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Show THE With illuminate only what is necessary. Those especially passionate about the issue should lead _ by example, and lend a hand to neighbors fearful of change or boogie-men. There might even be a night sky grant just waiting out there somewhere that could help folks with the NUTSHELL Steve FROM Russell STEVE & Jim purchase of effective fixtures. Stiles Cloud Rock Is Not the End of the World As We Know It: : Cloudrock is not Satan. If half the effort that has gone into preparing and planning that RUSSELL Moab Decision Making Moves to the Next Level: Never lacking for controversy, Moab has usually taken a fractious, polarized or backroom route for decision making on matters of widespread public importance. We still have our issues today: Cloudrock, the Lighting Ordinance, anatomical references not to mention the Bypass and the Pile, SITLA, and the usual array of end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it project had gone into public planning, Moab.and Grand County would be far different and much improved. SITLA needs to be controlled and must be more overtly public about its activities, that’s true. However, given the controversy and widespread public interest in Cloudrock, it is unlikely that SITLA’s activities will go unmonitored henceforth. The project will begin with just a "Wilderness Lodge" and we've all seen the grand plan for entire project. I frankly doubt that the build-out on Cloudrock will ever occur. Before it does, the ‘demographics of Grand County would have to change dramatically. growth and development issues. It seems though, that our methods for decision making are maturing. Recently here have been huge crowds at meetings to discuss the Cloudrock Development, the new water system in Spanish Valley, the decision on whether to accept pre-paid impact fees and censorship in our public facilities. And, while one. might question how the empowered . weighed the comments and opinions of those who spoke at these meetings before rendering I believe when Midas comes off the Mesa she will be much happier in, and supportive of Moab than a place like, say. Vail, any day their decisions, there is little doubt that the community is energized at a level seldom seen on matters of public interest. That’s why it was particularly heartening to see the lineup for a panel discussion on growth that was held at the civic center in February. The meeting was moderated by Matthew Gross of the Moab Citizens’ Alliance which also sponsored the event. Present were | Lance Christie, of the Grand County Planning Commission; Richard Grice, Grand County’s planning consultant; Al McLeod, Grand County Council; Dale Pierson, head of Spanish Valley Water & Sewer; Rex Tanner, from Pro Moab; Julie VanDomelin of the Moab Area Economic Development Committee; and Brook Williams from the Castle Rock Collaboration in Castle Valley. That is the way to facilitate informed decision making, and citizen groups like Pro Moab and Moab Citizens’ Alliance deserve a great deal of the credit for this sensible approach. There seems to be a strong undercurrent of sentiment that Cloudrock, and the Moabwe-know-and-love cannot coexist—that they are mutually exclusive. Here lies the naysayers’ chance at redemption. Rather than a community and its common folk being forced out by rampant consumptive development as we see all over the West, in this case we let the fantastically fortunate in, but only on the condition that the community remain intact, and that the ae of the new development be a net positive for the rabble. What we're talking about here is planning, foresight and cooperation. Think. about it. Is a developer going to be more or less likely to "spread the wealth" in a community that welcomes or spurns him? Moab need not be lost in the transition to the New West. Verily, What our elected and appointed officials are sure to find is that for every important I say unto you...People with lots of money are going to do something with it, wouldn’t decision, Moab offers myriad viewpoints and factors to be considered in making sound, you? And some rich folk actually have souls, yearnings and vague recollections of being connected to the world. Being rich does not automatically make one a greedy vacuum for long-term decisions. With this kind of effort, we can be sure that the voice of the people all that is right and good. Being rich does mean that one, potentially, has much to give. They may not know it, but Moab may be just the kind of place they're looking for. They will at least be heard. Keep it up everyone. - may not want to live next to Tom Tom’s, but if Moab can hold on to its essential character The Torch: The Torch is coming through on its way to the asphalt front to light up that great real estate development and federal funding boondoggle (with games to amuse and distract the masses) known as the Olympics. Consistent with the ethos of modern Olympics, the news also appears to have ignited a flaming desire to capitalize on economic opportunities presented by the torch right here in River City. Well, it’s coming. Make your bucks if you must, but let’s think about this, and if the torch is a symbol of anything decent or noble anymore, let’s handle the running of the torch with some class and show those schmucks from up north a thing or two about real Utah values. Then Grand County can file its petition to secede to Colorado. Star Light, Star Bright... and its off-beat integrity, I believe that when Midas comes off the Mesa she will be much happier in and more supportive of Moab than a place like, say, Vail, any day. I know you're reading the Zephyr, but try to think positive. The Belly-Button Chronicles: Certain segments of society acted as if they found their undies full of goatheads over a recent thespian production that (gasp!) used the physiologically accepted word for part of the female reproductive anatomy in offended I tell you--Offended!" The call went forth for censorship in buildings. The following story, found deep in the Zephyrs archives box), is for those folks. correct and commonly its title. "My wife was Moab’s publicly funded (actually, under the cat Once upon a time there existed an idyllic, isolated place called Ruzickghanistan. Its The effort to preserve Moab’s night sky is worthy, but the current plan assures failure. Giving folks seven years to find a sconce allows the worriers far too much time to ignore people were attractive, intelligent and unpolluted by organized religion. They understood the seamless web that linked them inextricably with all things, and it was said that they and obfuscate the issue and/or develop ulcers. Also, the proposed requirements along the highway should be reduced or eliminated. Let 191 be our "ribbon of light." It will give the lived their lives with an active intention to preserve and protect their world for those who would follow. Of course, all thinking Ruzickians knew that the belly-button was their spiritual center—the very window to their soul. It was the place where life itself entered the body, and so the belly-button was revered, respected and kept meticulously clean. In time, there formed a group of men who believed first and foremost in wealth and possessions, and that the world and its people should be subject to their control. These men tram riders something to gawk at. As a compromise, we could get rid of the disgusting billboards entirely. The few gas stations and other businesses lit up like a maximum security prison yard can just unscrew a couple hundred thousand bulbs or reduce their output by attrition from a trillion watts to a billion as they flame out. The issue just isn’t that complicated or difficult. Point your lights at the ground, not the firmament, and The Original Australian Elastic-sided Boot is now available at MOAB OUTDOORS 702 S. Main St. WEAR THE BOOT THAT TAKES YOU... 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