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Show In 1970, Jake Garn was a freshman City Commissioner, Orrin Hatch was a lawyer, Dan Marriott was an insurance salesman, Gunn McKay was a gubernatorial assisant, and Salt Lake County Republicans were in trouble. In 1978, Garn and Hatch are United States Senators, Marriott and McKay are United States Representatives, and Salt Lake County Republicans again are in trouble. Faced with the problems of 70, GOP leaders drafted Murray Mayor William E. Dunn, a symbol of decency, to head their ticket. He fulfilled his mission, and not only was elected County Commissioner himself but also carried most of his colleagues to victory. As they confront the difficulties of 78, current Republican sachems look to Dunn to save them once more. They reason that, just as he caused the electorate to overlook Phil Blomquist before, he will convince the citizenry to disregard Bill Hutchinson this November. So they certainly wish that he will run for a third term. Present leadership probably assesses the pragmatic dogmatics situation correctly. Dunns eight years in office have left him free of personal scandal and high in general regard. Even if he has not gained a fanatic following, neither has he created a dedicated opposition. On the other hand, Dunn well could conclude that it is not in his best political interests to remain on the Commission, and further that he owes no obligation to his party. Dunn could believe that any future opportunities he might seize would be damaged by another four years of the rough-an- d tumble that characterizes the Courthouse. Frank E. Ted Moss once County Attorney, later Senator is the only County official ever to achieve higher office. Perhaps two or more years of respectable retreat to his Murray pharmacy would enhance Dunns prospects for, say, Governor. Moreover, Dunns debts to the Republicans are nearly Those who initially recruited him pledged they would help him climb up the political ladder. They may not have reneged, but they didnt perform. Garn, non-existen- Will Bill Dunn run? by Kent Shearer Hatch and Marriott, among Republicans, have passed him by. And while Dunn got the Secretary of State nomination in 1972, it eluded him two years ago. Will Dunn therefore opt out? Nobody knows. Rumor has it that, last month, he gave a "farewell interview to a courthouse reporter. Any such story has yet to appear, and meanwhile there has surfaced a newspaper business portrait which reads like a campaign piece. My utterly uninformed guess is that reason to the contrary the Commissioner will seek a third term. The County Commission has its compensations, not the least of which is monetary. It also has its glamor, and how do you keep them down on the farm after theyve t. seen Washington Square? Either way, odds are that the future will hear more of Bill Dunn. TK AA6S ife au AKlP VHX6 W OF vauR w (R3PS. AMP Ut6 ARABS SAV INJJ5 OF ' SO LC- U- The grey haired old man at the rostrum struck a distinguished pose. He looked vaguely familiar, though I was unable to place him. I presumed him to be either a movie or television by Parker M. Nielson Bureaucrats may do it better personality, undoubtedly respected and accomplished. The setting appeared to be a large dinner theatre or club and the several hundred persons in attendance were well dressed and apparently peers of the man at the rostrum. My impression was of the grey haired man being honored for his past achievements. He paid respect to his wife, and the crowd applauded. His sister and daughter were introduced, to more applause. Many others of his family and friends were also acknowledged, even down to his grandson who was a mere child, in each instance to rounds of applause. Now, I happen to approve of such events and do not wish to be understood to the contrary. It is regrettably infrequent that we honor our fellows, particularly when their star has fallen to the horizon. Such ceremonies arc invariably a bore, but must be endured for the sake of moral uplift. But this was on television, and during prime time. That I found offensive. Moreover, I found it a sad commentary on the mismanagement of the television industry. During the 15 or so minutes that I viewed the affair the distinguished old man said nothing I disagreed with. He also said nothing with which I could agree. There is danger in taking events out of context and I assume other portions of the of time program werp of substance, but during that space that nothing was said, or done that was informative, or artisitic conveyed an idea or point of view, or that displayed ability, nor was there any attempt to entertain. The fact is that the man said or did nothing, save to introduce his family and friends, nor did he suggest any reason for their introduction (other than his grandson was a good hitter in the Little Leagues). The thought of billions of dollars worth of resources being tied up in such an innocuous and pointless exercise as however talented, accomplished or well witnessing a man known introducing his family and friends was shocking. An entire television network, the time of millions of viewers (who have only themselves to blame) and the media of mass communications which are affected with a public interest, were what? Absolutely nothing! This is what the occupied with - - - captains of free enterprise, the television executives, have determined that their resource, so uniquely suited to inform, entertain and educate, shall be devoted to. The record of many other industries is equally bad. Meantime, we arc subjected to the constant claque of those who extol the virtues of free enterprise and decry the waste of bureaucracy. I am fully aware of the failings of the government, but it is difficult to imagine any bureaucrat allowing such staggering resources to be wasted on such a mindless exercise. It is so easy to say that private industry, in response to supply and demand, sets priorities better, but just look at what it is they have given us. But for an occasional athletic event or news program, my television set had not been on for years prior to this chance viewing. Now 1 think I recall why. |