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Show "t SHjr jalt fake tribune Sooth Pulley Edition Salt Lake City, Utah Wednesday Morning 5 August 13, 1986 IISSIDE: Editorial: Midvale Max or Needs to Advise Couneil FreeSlyle: Flying High. But Not Doing It JJ ell 80s Comics Fans Thirst for Realistic Heroes Batman Is Now An Ex-Dru- nk Bv Scott Rivers Tribune Staff Writer as well as comic Comic books have changed. book heroes The updated Batman isnt quite the symbol of truth and justice he once was; instead, he is a recovering alcoholic and meaner than Dirty Harry. Superman, on the other hand, is now emotionally vulnerable and less powerful. After nearly 50 years, the Caped Crusader and Man of Steel have become more human and less heroic. However, the transitions have added a tremendous boost to the comic book industry, with increasing sales and a diversity of titles. Comic books are more collectable than antiques nowadays. They have no economic boundaries," said Stephan LaFreniere who, with his wTife Carol, are owners of Comics Utah the state's largest comic inventory. It appears comic books are no longer for kids only. They now tackle such contemporary adult issues as drugs and missing children. According to Mr. LaFreniere, the majority of his customers are adults including lawyers, doctors and professors who, as children, enjoyed the enduring art form. The Guide to Comics Collecting, Comics produced by the weekly Buyer's Guide" newspaper, reports that 23 percent of its readers come from households with an annual income of $40,000 or more, 55 percent have some college education, and 96 percent are male. However, an in- See Page 2, Column 1 Comics Utah owner Stephan LaFreniere displays three 1960s Marvel comic books, each valued at $160 but original- - Trttju've 00 t, Ptc t ooa 12 for lowest the cents. worth price Today, ly comic book is 75 cents, with special editions costing more. 24-pa- i Midvale Mayor, Council at Odds Over Attorney Firing By Katherine Kapos Tribune Staff Writer With the MIDVALE and mayor at odds over fired City Attorney Marc Mascaro and neither side willing to give in the courtroom may be the only place the problem can be resolved. The status of Mr. Mascaro, who was fired by the mayor last month, has been unclear since the Aug. 5 council meeting. The council voted to restore Mr. Mascaro to his position and to pay his salary. Mayor Everett E. Dahl, however, refused to honor the vote, saying he would not authorize payments to the attorney. - 3-- 2 city-counc- "It's really not clear who has relative authority." said Jack Richards, attorney for the Utah League of Cities and Towns. If they can resolve it without going to court, that's wonderful." Councilman L. Reid Fillmore agreed with Mr. Richards' assessment. Members of the council would prefer not to spend taxpayers money to take the issue to court. Mr. Fillmore said. But the mayor is forcing that issue. The only way the council could force him to back off would be to take him to court." Since he took office in January. Mayor Dahl has been critical of Mr. Mascaro's legal expenses. According to Mr. Fillmore, the mayor has always had the intent of getting rid of Mr. Mascaro. He said that one way or another Marc Mascaro would not be attorney," said Mr. Fillmore. In February, the mayor refused to pay Mr. Mascaro's salary, citing his excessive budget. The counIn the cil overruled the action. 5-- 0. decision. Mr. Mascaro was required to give a monthly report on how his budget was spent. During the budget process, the mayor again tried to lower the expenses by alotting $45,000 to the legal department. The council voted to keep the budget at its previous level of $68,000. Mr Mascaro then received a letter from the mayor July 15 saying his duties would end July 31. Mayor Dahl did not inform the council members of his intention and only mentioned the dismissal in passing during the council meeting Essentially, he said. By the way I fired Mr. Mascaro."' Mr. Fillmore said. There was not an official item on the agenda mentioning it." Councilmembers were surprised and upset with the announcement, and Mr. Fillmore firmly believes the mayor's action is not legal He cannot ask for a resignation or remove anyone from office without the consent o! the council, he said The mayor said. The matter of city attorney rests w ith the mayor It does not require the attention o: the council " Mayor Dahl is hoping the problem resolves itself namely that Mr. Mascaro will resign But if that does not happen, he is willing to go to court We might have to have a judge decide this." he said But I would like to put the issue behind us This type of thing is disruptive and takes too much time Maybe court is the only answer See Page 2, Column 1 |
