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Show Marquis Child f .Europe Watches Its Fate Decided nke Hfibutie gait be Thursday Morning, December 3, 1970 Page 22 A LONDON Between the two giar.ts on the west nd the east, Europe has no choice but to play a game of watchful waiting. De Utahs Legislative Budget Sessions cisions taken in Washingoften ton and Moscow decisions that seem heed- Must Stick to Budget Subjects Anytime a Utah Legislature assembles, pressure builds for the passage of laws. Some proposed legislation is of an emergency nature. Some has wide application and general beneiit. But many bills are of no urgency and benefit only narrow. special interests. Theres no way of blocking introduction of nonemergency, special interest bills in regular sessions. But the even-'yebudget sessions should be another matter. The constitutional amendment providing for budget sessions recognized cthe danger of their being turned into general sessions by introduction of items. It attempted to forestall vote of this by requiring a jooth houses before such bills could be "considered. Experience at the first budget session soon proved that the vote alone was not sufficient to filter out items. The Common Day of Act (Sunday closing) was given tha ,p?st s vote and later passed. There was no compelling need for the act. It was special interest legislation. The same session paf jed a basic science law examinations act which, though of good intent, was hardly so pressing that it could not have waited until the next regular session. It passed a purchase of firearms act which, like Sunday closing, was special interest motivated. It also raised the limits of small claims courts from $100 to $200, needed but not an emergency matter. Some nonbudgetary laws carried the ar ry two-thir- ds two-thir- ry .two-third- tz stamp of urgency. These included creation of a state Division of Drugs and providing for appointment of all members of the Board of Higher Education by the governor, replacing appointments by legislative leaders which had been declared unconstitutional. Members of the Constitutional Revision Commission have taken note of budget session abuse and may propose constitutional changes to correct it. The difficulty in formulating such changes is to draw the line between emergency and nonemergency proposals and force legislators to toe that line. Even under the most stringent provisions responsibility for adhering to the spirit of the budget session amendment will rest with legislators. M. L. Dye, a member of the Constitutional Revision Commission, was correct when he observed that passage of the Sunday closing law has undermined public confidence in the Legislature. Rep. Allan E. Mecham said he favored making it tougher for such bills to get introduced and Rep. David C. Harvey expressed confidence that legislators themselves can exercise necessary discretion in the future. We do not doubt Rep. Harveys sincerity but human nature and legislative pressures being w hat they are we think a remedy along the lines suggested by Rep. Mecham would have a becter chance of ' stemming abuse. Even with tougher nonfor requirements introducing budgetary bills there will be plenty of room for the application of Rep. Harvey theory, too. S.L. County Community Council Plan Steps Toward Better Government A complaint occasionally leveled at the present form of county government is - fhat citizens havp no specific representa-- ; tive on the county commission, as they do on school boards, the legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. County ; commissioners presently are elected at and not from specific districts or ; large 3 precincts within the county. J I It is easy for residents in school, and congressional districts to point tp an individual school board member, leg-- ; iislator or congressman and say Hes my ; man. And the office holders generally reciprocate with, Those people are my con-- J stituents. Such is not the case with the 'Sglt Lake County Commission. And be-- ; icjiuse commissioners are elected at Urge few members of the electorate thave any feeling of personal relationship with the commissioners. The commission-tet- s have become they instead of my man. The result has been increasing communication barriers between commissioners and the public, a situation that pias been increasingly aggravated as counity population has grown. J The plan to create 19 community councils to advise the county commission Jon area needs recognizes this communica-Ttion- s barrier. The proposal seeks to give tall areas of the county a pipeline to the commission so it can help solve local problems, was how Commissioner Royal K. Hunt explained the proposal. $ . legis-jlati- ve 1 The community councils plan sounds similar to one advanced by Utahns for Effective Government (UTEGO), but there is one marked difference. The UTEGO program in simplistic terms is a plan for consolidated government for the whole county, while the commissions plan would only provide an advisory body to keep the three commissioners informed of problems in the county. The plan calls for the first community council members to be appointed by the county commission, but after 1974 the members would be elected. by the public during the general elections. The plan is commendable, chiefly because it allows more people to have a greater voice in county .government. It also will provide the county commission with means of experimenting with UTEGOs plan for consolidated government without having to jump unprepared into a new system. This test run will give civic leaders a chance to discover inadequacies in the UTEGO plan as yet uncovered and eliminate them before consolidated government becomes a reality. The use of community councils will further serve the general public even more, because it is certain to make a lot more people aware of the many inefficiencies inherent in the plethora of local governments presently abounding in Salt Lake County. ' Japans Brilliant Industrial Success si Exacting Hidi Cost in Life Quality : V- - Japan, as everyone knows, has made & remarkable comeback since World War n. tended its imperial dreams of conquest and Jleft some of its cities in atomic ashes. r What everyone doesnt know is the high price, as measured in the quality of life in Japan, that has been paid for eco-- : -- : ; The Holland Cartoon i nomic progress. As editor of the editorial page of the New York Times, John B. Oakes is keenly attuned to environmental matter. What Mr. Oakes found on a visit to the highly industrialized island nation so alarmed him that he likened Japans present environmental plight to the military adventures of the 1930s that lead to the war debacle. Rarely if ever, he observed, has the rate of growth been so consistently high for so long a period, or so intensively concentrated among so many people in such narrow physical confines, as in Japan with correspondingly disastrous effects on the natural environment. These are people who are existing in air so foul, on waters so polluted, in cities so choked and slurbs so ugly that by comparison the New corridor looks almost like a planned development. Mr. Oakes says. Japan, it would appiir, has become a classic example of what sine-mindepursuit of an eve- - larrr gros national product can produce. It ha3 created an industrial miracle but it may have fashmonster in the ioned a not confined to are ironies Such process. sea. over the places - Ycrk-Washingt- d Perched In the bam Net far-awa- y deterless, reckless mine the course of events beyond the power of individual nr nation to control or even, except in a small degree, to Influence. The trade bill is an of Americas example conduct that is dismaying all north Angry cries of protest come from to south, coupled with the warning that adoption of the quotas contained in the bill will bring a trade war. That will be the reaction after the event, promising disaster for all concerned. It is not merely the quotas imposed on imports of shoes and textiles but the way the bill opens the door to protectionism and logrolling all down the line that leave Europeans appalled at the prospect ahead. Approval Probable Fti-rop- e. M. Aixon Pat. pending The Public Forum A New Low Editor, Tribune: Local government In this valley has engaged in pretty shabby spectacles, but the action of Police Chief Calvin Whitehead and the Salt Lake City commissioners in revoking the license to operate a taxi of Delbert Clark is a new low. The facts of the case appear to be these: Mr. Clark is qualified for the job (else he'd not have been granted the license in the first place) : he has a long record of felony convictions and hence requires Chief Whiteheads approval to drive a taxi in the city; Chief Whitehead, w ith the support of the commissioners, is withdrawing his approval because, according to the chief, Mr. Clark failed to disclose his entire record o t arrests at the time of his application. Leaving aside the possibility that Mr. Clark may be telling the truth when he denies that he hid part of his past record, it is apparent that the government of this city hjs decided to continue to punish Mr. Clark for his past deeds. If they are, in fact, as they say, punishing him for not having disclosed his entire record, then they reveal themselves totally lacking in humanistic compassion. No decent men would take away a mans chance to stay out of jail because of such a minor (irregular to' be sure, but very minor) act. An act generated by the very reasonable fear that full disclosure would preclude his getting that chance. It is morally unconscionable for the city government to continue this mans punishment. Their decision lacks merit on two other grounds also: (1) It sots a disgustingly bad example for private employers in their dealings with seeking employment. (2) It is simply stupid on the part of Public Safety (!) Commissioner Barker to force Mr. Clark back into crime. Mr. Clark himself asserts this will be the result, and indeed what alternative does he have? In the name of human decency, progressive government, and good sense, Police Chief Whitehead and thp commissioners should reconsider and return Mr. Clark his license. Its probably too much to hope that they will. RODGER WEAVER Lost Patriotism Editor, Tribune: At the high school patriotic program on Nov. 11 (Armistice Day) an American Legion department officer announced that this was the last time Armistice Day would be celebrated 11, that Congress has passed a bill setting aside a Monday in October for that holiday. How can anyone with an ounce of patriotism do such a thing? Thats one of the worst insults ever handed our gahant servicemen (those serving now and in World Wars I and II). How do you think tuey feel when even the tity designated especially to honor our war veterans has been wiped off the map to make a longer week end. It seem to me the lawmakers in Washington have let the American people down most shamefully. I'm the wife of a World War I veteran who saw active duty in France and Ive seen many changes, but nothing to compare w ith the audacity of ihis change. VIOLA T. REES Loa lievably, the judge, himself,' continued the prosecution for the state, acting as his own expert witness, read portions of the law out of context, stifled objections and, finally, used the testimony to which he had sustained an objection to support his finding of guilty. This should have been sufficient grounds to request the declaration of a mistrial and dis- - Foruin Rules Public Forum letters must not be more than 2.0 words in length, must be submitted exclusively to The Tribune and bear writers full name, signature and address. Names must be printed oil political letters but may be withheld for good reasons on others. Writers are limited to one letter every ten days. Preference wi'l be given letters permitting use of true name, and to those and short. which are typed (double-spaced) missal of th charge, but again thia realization came later. Can I be of any help to any group or Individual actively seeking to bring about change in the justice of th peace system? Can any- one help me? There must be an acceptable, workable system which will insure justice for the accused and his appearance before a judge ' with legal training as well as system which removes the possibility of a conflict of inter- RALPH P. SCI1AMEL Earnestly Working " fol- lowing experience in a Utah Justice of the Peace Court. Feeling that I had been unjustly accuseu of having committed a misdemeanor, I pleaded not guilty. In court, appearing without counsel, after cross examining the officer who issued the citation on his testimony, I showed tn court that under the circumstances as testified to, I was, indeed not guilty under the law. Tlr gentleman who signed the complaint then began giving testimony to which I ob.ected as having no bearing on the case. The judge sustained the objection. The complainant. acting for the state, then said, On the basis of Mr. Schamels argument the state has no case. Right here, I should ha e requested a dismissal of the charge, but I didn't think of that until later. Then, unbe Helpless Watching The exercise of gigantism In military might is an area wrhere watchful, not to say nervous, waiting is the order of the day. The Pentagon decision to slrike North Vietnam c.ith a bombing raid and the commando attempt to rescue American prisoners could widen the war and put a final period to ju:y hope of negotiating a settlement. Ye, aside from voices in the press and a few Labor backbenchers, silence gives the consent of the concerned helpless bystander. Not to equate the two events in any way, the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and the destruction of the Dubcek government in 1968 was a shattering explosion in the East, threatening Europe. In the face of this shocking rape, which seemed for a time being to end any hope of agreement between the giants to abate the nuclear arms race, waiting for the dust to settle and the clamor of the helples Czechs to subside wa th rule. U.S.-Briti- Tie sh They also serve who only stand and wait." The fragile special relationship that Britain has tried to maintain with the United States since the war rests on that premise. Ils based on more validity is in British know-hothan a century of w'orld power and if Washington could only lake advan' tage of that know-hoj Yet the conservative leader, Prime Minister Edward Heath, seems as little able to take advantage of this reserve of knowledge and Washexperience, to be hot merely ington but a friendly critic, as was his prede peace-keepin- g me-tooi- Editor, Tribune: For many year has been a major source of economic sustenance to the community, we can ill afford to lose. Like any industry of comoara- ble size, it has contributed to valley pollution. I am confident civic minded J. P. OKeefe, assisted by advanced techniques, is earnestly working to eliminate or lessen this health hazard. I doubt there has been, recently, any material increase in fumes. Such cannot be said for cars. Standing near a starting engine, the exhaust is stifling. That, multiplied by tens of thousands, is todays primary scourge. Cars are a necessity for expanded living. Until such time as manufacturers successfully cope with the menace, individual concern might help. Where possible, combine business use, take available bus transportation, curtail pleasure jaunts and for short distances, exercise long neglected Ken-neco- legs. tt MARGARET BURTON on-'No- A Day in Court Editor, Tribune: I recently had the With the measure having passed the House of Representatives, the press here reports it is likely to get by the Senate zj well, short of a determined public stand ty President Nixon. And if it is taeked onto Social Security increases the President would find it difficult, if not impossible, to exercise his veto. These reports read in the chancelleries of Europe are like weather reports of an impending hurricane followed with a sense of powerlessness. ' The free-trad- e structure so painstakingly put together through the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs is menaced from other directions. Britains entry into the Common Market is likely to bring new and stringent controls over agricultural products. That could mean barriers erected against import of American farm products which would hurt.' An Open Gate Editor, Tribune: Wh? opened our gate? Whoever it was they have opened the gate to lonesomeness and sadness when that open gate released our dog to death a few feet from home. We had protected her for the seven year she was with us. We put up a fence which gave her a big yard to with our grandrun in and play children. She lGved to be right on top of what we were doing, whether planting, raking or even sawing lumber. Lightning and thunder frightened her until her cries would waken us and she was allowed to come into our room. Her kitten friend which adopted us roams the yard looking fer his companion and playmate. When our grandchild comes rushing into the house calling, Wheres Tina? what ' can we say? cessor, Harold Wilson. Heath Is going '1 to exercise the . Washington In special relationship. This will test his abilities as they are beng tested here at home. The prime minister is an admirable man. Even his critics concede his ability, which is administrative rather than political, lie is prudent to the point of being prim, reserved to the point of seaming aloof and frosty. Nitty-Gritt- y Ahead With great cultivation he is a musician of accomplishment and a sailor of pride. His problem is how to start the rough, sweaty business of setting new directions at home and abroad. . The start the Conservative govemmenf made by firing Lord Hall, the Labor appointee to a five-yeterm as head of the Post Office Corporation, kicked up a furious row. Postal workers struck in sympathy but this is nothing to what lies ahead. The word showdown the showdown of a general strike is often heard from both early next year Labor and Conservatives. Speaking of giants? The footprints are so big. Churchill, De Gaulle who has just gone these were the giants. It is hard to follow in those footprints. er ar Visiting Cartoonist tug-of-w- ar Our hurt and sadness are great for although she was only a dumb animal some would say, she was part of our family to us and our grandchildren. She had her first taste of freedom only to have her life end in front of her home because we had protected her from the activity and traffic of cars and motor hkes and vve felt she wrs safe in hr ofii ench'sed vard v'hpn we left her for W) rmrutos. Eut someone who has no regard for thn p'ooertv of others dne5dnd to come into our vard and then leave without closing the gate! She wont be frightened any more but the hurt of losing her will be with us ior a long time. L. H. WORLEY Osrin n '! the Cleveland firs JUT Plain I wouldn't expect too much if I were you." 0, Dea.er t |