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Show WF Wednesday, April 1 6, 2003 Vernal Express Bench Press Moon Lake Electric rates Independent courts protect our liberties below national average by Judge G. A. Jody Petry Third in a series of articles about providing equal justice to all Americans Week Three Judicial in Action Independence The United States Constitution establishes the judiciary as a sepabranch of governrate and ment. Unlike legislators and executives, judges do not represent particular groups or advocate for specific policies. They are bound to apply the law to the facts of each case, without being influenced by public opinion or a political platform. The ability to make decisions without favoring one party or issue over another is the essence of judicial independence. Some cases particularly highlight the importance of judicial independence. In the 50s and 60s, a number of federal judges in the South made decisions furthering desegregation in the face of hostile public opinion and political disapproval. For example, Judge Frank Johnson used the Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruling to strike down segregation on Montgomerys buses, vindicating Rosa Parks refusal to move to the back of the bus. He went on to apply the law in a series of extraordinary decisions and orders, which allowed a civil rights march to go forward, threw out an Alabama law excluding African Americans and women from jury duty, and integrated the University of Alabama. Johnson was socially ostracized in his home state of Alabama and was under the protection of the U.S. Marshals for many years. The Ku Klux Klan labeled him the most hated man in Alabama, and Governor George C. Wallace called him an integrating, carpetbagging, co-equ-al liar. d scalawagging, But to the people whose rights he enforced, Johnson was a hero. In 1965, Martin Luther King, Jr. said, Judge Johnson gave true meaning to the word justice. Of course, judges are human, and they can (and do) make mistakes. But the mistakes can be corrected. For example, the infamous Dred Scott decision of 1857, which may have hastened the Civil War, was overturned a decade later by constitutional amendments. Just as offensive speech is the price of the First Amendment, controversial decisions are the price of an independent judiciary. While no system of justice can be perfect, Americas uniquely independent courts have proven themselves to be the crown jewel of our system of government. STUDENT ACTIVITIES Locate stories in your newspaper about a recent federal court decision. Do you think the decision will be popular with the general public? Do you think the government will agree with the decision? What do you personally think about the decision? Do you think its OK to criticize the decision in public? Is it OK for the media to criticize the judge(s) personally? What effect does lifetime appointment have on the independent decision making of federal judges? This column reflects the opinions of Judge Petry. It in no way purports to be a comprehensive guide to legal matters. Judge Petry makes no representations as to the validity and accuracy of the information provided other than it is correct to the best of her knowledge. You are encouraged to seek competent legal counsel for any specific questions you may have. bald-face- bird deaths on the system. He also said Moon Lake is in the final stages of identifying and replacing some 1,500 defective insulators, one of which was responsible for a member fatality in the Fruitland area. Members were informed that Moon Lake was challenged the past year with fire, losing 75 poles as a result of the Mustang Ridge fire in the Dutch John area, and icing of power lines which occurred during more than a month of constant and severe fog this past winter. Employees went the extra mile in responding to these unusual conditions. Earl reviewed the resources Moon Lake receives its power from, explaining that members can be assured the Association has adequate power sources to meet member needs, now and well into the future. Elections were held in Districts 2 and 3. Those seeking election to the Board were Craig Kelsey, Kevin Rowley, Paul Tanner, and Bill Wardle from District 2; and Kelly Crazier, Ron McKee, and Tommy Olsen from District 3. After a tally of the ballots, incumbent Paul as the Tanner was Director from District 2 and Ron McKee was elected from District 3. Kent Olsen, who has completed 2 years on the Board, was honored for his service to the Cooperative. members won door Twenty-on- e with Betty Hancock of prizes, Roosevelt winnng the grand prize of a new freezer. The annual Moon Lake Electric members meeting on April 10 at Union High School, saw a good turnout of members. Moon Lake General ManagerCEO, Grant J. Earl said. heard in attendance, Those finanon the Cooperatives reports cial strength, competitive rates, and power resources. Board President Richard Ross said Moon Lake has been in business for 65 years and the Cooperative principles under which it was formed remain the foundation of the Association. Ross said Moon Lakes average residential rate of 6.07(t is well below the national average of 8.50 and even lower than Utahs 6.70 average residential rate. He said being a member of Deseret Power, which is also a Cooperative, allows Moon Lake to help set the course of the members power costs. He emphasized the Associations aim, which is to keep rates as low as possible and provide a dependable source of electrical energy. Moon Lakes audience also heard a report from General Manager Grant J. Earl who said the Moon Lake members continue to reap the benefits of owning their own power system. He praised the employees1 dedication and commitment to the members of Moon Lake, paying special tribute to Bruce Hunt, an extremely valuable person from the organization whose life was lost, along with his wife, Sandra, and sons, Bryson and Tyler, in a tragic auto accident in December. Earl said Moon Lake has completed the terms of its agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in retrofitting many of the organizations poles to reduce large 1 A7 Hollis Haws and Duane Hall put the finishing touches on the military board of honor before presenting it to the Uintah County Commissioners. VFW provides Uintah County with board of honor military has a presence. All branches of the military service, whether active duty, reservist or National Guard are represented. Uintah County military members span the breadth of military rank from beginning private through top ranking officers. The board also displays patches from vanous military uniforms. There are many faces on the board that are familiar to local resiSheriff Rick dents, including Hawkins and Vernal City Police Chief Mike Hamner. Duane Hall, Hollis Haws and other members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, have created a board of honor that will hang in the State and County Building. They presented the board to the County Commissioners during their April 8 meeting. The board has photographs of military members from Uintah County dating as far back as World War I and it includes every military action up to the present conflict in Iraq. A map of the world is peppered with American flags that mark the locations where the U.S. HOME REFINANCE LOAN AUTO LOAN t Community prepares for Safety Fairs Express Deadlines Health The TriCounty Department and the Safe Kids Cpaiiticnr are preparing for upcoming safety fairs to be held May 3, in Vernal from 1 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Walmart Parking Lot and on May 17 in Roosevelt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stewarts Thriftway The mission of Safekids is to protect children from their No. 1 killer - unintentional injuries. Toni Fenn, Tricounty Safekids coalition coordinator, said, we are excited with the community support that we have for these events. Law Enforcement, and various community agencies and businesses have really pulled together to make this a fun and informative day for everyone. More volunteers are needed and anyone with an interest in child safety is invited to participate. Ideas information for demonstrations packets, entertainment, parent education and anything related to children and childhood are actively sought. The Fire Safety House will be in the Uintah Basin to provide education on fire safety, and local law enforcement will be doing finger printing and bike rodeos, the 911 simulator, door prizes and many other fun activities. Are you aware that approximately 98 percent of all seats are installed improperly? Be sure and mark your calendars for May 3 and 17. The Utah Safekids van will be in the Uintah Basin and the Safekids Coalition will be checking safety seats, so bring your child and your car for the fun activities. If you are interested in participating with the Safety Fairs or would like more information, contact Toni Health Fenn at TriCounty free toll Department - 781-547- 1 - Roosevelt, 784-349-4 - Vernal, 738-220- 2 - Manila. 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