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Show THE ZEPHYR AUGUST 1 990 PAGE 10 one on one an interview with Feme Mullen On July 24, 1990, an Interview was conducted with Grand County Commissioner, Feme Mullen. The Interview has been edited for clarity and length. Camping Ordinance Zephyr: What do vou think of this proposal bv local commercial campground owners to ban camping In the county other than at established campgrounds? It would be a 12 mile radius around Feme: It wouldn't really be county-wid- e. Moab. It wouldnt take In Big Bend. At first they meant county-wid- e, and I got real Irate because I like to go out and camp. Dave and I didnt want to have to camp In a campground. And Dave brou$it up the Boy Scouts and people Ilka that They decided then that that wasn't what they meant I can see In some ways that we're In competition with them for business. On the other hand. If we controlled It years ago when Uons park allowed overnight campers, Sllckrock Campground went to the council and It agreed, they were In competition. So they stopped overnight camping. Zephyr: How would vou enforce something like that? Feme: I would like to try to put signs along the River, "Absolutely no overnight camping, and then do some patrolling. The Sheriff's Department or the BLM could do It and ticket a few. Most people will respect that, but we haven't even put a sign up and this Is where were making a big mistake. That won't cost much while were waiting to decide what to do. Zephyr: Robin Groff pointed out to me the other day that for about 8 months out of the year, there Is no problem along the River at all, and questioned the logic of banning camping altogether. How do vou feel about that? Feme: With the signs you could take them down during the slow times. As you say, last week I drove down from Cisco, and It was pretty empty. over-crowdi- ng Courthouse Expansion Zephyr: We've talked about the proposed expansion many times, and the Commission has always stated that It has no choice but to make the Improvements and spend the money. But what would really happen If we said, we cant afford this? Feme: Wed lose our court system. Theyd move to Monticeilo or some place else. It would be Inconvenient for the local people who have to go to court And Zephyr: la the quality of the lall Inhumane now? Feme: I cant say. Im not going to answer that-- 1 dont know. Zephyr: With the costa of the prelects, do vou ever regret that vou didn't direct aoma of that mineral lease monies from the Road Board to the other things? Feme: Yes, Ive had some second thoughts on that There are ao many roads that need Improvement That road from Cisco down to the boat launch Is In terrible shape. Wed Ilka to pave that Why couldn't some of that money be uaed for something Ilka that? Weve asked Jimmie Walker to Inventory all the roads In the County. There are miles and miles of roads and they need to be classified Another road that needs attention Is Murphy Lane and the Egg Ranch Road They could take care of those roads. But that Isn't what they had In mind Public Office sovour two years as a politician Zephyr: Youve decided not to run for It I to be what vou expected? If out vou to turned ask are drawing to a close. wanted I Feme: Yes and no. dUnt expect miracles. My husband was a councilman and dont you change things. The wheels turn very slowly. It takes months. The other day at the meeting, I said demand that the next meeting we discuss this nuisance ordinance. This Is ridiculous. I get more questions about tills and as far aa I'm concerned we ahould pass It Merv agreed other than making a couple small changes. I know Dave Is against It But Its one of the things I want to have In place. If s a shame that we don't have an ordinance. If s embarrassing. Zephyr: Whv has It dragged on? Feme: We kept thinking we'd have time, but nobody wanted to discuss It So this next time, If s going to be dealt with. Zephyr: What do vou think has been vour biggest accomplishment with this Commission? And vour worst failure? Feme: I think that maybe we were more responsible to the public. Our failure has been not to act quickly enough on some Issues. We should have been more aggressive on the River Corridor, and the Atlas Mill. You don't even know who to contact You get switched from one person to another. But thats one reason I don't want to run again ; I Just dont have the strength or will to pursue tt. Ive devoted a lot of time to It Zephyr: Do vou have any advice for vour successor? Feme: Hang In there. If s going to be tough. re-elec-tion 1 wed lose revenues. Zephyr: How much would we lose? Feme: They pay per aquare foot for the use. And then the Jail - we'd lose It We're on borrowed time for It Zephyr: Who would shut the tail down? Feme: The State and Federal governments because we do not meet specifications. They can close the Jail down and say you will not put Inmates In there. Zephyr: But If we don't have the money, what can vou do? Feme: Ifs like so many other things. But Just take one case of a patron of the Jail loose and goes out there In the lobby and shoots people. gets Zephyr: Is the security that bad In the lall right now? Feme: It's not good. We dont have the other facilities either. The rooms aren't up to standard We're In the stage of protecting the criminal, and In some ways If s good We shouldnt be Inhumane anyhow.. Nelsons Heating and Refrigeration serving Moab since 1962 1070 Bowling Alley Ln 259-562- 5 HEAT GOES UP , AND QUITS, AN yoR you QIN ice-me- D SMIMp C061ER, ATTORNEYS TITLE Lynda Stocks , manager William L. 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