OCR Text |
Show A10 lAROUIUDlDAVISI CLIPPER TODAY THURSDAY DECEMBER 9, 1999 Business group targets Internet taxes, education and roads BY TOM BUSSELBERG Clipper Today News Editor LAYTON From a business we want to make sure perspective, our education professionals are meeting the market demand, said Chris Dallin, president of the North Davis Chamber of Commerce. Speaking of priorities hammered out by the countywide Legislative Affairs Committee, he said education was among key issues the group will support and push with local legislators. Because of the governor's commitment to send more money that way (to education), we want to make sure it is spent correctly from a business perspective, he said, using the example, we don't want them teaching (students) bn an Apple HE. We want to make sure theyre matching the demand out there. From an economic development perspective, when an IBM (or similar firm) looks at an area to move into, workforce is one of the most important things they look at. We want to make sure the work- - force matches that demand, starts from kindergarten-colleg- e to properly educate, he emphasized. Noting committee members are still strong m support of the Legacy Highway being built, Dallin said it's because of such crippling accidents as the oil spill m December of 1998 that shut down at 84th South What if that happened in front of it would shutdown Lagoon Northern Utah. We depend on getting things through via truck, and human resources as well, he contin ued. But the committee realizes transportation must go beyond the Legacy Highway to include light rail as well. The Legacy and rail cant be at odds, must work together) he said, adding that the issue goes beyond convenience, even to the freedom to be able to travel as needed. Right now, if you have a flight leaving the airport at 9, you have to be on the road at 6. On the Internet, Dallm said the governor is pushing big for correct something committee members agree. For example, if you go to amazon.com and buy a book it is not taxed. But if you have an Internet business in Utah, youre taxed for it. No matter what happens, everybody needs to be the same. It needs to be done as a global issue) he added. The chamber of commerce and legislative affairs committee are all about the free market enterprise system, and this is not equitable for everyone that's taxation, why we're fighting to make it equi- table for everyone. Other issues of concern are obtaining funding for Weber State University Davis campus planning, and a variety of Hill Air Force d issues. Dallin added that the legislative affairs group, in its third year of existence but its second as a countywide group, has gained new members that include such officials as the mayor of Centerville and city manager of South Weber, Sheriff Base-relate- Bud Cox, the commander HAFB, and others. The group will meet again Dec. 15 at 7.30 am. at Davis Applit&l Technology Center, with cost 3f for a year's member$100 pre-pa- y ship and breakfast and material. Starting with the legislative session in January, meetings will be held each Wednesday along with weekly sessions with legislators at the Capitol. For more information call Ext. 2. 546-129- 3, C3(E QILOaDDe HOME) 75 FURNISHINGS BALSAM PINE CHRISTMVS TREE Ski 3062929 Library tax increase to be considered on Dec. 13 by Davis County BY TOM BUSSELBERG Clipper Today News Editor - FARMINGTON On Monday, Dec. 13, the Davis County Commission will consider a small tax increase for library upgrades and construction as part of its overall budget. The increase would be $13.64 a year for the owner of a $157,000 home, excluding those in Kaysville who are served by their own library. Library Director Pete Giacoma noted Tliesday 'that there have been no tax' increases for library service in many years. A temporary, increase to pay for construction of the Central Branch Library in Layton 11 years ago was removed after three years. The $1.3 to $1.4 million extra anticipated in tax revenue would go for a variety of upgrades, including construction of a childrens area in the basement of South Branch in Bountiful; expansion of Central Branch; construction of new, smaller libraries m Centerville and Syracuse; expansion of computer and other services in all libraries, some starting immediately. An example of such a service that could be started as early as January is acquisition of CDs on books to augment the g books on cassette tapes. Initially, about $3,000 per year per library will be expended to purchase 50 books for each, or 200 total. Giacoma said that while CDs cost slightly more than tapes, their potential shelf life is infinite. Barring real abuse, their life is very long, he said. Board member Paul Rowland agreed that CDs are gaining in popularity, with some newer vehicles only fitted with CDs vs. cassette players. We would like to begin this as part of our upgrade immediately, either later this month or by January, Giacoma emphasized. The new children's area construction is the first major project pegged for a start early next year, with completion set about one year from now. We're on a pretty snug schedule, Giacoma said. In other discussion with the board, Giacoma noted that the current Internet policy to restrict inappropriate use is going well, with staff having very little problem. , . The director also said he would long-standin- US iflBflitQMBS iwojb mgie: istoiWpWifelumi r7r I D present detailed information about a possible book security system, noting, however, that there is little problem now meaning he may not propose any change, especially if cost of the system doesnt d outweigh expenses. theft-relate- Check out the Clipper Today at the new web page at SpUJS Mi 05E SPUE syi ascia MMl www.clippertoday.com riltnAii in A nr (poor c |