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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 1399 OPINION Guest Editorial A Reflections on rural Utah By Gov. Michael O. Leavitt Two weeks ago, the executive branch of Utah State Govern- ment packed up and moved to central and southern Utah to listen and to learn. For three days, we heard directly from the people of rural Utah - what is most important to them and why they are so important to us. The trip was unprecedented. Never before have the governor, lieutenant governor and every department head in state government transferred the seat of power from Salt Lake City. But between September the capitols of Utah were Richfield, St. and Kanab, George Panguitch. The discussions that occurred, the beliefs expressed and the actions taken only underscore the challenges and opportunities facing rural Utah as we enter a new century of highspeed technology, rapid growth, global economics and land use decision-makin- g that will impact lives and livelihoods for generations. We are wiser and better as a result of this trip. It was important for the Director of Corrections to hear that prison privatization in northern Utah may cause a decline in debtservicing revenues for southern Utah counties with new jails. The head of UDOT needs to know that transportation does not main just mean overpasses in Salt Lake City but sycamore-line- d streets through Santa Clara. It is good government for the governor to come face to face with the passion that entwines people and place, and no issue exemplifies the relationship more powerfully than the debate over roads 8-1- 0, and lands. No issue aroused more emotion, skepticism, frustration and anger than the ramifications of the Grand Staircase-Escalant- e National Monument. From that one decision, launched in stealth by the federal government nearly three years ago to the day, come all the other concerns: RS2477 roads, Title V roads, management plans, access, recreation, jobs and the historical tensions between a distant government that owns 65 ofall Utah lands and the local people who live on them. The issue is our heritage, one man said. To me it is our ground. Theyre saying were poor stewards of the land. If were so poor, why do they want it? To another southern Utahn, lands and roads are indivisible. Roads are vital to us, he said. They are the only asset the government doesnt already have. On this issue, rural Utahns are uncompromising, but they are also realistic. And between those truths is the solution. As a state, we will determine areas of common agreement with the federal government. If we get what we want, it is acceptance not compromise, and those areas of mutual acceptance will be settled first. Then we will turn to the areas of disagreement. Ifthe choice is fold or fight, the state will summon every available resource and stand with rural Utah to fight. We will preserve our way of life, and at the same time improve and modernize it. In this respect, the states smaller towns and communities are no different from metropolitan Utah. Rural Utahns want the best education for their children. They work to make ends meet and pay taxes. They use computers and the worldwide web daily and are well aware that the Internet is the key to success in the expanding global, market. But there are some unique hardships associated with life in small-tow- n Utah, as the road trip made clear. There is no kidney dialysis center in central Utah, so a patient in Sevier County who needs dialysis must be driven to Provo for treatment every other day. Twenty rural airports vital to economic development and emergency medical services cannot operate without consistent state funding. State burn-da- y requirements be Wasatch the the air but are overly Front, along may clearing How do schools of for rest state. with fewer the the rural restrictive resources for counselors, media centers and equipment provide a education, and how do rural towns create the jobs and economic opportunities to keep their educated young adults from moving away? Those are but a few of the concerns voiced to the Leavitt administration during a tour that yielded depth of feeling along with fact. Where action could be taken immediately, we took it. Where difficulties experienced by citizens warranted a review of a polity or regulation, we launched it. When we promised to take the capitol to rural Utah again, we meant it. This November the state flag will fly in Price, Blanding, Monticello and Moab. The state of Utah will leave no community behind as we set. 'cqur for, greater' $uccess and,qpppnity thenextienry,-i i 4 r 3. r.i t'C j rl i mi .i '.f.f.i top-not- ch ' ; X V X K S r-- 1 Letters to the Editor What is your opinion ? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered for publication. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be signed and include your full name, address and telephone number. Legends Southern Utah news AAA Deadlines AAA FRIDAY well-wish- es Dear Editor: We would like to thank the many people who showed up at our booth at the Western Legends Roundup. It was very nice to talk to all of you. We truly enjoyed the western spirit that emanated from all who live here and from those who came to visit. It was a great way to spend a weekend, and the mood was very festive. Thanks to Dennis and Kathy Judd, along with all their volunteers, for the many hours of work in planning and setting things up. The Northern Arizona Fair in Fredonia was a welcome spot as well. We really felt the true spirit of the old west there and want to thank all our friends for their support. As the old cowpokes said in the old days, it takes a real partner to hang out on the Arizona Strip. The way all of you pull together is an example to the rest of the world. Thanks to all those who made this weekend possible and for all the talent that was shared. Lyle & Janetha Brooksby ol 1l.vv I Lt:u PM See LETTERS, Page 5 ami WN-Nt- The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every N. at Main 26 Utah . 84741 Wednesday The SUNews serves St., Kanab, Kane County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Address communications to 26 N. Main St, Kanab, Utah 84741 , Fax ortelephone rates available upon request. Second Class Advertising postage paid at Kanab, Utah 84741 . Newsstand price is 50c per copy. Yearly subscription rates to Kane County addresses and Fredonia and Moccasin, Arizona, $22; others $30 (out of U.S. $50). The SUNews reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement or submitted items. 9) 435-644-292- 6. 435-644-290- 0, Dennis and Dixie Brunner Publishers and Editor Sharlotte Brewer Production Staff Michael Evangelista Prodi ictionLayout Carol SullivanLaurali Noteman Reporters Myrna Cox Valley News Barb KimbaliLori S. Mohr Corrigan Fredonia News Barbara Pyles Postmaster: Send change of Feature Writer address cards to - 26 N. Main St., Kanab, UT 84741 - TO bVj 1 iV.vr.i . .V - - t- - t Xv.:lc r r' n r b r r ri y 4 Mt.vn ryt oriLV.. |