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Show THE GREEN SHEET 2 I ' ' Thursday, June 16, 1988 r-I hope I live to see the day when the people of Magna will stand up and draw together as a unit to get the good things of life they so richly deserve and not let some political demigod rob them of all that they have worked so hard for. Salt Palace Plan May Have Merit To many people, ,thjdea of expanding and improving the SaltPalace complex merits an immediate thuntfis dwn, especially if it is to be at taxpayer ex- accomplished i pense. Its no secret there W many important, and unfulfilled. Redds' for our tax dollar$$$. The woes of education have been well documented, and what of transportation, pollution and the arts, to name a few? A tax limitation proposal stands a better than even chance of passage yet state and local coffers are stretched to the limit. But lets not be too hasty in rising up in opposition to a plan to improve the Palace. The Salt Palace currently is an asset to the entire valley from the standpoint of tax generation, lifestyle enhancement, and national recogni. tion. However, it is an asset that could become a liability if certain scenarios were to develop. Lets say Larry H. Miller follows the example of other major league franchise owners and moves to the suburbs with a new facility designed to meet the obvious need for additional seating. That facility would probably compete with the Salt Palace for concerts, conventions and other events, and the time might come when the Salt Palace is a white elephant - a white elephant funded by Salt Lake County taxpayers. -- LaRee H. Pehrson EDITORIAL Magna might make more sense to find a way to keep Larry Miller and his team in downtown Salt Lake while at the same time expanding the citys ability to attract major convention It Parents Say Thanks Dear Editor: Expansion of the existing Salt Palace are- na clearly is not the best option. It will not create the type of seating that will in turn generate the needed additional revenue for the Jazz and other users. And lurking in the Win- ter Olympics somewhere down the road. Given the present straits of public finance, a general tax increase cannot be considered Do The Job Editor: Gordon L. Crabtree, State Director of Finance sent a letter to newspapers in the state criticizing me for not identifying where cuts should be made if the tax initiatives are passed in the November election. Mr. Crabtree shares with Gov. Bangerter a strange view of how government is supposed to work. They seem to think that when taxes are to be raised, they know just how to do it and the people dont need to be consulted. But when taxes are to be cut, the people have a responsibility to tell them where the cuts are to be made. The fact of the matter is the voters elect officials to run the government. We pay them what some would consider to be outrageous salaries and we expect them to do their jobs. If the tax initiatives pass and six percent needs to be cut from state and local officials to do the revenues, we expect our job. If they cant as apparently Mr. Crabtree cant then we need to elect and appoint some who can. Mr. Crabtree is dead certain about how much will be cut from tax revenues if the initiatives pass. Of course, he uses figures compiled by those who calculated the 1987 tax increase at $157 million. That same tax increase is now approaching $310 million. He also quotes other figures designed, no doubt, to add authority to his argument. He states the combined budgets of natural resources, agriculture and Community Development total $54 million. The 1987-8Appropriations Report from the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst says the combined budgets are $176.7 million. Crabtree says the Public Education budget is $692 million, the report says $1 billion. He says higher education is $260 million, the report says $337 million. He says Social services is $101 million, the report says $268 million. I am sure that Mr. Crabtree is a dedicated public servant, but as Director of Finance, his use of figures gives new meaning to the old saying, "Close enough for government work. Over 100,000 Utahns have signed petitions to put the initiatives on the ballot. This may not seem to Mr. Crabtree like much of a demand for lower taxes when he considers the calls from the special interests for higher taxes, but it seems like a to to - high-pai- d - 8 Those who read my letter to the U.S. Congress, published (March 31, 1988) might be interested to me. Greg Beesley Chairman, Tax Limitation Coalition of Utah Take Out Sneaky Clause Editor: We strongly urge all Utah Legislators to take out clause that gave the judicial the sneaky branch of government the power to make child support guidelines. These guidelines affect so many people, with a force nearly as strong as law that they would be better made in the legislative branch of government. It would greatly eliminate the possibility of favoring one interest group at the extreme expense of another as the present judicial task force has and is attempting to do with its proposed guideline to be voted on June 27 by Judicial Council members. Additionally, where the judicial branch can legally make and adjust guidelines at will, without public knowledge or input, the legislative branch does its work in full public view, and is equally accessible to all viewpoints. The present judicial task force has made compromises to its original proposal based on public outrage, but has suggested to the judicial council that it appoint a standing committee to adjust In other words, after the heat is off, they could replace the better, newer guideline with their original proposal point by point. This they could do without the public knowledge. The compromises consist of considering second family children in increases of original awards, not making the guidelines automatically retroactive, and in lowering the figures a little in some income levels. We are glad to see these changes, but are still appalled that it took such public outrage to make them be reasonable. Still if the rest of the story was told the public and news media would see that the changes are not exactly as they appear, or as the task force would like us to think they are. In a very real sense the guidelines are still retroactive to existing decrees, and the figures they show as the "actual cost" of rearing children per month are far beyond that amount. They deceptively interchange the words "actual cost" of child rearing with "average spendings" on children in varying income brackets. There is a world of difference between what some parents spend on their children and the "actual cost" of child rearing. They have exceeded the courts power beyond the intent of awarding child support for the basic needs of child rearing. They say that presently and with the new guidelines that Utahs support award figures are among the lowest in the nation. The rest of the story is that last-minu- te Utah is 48th from the bottom in income, and fourth from the top in taxes paid. Of course, Utah is one of the lowest in the nation in child support awards, by necessity. You cant milk a dry cow. Sincerely, Jack & Laurel Huff Kearns learn further about said letter. I wrote that letter about August 1987. As I remember, about 450 copies were sent to every Senator and Representative in the U.S. Congress, including the President. Of course I realized that many of them would never see it, patronizing staff would screen the mail and would not wish to offend the royal ears of their respective lords. However, to my surprise, a dozen or more have acknowledged my letter personally. I am happy to say that every one of them were complimentary. They included Orin Hatch and Jake Garn of our fair state of Utah, Alan Dixon of Illinois, Gephart of Missouri, Panetta of California, Lugar of Indiana, Doran of California, Bradley of New Jersey. To my further surprise, I began receiving phone calls; every one most complimentary and supportive of my views. My purpose for writing in the first place was to let those bumbling politicians know that at least one citizen was weary of their stupid vote trading, fumbling political manipulation and outright chicanery. The one negative response I receive was the letter from Dr. Brice N. Jensen of Washington, D.C., (published May 4). The good Doctor begins by wondering if I have a bitter attitude or am misinformed. I readily admit to a bitter attitude; thats why I wrote. As to being misinformed: Am I wrong in thinking that the welfare of this nation is in the hands of the Congress of the United States? Have I been misinformed about this great country being heavily in debt in spite of being the wealthiest country in the world? Am I misinformed that there are upwards of 10,000 lobbyists swarming the Capitol who wield more influence than the electorate? Id be happy to learn that these things are not true. Then the doctor mentions the "outstanding" men who walk the halls of Congress. Im sure many of them are outstanding in a bar with one foot on a brass rail when they should be tending to the business they were hired to do. And, they are hired to do a job, theyre not royalty to rule by edict, as some of them would do. This royalty complex also back-scratchin- Height Of Hipocracy Editor: In 1986, Wayne Owens promised the people of the Second Congressional District that he had changed since the 70s, and somehow he had become a "born again fiscal conservative in the interim. In the height of hipocracy, this same individual recently voted against a House bill amendment (HB 4587) to cut funding for Franking privileges. He voted against the first proposed cut, a $20 million cut in bulk mailing allowance; he voted against a $10 million reduction; and finally, against a $5 million cut which had the support of 50 Democrats who joined 156 Republicans in a effort. Those fighting the war on drugs could have used the1 $20 million. It does not seem appropriate for mailing privileges to take precedence. Maybe there would have been different priorities if the Coast Guard used Yellowstone wolves as watch dogs. The Coast Guard was cut $41 million. Lets put this into perspective as Utahns. Wayne Owens, at taxpayers expense, sent out more mail than the other two Utah Congressmen combined. Every Congressman must communicate with his or her constituents; however, should this include the Owens scheme to flood the district with his name and face and the use of his campaign slogan "Working Hard for Utah" boldly printed on all literature? Perhaps he should change it to "campaigning hard with Utah taxpayers dollars." If Owens were truly a fiscal conservative, he would combine relevant information into fewer newsletters and combine several town meetings to obtain a greater attendance at a more reasonable cost per "belt-tightenin- attendee. But then again, he northeastern liberal for President. supports all-nig- ht Update On Letter To Congress an option. However, privatization, bonding, and other options should be carefully examined. A lot of questions still need an answer. Until those answers are provided, a wait and see stance seems in order. It just might be that the anticipated thumbs down could result in an enthusiastic thumbs up. OUR READERS WRITE Cant security. We would also like to compliment the 260 kids from the Class of 88 who attended this and the way they party for their positive attitude the evening. They conducted themselves throughout will always have a special place in our hearts. We felt it was very important to provide a safe, alcohol-fre- e environment for these (jriirr.free studentVon one of the most special nights of their lives. These Grad Night parties have been held all across the U.S. and are just now beginning to catch on here in Utah. Bountiful, Judge Memorial and with their parties. Murray have had great success We would encourage every other high school in Utah to make the effort to provide some kind of program for their graduates. We met with some opposition and we were worried if we could pull it off1 financially, but we decided to go for it and were so be done with lots of glad we did. We proved it could We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the following people who contributed to the successful Taylorsville High Grad Night, "Breakout 88. The business community of Taylorsville, the Taylorsville high Booster Club, Fashion Corner, faculty members (especially the business department), our terrific principal, Wendall Sullivan, our committee of seniors and juniors, Gov. and Mrs. Bangerter for their personal appearance to kick off the evening, the great staff of Photon and PTSA President the Sports Park, parents and alumni who Emma Morris, SADD Advisor ' Susan Fumer, chaparoned, Dave Thomas, Brian Morris and Ivy Tolman, SADD President Kellylynn Leatham from the State Dept, of Social business. Certainly the major benefit would be to Salt Lake City, but there is a trickle down effect for the entire state in terms of sales and use taxes and a better business climate in the capitol city. background is that potential bid for the Services HRMOD, who provided a great slide show and the Sandy City Police Dept, for help with . AS SEE IT 1 prompts some of them to need, what to some of us would be, a castle. If housing is so expensive in D.C., they could live in Fairfax, Vienna or Alexandria. Some of us know what it is to drive 50 miles or more and at our own expense. The doctor goes on to disparage and belittle Washington and Lincoln, which indicates that he received his education in this modern school of thought which excludes all reference to loyalty, patriotism, fidelity or reverence. As to the caliber of men who serve in Washington, I watched with dismay the televised farce of the Oliver North trial. Here were presecuting attorneys who had the appearance, expression and mannerism which would suggest they were fugitives from a school for the retarded and who, perhaps, do not have loyalty or patriotism in their lexicon, along and persecuting with some politicians, an American hero. A vanishing breed which, alas, is rapidly being exterminated by our socialistic education system and our political and public tolerance of graft, crime, and immorality. Too many of these career politicians and entrenched civil service people are virtually untouchable. We need to summarily remove from office every incumbent who demonstrates disregard for the welfare of this nation and replace them with people who know what it is to make an honest living at business or labor in the open market. We have a good candidate for change in the person of Richard Snelgrove: A local businessman who knows something about burdensome taxes and government nit-picki- fiat. Also, the President, whomever he may be, should have the power of the line item veto. The intolerable nonsense of hanging irrelevant? :'and unrelated amendments onto any and evyy bill is a disgrace to the legal process. No matter that it is a practice and perhaps used in government since its inception, it is time to change. time-honore- d W.L. Matheson Sandy Dream May Cost $112,128 "All I have to do is dream, sang Don and Phil Everly in the Sixties." a Dreaming has always been an American trait. Perhaps its because so many of us come from Chuck Buttgereit stock that had a dream related to Vice Chairman, freedom. After they came here T.L. County Republican Party they dared to pursue the Great American Dream. Built into all that dreamin is Political the Dream Home. A design firm Editor: in Eugene, Ore. has released Well Curly, Larry and Moe have done it again. findings of its Dream Home Once more they have put political expediency and Survey. Findings the company money over public safety and the peace of mind of plans to use in turning Americas Dream Home into reality. Magna residents. Earlier this year they turned thumbs down on a Many see Americans dreaming free standing library on donated land with donated of massive homes with white labor in favor of a makeshift facility in the sparkling pillars and private overpressure zone. Now they have created an even tennis courts. Those surveyed, greater hazard in that area by okaying the however, were a bit more expansion of the missile plant closer to not only the conservative. library but the whole town of Magna. First they allowed .the encroachment of the Perhaps theyve been sleepresidential area on Hercules. Then they turned ing with their bank books. around and gave away half of our tax base. After Sixty percent of the survey they gave away the tax base, and got their own cut of the pie, they again did an about face and let participants preferred a mediumHercules encroach on the residential area, taking sized house from 1,500 to 2,500 away prime land, lowering property values, and square feet with a budget of putting not only this community but nearby $112,128. In the past, a less communities at risk through the possibility of an realistic $70,000 was projected for explosion. They even ignored their own planning a 2,000 foot home. A surprising 67 staff. percent f the respondents said It is all well and good for the trio to talk about they will definitely build their Hercules safety record, and to minimize the risk of dream home. an accident. But then it is easier to sit in an office Theyd better hurry. According and make policy, than it is to actually live in the to the Salt Lake Board of Realtors the average price of a home in area they have already condemned to mediocrity. But it must have been a source of frustration to Salt Lake has increased 1,925 since 1923 when it was them to see the council they encouraged into percent existence to split the area, stand side by side on this $4,184 compared to todays issue with the council that has been in existence for $80,554. The good news is that 61 years. during the past few years home I have often been asked why I have chosen to prices have remained fairly thumb my nose at the establishment when they steady. The dramatic increases make stupid decisions, but I believe, as Robert came in the 70s when the Kennedy did, that each time a person stands up for average price increased from an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or $22,884 in 1970 to $68,073 in strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny 1980. ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those Setting is important to the ripples build a current that can sweep down the dreamers. mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. And to paraphrase Robert Kennedy again, what percent prefer the we need.in Magna is not division. What we need in country, 26 percent chose the city. Magna is not hatred. What we need in Magna is not Who knows where the rest want violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom and to be. The suburbs perhaps? Bold compassion for one another, and a feeling of contemporary styles were the bringing justice to those who through their own choice of 32 percent for the exterior; 35 percent favored greed and ignorance do harm to us. Expediency - Forty-seve- ) period architecture and ranch style was preferred by 25 percent. One aspect stands out closet space. A whopping 87 percent want a walk-i- n closet and they percent prefer country style (whatever that is); 34 percent want a kitchen. A pantry and a microwave is desired by 87 want it huge. Sixty-fiv- e percent percent. There are also many special like the idea of a skylight and 66 percent dream of a private bath requests. Eighty-fivpercent of with two basins all this in the the participants dream about barbecues on the patio. Only 20 master bedroom. is conservation a key percent want a swimming pool. Energy factor. Nearly everyone wants However, a fireplace fits into the dreams of 87 percent. Security extra insulation. Eighty-fivare considered important want systems an attached percent garage while 54 percent opt for storage by 47 percent. So, now you know what you space or a shop as well. should be looking for when you Certainly a most important shop for a home. Unless of course, aspect of any dream home is youre dreaming of something Forty-seve- n - e - e the kitchen. else. Are you receiving payments from the sale of your home? Would you like CASH today instead of payments? WE BUY MORTGAGES Highest Prices Paid Nationwide n 278-3334460 So. 0 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah , V |