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Show Page A7 (The Thursday, October 12, 2000 timr Friends extend thanks for support of library Letters to the Editors Thanks to community members who searched for son the number of costly rescues and fatalities. We are grateful to hear that such improvements are now being implemented, and ask that in the future the BLM be not merely reactive, in trail safety and maintenance. Jeff did the best that he could to get out of the wilderness, heading toward the lights of the town. He was so strong that he almost made it, but for some reason God called him. He gave it his all, as he did with everything in his life. Jeff would have been 14 years old on of the football team, an Sept. 5. He was a baseball player, the captain of the 7th & 8th grade wrestling team while a 7th grader. Jeff wrestled at 167 lbs. (one weight bracket above his normal weight) and won most of his matches. He was the first chair trombonist, a leader in chorus and theater, and also on the academic honor roll. He ran track, played basketball and had been on a mountain bike for years. He was a natural leader. Jeff was never proud, but always helped people achieve a higher plane in life. He was truly a fnend to young and old alike. Jeff always wanted to know what made you tick. If you were feeling down, he would give you a hug and a kiss. Dear Moab, You have been on our heart since leaving town two months ago. We have been occupied here in Woodstock with all the matters concerning Jeff and trying to return to a normal routine. Please accept our gratitude for your efforts, either in the search itself, or in other ways during those trying times. All of you cared for Jeff as though he was your own son. We will never forget you. Thanks to all the agencies and people involved in the search. We know that no effort was spared, and that you methodically searched day and night, without reserve, for Jeff. You all did the best that you possibly could have. Thanks to each and every one of you. Thanks to Rex, Penny and Asa, Kent and Cricket, Nancy, Curt, Doug, Larry, Susie, Kelly, Evelyn and Lynne. Thanks also to the many others in town who offered support by developing film, photocopying, bringing meals and offering prayers. We came to enjoy the beauty of your land. It was the only time of the year that our calendars allowed. I (Tom) took a different group of students two years ago on the same trip. A good number of the participants on this trip had visited Moab before and were familiar with the terrain and the conditions. We prepared ourselves as well as we knew how, stopping in the shade often and watering. Jeff pulled ahead to catch up with the leader of the pack, but got on the wrong path somehow. We had successfully traveled in a loose pack on previous trails. Our instructions at the beginning of the trail were to stop at any fork in the road if the pack had loosened up. Jeff was not a little boy. He was a careful young man and was probably not aware that he was off of the main trail. Maggie Wyatt of the BLM was recently quoted in The Chicago Tribune saying "You can mark a trail to an inch of its life, and when you have people out in 108 degrees and without water, they can still die on the trail. We beg to differ. We feel strongly that if all the forks had been clearly indicated, and all the dead ends spurs were marked as such, Jeff would be here with us today. Evidently in the past there have been quite a few rescues in the same area of the trail where Jeff became confused. It seems as if a pattern previously existed. This cant all be due to carelessness on the part of hikers and bikers. Dehydration was ultimately the cause of his death, but it happened only because he got lost. The focus should not be shifted from trail markings to lack of water and heat. Jeff covered a terrific amount of ground on foot, after he was lost; he had plenty of energy. He was hydrated enough to climb in and out of a 150 foot canyon and cover about six miles. A clear marking at some point in a dead end spur would have turned him back the right way. He would have had the strength to get back to the main trail where rescue, if necessary, would have been much simpler. Such markings would not take away from the glory of the wilderness, but would drastically reduce pro-activ- e, beyond-the-call-of-du- all-st- ar We will be sending copies of a videotape made by Jeff brother, Steve, that recalls his life. Also included on the tape are reflections from the memorial service by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Nearly one thousand people attended the visitation and the remembrance service. TI is gives you an idea of the impact Jeff had on our community. These tapes will be available to check out at the Grand County Library, in both the adult and youth sections. Money is being raised via The Jeffrey Firak Memorial Fund to support youngsters at Jeff's middle school who show the same spirit of excellence and leadership in both athletics and music. Traveling trophies and scholarships to summer camps will be provided perpetually. In addition, funds w ill be dedicated, in collaboration with Search and Rescue, to assist in funding the training of rescuers, as well as equipment and other needs. Right before we left Moab, Rex Tanner said that we all should make something positive come out of Jeffs passing. We wholeheartedly agree. Lets think far ahead, and give a 110 percent, as Jeff did in his life, to learn something from this incident and work together for a safer enjoyment of the land surrounding Moab. Once again, we will never forget the effort demonstrated to find a young man that was not your own. Yes, you were just doing your job (volunteer) but you did it with a heart full of love. Jeff certainly must know this and wiil thank you all one day. and Steve, On behalf of Jeff, Jeffia brothers-Joh- n and the college students- - Dustin, Elena, Kacpar and Dave. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. With love, Tbm and Debbie Firak Woodstock, 111. Cyclist is concerned about the safety of roads Dear Editor, i . . . I am concerned about the safety of our roads. Just last week I was cut off and could have been run over by a Grand County School Bus. Every time I ride my bike there is always an instant that I could have been killed, cutoff, or verbally insulted. Since I ride my bike so frequently, the likelihood that I am killed on our roads is extremely high and since I am only 31 1 would like to prolong that by a few more years. Are we all in such a hurry or have some negative attitude toward another road user, to actually put another human life at risk? Since we have so many people visiting I would like for them to go away feeling as if they had a safe and happy experience. Many people ride, walk or drive on our roads, and my hope is that they go home and say to their friends, boy being on the roads and trails in Moab sure felt really safe. So how do we go about doing this? I would really like to see everyone do their part to slow down, move over, be courteous, pass appropriately, wave or emit friendly actions. I would like to see as many groups get involved to promote safety and courteousness, from the schools, local media, government i agencieslike NPS, BLMvNFS, USDOT, UDOT, Grand County and Travel Council, Moab City and Chamber of Commerce. Things that we can do to make our area more safe are education, adequate signage, and having obvious yellow and white lines on the road, bike lanes, Bidewalks, and bike parking. Education is key. We need to get the information out into the community, public schools, and to remind everyone about the rules of the road and courtesy, whether they are on bike, walking cr driving, motorized or Adequate signage, and obvious lines and bike lanes, sidewalks and paths are necessary. I am dismayed by the lack of lines on most of the roads; both as a driver and bicyclist it is extremely dangerous. I am just waiting for the next fatality to occur. The road departments have done a good job resurfacing, but it always seems that we wait a long time for the lines to be redone. I think it is extremely important that we get those lines on ASAP. Candee Pearson Moab, via email d. Residents should speak up about Cloudrock Dear Grand County Residents, I attended the Oct. 4 Grand County Planning Commissions meeting concerning Johnsons Up on Top. The presentation brought forth many questions and problems to be solved by the Planning Commission, State of Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration (S1TLA), Moab Mesa Land Company (Cloudrock Development) and Grand Water & Sewer Agency. The forefront of some of these major problems to be solved is the cost of new water and sewer infrastructure development and more importantly, the culinary water quality for us Grand County residents. SITLA Assistant Director for Real Estate Development, Ric McBrier, presented the Planning Commission with a relatively new (in the past 3 years) approach to the states administration of School Trust Lands. It appears that the Johnsons Up on Top project for SITLA is the fourth and the most energetic of this new approach to administering Trust Lands. A perception of this forged partnership that SITLA is engaged with Moab Mesa e Mormon atLand Company is a Republican finance at the expense of investment tempt at creative Is there Grand County residents health and not a very healthy wealthy net cash surplus in this Great State of Utah - Host of the 2002 Winter Olympics! Michael Liss, president of the Moab Mesa Land Co., presented the Planning Commission with the wilderness Cloudrock Lodges & plan of the 1,935-acr-e home Spas, which includes approximately 70 sites, with a marketing strategy that definitely involves a certain element of exclusive access. A single night stay Cloudrock Lodge will cost $250 a at the exclusive room, or more. For a competitive, smooth $650,000, or more you can purchase a single building site. The 634 acres, for future development, was not discussed. It was determined that over 90 of that particular parcel is located in San Juan County. According to Dale Pierson. Grand Water manager, SITLA is slated to pay $300, into an escrow account soon to Grand Water. This cash is to offset the estimated $4.9 million cost of adding a new well, storage tank and distribution lines to serve higher- - elevation properties. This does not include new sewer lines or new treatment plant or an upgrade. Pierson has stated that Cloudrock development is being treated like any other development. Grand Water, receiving $300,000 new-wav- well-bein- g. four-phas- one-ac- 48-roo-m one-ac- fourth-phas- e, 000-pl- re re e from SITLA to offset $4.9 million cost upgrade for SITLA property, is not quite like any other development proposal that Grand County has seen. Where does the remaining $4.6 million new cost come from loans, bonds, taxes, higher water and sewer rates? 11118 doesnt include new sewer lines or a new treatment plant or upgrade. Septics cant go up on Johnsons Up on Top. Didnt the Grand Water & Sewer Agency increase our bills by $3 a month last year to pay off the last sewer treatment plant upgrade. Does anyone realize what the impact of Cloudrock development for the ultra-ric- h will be on Grand Countys culinary water quality. Well just be the poor suckers in the valley below. Ric McBrier, an upper-levmanager for SITLA, works on a financial bonus system for himself in proffering a partnership with Michael Liss, president of the Moab Mesa Land Co., the developer of the Cloudrock Grand Lodges & Spas; broker for the Water says Cloudrock is being treated like any other development. As it all turns out, Johnsons Up on Top Cloudrock Lodges will be nothing more than a gated comthe financial exmunity for the playful ultra-rich...g of every Grand County resipense, health and dent. Is every Grand County resident gonna have to take it in the shorts again, for years to come, in higher water and sewer rates againstill! Because we will have to pickup the slack of new developments unwillingness to pay for new water and sewer infrastructure. Feces runs down hill and its get ting mighty deep down here at the bottom. SITLA doesnt care about Grand County; they can sacrifice us. Moab Mesa Land Co. doesnt care about Grand County; theyre just getting what they can, at our expense. But Grand Water & Sewer Agency, what the hell are you doing? Who are you people, that you would allow this on Grand County residents. Residents of Grand County, this is definitely NOT RIGHT speak up loud and clear - be heard on this particular issue. Let the Grand County Commission and the Planning Commission know how you feel - tell them what you want! It is important to US ALU Sincerely, Gary A. Hazen Moab, via email el ultra-wealth- at well-bein- A y. To the Editor to die 01....J . .uniji Lil.ay tue 1 1 teuo extend their sincere thanks to the members of the community who supported us through purchases at this 15-1- 7 and year's book sale. The sale was held on Sept. was a great success. We sold over 2,000 books and raised over $1,800 for the Library. The Friends wish to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, Sonja Plummer, the director of the library. She put in countless hours with the Friends, preparing for the book sale and seeing to a thousand and one details in order to make it work. She went above and beyond the call of duty and her work was well appreciated by all of us. We also wish to thank City Market and Library Board Members. We had a lot of books left after the closing of the sale, and didnt quite know w hat to do with them! The board members came up with the idea of offering them free to the community and then coordinated this effort with City Market who graciously offered us the area near their entrance to display the books and offer them to the community. We know that a lot of people found some great reading or reference material there. We also wish to thank the many others who helped sort and lug box after box of books. The success of our sale is due to the work done by all. Our F- -' "i Trxi ts a flMirg one hut we draw inspi ration from the know ledge that there are over 2, Hi JO Fnenda groups throughout the United States, with over one million members. Our goal is to support the community through the library, and we are well on the way. Donations made to dale have been put to excellent use funding childrens programs, purchasing equipment and furnishings for the library to make it easier and better tv the community to use We have grand Jans lor the future, more books and equipment, literacy programs, a library book drop-of- f service for those unable to get out, and many other ideas. We learned a lot from our sale this year and promise exciting changes for next year. Anyone wishing to join the Fnends of the Grand County Library is invited to do so by calling the library for information or stopping by the library to pick up a form. We are holding a Friend's meeting on Oct 24 at 7 p.m. Any and all are invited to attend. We also have an ongoing book sale at the library and you are welcome to come and browse. Sincerely, Sara Melnicoff President, Friends of the Grand County Library -- Robison writes apology after confrontation Formal apology: I, Jane Robison, wish to express my sincere regrets that I took part in an unfortunate confrontation between my friends and I and Rebecca Goodmundson and Philip Colvin on Dec. 31, 1999. I became angry at things being said between my friend, Bryan Ballard and Phillip Colvin, and out of that anger, I challenged Mr. Colvin to a fight I realize that my actions were threatening and intimidating, and they were entirely inappropriate. I also realize that statements made by Mr. Ballard could be construed as racist remarks directed at Mr. Colvin and Rebecca Goodmundson. I realize that Rebecca Goodmundson and Phillip Colvin may have believed they were being singled out for harassment because of Rebecca Goodmundson s ethnic background. I contributed to their intimidation by my aggressive actions. I am deeply sorry that I acted immaturely and insensitively. I am not a racist and I do not subscribe to racist philosophies. I abhor the extraordinary publicity this event has attracted and I am embarrassed that ny name was associated with the organizations that sent unsolicited racist publications to citizens of Moab and Grand County. I deny I am a racist and I denounce racism as an antisocial, anarchistic philosophy that has no rightful place in our society. To Phillip and Rebecca, I apologize for my actions 1 have learned that I acted impulsively and immaturely. I did not intend to make you feel racially intimidated or threatened. I have learned that fighting or threatening to fight is not the appropriate or civil way to resolve differences. I am sorry that I escalated an already unpleasant confrontation between us. I harbor no ill feelings towards you, and I ask you to accept my apology and forgive my aggressive behavior towards you. To the Citizens of Moab, I apologize for my actions, which brought upon this city a rash of unwanted and adverse publicity. I have been a lifelong resident of Moab and I lament my reputation has been sullied by this publicity. I realize my immature actions in threatening another by challenging him to fight have lead to far greater repercussions than I could imagine at the time. I have learned a very hard lesson about the consequences of aggressive behavior and not only will I abstain from such behavior in the future, but I hope to be an influence upon others to likewise alter their behavior. Sincerely, Jane J. Robison Moab Former mayor defends Chamber of Commerce location Dear Sam: Having served as the Mayor of Moab for 16 years, sitting on the council for four years, and having the majority of my relatives residing in the Moab area, I hereby express my concern regarding the quality of life and the manner in which this community is moving forth. Years ago I was the accountant for Jim and Norma Hudson, who acquired the Charlie Steen Properties, where the Chamber of Commerce is presently located. The Hudson familys concern at that time pertained to the promotion aol jdntification. of the qualities that Moab had, and con tinues to have,. to offer. They donated the land for the Moab Chamber of Commerce at 805 North Main Street, Moab, Utah. Jim Hudson contributed generous personal funds in addition to the land and Column was full of half-truth- assisted John Brown and others in seeing that the Chamber of Commerce facility was consummated in its current location. As we all know, the Chamber of Commerce is a very integral part in governing the community of Moab. The exposure they get in their current location lends to their ability to function. If Jim were alive today, 1 know that he would be very disappointed to hear of the proposal to move the facility from its highly visible, main traffic-flolocation. I am certain that the Hudson family would also be disappointed to see the recognition of the Chamber diminished. . w Sincerely, Tom Stocks Former Mayor of Moab and lies s To the Editor Your inclusion of l, means Species Act; that popular, Bipartisan that she cant take away my freedom. Who teaches this nonsense? We dont live in a Democracy, majority rule cannot lawfully take away my freedom. You, Sirs, are partly responsible, in theory, for the misinformation spread about firearms, by printing every little incident that someone uses a firearm for bad, and relatively NO news when a firearm is used for good. I dont like to pick on this paper in particular for biased editorial news, but you are my local paper, and you did print that misincynical column. forming, freedom-hatinFinally, I am an NRA member, and I dont always agree with them. Sometimes, I think they bow to the authoritarians, on both the right and the left, entirely too much. And they hear from me about it. gun-contro- the inane article by Ali Macalady (High Country News Writers On the Range, l Oct. 5) makes me wonder where this newspaper sits in the area of accuracy in journalism. This particular type of sophistry always shows up around election time, presenting s and lies. Who are you going to have present the other side of the picture? What is the papers position on the subject of freedom vs. gun control? This is to say nothing of the preposterous idea that she dislikes guns and loves hunting! Why is she not an archer? Ms. Macalady is a young woman, and the state that our schools are in, probably never has studied our roots, our constitutions and our rights. Her ignorance is understandable. Perhaps she doesnt know how governT-- half-truth- God-give- n ments get out of control, and enslave the people, always. She wasnt taught that the people need to take back their own destiny periodically. She maybe doesnt understand that the Second Amendment listed in our Bill of Rights doesn't have anything to do with hunting. Maybe shes been taught by the enemies of freedom that firearms are bad. Someone has taught her that we must all love the public land agencies, the United Nations and the Endangered g, Peter Remington Castle Valley Editor's Note: The does not necessarily endorse the positions of the columns and guest editorials that are printed here. The same rule applies to letters to the editor. This paper provides this space in order to promote a free exchange of ideas in the community. And by the way, its Maam. Times-Independe- Trust Lands representative is disappointed by headline Dear Editor, I was disappointed with the headline of your story about the proposed Trust Lands development on Johnsons Up On Top. This headline purports to quote me and in doing so is inaccurate and misleading. Upon my reading this headline, I wrote the following letter to the Grand County Council and other community leaders. This letter accurately describes the situation: Dear Community Leader, I have just read Mr. Franklin Seal's headline in the Moab Times Independent, dated Oct. 5. While Mr. Seals article is generally factual, the headline is not. At no time have I said Moab cant say no to Cloudrock. In fact, I went to great lengths to explain to Mr. Seal that the Trust is absolutely committed that the proposed project be processed through all county procedures and in accord with all county requirements. This commitment of Trust Lands is made with regard to all projects that it is pursuing throughout the state. A cooperative, open approach to trust lands management is in the best interest of the Trust beneficiaries, as well as the interest of communities in which the lands are located. In working with Mr. Liss on the proposed Cloudrock project, the Trust has made this commitment clear and Mr. Liss is prepared to live up to this obligation. Please do not let Mr. Seals headline lead you to believe otherwise." Thank you for your consideration of this letter and your willingness to maintain an open and cooperative attitude with lYust Lands. Thank you Ric McBrier Assistant Director - Trust Lands, Salt Lake City, via email Vote 'no' on Official English initiave Dear Editor, I was impressed by Sam Taylors comments on the Official English initiative. It seems most people I have talked to think that Initiative A is harmless and merely symbolic. That is not the case. Before voting, ask some questions about the Official English initiative. Will the Official English law help immigrants learn English? According to BYU English professor William Eggington, the Official English" initiative may actually cause the opposite of its stated intentions by alienating speakers and discouraging them from learning English. Without the law, immigrants are highly motivated to learn English, as evidenced by full English classes, many with waiting lists, all across Utah. Blocking access to vital information is a mean-spiritand ineffective way of teaching English. Will the Official English law save money? No. In other states (such as Arizona, Alaska, and Alabama) passing an Official English law has lead to long, costly court battles. Don't we have better things to spend our tax money on? non-Engli- ed . According to official government figures, the savings from printing things only in English would be negligible." Will the Official English law preserve our English-speakin- g heritage? English is in no danger in Utah. It will continue to be the language of government, business, and society in general, with or without an Official English law. In just two generations, immigrants speak English as their first language anyway. As written, the Official English initiative is the most restrictive law of its kind in the United States. It is misleading, ineffective, and unworthy of qur support. Vote No on Official English. It solves no problems and instead causes hostility and division. Rebekah Martindale Orem, Utah Letters continued on next page. See On Two Wheels Page A9, Castle Valley Comments, B5 |