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Show The Olympics: A world event, a community celebration Part 2 Continued from last week by GOV. MICHAEL O. LEAVITT These are Utah's Olympics. It is up to us collectively to maximize this for our children; experience the talented and generous engage and make these of this state; people Games touch every resident. We need to think about how we involve our children, who likely will want to be part of this occasion. We need to meld Utahns' spirit and legendary willingness to lend a hand with the payback of involvement in this grandest of sports events. And we , need to involve the entire state. The Olympic venues are confined to the Wasatch Front. Nothing else has to be. We also must keep in mind the big picture. If we do a wonderful job of throwing community festivals but neglect the production of the Games themselves, we have failed. Likewise, if we look good on TV and impress the world, but our people feel no part of this, we have achieved a hollow victory. So we must do both. SLOC's overriding priority is to put on a professional, successful Games. Nonetheless, the committee has committed to a comprehensive array of education, youth, arts and cultural Olympic programs. Some have already been launched. Others will start in ensuing weeks, and more will be added as the clock ticks down to 2002. What communities can do now is Tell the committee be what you'd like to do. Step up to the plate with ideas, commitments, plans and resources. billion people watch on televiGames will our sion. That is half the population of the planet. If you can imagine it half of the globe tuning in to see our mountains, our cities, the beauty of this state and the faces of our children. Those are monumental experiences that will kick off the 21st century for us. Communities have once-in-a-lifeti- pro-activ- e. ,7 Three-and-a-ha- lf -- MAGNA TIMES USPS 325-58- 0 Second class postage paid at Magna, Utah 84044 8980 West 2700 South Magna, Utah 84044 J. HOWARD STAHLE Publisher BONNIE STAHLE Advertising Manager Office Manager GENE JEFFERIES Advertising Sales GARY R. BLODGETT Editor KENT GOBLE SportsFeature Writer DEANNA JONES Arts & Entertainment Editor Production Manager DALE SIMONS Sports Columnist ALAN BLAIN Staff Writer SHARON LINSCHOTEN Staff Writer DANNY JOHNSON Typesetter The Magna Times and West Valley News are published each Thursday Subscription $18 per year $21 per year out ot state to figure out how to put an imprint on these Games and how to make them reflect Utah. There are many fine ideas circulating already: An Olympic rodeo in Davis County; the city of Ogden's interest in building events around the sport of curling or its sister-cit- y relationship with Hof, Both good examples. Germany. There are endless possibilities. What about the chance for a class of elementary students to invite a Japanese athlete to visit their school and learn more about Japan. The chance for a family from St. George to welcome a family from St. Petersburg. The different languages we will hear in our stores and restaurants; the opportunity we will have to leave a lasting impression of this state with a smile or a small kindness like offering someone directions. We are going to need a core of at least 18,000 volunteers for the duration of the Games. I have no doubt this state will rise to the occasion and deliver them. Scores of people are already asking where they can sign up. The Salt Lake Organizing Committee is now formulating many of those plans and will begin releasing detailed information by the end of the year. To all the people of this state who are so willing and ready to help, thank you. We need you. These are your Games. For most, the experience will be something to tell grandchildren about. The experience may not necessarily be glamorous; it will be unforgettable. For every person who gets a plush assignment, there will be legions more desperately needed to stand at a busy intersection and direct traffic in a snowstorm. That is the reality of it. For some, the Olympic experi- ence will be more direct because of proximity. Park City and its service industry will be big winners because there is a gigantic venue right there. Salt Lake City obviously is ground zero. But large distances do not have to deflate grand hopes. Those from outlying counties, cities and towns need to think of what it is they have to offer. It may be beautiful surroundings, canyon k lands, country. It may be small-tow- n charm, traditions and hospitality. I think of Helper's Christmas parade or the hot springs near Honeyville or the Butch Cassidy history of Uintah and Duchesne counties. I think of the bond the towns of Manila, Naples and Wales could forge with teams from the Philippines, Italy and the United Kingdom. Do not hesitate to mull over the possibilities or to voice them to the Olympic Committee The Salt Lake' Organizing Committee is on track. There are pressures, rules, marketing regula red-roc- i tions and processes to follow that make this a rewarding but arduous task. I would like to thank SLOC President Frank Joklik and Board of Trustees Chairman Bob Garff , for their leadership. The committee has many plans. Youth programs are just one area, but those programs are impressive. We have much to gain from the Olympics. The economic impacts, the prestige, the goodwill that comes when you befriend entire nations. We can measure some of that. But how do you place a value on the ideals of friendship, hope, sportsmanship and hard work that will be instilled in our children through this event? We will be kindling an Olympic flame in the hearts of Utah children that will bum long after the Olympic torch has been extinguished. We will be touching the future. One SLOC program may actually be future Winter producing from Utah. And not Olympians y kids. There are youngjust sters from Midway, Tremonton, Cedar City and Loa involved in these programs right now. We could see them again on the medals stand in 2002 or 2006. There are equally elaborate plans for art, culture and education, all of them opportunities. We can look back with pride on our Olympic experiences so far, and we can press forward with even greater expectation. We decided that we wanted the Games, and we got them. The bid process that culminated in our triumph was no accident. The International Olympic Committee knew exactly what it was doing. They knew who could pull j.t off and who couldn't. They knew us: We don't have to undergd 'sdtne kind of transformation to host these Games. We know who we are too - pioneers who made cities bloom in the desert; neighbors who help each other when help is needed; doers and achievers who rise to any occasion. We are a reflection of the West young and dynamic, confident and expansive. The Games will be operated within budget. Our infrastructure will be ready. We are devising plans for security and transportation with the help of the federal government. Venue development is occurring in an environmentally sound manner that protects the lands we .love. There will be inevitable disagreements from time to time. There always are in undertakings of such magnitude. We will rise above it. History shows we can accomplish whatever we set our mind to. The Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games promise the spirit and optimism of the American West, a celebration of children and a passion for the land. years from now, we will deliver on that promise. "' jff , Political candidates and area residents met at the Magna Senior Citizens Center to discuss issues and the upcoming election. - Photo S.L. County Recorder Nancy Workman was among numerous political candidates who met with voters at recent Meet the Candidates - Photo by Randy Unschoten night held at Magna Senior Center. -- Left: Salt Lake County big-cit- first-ball- i Assessor Lee Gardner, left, and and S.L. County Sheriff Aaron Kennard dis- cuss politics. - Photo by Randy Unschoten tktii1 To whom It May Concern: ot On Thursday morning. Sept. 24, 1 was one of many ticketed for traveling in the center lane of 3500 South. It was 7:30 AM and I was just west of Bangerter. The officer explained the infraction and indicated West Valley City had instructed the police dept, to ticket people because of "too many accidents." That's kind of ironic in view of what it took to get the elevated cross walk at 3100 S. and Bangerter. He then went on to explain it was illegal to travel in that lane. I have no contention with an officer doing his job. I do, however, have a serious problem with a city administration that does not. There are times when the letter of the law needs to be secondary to less than ordinary circumstances. I hardly need to point out that Salt Lake City and surrounding communities are not user friendly to motorists. Many streets that are passable at all are carrying tremendous traffic loads. Such is the case with 3500 South at the above described hour. The "too many accidents" explanation is, I believe, without substance. I travel that way every day and have for some time. I have yet to see an accident in that location owing, I presume, to the greatly diminished speeds necessary at that hour and because of traffic load. And, this brings up the next point. I have never seen, at any other time, people using the center lane other than to gain access to a business. The section provided to turn - Three-and-a-ha- lf Letters to the editor are welcome. Send letters to: Editor, Magna times & West Valley News, 8980 West 2700 South, Magna, UT 84044. Letters must be signed with the author's name, but anonymity may be requested. into for negotiating a left turn onto Bangerter is far too short. The left hand turn lanes would clear because people could no longer access them as a result of having to stay in the outside Iqnes until they reach the designated area. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that is neither effective nor efficient. Special provisions should be established for peak hours until such time as our road conditions are more suited to the traffic loads. That may require some creative thought. Are the city administrators up to the task? Lastly, those ticketed are entitled to equal treatment under the law. As I sat waiting to be processed, I looked in my rear view mirror. Your officers were stationed fairly close to Bangerter. Many motorists in observing what was going on merged back into the outside lanes thus avoiding a ticket. Smart? Absolutely!!! Fair and reasonable? I think not. The officers should have been stationed further along 3500 South. After all, think of the lost revenue! If West Valley City is at all concerned about the efficient flow of traffic, something more effective than adding to the frustration of drivers, who are already the victims of street closures, should be the focus of that effort. No one should be required to pay these ridiculous tickets. Common sense should prevail. WOW!, what a concept! Sincerely, Scott Burris AMBROSE MY PASSENGER A MISSED HIS Postmaster: Send change of address to: Magna Times 8980 W. 2700 So. Magna, UT 84044 (801) 250-S6S- 6 or FAX (801) 250-56- l. The Magna Times Is a bonified newspaper Utah Member of the Press Association U V by Kim Folsom V HeCPAUT, |