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Show Cobblestone to Have Chicken Dinner for Tracy Leonard Editorial Payson Council Should Reassess Power Structure Editor's Note: The following editorial was written by Chronicle Editor Kent Fuellenbach, who also serves on the Payson City Council. Why did Payson City Administrator Rod Watkins resign? Basically, of a power struggle going on within Payson City government. Three city council members, Hanson, Rogers and White-locevidently feel that Watkins had too much power and was not doing his job to their satisfaction. The other two councilmen, Stewart and Fuellenbach, and Mayor Arrington feel that Watkins has done an excellent job, acting under the supervision of the mayor. The issue, which has been simmering for over a year, finally boiled over last week. Councilman Hanson informed the mayor that he had the three votes needed, and on March 1 Watkins would be dismissed if he did not resign. The mayor informed Watkins, who decided it would be better to resign than to cause an even bigger rift in the council and the community. At the beginning of the council meeting, March 1, Watkins resigned, effective April 1, and then left. Mayor Arrington thanked Watkins and then cut off further discussion on the matter. The council had decided earlier that it would be better not to allow the council meeting to become a shouting match between Watkins' proponents and opponents. n It was a situation for everyone. Yes, there are some narrow individuals who think they have won a great victory. But in the long run we all lost. Rod Watkins lost. He has obviously lost his job, one he enjoyed very much. He worked long, hard hours for this community. He has taken previously fractious city crews and shaped them into an efficient work force. He knew what grants and loans were available and how to go after them. He was the detail man for every major project this city has undertaken in the past six years. He took a great deal of the heat for unpopular council decisions. He assisted the mayor and council in developing budgets that met the needs of the citizenry and enabled the city to build a reserve. To have these dedicated efforts rewarded with a forced resignation is unconscionable. he was the victim k, no-wi- day-to-d- Tracy Leonard, 3, was recently released from the Loma Linde Hospital where he received a heart transplant from a child. He and his mother will be staying close to the hospital for the next six months in case Tracy's body rejects the heart. After that time he will be referred to Dr. Shaddy of Primary Children's Hospital in Utah. The family of Tracy Leonard are struggling to raise money for the The Payson High School Or- young boy who received a heart g chestra will present a transplant recently. Medication for concert on Thursday, March 9, at 8 the first few months will cost p.m. at the Payson High School $1,000 per month, and the costs Auditorium, 1050 South Main. incurred in the surgery, hospital, Donations will be $2 for adults, $1 transportation, and drugs will total for children and students, or $6 for over $100,000. In efforts to meet the overfamily pass. The orchestra will play five whelming costs. Cobblestone numbers and feature Chuck Restaurant will have a chicken fried Wilkinson, who will sing contem- steak dinner at $15 per plate. The porary and soft rock numbers. Rick dinner will be held at 7 p.m. on Edwards, "Jake the Peg" comedian, Thursday, March 9, at 840 North will present "a clean, funny presen- Main. For reservations, call Kimor tation," said Christi Bristow, direc- berly Blanton at All food tor of the orchestra. Another high- Cobblestone at radio and labor will be donated. light will be an Chances are being sold for a blue show. Joyce Leukel and students will bring back the old-daof a quilt and large wooden rocking disc jockey format with audience horse. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. The quilt and rocking horse will participation. Funds will be used for tours to be on display at the Cobblestone Lake Havasu, Yuma, and Phoenix, for the banquet, and thereafter at Arizona. The orchestra, businesses around the community. under the direction of Bristow, hope Drawing will be held on march 18 to "expose the Arizona community for both items. You need not be to the string instruments and pro- present to win. There will also be a Craft and grams. There are many schools who Sale on Saturday, March 18. Bake a do not have program. presently is It The Arizona school boards will be hoped that people will share and donate to the Tracy their talents review to our presentation. present We hope we are a good example for Leonard Fund. The time and place has not been determined. All prothis effort," she said. ceeds will go to Tracy to help meet the rising medical costs. Orchestra Concert Set for Tour Funds The city employees lost. Those who work for the city are always in the public eye. The Watkins' issue sends them a confusing message, "It does not matter if you work long and hard and do an excellent job; if you aren't obsequeious to city council members, you may be looking for another job." It is unfair to have people working under such a cloud. The citizens of Payson lost. They have lost the services of a valuable administrator. They see their city officials in a power struggle rather than working together for the good of the community. And the issue has badly divided the community into proponent and opponent camps. The mayor and council lost In a democracy, the perceptions the citizens have of their elected officials is of paramount importance. The perceptions folks have of the Payson City mayor and council in this situag tion are not good. Our actions appear divided, and directionless. We have tom things apart when they could have been redestroyed rather than built. Closing our meeting to public paired comment on the issue kept the lid on a very hot situation. But, it also gave the impression that everything was decided and the council did not care what the public thought. In a special work session at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, the Payson City Council will be redefining the city administrator position. It will be one of the most important meetings this council will hold. For the meeting, we (the mayor and council members) need to bury our egos and our real and imagined wrongs. We need to work together for the good of the community. First, we need to carefully define the power structure in Payson City government The council must be able to exercise its legislative authority to set city policy. But the mayor must be able to exercise his administrative duties without interference from individual councilmen. fund-raisin- self-servin- - 465-496- 465-928- We are very disappointed with the action taken by the city council in last Wednesday's meeting. The last item on the agenda was to vote on the dismissal of our city administrator, Rod Watkins. It is common knowledge that three of the council members were committed to vote in favor of his dismissal and two for him to remain. Instead of allowing this to appear, Rod offered his resignation at the beginning of the meeting. We feel that those who were in favor of his dismissal were acting because of personal conflicts rather than in the best interest of our city. Rod is one of the best administrators we have had. His absence will be a great loss to our community. Our involvement with him has been very positive and uplifting. He has been very cooperative and sensitive to the needs of Payson City. We thank Rod for his excellent performance and wish he and his family happiness and success. well-qualifie- d, Sincerely, Second, we need to determine exactly what duties and limitations to give our administrator and exactly what his chain of command will be. It would be grossly unfair to have a situation where the administrator had to answer directly to six bosses. Payson's next city administrator needs to have the assurance that if he is doing a good job, following general policies of the city council, and taking specific directions from the mayor, he will not be shot down. which involved the help of the city gets things done, there were occasions when he had differences with departments that Rod was not willing to make arrangements for me to others, and occasionally feelings come to the office and get help. were sensitive, both on his side and I will miss Rod Watkins. He has with others. Perhaps a few mistakes been a great asset to the Payson were made but search a little and Scottish Festival. He has truly been look at the results. We have never a SECOND MILER, a devotee had a better City Administrator, nor conscientious city administrator. one who had the interests of the Most of all, I will miss his friend- Community and its people more at ship, but I have personally become heart than Mr. Watkins. 3. An expression (typical of a better person for having the privilege of associating with Rod those who view City Governments) is that of Mr. Bradford of the Utah Watkins. To you, Rod, and your family, County Industrial Development who said, "Mr. my heartfelt feelings go with you Association, and your fqrnily. I hope you will be Watkins is one of the best Admin-'istratoin Utah County, and able to stay in Payson and continue to contribute in the many ways you Payson can consider themselves are capable of contributing. very fortunate to have his services.." Sincere love and appreciation, I think it is high time that the divisions evident within our City Flelen Scott Council should end. I think everyone recognizes the great amount of time and service that dedicated Councilmen render, and that inDear Editor, but if discludes Mr. Hanson missal were based on the Final Memo To: Rod Watkins, of duties for a City AdminisCity Administrator trator, as implied by Mr. Hanson From: Donna Kay Fumiss last evening, that is a poor excuse Date- March 8, 1989 for this action, and an inditement on the Council for not at any time thought necessary, in While working with you as a the past. Now also, I think it is time to City Councilwoman and then as City Recorder, I would sometimes 'face the facts' with Councilman become frustrated, hurt and even Mike Rogers, who by his conduct angry due to the nature of politics. (and I think we all wish him well, On these occasions you took from but can't accept him presently to be your pocket a coin that you have our best representative) until he carried for years and shared with me gets his own house in order. Headthe message inscribed thereon: lines in last night's Herald" "God, grant me the serenity to PAYSON OFFICIAL FOUND accept the things I cannot change, GUILTY OF "DUI" - and this a - means that he courage to change the things I can, repeat offense and wisdom to know the differ- can't marshall his time, talents nor attention on the business of Payson ence." Thank you, Rod, for trying to City as it should be, and He should teach me this principle during the immediately resign. This, I feel, past six years. I'll keep working on would further the possibility of a it. congenial and united Councilmen group, capable of serving best for die remaining period of Mr. Rogers' Donna Kay Fumiss term. - rs Barnett Students Dear Editor, What's happening in our city? The citizens of Payson have allowed (mostly by default) a good and honest man like Rod Watkins to be railroaded out of his job as city administrator by some of our council members. Even though many of us feel that he has done his job well, at the same time were allowing a man convicted of DUI, Mike Rogers, to represent us. He certainly doesn't represent me or any of the standards I have. Let's get the message sent We don't want Rogers on our council any longer! Rogers was not able to face his charges in court Tuesday because he is working out of town (Nevada) and his sentencing date was postponed. He didn't seem to have any problem getting to our council meeting the next day to get his vote counted against Rod. It should have been Rogers handing in his resignation, not Roy Broadbent Dear Editor, Sincere congratulations to Rod Dear Editor, Watkins and his family from ALL of us who could not say it publicly We went to the meeting at the in the City Council meeting City Council last Wednesday, 1 Rod. Wednesday, March 1st March, and came away confused and Thanks, Rod, for a job well Asking "why Mr. Watkins was disturbed. The confusion came from done! extending his resignation" to avoid not knowing why the cloud was dismissal, that was planned if he placed over die City Administrator. Teresa Carter we were (and I suppose We were disturbed because the didn't wisely so) prohibited from having group a large group, were not discussions and getting answers in given the dignity of knowing why the open meeting. this man was being allowed (or Dear Editor, I think it should be known that forced) to resign. this is the conclusion of a very From the mayors own lips came I want to take this opportunity long period of harassment from recommendation, and gratitude for a to thank Rod Watkins for his supSteven Hanson, who has been job well done. And yet, no port during the past six years. gaining support to have him fired. explanation was given!! It seemed I have had many occasions that During this time, Mr. Hanson, and as though Mr. Watkins was being have come up while working with the residual spin-oof his attitude railroaded right out of office. Noththe Payson Scottish Festival that and expressions have made it exing we have heard since has changed have required working out problems tremely difficult for Mr. Watkins to our confusion or disturbance. with Rod. Never once in those try- do his very best, and to have his If a council person was told that ing six years has he ever been rude energies uncompromised. he or she could given an explanaor abrupt with me. He has always 1. What about Mr. Watkins' tion, after the meeting, why been willing to take the time to performance? Never has a City couldn't a simple explanation be help me understand every situation Employee received such high sup- given inside the meeting by the that has risen. On occasions, he has port in receiving the Edward Bates mayor? come into our home and sat down Award (last year from the Citizens It seemed that everything was and taken two hours of his time on of the community) as was received lad out, that plans were made beforehand as to just how everything Sunday to explain the technical as- by Mr. Watkins. 2. His fellow employees and was to be handled. We could tell pects of obtaining grant money to us. department supervisors speak high- Mr. Watkins was upset, but he Never once did I have a question ly of him, of his skills and qualifi- knew he had to resign, and it was on grants or any other situation cations. Sure, like with anyone that the will of a l;w of the City Coun - - Raise Money for before. Tracy Leonard I am concerned whether Mike can cil members to keep from creating a day council meeting but not to a court hearing on Tuesday the day big scene. We can understand why the open forum was because the mayor had a meeting to conduct which would never have happened if it had been opened. BUT WHY NO EXPLANATION? We felt for this man because we feel he had done his job to the best of his ability and, apparently, did not have the support of those in authority with him. We felt his betrayal. He gave a good chunk of his life to this community. If Payson is the wonderful place that many of us think it is, why are we eating up so 'many administrators and then spitting them out again? Mr. Watkins may have rubbed some shoulders the wrong way, but who doesn't when you are in the business of working with a large constituent of a municipality? We feel we still need an explanation of the circumstances of Mr. Watkins' resignation. - Still troubled, Barbara L. Roper Wesley D. Roper - Var and Afton Rosenbaum 3, 3. er Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, five-year-o- ld Dear Editor, I am very concerned over the division within our city government. Whenever people get together, there is bound to be differences, but why war? an all-oThis is how I see it as a concerned citizen over events that have taken place the past few months. 1. Rod Watkins was asked to resign or be fired! Which he resigned at the last council meeting. Rod made some mistakes along the way, but he has accomplished a lot of good for Payson City. I am ut The students at Barnett Elemen- effectively be on the city council tary School raised $304.78 through and do he to the justice departments is over! Particularly now that we are without a city administrator! I Love Payson and appreciate those who have been elected to city positions. We can't change what has taken place, but we can clean up our act and get together as mayor and city council for a positive vote of the citizens of Payson, thus making Payson a better place to live! Sincerely, Willis Pulver er One Year Old Dear Editor, Last Wednesday afternoon at Cultus Club, Richard Bradford, who for 10 years has been director of Utah Valley Economic Development Association, told the club, as he discussed Payson's economic growth, that "Rod Watkins is the best city administrator in Utah County." This made us proud to live in Payson. When city officials are elected, they are supposed to work for the good of the entire community. It's too bad that some of Payson's elected officials use their own per- sonal differences and cause a competent, effective city worker, who has accomplished so much for Payson, to be dismissed. When we tried to have the coun- cil members' reasons explained, they refused to answer. Are we not allowed to know why? We have a right as citizens to know the answers. We feel that elected officials sure some mistakes were done should follow the standards and be through direction of the mayor or an example to citizens of Payson. council. My question is, "What warrants dismissal?" Every department in the city, including the office staff, has given Rod a favorable plus, with many stating he is the best city administrator we have had. No reasons were given why he should be dismissed! a cupcake sale for Tracy Leonard, who recently received a new heart. The students presented the check to Myra Lazenby, of Tracy Leonard, who received the check on behalf of the family. "Its been overwhelming. When I told my grandson, Chad, he cried," said Myra. Sincerely, Arch and Margaret Williams Magnolias (cont. from pagel) I have heard that Rod had too The comical play was the first much power! This being the case, where is the breakdown for setting effort of Robert Harling written for the guidelines for our city adminis- a college class. Harling bases the trator? play loosely on his own experi2. As I see it, Steve Hanson is ences living in Louisiana and featrying to be mayor and run the city tures the relationship of his mother and sister. "This teaches that playcouncil and departments. 3. Mayor Arrington may have wrights should write about what made a mistake by not allowing they know," said Frost. Mike Rogers to vote because of Previously unknown, the play circumstances which caused Mike has been performed by regional, to live out of town. The question community, and university drama still remains - is Mike Rogers eli- departments throughout the United States. It will be released as a mogible to vote or not? Mike can show up to a Wednes tion picture this year. Regan C. Bus liman On February 28, 1988, just hours before leap year, Regan Christian Bushman leaped into our lives. Regan has brought a lot of joy and happiness into the lives of his mom and dad, Neil and Christa Bushman, and to his siblings, Matthew, Troy, Ashley and and to his grandparents, LaMark and Cleo Wignall and Lan-do- Wayne and Shirley Bushman. Happy Birthday, Regan. We love you! Scottish Festival to Sponsor Youth Dance Saturday The Payson Scottish Festival will be holding a Youth Dance at the Payson Recreation Center, 950 South Main, on Saturday, March 11, from 8:00 until 11:00 p.m. There is a charge of $2 per person. The Audio Visions will provide the music for the dance. $ apon (Eljramcle 12 South Main Payson, Utah 465-922- 1 84651 PUBLISHERS ff Kent and Robin Fuellenbach MANAGING EDITOR Kent Fuellenbach Men oncLWorae air. Design . for l '.I s 1 m k 1 n, The Payson Chronicle (UPS 424-16is published each Wednesday at 12 South Main Payson, Utah. Second Class postage is paid at Payson Post Office 84651, and entered as second class mail. 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