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Show Comments Free Press - Wednesday, May 14, 1997 - Page Too much information? Take three dozen aspirin Editorial No way to run a city government In an unusual city council meeting, American Fork's governing body is going to sit around dis- everybody's 2 actions cussing tonight. This is something like Mark Twain's observation about the weather as being a topic everyone wants to discuss, but something nobody does anything about. the subjects of However, tonight'. meeting are neither as inscrutable nor as unchangeable as the weather. At least, we don't think so. Tonight's special city council session began as an effort to turn the table on Mayor Jess Green, holding his actions up to public scrutiny and, possibly, calling for his resignation or casting a vote of censure, as the case may be. The call for tonight's meeting came after the mayor wrote a letter to the courts on behalf of an American Fork man charged with drunk driving. But the meeting is an obvious response to an earlier call by Green for a meeting to diss cuss alleged by the Police Fork American Department. That original meeting was called off by a letter signed by four council members. Green can't hope for the same treatment tonight. wrong-doing- The show will go on. But never one to shy away from controversy, Green has changed the rules of tonight's meeting as well. Exercising his prerogative as mayor to establish the agenda of council meetings, Green has added two more discussion items to discussion of tonight's session the actions of the council members and discussion of the actions of the police department. Is there enough time in one evening to discuss that many actions? Tonight we may find out. Regardless, the battle lines for tonight's meeting are pretty well established, and have been played out in gory detail in the daily press. Four council members have gone on record as thinking that Green should go, even though the mayor has only eight months left in his stormy term. And Green has indicated he has no intention of leaving public office until his term ends in December. Green doesn't plan to run for reelection that's a wise choice. It's a shame we don't have that same kind of commitment from the remaining council members, as well. It takes two sides who are unwilling to talk, unwilling to listen and unwilling to compromise to set up a scenario as divisive as the one which is being played out in American Fork tonight. The process has been destructive, and the destruction is likely to continue, unless the mayor and city council can find some way to work together. Other communities can take note: this is no way to run a city government. The right way to be fat free Brynn's Beat The "Fat Free" craze has finally gone too truth of the matter is that this national obsession with eating fat free food probably went too far a long time ago. It is just that I was too caught up in it to notice. The harsh reality of the situation hit me while I was strolling through the dairy section of the grocery store. As I reached for the bargain brand of skim milk that usually buy. I noticed that the carton next to it was labeled, "Guilt Free." Guilt free.... I don't know about you, but milk is one of the few tilings left in the world that I have managed not to feel guilty about. Oh, I know. It isn't really the milk we are supposed to feel guilty about consuming. It is the type of milk that we select that could weigh heavy on our consciences (as well as our thighs). It is all about fat grams and the notion that fit in the food leads to fat around the middle. It was just the absurdity of seeing the word guilt printed across a gallon of milk that made me start to rethink this whole fat free thing. As I continued through the grocery store I realized that there was a fat free version of virtually everything. This shouldn't have surprised me. I usually end up paying more for my food, so that I don't have to worry about fat content. (In truth; "fat free" had become my mantra.) In relationship to the vast assortment of fat free food on the shelves. I couldn't help but notice that there were relatively few fat free people wandering around. It didn't add up. Even with all of the supposed breakin management, throughs weight American's are fatter than ever! The trend toward fat free foods, over the last decade, hasn't brought in America's belt by even a far! The 1 By BRYNN BECK notch. Although, it has lightened millions of wallets! (Mine included.) I am not saying that counting fat grams can't lead to weight loss. But loading up on fat free foods without concern for nutritional value, calorie content and the necessity for daily exercise, is as ridiculous as the weight loss gimmicks from the past. And there have been some pretty ridicu- lous ones. Remember when people used to stand in line to use "exercise" equipment that shook their fat, while the "exerciser" read or chatted with friends? I recall the year that several people from my neighborhood actually had their jaws wired shut, by doctors, in an effort to lose weight. The scariest part was that nobody laughed. Mostly, they just wanted to know where they could go for the same treatment. From fat free to Phen-fen- , it seems like many of us are still searching for some magic solution to the extra pounds problem. The funny thing, is that we are so willing to invest our money in every new trend that conies along. But, we will not invest our effort into the only weight control solution that has endured the test of time: proper nutrition and exercise. If you aren't ready to commit to the healthful diet and exercise approach to a low fat body, don't despair. You can still lighten up! Just lose the guilt. (Your wallet and your overworked conscience will both thank you.) Sometimes, perhaps more often than we may suppose or care to admit, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. If one or two is good, we surmise, then 10 or 12 must be dozens times better. While it works well in some instances putting money aside for a rainy day, for it may not be to our advantage example in others. On a couple of recent occasions, I've seen some situation comedies where the writers have chosen to make fun of membership warehouse stores, implying that the consumer benefits are negligible because of the great quantities of items that one must store in the pantry. My favorite among these episodes was a Seinfeld show where Kramer purchased large institutional size cans of a beef and macaroni product. With the formidable task of having consume that much pasta, Kramer willing shared it with his hansom cab horse, whose digestive system was not capable of dealing with such an alien substance. The Frito Lay Company has made a fortune out of a corollary to this concept, which states that "no one can eat just one." Admittedly, it is hard to stop after just a couple of the tasty munchies, but at least the company has provided alternatives in the form of low-fa- t and no-fvarieties for those of use who can't resist the sales pitch andor the taste. A couple of years ago, I wrote a column aboyt my good wife, whom I found out is related to royalty. So the other night, while "surfing the Internet," I entered one of her ancestor's names in the computer to see if there was additional information about her progenitors. Was there information? Let me tell you how much information there was. Where we were once contented to know ihumj.iiii '.nwyiiiiij Dick j Boland ",,,ir"; 1997 y.- Creators Syndicate, Inc. lower loan rates and higher interest rates. Both of these rates give bankers severe stomach cramps. Banks can compete with credit unions, but not until they rid themselves of unbridled greed. e interIn addition to their est rates, they have almost as many fees make-believ- as state government. It was only a short time ago that the banks wanted to charge us for talking to one of their tellers. (Tellers are people who do the work at the bank.) When this didn't go over with the public, they decided to charge us for using their ATMs. The ATM is the bank's way of getting rid of the teller, who is the last con The Daly Planet By RUSS DALY that she is descended from William the Conqueror, we now find that she is also connected to earls and barons of France and the kings of Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Her genealogy now extends back to the year 200 A.D. with 66 generations of people with some of the most fascinating names. And although I'm not dropping their names to boast, I must say that I am amazed at the amount of information that is now available to us through this means. Despite the curiosity that such a list might arouse, I wonder now (particularly since I ended up staying on the computer until 4 a.m.) if that much information actually becomes disadvantageous at a certain point. Do we really want to know that we are related to that many people? Is it any benefit to me to know that my children are related to the Earl of Blois, the Count of Champagne and the King of the Uplanders? Perhaps being a genealogist is like a food storage fanatic, not just the wise ant that prepares for the winter, but those who purchase a multitude of barrels of wheat that will go unused until it goes bad because it may be in a form that may be unwieldy to incorporate into one's lifestyle. die-har- d complexity. I'm sure that life as a peasant was very perilous and uncertain, but even the aristocracy, whom you would think had it cushy, had their dire moments. From what I've read, brother would sometimes turn against brother, or, more would attack specifically, at an opportune moment to gain the crown; others would die in battle, perhaps in an effort to expand their kingdom. And don't forget the wives of King Henry VIII, who would lose their heads at the drop of a hat. (It's a good thing we don't have that threat today with all of the efforts to expand the kingdom of Lehi.) If the people of those days could see our lifestyles of today, they would no doubt be surprised, not only at the technology that communications makes life easier devices, microwave ovens and pharmaceubut the also at the ticals, to name a few very fact that most of us have plenty of food to be nuked, and the good health (even if it is chemically created) to enjoy that life. of Whether I think about my the second century or the Mormon Pioneers a century and a half ago, I am grateful for the modern world and I'll gladly take the hustle and bustle as long as I have the conveniences to get by. half-broth- er half-broth- er in-la- The Jazz are bringing us together to cheer Does Karl Malone really deserve to be named MVP? Is John Stockton still the best point guard in the NBA, or is he a bit slower than he was last year? Did Greg perOstertag turn in the best formance in a playoff game Saturday night? Is this the year the Jazz will go all the way? Is it the last year the Jazz could go all the way? Sports radio stations thrive on these kinds of questions. But with playoff fever in full swing through the state, the question that comes to mind is does a major league sports franchise enrich the community? And in this case, the answer is a resounding, "Yes." Here's a case in point: Monday night I had to return to work about 10:30 forcing me to listen to the last quarter of the Jazz game against the Lakers on the radio. But Sharon described the scene to me at home later, as she and her children Kari) gathered in (including the family room and stayed up late to watch the exciting overtime win that sends the Jazz into the quarterfinal. Under normal conditions, you couldn't get Sharon or Kari to watch thirty seconds g The Editor's Column 'Sjy By MARC HADDOCK And we aren't the only ones. It is amazing how this professional sports franchise can unite the community. It happened before with the Utah Stars in the old ABA. I lived in Idaho at the time, and in Idaho, but we were close to Utah Utah is as close as you ever get to a major league team in any sport. This year, Utah has elevated its game. In the process, the Jazz have elevated their fans, as well. Can they beat the Bulls in a series? We don't know but we really, really want to find out. So we cheer. We rant. We rave. We cuss the officials and make disparaging remarks about the other team's alleged "superstars" (Shaquille who?). And with each win, pur community spirit soars. With each loss, it plummets. Together we ride the roller coaster of playoff wins and losses as if our pride were on the line. In the process, a basketball game becomes more than just a game. This year, the ride has been a lot more up than down. And boy, do we hope it stays n of a basketball game. But the NBA finals are a different kind of sports experience. This is a family bonding moment as mother and son discuss the ineptitude of the officials and remark on the brutal nature of this sport. Last year we watched the Jazz lose to Seattle in the playoffs and then went on to cheer the Bulls over the Supersonics because we were fed up with Seattle's boorish behavior. This year we hope to watch the Jazz, who are playing their best basketball ever, make it to the finals, taking on Mike and the Bulls. "non-contac- that way. Go Jazz. Letters to the editor Lehi needs to moderate growth Editor: An open letter to Mayor Bill Gibbs and the Lehi City Council Members: Since becoming acquainted with the many difficult problems and decisions the Council faces, particularly in growth and zoning, I would like to make some recommendations based upon my observations. The Petition for Moderating Growth in Lehi was carefully prepared by Lehi Citizens for Orderly Growth, patterned after that of other cities that have successfully implemented a similar program for the same purpose. I respectfully ask the Council to adopt the initiative based upon the following points: 1. To preserve the quality of life many of us have enjoyed, the reason so many moved here a wholesome, peaceable, safe community. 2. The Council and Planning Commission have hard decisions to make, Looking out for your best interest Competition is what drives our economy. It's why we have great products at a good price. It is also why the government keeps its eye on anything approaching an industrial monopoly. We are about to see if they are really serious. The Supremes are going to look at credit unions to see if they should be allowed to compete with banks. Yes, the bankers are whining about credit unions having an unfair advantage. Unfair means we are getting a much better deal from credit unions. If the banking1 industry doesn't have a monopoly, I don't know what else you could call it. These people who built their industry putting widows out on the street are concerned that you and I might desert them for a few interest points. The "home town" bank has gone the way of the dinosaur. Big banks are buying up little banks faster than you can say, "Don't charge me for using your ATM machine." Does it take a Supreme Court to see what is happening? The credit union is the only alternative to dealing with the banks. The bank is there to make a profit. The credit union is a institution, returning its profit to members through Our tax laws are anothet good example of a situation that has become impractical because of its scope. Where the concept was once not only valid for production of revenue, but also more viable for the actual implementation, today's filing system is replete with incomprehensible requirements, stipulations and formulas. On the other hand, discovering my wife's ancestry also makes me wonder if living back in their time was as complicated in its simplicity as today's world is in its nection to the home town. The less the bank has to do with the people who are using it, the better the bank likes it. Now you can do all of your banking from home, and the bank won't have to touch your dirty money. The bank feels that you shouldn't be able to join a credit union unless you work for the company that sponsored it. Credit unions have opened their doors to a wider customer base, and the bank sees money slipping away. Check certificate-of-deposrates around the country, and compare them to credit union rates, and you will see why panic is setting into the banking industry. The first thing you know, they will have to lay off a few vice presidents. This matter should not be decided by the Supreme Court. The nine judges either do business with a bank or a credit union. In any case, whatever side they come down on, the other side will say that a conflict of interest existed. The best way to find out if credit unions should be allowed to open their doors to the general public is to let the general public decide who they want to do business with. It would be no time at all before the banks started to give us a fair deal. it especially when developers and contractors are well known by the members of the Commission and Council. It's uncomfortable to say no. The Petition provides a practical solution, a way out of difficult decision making. IT spells out the method of and how many permits are awarded (preferably once a year for the following year), thereby giving equitable consideration to contractors and land owners and allows both time to make sound plans. 3. With rapid growth: a. Water becomes the critical issue, either a shortage or more costly. b. Traffic is worsening and the result will be more accidents, deaths and injuries. To resolve this with new arteri-alby passes, etc., will prove costly. c. Many feel their children will bear drugs, alcohol, immoraligreater risks ty, overcrowding of school classrooms. d. Crime will rise. Many came here from areas where they had to bar their windows, install security systems. They wanted to avoid the problem of youth gangs. e. The present building surge may cycle s, out, leaving the construction trade depressed. The Petition has a longer range objective which also will reduce the construction and allied trade but probably less severely than a possible potential. It does provide incentives for building lower cost housing. Also, it allows private lot owners to build in addi boom-and-bu- st tion to the permit allotment, thereby providing the small contractors prolonged construction time. f. Other concerns include: (1) critical need of new schools to accommodate the overcrowding caused by rapid growth; (2) overbuilding on our hillsides and farmland; (3) adequate planning for more open space. g. Land owners still will receive fair and equitable treatment under longer range planning. h. . At the present time all types of businesses are flourishing. We need to encourage new business and industry. They generate revenue whereas homes cost money. At the same time we need to be careful not to undermine established businesses. Lehi needs time to evaluate its future, to make sound plans and decisions and to be a model for our neighboring communities, a pattern to follow. Jointly, water will become our most critical issue. The question that always arises: is the growth we're experiencing with its accompanying dollars more important to us than the well being of our community? We still have a wholesome, peaceable city. The signers of this petition hope that the Council will adopt the initiative and avoid the necessity of appearing on the ballot. Dean Lott and 32 others Old Folks Dinner a delight Editor: did an excellent job, as did the cooks and servers and all others involved with the delicious dinner. On behalf of all us old folks, we thank everyone who helped in any way, to give us this special day. We had a great time. Thank you all. We enjoy and appreciate all you do for us. Thank you very much. Last week my wife and I attended the Old Folks Dinner at Lehi High School. Although we had been invited for several years, we didn't make an effort to attend. We didn't know what we were missing. We were served a delicious dinner and entertained by Bud Hutchings Band, with lots of big band music from the 1940's. It brought back many fond memories for us, and I'm sure for many others there. They Robert A. Edwards letters to the editor. All letters should be typewritten and double spaced. Letters must also be signed, and must include the writer's name and telephone number. Please send letters to Editor, Newtah News Group, P.O. Box 7, American Fork, Utah, 84003 or through email at Newtahaol.com. We welcome |