-vise that the advantages be looked at as carefully as any disadvantages. Second, the thanks. We have already heard some people saying that Mr. Nichols is making the offer only so he can get a tax break or so that he can get two pet projects of his pushed through. Such comment is indeed narrow-minded and sad. Certainly, the tax break will be there. Certainly two projects that he feels are important will get a much-needed shot-in-the-arm. But the bottom line of his offer is that Nichols is willing to give to the college a valuable piece of land. The truth is he is trying to boost two community projects that he feels will help everyone in the area. So, once again, it is time to say thanks. It is time to r recognize an effort to help when it is honestly being made. It is time to move forward, with the help of Mr. Nichols, on two projects that could prove to be very important for Iron County. |
