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Show I Thursday, Oct. THE GREEN SHEET r- 20, 1981 - QGDG OUR READERS WRITE I LOVE iEMSON AS MUCH AS THE NEXT PERSON BUT" PO THOSE PEER TO HAVE SUCH i r- 7" z z z z MbriLW In view of all r VtA)A. v TsFiis AW Z z - West Jordan Can Be Better til III II 1 11 ff the letters to the editors and comments many of us have heard from those who criticized our position against the West Jordan "Road Bond", the 40 percent increase in property taxes and the Utility Franchise Tax, we offer the following: VAm,A..,..,Mi7HFr XV T T" Xv: 1R1 z 1) The 1987 state tax increase, added to the already heavy tax burden carried by Utah taxpayers, has created a climate of sensitivity and opposition to tax increases that obscures any value and urgency such measures may, in fact, have. And we, as informed citizens and taxpayers, didn't see much value and little, if any, urgency in any of these measures. v'. 2) The road projects, which would have been paid for by the road bonds, are already scheduled by the Utah Dept. of Transportation for completion by 1996 (except for the 70th South project). The West Jordan plan would accelerate completion by only 18 to 24 months. If the state schedule is followed, West Jordan citizens would pay nothing (except for what they pay as state income taxes) but under the city council plan, the citizens would have to pay 25 percent of the total cost, amounting to $5.7 million. In addition, citizens of West Jordan would pay approximately $6 million interest over the life of the bonds. That total of over $11 million seems to us a totally unreasonable cost to accelerate the road projects by less than two years. 3) Presumably, the purpose of the road projects is to encourage the development of business and industry in West Jordan. The city's industrial parks are on the west end, whereas all the road projects are east of Redwood Road so they would have minimal value in making the city more attractive to industry and business. 4) Many other factors, besides the nature of roads, are considered by business and industry in making a decision as to where to locate general, overall economy, employment, location of markets, taxes, etc. Many of these are beyond the control of the city. But, certainly, the increase of taxes property and franchise which will be paid by citizens and businesses alike, would be counter to the very purpose of the road improvements. 5) The utility franchise tax is unacceptable because once in place, subsequent tax increases are imposed by the utility companies, not the citizens or the city government Each time a utility increases its rates, the tax is also increased. Thus, both the city government and the citizens lose control of the taxing process. " - , iaBlaBaE&- - Being A Dodger Fan Is Tough those masked were Who 7T 1 " men N - 6) With the utility franchise tax, every entity that uses gas, electricity or telephone will pay taxes. This includes schools and churches, neither of which now pays taxes. The taxes paid by all citizens now support the schools, so the utility franchise tax constitutes a tax on a tax, and could amount to to literally thousands of dollars extra each year to will have citizens school. The pay each operate ' ' those extra costs. ; West called the also franchise tax, 7) The retail Jordan sales tax, cost the average West Jordan family around $50 per year if they bought $10,000 worth of taxable goods in West Jordan each year. The utility franchise tax will cost the average West Jordan family, with average utility bills of $150 per month, a total of $108 per year, more than double the amount paid by the average family under the retail franchise tax which it replaced, In addition, the schools and churches, which didn't pay anything under the retail franchise tax, will now pay taxes, so the increase is significantly more than double. Because of these factors cited above, we believe the taxing system and the general financial that ' operations of the city government leave much to be desired, and as citizens of West Jordan, we have pledged ourselves to work to bring about the desired changes. We don't want to destroy the city government, nor take away the legitimate powers of the city officials. But we do want to give the citizens a greater voice in government; "Influence elected officials, don't just elect them. Your right is to V govern yourselves, not just to choose your governors." (Benjamin Barber, professor of political science at Rutgers University, at last year's National Conference on Civic Renewal in Boston.) In addition, we want to make a positive contribution to the growth and prosperity of the city by helping the city officials resolve problems, plan for growth and bring the citizens closer to the city officials. We have specific plans and proposals to achieve all of these things, and we invite all citizens who' share our concerns to join with us to make West Jordan an even better pace to live. - I'm referring to those bullies who are masquerading as the Los Angeles Dodgers: Now bear in mind, this is being written on Monday. By the time it hits your home, things could have changed Concerned Citizens of West Jordan, a bit. But you can't take Saturday including: night away from any Dodger fan. MiltBissegger were And most of us pretty happy Hank Robinson with what happened Sunday Lawrence Hunt night as well. Wayne Johnson ' Being a Dodger fan has its Jean Barque, of one not Now I'm drawbacks. dozen other citizens of West Jordan and several those Johnny Come Latelies who suddenly scrambled onto the bandwagon when the Dodgers 1 assumed the underdog role in this year's World Series. I became a So you let a few more people in Dodger fan as a child. So I've been you tell yourself that it's enough May I respond to a letter written to the Green legislation. Insubstantial amount is defined by the that the team won its division. on your secret. You're a true blue Sheet by Bob Wright, Oct 6. enjoying this dream. Kind of. Most local PTAs never come within 1 IRS as When you're a real Dodger fan, You try not to think about the Dodger fan. So much so that you Mr. Wright accuses PTA of not adhering to its and the state PTA is well within a 3 all range World Series. You don't want to you spend a great deal of time would even have rooted for the bylaws, Article 4, Section b and c. However, he has within the federal and PTA guidelines. For further jinx the team. Secretly, you hope Mets if L.i A: hadn't made it k cleverly disguised the real intent of those sections in clarification, check,,frwith,-- , the National -- .PTA; waiting for the ax to fall. I hate to admit it, but I was a I they don't got awept'Because you because you' like; make 'that love, order to justify his displeasure in not being able to Handbook, pages i: 'Y, ,' (X':? ;ff Dodger fan when the Dodgers read box- scores -- carefullyi you the National League. Of course, , use PTA to further his own personal agenda. , Mr. Wright "claims that "he was a local PTA " know that a team hitting a Article 4, Section b tells PTAs that they cannot wcic sun iu uiwuiujru. tiisi you draw the line at the Reds. president, if so, he should have spent some time of month Bums." the .214 "dos combined last known as were they Unless the Yankees happened to participate in any partisan interest or in anything being trained properly. If he had, he would have trouble the season could be in not related to PTA objects. This means PTA may not make it too. was back when against the best pitching staff in Deep in your heart of hearts, endorse any political party or any candidate That for understood his claims had no facts to support them, baseball. who wanted baseball was baseball. office. PTA not .know that miracles can may engage in any activity which PTA was founded because of parents When it begins to appear that you to 8601116 legislation "to protect" the children in this five our PTA don't believe You reverse the goes (see objects against just There-wano such thing as a there just might be a charce, you happen. side of any PTA membership card). Our efforts country. We will never apologize for getting involved will. And ifs still highly they two or that to or one admit people league legislation to protect and educate our children, designated hitter possible that these guys will still against the tax initiatives are supported by all of the in tell fan. don't Pitchers But series. nor should we have to. a PTA you're Dodger championship break my heart. TheyVe done it Objects; however, probably more closely to Some people are angry with PTA because PTA will weren't warned for brushing back the masses. You don't like before. But nobody, nobody can Objects 3, 4 and 5: batters. Many of todas Dodger "To secure adequate laws for the care and not Provide a forum for them to present their 3--2 admitting you back a loser. You take away-thpitch jacked coaches were still in their cradles. start looking for excuses. Gibson out of Dodger stadium with positions. PTA was never meant to be a forum for two protection of children and youth. I was barely out of mine. Orel is hurting. Valenzuela is on the outs in the ninth other 8rouP8 er than As. We arrived at "T5 bring into closer relation the home and the an obviously by Hershiser IV (what kind of name disabled list. There's a lot of school that parents and teachers may cooperate our position against the three tax initiatives through Gibson. is that for a hero?) wasn't so much them, if you just look. You figure ailing That's the stuff miracles are intelligently in the education of children and youth. 811 4116 ProPer means according to our bylaws. PTA's Orel's 59 scoreless as a gleam in Orel Ill's eye. w eauc&ws ib innings made of. They will talk about that xo develop between educators and the general mu' memueranip on iuwuun,y "PTA Stands and Positions". We represent the In other words, the Dodgers and probably wasn't a fluke, but you one for such united efforts Decades. to come. will as all secure for public years I go way back. All the way to, don't think he can do it alone. That's sports lore. When the going children and youth the highest advantages in children. We are not advocates for the parents nor Reese. ' PeeWee Duke Snyder and tough later this week or next physical, mental, social and spiritual education." ' the teachers, never have been, and never will be. We And wonder of wonder, gets we can think back on that There have been some notable Article 4, Section c again states that PTA cannot advocate together for the children. miracles of miracles, they year, Pet exceptions to the heartbreak that involved directlv or indiractlv in nrrnnnHntr nnv It would be. nice if certain individuals would stop When moment. one glorious being a Dodger fan brings with it. make it! Blue iaiuuvcu supreme. reigned Dodger ptu ijr ur ctuuuuute, i.e., using riA mailings, Our position on the tax initiatives has not been They've won probably more than mailing lists, PTA titles, stationery, PTA meetings their share of National League or PTA propositions, etc. We cannot pass out popular with some individuals, but when PTA worked 92 years ago for the first child abuse laws candidates' literature. pennants and a few World Series and child labor laws that this country had ever seen, titles. But more often than not, But told we are we can involved that in get Your Child: You any issue meets they'll set you up for the big fall. I the that PTA Objects, PTA we met with some strong criticism and opposition political didn't mourn when they left New Bylaws, or PTA positions or PTA resolutions that then, too. Utah PTA will continue as long as we York. I once took a geography have been voted on by our PTA membership at a exist to plead for the welfare of our children and we course and I knew I had a far PTA state convention or voted on by elected State are proud of what we do. better chance of seeing the PTA Board of Directors. However, we are cautioned CAMPBELL JIM by to not use more than an insubstantial portion of our Mary Hammond Dodgers live and in person in La Utah Education Association President La Land than in the Big Apple. finances, time or efforts to get involved in West Jordan Allan W. Ostar has a scary story Now for College Costs: A Guide for parents of young children. So guess what. for Families. (Send $3 for a copy now, Mr.. Crenshaw, surely you could find a better Mr. Ostar, president of the Violation' of Planning Now, P.O. Box 2155, use of your time and talents than to write hate mail I've seen exactly two major American Assn. of State Colleges to yourself. Washington, DC 20013.) All city, county, and state government bodies in AASCU teamed league games in my life. In and Universities, says that in just with the Shame on you. Oakland the A's beat the Texas 10 years the average cost of accounting firm of Coopers and Utah are required to abide by the "Sunshine Law". M. Nelson Wesley This law states that meetings, records, etc. of Rangers 0 and in New York the attending a public college or Lybrand to develop the booklet. public bodies be to must estimated reach is open to the public. Evidently, the It explains how "income Mets squashed the St. Louis university $40,000. Is via trusts or custodial Sandy City Council feels that their meetings are Cardinals 15-shifting" Since more than 60 percent of bank accounts can accumulate exempt from this law. I did see what most people 1 On attended 28, a Tax Initiative "Debate" Sept The two of school graduates plan funds would consider the best Dodger Utah's high relatively quickly because attendance us, both Sandy City residents, were in at the Utah State training school at which Mills at a city council meeting held Tuesday Crenshaw team ever back in the Sixties a to attend college, that prediction of lower tax rates. was tho "pro" initiative presenter. Ih his The booklet also . deals with Oct 11. After approximately one hour, Councilman opening remarks, number of times. But the players should hold shocking significance following the initial "anti" Ron Gee jumped up, ran over and with his finger to parents. investments such were at the time wearing the initiative presentation, Mr. Crenshaw said, in cost Mr. at the that Ostar us, bluntly stated, "You have to leave reference to reports as government bonds, annuities, pointing uniforms of the Spokane Indians. debaters, "There are damn liars now. The rest of this attending a private institution IRAs and life insurance. meeting will be a closed door and statisticians" (with no creditliars, If I were smart, I'd see if I still of to the author). session.' too will be double or even triple that Being surprised to say anything, we Later, in one of his numerous "Each investment varies have those autographed programs of generalities, flights amount. on both quietly exited the room and he closed the door Mr. Crenshaw stated that "We don't need the State that included Maury Wills, depending ' But AACU isn't sitting back and significantly, it's important behind us. and circumstances, Board of Education as they have no authority nor do Tommy Davis and several others forecasts. That to be familiar with who went on to make a name in making glum the This only left us to wonder what was going on they do any good." to group has some suggestions alternatives and to know how "behind those closed doors." Was it something they "the Bigs." Mr. Crenshaw apparently has not read the Utah to accumulate work," said Kaye Ferriter, a did not want us to hear about issues they know we State Constitution, Article X, Section 3 in which the Let me share with you a typical parents about how they to pay for the kids' tax season in the life of a Dodger fan. the money, partner with Coopers and are particularly concerned about or were they State Board of Education is vested the "general planning to misuse public funds? Perhaps they were control and It begins with Spring Training college. come Lybrand. The recommendations supervision of the public education:, a parent gets more and engaging in seme kind of illegal transaction. which includes when the word from Vero Beach Being called Planning more difficult from booklet "establishing rules and minimum a Whatever the reason was, it only left a large "void of is that the Dodgers ought to be standards" and "administer . . ..funds made mist in our mmas tor our city council members. We available pretty competitive this season. So through programs of the federal think it's time to "clean the house". How about you? you await opening day with a v government." great deal of anticipation. The recent development of a health and sex Diana van Uitert ' education curriculum is one prime example of what Sandy Shakule About midseason you either the state board of education can do. Sandy hate or love the Cincinnati So Mr. Crenshaw, in which debater category do Reds. - - - . - r PTA Does Follow Its Bylaws 5. 2-- 6-- 7. - i , s . and Succeoo in School Sunshine . 1-- State Board 7. Needed , ' MffllHli Break you may find yourself watching eagerly for the At All-St- ar the newspaper forgot to publish baseball stories that week. When the League Championship Series rolls around if it's a winning year, as this year was, , V UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHame On Mills - you fit? Shame on you, Mr. Mills Crenshaw. On Oct. 5 you Norman D. Riggs radio that was West Jordan read a letter over the air on supposed to be "hate mail" to you. The letter was poorly written and full of hateful thoughts and was read aloud to conjure up all the sympathy for you ' " that your listeners could muster. , g&Vf JQS What you neglected to tell your listeners was that THE GREAT AMERICAN INVESTMENT you, yourself, are the author of that trash. Come U.S. f CONDS ... |