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Show 0s? Community Comments f s f a f s f By $am Taylor The Grand County Commission made a wise decision this week. (There, I said it and nobody thought I ever would). From a long list of candidates nominated by the Grand County Republican Central Committee to fill the vacancy created on the Grand County Commission by the resignation of Chairman David Knutson, they selected a compromise candidate who, unlike most of the others, had not previously been involved in local politics, and whose position on many issues facing Grand County was not already set in concrete. Bart Leavitt, 31, will serve out the last few months of the term. The local businessman, who was raised dnd educated in Moab, said in a brief statement Monday that he would abide by the wishes of the majority of Grand County residents, and work for a smooth transition from the traditional County Commission to the new County Council. I'm sure he will. We've known Bart since he was in high school (gad, how these kids tend to grow up and mature). He's a bright young addition to the local political scene, and his dedication to his community has been proven by the fact that he chose to return here to make his home and living. The transition will not be easy. It will take the dedication of all concerned to get through the election process and into the new system. It appears now that that commitment has been made. One of the most encouraging things to me about the federal transition of government from the administration led by President Bill Clinton is the manner in which George Bush to President-Eleboth have faced the change. ct Mr. Clinton has been invited by a very gracious sitting his time in president to Washington so that he might jump-staoffice. On the other hand, particularly with respect to our current flap with France and Italy over trade inequities. President-elec- t Clinton has said that "George Bush is our president, and I am not going to involve in the current negotiations with the European trade community." That's as it should be in this country. rt sjt Moab City Council members this week proved that the public hearing process is more than just tokenism. They bowed to the wishes of a host of residents of the Mountain View area and refused to rezone residentially-zone- d property along Kane Creek Blvd. for commercial use. That means that the State of Utah will have to look y office elsewhere for a place to build their new There difficult. too Cost be shouldn't factors that aside, building. are still lots of empty spaces in the community many of which are zoned properly to begin with. multi-agenc- As a daily user of Kane Creek, I really didn't have much of a position on the issue, one way or another. And despite the fact that three government equipment maintenance facilities are located along the route, it is still something of a speedway, except when local law officers are evident. But master plans are there for a reason. And they cost a lot of money to approve. I'm glad the Council took the position to hold firm. opinions jrom our readers . Dear Sam, On November 5, Mr. Shrewsbury, leader of the Grand County Citizens for Better Government, was quoted in the Salt Lake Tribune as stating that "Many individuals have moved here with a broader background and didn't feel they were being reprey sented by the system." Was it this broader background that enabled him to compute that voting for three out of seven council members gave better representation than voting for three out of three commissioners? And was it the same broader background that reasoned it to be satisfactory to have the new form of government become effective immediately on passage but to have the election of the seven new members three months later? If less arrogance and superiority were assumed, possibly the many accomplishments of the resident unsophisticated citizens would be better appreciated. Sincerely, John E. Keogh Dear Sam, I would like to thank these local businesses for their generous support of teachers in Utah. Canyonlands by Night, Center Cafe, Comfort Suites, Fat City Smokehouse and Moab Valley Inn. good-old-bo- These businesses contributed goods and services which were drawn as door prizes at the Utah Education Convention held in Salt Lake City last month. I was very proud to promote Moab at the UEA Convention and equally proud to show the support these businesses have for teachers. Sincerely, Carol Stephenson, President Grand Education Association Dear Sam: at Something to think about Thompson we have the trains, Moab can have them too. Why not use the Potash tracks and continue them further south. Maybe this will relieve congestion on the highway and provide Moab with a train that will provide tourist interest. Why not think about this as an alternate to the Book Cliffs Road, a wiser way of spending all that money. Sincerely, Herbert Steiner Seattle Dear Editor The Times-Independe- nt (UPS Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at Moab, Utah under the act of March 3, 1897. Second class postage paid at Moab, Utah 84532. 6309-200- 0) Official City and County Newspaper -- Published Each Thursday at 35 East Center Street, Moab, Grand County, Utah 84532. Postmaster: Send change of address to: The P.O. Box 129, Moab, Utah 84532 5 1 or FAX (801) (801) Times-Independe- 259-752- 259-774- Samuel J. and Adrien F. Taylor Publishers and Editors Cindy Winters Ron Drake Dorothy Anderson Paul Barks We Americans have several very large problems that we have to solve, and soon. The first and largest is our national debt, what we owe ourselves. The Regan-Bus- h administration, along with a do nothing - know nothing Congress have put us four trillion $ in debt just like young kids with a credit card - not caring who will pay for it. In the long run our grandchildren will be faced with that terrible debt Further, these same people have set back and done nothing while (uncle sap) has been taken, in the world trade fiasco, for another trillion. We accept their goods (Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea etc. but they don't accept ours. Assistant to Publishers Sales, Production Circulation Backshop Member of Read All About your hometown in The How stupid can we be? We made a start here in Grand Co. when we noted for the change in County Government. We have told our County people that we want to be represented and that we don't want to spend more than we can afford. We also told them that we dont want corruption at any level of government. Now, we need to get that message to our state and national representatives. Tax and spend is not in. Tax and save or tax and reduce the deficit maybe. We simply need to face up to reality. Ed Bostrom Dear Sam: The elections are over and our Grand County constituency of voters have registered their desire that it is time to cut the political boobery and Times-Independe- nt $16.50 Green River, Grand & San Juan $24 per year outside area for 52 news filled issues local news Does your organization need to raise money for a special project?? The Old Spanish Trail Arena is sponsoring its first annual "Parade of TV guide special features lots of advertising The to: P.O. pox 129, Moab, UT 84532 Times-Independe- Name Address I . Phone ypeash enclose $1 6.50 or $24 for one year or $32 and $47 for two years check B . . The passing of the change for Grand County government by a good plurality, along with the defeat of the proposed local tax levy for our hospital, reflects much the same as does the national attitude of voters for contempt and disgust in the manner that Congress has managed our great country into a near bankrupt status. Mr. Shrewsbury and his colleagues are to be commended most highly for their dedication, perseverance, and development for the change in Grand County government. And our local voters and taxpayers have expressed their sincere thanks and gratitude at the polling booth for all that work and coordination required to bring the change in county government to fruition. Now it's make or break time-a- nd time to cut the typical political approach to serving the people of Grand County. The selection of Council members to represent and be voted in to fill those seats of the proposed government are most crucial and of utmost importance to the success of the proposed change in government. Certainly the myth of getting some more good old boys must be dispelled and it must be deemed mandatory to seek out, encourage, and convince those with of variations management, technical and development, experience who have that ability to see the forest with the trees. It is time--an- d now resume interview time to assure true success of the proposed government befitting the constituency of Grand County. Although it is understood that elected Council members are to time-qualific- be from Grand County, doing outside to seek qualification would most likely be disastrous anyway-t- he proposed Council members to be elected must stem from within Grand d knowledge County, having of the through the years, as well as necessary and experience supporting mission fulfill the to background intended. The prospects of conflicts of interest and resulting disastrous effects must by all means be carefully weighed in the selection of prospective Council members. There are certainly several examples representing the foregoing, along with zoning variances that reflect theat deteriorating effect on property values and cost to the taxpayers in our locale. Those without ability to envision beyond spot planning and putting out bonfires along the way cannot be tolerated if the newly elected form of government is to be first-han- short-comin- successful. An article appearing in the business section of the Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction a few weeks ago stated it very effectively that with quality management comes improved quality of product, and with that comes reduction of product cost Our good Lord gave us among the most bountiful and beautiful scenic splendors and wonderful climate in which to live. It's time to assess the trends to date-i- t's e time to blend our progress with some aesthetics and practicality befitting of that which Mother time for Nature has provided-i- ts e some real planning that can only be derived through time dedication and experience-i- t's for management to give back to residents and taxpayers of Grand County services and benefits on an economical and efficient basis without their continuing to pay the four-seas- By Adrien Taylor Things have been tough in the County Clerk's office these last few months, and the coming weeks are guaranteed to bring more of the same. County Clerk Fran Townsend commented that she had thought it had just been her imagination until she had a chance to compare notes with other county clerks, who also said this last election was the most complex ever . . . and some of these clerks have been dealing with elections for many, many years. On top of a difficult election, nation, state and countywise. Clerk Fran had the issue of the proposed change in government to deal with. She still does. The proposal passed, as we all know, and guess who has the responsibility squarely on her shoulders for carrying out the provisions for the special election? You bet. Clerk Fran. Why? Because the County Clerk is, by state law, the County Election Official. This is not a case where the county clerk is at the beck and call of the county commissioners, nor can the clerk change the way things are done in regards to the elections if the commissioners wish it. To that end, she has published in this week's edition the Public Notice required to start the process leading to the election of a county council. Since the timelines are very tight. I'll double whammy the thing here, in brief. The new county council will be composed of seven members, The districts, for the five elected from districts and two time being, are composed of the current voting districts, and combinations thereof, as follows: Council District 1: Voting District 1; Council District 2: 4 & 9; Council District 3: Voting Districts 5 & 11; Districts Voting Council District 4: Voting Districts 2, 6, 7 and 8; Council District 5: Voting Districts 3 & 10. I am told that the county doesn't intend to publish a map of these district boundaries: one was published in the August 27, 1992 issue. So we are posting that up in the front window here at The Times, which could save a few steps for those who might be interested in either running for office themselves, or just checking it all out. The two seats, of course, will be elected at large will all voters able to cast ballots for the candidates. Here's the rub: to run for county council you must file a declaration of candidacy with the County Clerk between Dec. 7 and 15, 1992. The necessary forms are available from the County Clerk's office, including number of signatures which must be obtained, etc. To run you must be a registered voter and resident of the County for at least one year immediately preceding election to the council. And council members elected from the five districts must be residents of their respective district at the time their certificate of nomination is initially filed (between Dec. 7 and 15, as stated above). Then, there will be campaigning for these offices taking which will make for an unusual place between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5 holiday season, to say the least. I could think up some real catchy Christmas theme election jingles, but won't. This is really too serious a subject for our county to be messing around with inappropriate jokes. (This, also in view of the fact that I believe humor has a place everyplace!) The primary election is set for Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1993. The general election will follow on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1993. After that the new County Council will really have its work cut out, and I'm sure there will be a whole bunch of folks standing by to help and support in any way possible. seven-memb- costs of new development-it- 's time to provide for a pride that we live here. Sincerely a Concerned Citizen, Rex Bloom add-o- n 1 Christmas Trees." December 4th and 5th is Moab's Christmas weekend beginning with the Parade of TrcesAuction & Omega Rho's annual Christmas Bazaar to be held at the Arena this year. Your Christmas Tree can be any size, shape or form, live or artificial, use your imagination and see what you come up with. The trees will be on display at the Arena Dec. 4th & 5th with set up on the 3rd of Dec. Then on Saturday Dec 5th the trees will be auctioned off by our local auctioneer Vion Johnston. Local residents and businesses will be bidding to purchase the Christmas trees with the proceeds going to those who entered them. We want to invite everyone out for the entertainment, crafts, food and fun. The Moab Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the annual Christmas Parade with Santa Claus as their special guest. Following the parade Santa will be escorted to the Old Spanish Trail Arena to meet with your children. A special thanks to the Moab Happenings in helping putting this together. For more information on entering a tree or the activities in general call Sandy at the OSTA office 259-622- 6. PRINTING JOBS Fast, Quality Service for very reasonable prices! Times-Independe- nt Oil r i1 er at-lar- ; i. 'i at-lar- ge a i i Moab Recreation held Volleyball Tournament Moab Recreation held the 2nd annual 7th and 8th grade Moab Invitational Volleyball Tournament on November 7th. School teams from Green River, Blanding, East Carbon and Moab participated. The 7th grade competed in the morning, Blandings Albert R. Lyman Middle School took 1st place. East Carbon second and Moab third. Moab's 7th grade was coached by Judy Keogh, team members were: Ruth Hamblin, Amy Kolher, Ronnie Lock-woo- d, Emily Bullock, Trish Grawet, man-mad- long-rang- , Trails get down to the brass tacks and bare knuckles for doing some efficient managing and planning for organized growth of the community. Vanessa Pierson, Michelle Mick, And Angie Thompson. Moab's 8th Grade coached by Robin Garner with a lot of help form Debbie Taylor, beat Blanding 15-and to take 1st place. Green River took 3rd. Moab Team members were: Sky Fossey, Sunny Holland, Bree Curtis, Karen Hanson, Jamie Steele, Danille Lee, and Tristen Wilson. Trophies were 6, 5, 15-1- 3, i given to 1st and 2nd place teams. Door prizes for players and coaches, it was a fun tournament. The volleyball programs for grades 3rd thru 8th would like to thank the Grand County Special District Recreation board for providing nets, balls, and uniforms for the 7th and 8th grade. Teresa King and the Tournament Committee for donating money to buy shorts, balls and money to help run the program for a few years to come. Diana Messick and Sue Cook for arranging the use of the gym. BPW SOCIAL On Thursday, November 19, Moab Business and Professional Women is having their fall social at the home of Juanita Lema (51 E. 200 S. across from the Virginian). Come and join in an evening of fun and socializing. Please bring a friend and potential BPW member. RSVP at 259-820- 1. i. When you need to Write your Congressmen . . . The Hon. Bill Orton House of Representatives 1723 Longworth House Off. Bldg. Christmas activities in your mail once a week Mall Many Parade of Trees to spark $5 discount for persons 62 and older upon request JLuJaser ike N qwi " Washington, D.C. 20515 (202)225-775- 1 The Hon. Jake Gam 51 S. University Ave., Suite 317 Provo, Utah 84606 U.S. Senator 505 Dirkson Senate Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 The Hon. James V. Hansen 4245 Federal Office Bldg. Salt Lake City, UT 84138 2421 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 The Hon. Orrin G. Hatch 1017 Federal Building 324 25th Street Ogden, UT 84404 U.S. Senator 135 Russell Senate Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 3438 Federal Office. Bldg. 125 S. State Salt Lake City, UT 84138 House of Representatives The Hon. Wayne Owens House of Representatives 114 Cannon House Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 |