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Show Vernal Express Wednesday, December 5, 2007 A3 Housing Plans Continued from Al new entrepreneur research center cen-ter and UBATCtrainingcampus, much of the school's advancement advance-ment has fallen to the generosity of private individuals. "The strength and leverage of state and federal monies has been somewhat less than what private and local people have been able to do, to the tune of nearly $40 million," Behunin said. "Research centers bring in dollars, roughly $65 million a year in e-.propriations." "We began planning three years ago. Vernal and Naples cities, the Uintah County commission, com-mission, Uintah Basin Applied Technology College and USU formed a partnership for economic eco-nomic development," explained Rob Behunin, director of Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service Ser-vice District. "Our goal is to create a focal point in developing a stratified economy in the Uintah Basin," the director explained. "What this all means is that we will bringing in a high income faculty with appealing programs to attract at-tract students. Right now, we service about 3,000 students with a plan to recruit and retain new students with varied curricula and scholarship opportunities." "Part of the reason for our strength at this point is posi tive planning. With caution, of course," said Bassett, reflecting ' on the boom and bust history of the city's growth. "We've built a cooperative partnership among the county, cities and special services ser-vices districts in Uintah County to direct positive change." UHP Officer Continued from Al an independent probe to see if any criminal violations occurred. oc-curred. The Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council may also become involved. DPS has also ordered a review of its Taser-use policy. Massey said Friday night that he has mixed emotions about the results of the investigation. "I don't feel the use of the Taser was justified because I feel the police officer is the one who is the professional and escalated this situation to where he had to use it," he said. "However, I appreciate that they investigated it." Massey spoke with DPS Commissioner Scot! Duncan on Friday to learn the results of the probe. He said he was grateful other agencies will investigate the traffic stop. "Based on our review to this point, there are three main issues we are addressing," Davenport said. "First, a communication breakdown between trooper Jon Gardner and Mr. Massey. Second, a delay in the investigative process pro-cess of this incident. Third, the use of the Taser." On Sept. 14, Massey was pulled over on U.S. 40 near Vernal and cited with speeding. He refused to sign a citation and argued with the trooper, who ordered him out of his car. As Massey walked toward a speed-limit sign and then back to his SUV, Gardner pulled his Taser and ordered the man to put his hands behind his back. Massey's hand is seen fidgeting around his pocket. "What the heck's wrong with you?" Massey asks as Gardner fired the Taser into his back, causing him to stiffen, scream and fall backward. Gardner fired the Taser at Massey a second time as the 28-year-old man refused to comply with orders once on the ground, the UHP said. "Officers are often forced to make split-second decisions or judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain or rapidly evolving," Davenport said, adding add-ing that Gardner did not know if Massey had a weapon. But in justifying Gardner's use of the Taser, DPS officials said there were other problems. "There was a lack of communication com-munication on the part of the trooper," Davenport said. The UHP concedes that Gardner Gard-ner had options that could have de-escalated the situation. He could have written "refused to sign" on the ticket, handed it to Massey, and let the courts handle it. Instead, he arrested Massey. After the Tasering, when a backup officer arrived and asked what happened, Gardner replied: "Oh, he took a ride with the Taser." "That comment was inappropriate," inappro-priate," Davenport said Friday. The dash-cam video of the traffic stop was posted on You-Tube You-Tube by Massey, who complained UHP took too long to respond to his complaint. That's because he never filed one, DPS officials said Friday. It did come to the attention of DPS brass when it became a hit on YouTube. Massey was also scheduled to meet with internal affairs investigators Wednesday but was unable to do so because his attorney was out of town. Investigators Inves-tigators also questioned Gardner, who admitted in hindsight that he had other options but was fearful of his safety at the time. "The Taser was used because Mr. Massey did some things that indicated to the trooper that there may be a danger out there," DPS Commissioner Scott Duncan said. On the Internet, the 10-minute 10-minute clip has taken on a life of its own. Thousands of people have commented on the merits of the traffic stop, mostly raging against Gardner. The UHP has also received thousands of phone calls and e-mails. "We have heard from hundreds hun-dreds of people across the country and the world, with the Internet the way it is," said Duncan. DPS is also investigating numerous nu-merous death threats that were posted on the Internet against Gardner and Massey. Duncan said Gardner was on leave for his safety, and security measures were offered for Massey's fam- iiy. Gardner could still face disciplinary dis-ciplinary action from the state, depending on the final outcome of all the investigations. "It will be reviewed," Davenport Daven-port said. Gardner has had a few complaints com-plaints lodged against him in his 14-year career with the UHP, Davenport said, but most have been unfounded. Massey said Friday he will consult with his attorney to decide de-cide what his next step might be, and said he is still considering a lawsuit against Gardner and the UHP 5 SHUPTllCLMroS! 54 North Vernal Avenue Vernal, Utah 435-789-351 1 www.vernal.com Vernal (USPS 0892-1091) Periodical postage paid at Vernal, Utah Published weekly at 54 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT 84078 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Vernal Express at 54 N. 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