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Show r i ft SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 22, 1895 Guest Editorial Service officials that there were mitted, to the White Mountain ways to accomplish their objectives without eliminatingthe liveIndependent in Arizona. lihoods Lessons from Fredonia Over ofhardworkingresidents. and over we told them. Brent Work with us, we asked. But By Mackelpmng Mayor, Town of Fredonia, community input was ignored. Arizona The Forest Service placed one I represent about 1100 people too many straws on Kaibabs who live in Fredonia, a small, back. We thought community simple Arizona town near the input would make a difference. Utah border. You may have It didnt. driven through our community These federal officials, faced on your way to Grand Canyons with no election or local accountNorth Rim, or to see the spec- ability, ran right over us. tacular scenery on display at That has to change. Bureaucratic disregard for local opinion Bryce or Zion National Park. I would like to share an unfor- is wrong. tunate lesson we learned at the I hope the Forest Service has hands of the United States For- had time to reflect on its deciest Service, and express a hope sion and apply a lesson learned that Forest Service personnel to an issue where the stakes are NOTE: This editorial was sub- years, the Forest Service supported policies that became too much for our largest employer to bear. But it doesnt have to be that way with Canyon Forest Village. The Forest Service can, and d We cerns. dont want taxpayer-owne- should, embark on a course land, our land, turned which grants local opinion the over to these international in- fullest consideration possible. For the Forest Service, Can vestors. We want the Forest Service to look after our interests, rather than those of the men whose only interest in the area is to realize a Six Flags Grand land exchange that would give these developers the land they need for the project. So here we go again. The local citizenry, in this case regional citizenry, is imploring the Forest Service to listen to its con- yon Forest Village represents an opportunity to establish better and mutually beneficial relationships with northern Ari- zona communities, and, new and improved criteria for federal decision-makin- g. For us, Canyon Forest Village represents a worst nightmare for land planning and natural wonder treatment. Canyon. My question is this: Should local input matter in federal decision-making- ? And if so, how much? I suggest yes and a great deal. In fact, I would argue that local input should be two have a or learned the even issue that may thing higher. Its an primary consideration for from our debate, and will now not only affects Fredonia, but a the instances Ive cited. The Forapply that experience to the con- natural wonder and numerous est Service needs to change the troversy surrounding a massive new commercial development at Grand Canyon. For years, hundreds ofour citizens have gone to work at the Kaibab Industries timber mill just south of town. Those jobs helped provide for Fredonia families and keep our struggling community together. They wont be any more. Now, Fredonia is going to lose nearly 200 jobs and dozens of families who have called our town home for many years. Last month, Kaibabs mill became another casualty of Forest Service politics. The mill is ceasing operations, like so many others have across our state, We didnt go down without a fight. Our citizens told Forest other Northern Arizona communities as well. CANYON FOREST VILLAGE By now you may have heard that investors in this project hope to litter Grand Canyons South Rim with 5,000 hotel rooms, 2,600 d condominiums and homes, 500,000 square feet of new retail space and use nearly two million gallons of water per day to sustain this environmental Disneyland. Northern Arizona communities deplore such commercial concentration and are gravely concerned about the environmental and economic consequences of the development. However, before such plans can proceed, the United States Forest Service must approve a high-price- Kanab Area Physicians Calendar It seems pretty evident lately building off a little, what would the city needs to hire a public be wrongith fixing up the outrelations person. side, asphalt, etc? We wouldnt Close the library? That deci- want the towns beautification sion (subsequently overturned) commander taking a picture of was bad enough, but fire the it! Not that he wants to upset nice handicapped lady that anyone or threaten anyone with way it does business. For just how much longer can works there, and then give the court action Hejust wants things federal agencies, supposedly de- reason she has trouble commu- neat. After all, he didnt just lose his job. Those weeds should be a signed to protect the public in- nicating with the public? You guys and gal on the Coun- priority for everyone? terest avoid the scorn of too many cil do yourselves a favor and Want a fight? Mention the betrayed communities and the reform of those who rightfully watch yourselves on KND live, word Principal in Fredonia! and see if you can understand Boy, if you guys would have put represent the public interest? it is youre saying! Besides this much effort in fighting to what We need more ideas like the ones proposed by Governor that, handicapped means differ- keep Kaibab open the princiwho pal would be the only one lookSymington, which would allow ent things. Is the person in booster a sits chair during ing for a job, instead of most of greater state control over federal lands. Ideas like that will city council meetings handi- the town. Sounds like the Kane County help get decisions closer to the capped? And theres a few who to two in need school sit one board is going to spend and chairs, people. And ideas like that may have a sleeping disor- some more money on new buildvery well keep small communi- j that must der. These people do all right ings. Another good idea, since ties together, and so does just months ago they were not away from national with their handicaps, going to renew some teachers treasures. Weve had enough of Marilyn. But enough of that. Have any of you attended contracts next year because of the federal vacuum. What happened in Fredonia county commission meetings, or all the students we were anticiis, unfortunately, done. Over the should I say the Joe Judd Show, pated to lose because of the mega-developmen- ts & Office Hours Dr. Jackson 644-261- 2 644-261- 2 meeting where Steve and Norm had a comment, but Joe picked up on it and began a narration on something that made sense to him and I thought, only him! But whats really scary is, Karla seems to understand! Have you ever been to the citys new community center? Looks great inside, looks like a D.O.T. shed on the outside! Seems if we wanted to show this building off, we could spend a little money to make it look a little nicer. Besides if we wanted to show this Dr. Obasi 643-733- 1 Dr. Pandya 644-266- 5 Dr. Roberts 644-261- 2 Dr. Anderson-OrthopeDr. Dr. Olson-PodiaDr. Peterson-Ea- r, Dr. Phillips-Radiolo- 1st Tuesday each month dic Knibee-Rheumatolo- 2nd Monday each month gist 1st Thursday each month tric gist Nose & Throat 2nd Tuesday each month 2nd & 4th Wed. each month Brought to you by Kane County Hospital much they get paid! Now I had a comment about things in Orderville, but Roger got grease on my notes at the station so Ill get them next time. My final thought. Senator Dimitri is trying to make Big Water known as the Gateway to Lake Powell. OK, lets get our representative Tom Hatch to make Kanab the Gateway to spotted owl country and give an award if you can find one! And thats how it looks from the backseat!! Kane County Narcotics 644-261- 2 644-261- 2 "HOT-LINE- " 644-581- 1 644-818- 8 644-261- 2 644-581- 1 The Kane County Hospital's regular governing board meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Kane County Hospital's Conference room. V on Monday mornings? Seems he Kaibab closure. Oh well, its been doesnt like the Travel Council their theory all along to put either. Good move Joe, it sure money into other things besides helped Ray Lopeman. There was teachers salaries. If you dont a very crucial point in the last believe me, ask a coach how Confidential, Anonymous Narcotic Information, Funds available to anyone providing information leading to narcotic related arrests. Leave Recorded Information, or Contact Kane County Narcotics Strike Force Agent D. Scott Jackson |