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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Commentary mShs 4 By Jeanette Rusk The Trade Show on April 27 in general displayed a number of development projects that appear to have potential for an area which seems to have increasing tourism traffic. Some ofthe ideas presented may seem grandiose for today, but thiskind of affair looks to the future and aims higher than perhaps where we will end up. TTiat is OK We need this progressive, forward-lookin- g spirit, especially now when it would be easy to slip forecasts into because ofthe current hardships and setbacks in certain areas of doom-and-gloo- m the economy. However, one of the speakers left me baffled as to his purpose and message. Buz Williams of Bountiful, who was supposed to be speaking on the need to expand the golf course to 18 holes, confused me and maybe others in the audience. The most perplexing thing was that he kept putting down the local golf course, and that didnt fit with his message that it needs to be 18 holes. Maybe it was an arrogance and insensitivity on the part of Williams, but I know he rubbed the manager of the the local golf course, Jim Hunter, the wrong way, and it certainly left me wondering. Williams was making a good point about the importance of making visitors feel welcome in the community, but it was in poor taste to illustrate how not to do it with a personal experience he had earlier that day at the golf course. He said he was only able to play a few holes because of the bad weather, and was only refunded $16 of his green fees. I think he said the total was $36. business called GolfCard. Williams apparently is a key principal in that program which started about 10 years ago. It is a membership program by which, with the card that costs $75, people are able to get free play two times a year at each member course. Over 1,750 courses around the world are members. Williams said this is the only area in the state that doesnt offer Golf Card play. I cant remember exactly what he said, but I thought he was saying our golf course was the only one in Utah that wasnt a member. It turns out that, when you check the list of Golf Card members, only 20 out of 85 courses in are members. So what was the point of Williams comment? He seemed to be saying were hokey because were not members when everyone else is. That was distorted. But it also looks as if Williams was promotinghis own business more than expansion of the golf course. About the only thing Williams said that appeared to be on his assigned topic was the statement: You need an golf course because its the image of the-stat- e Letters To Editor 18-ho- le Thoughts on Pughs Editor: golf. I am writing this letter the thought he was unrealistic in saying if we would just build first thing this morning so I can a driving range and get people put my mind to rest. I have so out there learning to hit the ball, much remorse in my system that everyone would then want to get I have to expel it. out on the course and play golf. First, I and my late husband Golf does not appeal to every- started in business just one one, and its not just a matter month after we were married. of if you leam it, you will love Yes, a small gasoline station. We sold gasoline at 30 and 32 it. Its not a universal sport. cents a gallon. That was in 1946. Perhaps Williams problem We made a scarce living. Why was that he truly did not unwe stayed on, I really do not derstand why he was on the know, but we had established Later I asked Jim Hunter agenda. He started his pre- some roots and it was not quite about this, and he said Williams sentation by saying, I dont so easy to leave. Also we loved had dealt with one of his em- know why Im here. the area. Williams did make some good himhe and if He was a native, bom and ployees, probably self had handled it, he would points and he had some praise raised here. I am not, although I have given Williams a full re- as well as the criticism, but I have been here 45 years. We do fund. However, he said a partial just felt some of his remarks have some imprints in this red refund is quite defensible its were inappropriate and out of sand, having owned and operjust a judgment call. And he was sync with whattoI thought was ated three businesses here. Second, I am certainly not quite upset that Williams would his assignment talk about the of an importance based on golf proud of the appearance of the judge the golf course I 18-ho- le an incident like this. I asked another avid golfer and he said it would be unusual to get your money back that usually youre given a rain check for the unplayed holes. Williams said the new sign for the golf course is beautiful but he panned the tattered flag. Another putdown of the local golf course occurred in William s presentation, when he was talking about his involvement in a ... course. I expected to hear more about why we needed the expansion and then possibly how we go about getting it done. Im not sure Williams was quite the expert we needed in this area. The thesis that the golf course needs to be 18 holes appears to have wide support, but it doesnt help to start the campaign with slurs on what we have now. Enjoy an early morning walk or run this Saturday . . . be a participant in the Kanab 10K. yt ccVx'b God. I;U Pugh Mobile Park. However, has anyone stopped to realize the tax dollars that place has brought into Kanab? Many Reclamation. We packed 51 government trailers for two years at $25 a space. The people spent a great deal of money in Kanab. Many of them left here with a thankless feeling when theyhad to move on to Page. How many ofour people spend their money in the county instead of supporting the businesses who have put their dollar on the line? I feel that the Clarkson apartments are much needed and the site back of the mobile park will help clean up that street. As I recall, that street was the old U.S. 89 and we own 16 feet east of the city ditch. Perhaps we should move our fence line and insist the city finish the job they started (removing trees, which were rotten and falling). They abandoned that before removing roots. They have done a much better job of the removal of the city owned property. Let the people complain. But if a tree should fall, then who would be at fault? Let them sit back and admire with no responsibility. I really give Mr. Clarkson a pat on the back for even wanting to venture into business. I say and use the word I as I am speaking singularly so have it as they may and let them who complain do some thinking. Where do they earn their dollar? In Kane County and who pays it? It is so easy to sit back and complain if you do not do the people who have come into the area on jobs that move from one location to another and cannot afford to buy a home and cannot find an apartment to rent have and do live there. They take no interest in the upkeep of their yards, etc. The rent is low and one cannot pay to have a maintenance man. Also the City Fathers are as bad as the renters to do their jobs completely or see that they are done. I personally feel that the Pugh Mobile Park has been in the past job. Enough said for now. a big asset to the town, starting of Beth Pugh back in 1957 with the Bureau Debbi Update Editor: We would sincerely like to thank all those who contributed or helped in any way to make the fundraiser for Debbi Williams a huge and worthwhile event. The evening of the Dinner Fundraiser, we were able to raise over $5,000 for Roger, Debbi, and family. It was really overwhelming to see the love and support that comes when a community pulls together. Debbi is still unable to receive flowers or visitors, but the family appreciates everyones con- cern. Thanks so much for caring. Friends of Debbi The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. ) is published every Monday at 40 E. Center, Kanab, Utah 84741 .The News serves Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 40 E. Center, Kanab, Utah 84741, or telephone Advertising rates available upon request Second Class postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price 35c per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona, $17; others $25 (out of U.S. $35). The News reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 0049-1659- Matthew M. Brown Publisher Jeanette Rusk Editor POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS CARDS TQ40E CENTER, KANAB. Uff4741 |