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Show 20. 1998 Page Basin OPINION Uintah Basin Standard A Tax We Need money which is becoming scarce commodity, particularly inrural areas). The tax revenue would provide money for a museum inwhich to display our history. Did you know that Duchesne County is one of a few out ofthe states 29 counties, with no museum? Whenitcomes to recreation, there would be moneyformore sporting events and recreational events in each community. Providing opportunities for more good, clean fun for people -especially our youth, will have an enormous The word tax may be the only word with just three letters. Yes, Duchesne County doeshave one ofthe highest property tax rates in the state. And yes, Duchesne County has proposed adding a sales tax on all retail purchases, a privilege afforded to them by the State Legislature. The thought of having to pay more for four-lett- er scmethingyouprobaWy already believeyoure paying too much for in the first place doesnt set right with most people. But, before you start complaining too loudly, take a look at what our county stands to gain from the revenue that would be generated by paying an additional dime on a $ 1 00 purchase. One of the biggest gripes heard by longtime residents and those who have recently located to the county, is the lack of recreational opportunities and cultural arts. The sentiment, Oh, there s nothing to do here, has reverberated off the hillsides for decades. payback. When you have money, its easier to make money. There are myriad of grants available you have die financial supportofyourcommunity and can matchthe funds. Asimpleinvestmentof an extra dime for every $100 you spend at a store could very well mean we can double our money when applying for grants. Ifyou feel youre already being taxed to the hilt, orhave the W.W.LD.F.M (What WillltDo For Me)Syndrome, think about this: With a few exceptions, whenever you shop outside Duchesne County, you are already paying the tax to the benefit ofthe county you happen to be in. The same tax is already in place in Uintah The proposed tax wont be a cure-a- ll for that common criticism, but look at what it would do for virtually everyone if it is approved. The tax is to be earmarked - by law -specifically for culture and recreation. The Barin West 2000 Fine Arts Council would be aided by the tax revenue when bringing in concerts, lecture-circu- it speakers, putting on plays, and schedulingapianist who hasplayed throughout the U.S. and Europe (and they have done all of these things on limited grant County. This is a tax that, unlike most of the sales taxes already in place, will stay in Duchesne County in its entirety. We dont send any of it away, and we will haveAe soyinhow itis spent This is a tax we need. sources. The problems with PS are legion. Most troubling of all, it would make the votes of persons opposed to a ballot initiative on wildlife management worth twice as much as those of persons in fevor of it, and this would be contrary to fundamental tenets of American democracy. one person, one vote and majority rule. One cant help but wonder how the proponents of P5 ever acquired such disdain for these foundational principles. Proponents of PS claim that they must employ an extreme tactic to wild-eye- d aniprevent "east-coas- t, mal rights extremists from duping naiVe Utahns into ending traditional uses of wildlife, including fishing. This is both insulting and absurd. The triumph of PS would encourage other sperial-interegroups to empfey the same outrageous tactic in an attempt to secure political control on issues of taxation, religion, education and myriad others, thus opening a messy can of worms for us to constantly contend with. Further, PS contains a crucial ambiguity which could be a cause for litigation, and prima fecie. It conflicts with both the Krst and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. A vote for it might be a vote to defend it in court at taxpayer expense. Underlying the PS controversy is a clash of values regarding wildlife. Supporters of PS think that wild animals must be made to serve human interests or, in case their existence is believed to be a threat, exterminated. They like to call this stewardship, but really it is the same regard forwildlifc that nearly wiped out the buffalo. Obviously, not both ways of valuing wildlife can be right; nevertheless, for the good of wildlife and the good of democracy, both should receive fair representation. PS will prevent this unless we defeat it Kirk C. Robinson Salt Lake City te EDITOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Batin Standard welcomes and encourages opinions from readers in the form cf letters to the editor. Letters may be utilized to express opinions or to highlight outstanding service ofan individual or organization, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters may not be used to replace Cards comments, of Thanh, ' or ' to-l- ist 'sponsors, participants or contributors to a particular event or purpose. LETTERS MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY, SIGNED, AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR. Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. We reserve the right to withould a name by request if the nature of the letter is positive, and to edit letters. Letters may be submitted to the Standard office at 268 200 E., Roosevelt, Utah, 84066 by the published deadline (normally Thursdays at 5:00 p.m.) AU letters become property cf the Uintah Basin Standard. The menace of Proposition 5 Dear Editor, The coming election will offer ue Propoeition 5 (P5), an amendment to the Utah Constitution requiring that ballot initiatives on wildlife votmanagement receive er approval to paaa, instead of the usual simple majority. Proponents of P5 contend that unless they make a "preemptive strike the ballot will be used to restrict cougar and bear hunting, thus preventing them from exercisright to treat ing their "God-give- n His creatures as they will. Thus, they crafted PS, finagled it through the legislature, and raised half a million dollars to finance their campaign, much of it from two-thir- Th( et Uintah Basin Standard Inc. (US PS 646-90Periodical postage paid at Roosevelt and Duchesne, Published weekly at 268 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt, Utah S4066-310- 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Uintah Basin Standard at 26S S. 200 E.. Roosevelt, Utah 14066-310- 9 OFFICE HOURS: 1:00 am. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Phone 13 1, I Fax: 722-41DEADLINES: For all News. Legal Notices, Classifieds A Advcniunf. the Deadline is Thursday PUBLISHER: Craig Ashby EDFIDR: Lczke E. Whiling ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts OFFICE MANAGER: Tracy Utah Roosevelt, some people from southern California who were traveling about five miles before north on coning to Cedar City, had noticed a wallet lying alongside the road. They stopped and backed up, picked up the wallet, drove on to Cedar City, and made several telephone calls. There was a business card in the wallet, where they found the phone number for MST Trucking Company where my son is one of the owners. They called and the lady explained where she had found the wallet It appeared to have everything in it, including the money.... She took enough money out to pay for her phone calls and the postage to send it to the trucking company. Yesterday the wallet arrived, and I was relieved to find that indeed everything was there. There didn't appear to be anything taken from it except for the money she had used to pay for the phone calls and postage. It was a source ofconsiderable concern to me until I was able to be sure that everything was there. I've had a chance to write and thank them for their kindness. I thought it might be well for people to know that we still have Good Samaritans who are willing to go out of their way to help others. Sincerely yours, Voice your support for animal shelters Dear Editor, When most people think of an animal shelter, they imagine a building housing stray cats and dogs. They may not know that animal shelters also investigate cruelty complaints, issue pet licenses, assist in spaying and neutering pets, and educate members of the community about responsible pet ownership. The Humane Society ofthe United States (HSUS) sponsors National Animal Shelter Appreciation to celebrate the Week Nov. 7 services that animal shelters provide. This year National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week spotlights contributions made by animal control officers who work on the front lines helping people resolve conflicts with animals and aiding injured or stray animals. Some animal shelters lack the funding and community support to services and all provide shelters could use help. Here are some ideas: Donate your time and resources to your local shelter. Volunteers can walk dogs or answer phones. Shelters can always use pet food, toys and old towels. Ask your local shelter about their needs. Educateyour friends and neighbors about proper pet care. Pets need food, shelter, love, attention and regular veterinary care (including spaying or neutering). Get political. Lobby your legislators to pass effective animal control ordinances and strong laws. Although animal shelters may not be as visible as police and firefighters, they are also essential g of the to the safety and community. The HSUS encourages everyone to learn more about their local animal shelter and the many ways it can help build a better community for everyone. Dennis J. White, Director Southwest Regional Office The Humane Society of the Unites States - 1-- - top-quali-ty anti-cruel- ty well-bein- Vernal Utah Temple President Dont believe Friday. at 3 pm. Womack Complaint isnt with single parents Dear Editor, PRODUCTION: CORRESPONDENTS: ROOSEVELT - Teresa Hannston ALTAMONT - ; BLUEBELL - Shana Lee Loertschcr 454-397- 6; HANNA - Tracy Roberts LAPOINT -Marlene McClure 5; MONTWELL - Note Nelson 4; MYTON - ; TRIDELL - Lome McKee 247-235- 0; NEOLA - Zola Spencer 353-432- 8; 4: WHITEROCKS - Virginia Ferguson DUCHESNE - Orinda Gee 738-26- N I I I I I I Check only. Sorry No Charges Dear Editor, My experience of the last weekend has restored my faith in manGood kind. There are modern-da- y Samaritans. We left our home in Vernal and spent the last weekend in St. George. On our return, I stopped at a convenience store to buy a morning paper. We drove up to Hwy 70 and stopped, going east at Salina, Utah, where I was going to buy some gasoline to get to our home in Vernal. At that point, I couldn't find my billfold or credit cards. After searching through the car, I went into the convenience store and asked if they could cash a check. I told the pleasant young girl at the counter who I was. She said she would have to ask for permission. She came back in a few minutes and said her father knew me and to go ahead and cash a check. By the time we reached over-valuin- g Alva C. Snow Writers; Aldon Radicle, Cheryl Meehan, and Sarah Cotton Production: Colette Ashby, Bonnie Parrish, kaclya Meyers. Kim Ames and Shauna Gilbert Cas There are still good Samaritans society that undervalues children while the luxuries a second income can bring. As a society, we need to be willing to do more with less in order to spend more time with our children. I understand that I am very blessed to have a husband who feels the same way I do. I am worry the author was offended. I am sorry she misunderstood my intent I am glad that she makes the time to have dinner together as a family. She is obviously trying hard to be a great parent I wish all of society were doing as well. Name withheld I j This is in response to the letter Dont Judge Single Moms. I have nothing but great respect and admiration for single mothen(or fa then). Their lives are difficult and challenging, both financially and emotionally, and I honestly dont think I could do it My sister and mother were both single mothers. I love them dearly. My complaint is not with single mother at all. My complaint is with a society that says a mothers place is in the office. My complaint is with a society that says ifI choose to stay home it must be because l am not intelligent enough to hold a job. My. complaint is with a society that cries, "It takes a village to raise a child, while forgetting that what it really takes is loving, concerned, involved parents. My complaint is with a Proposition 5 scare tactics Dear Editor, I am a retired Army officer, longtime hunter, and a resident ofneighboring Idaho. Many of us here are closely watching Proposition 5 on your November ballot with concern. Our apprehension stems from the fact that the leader of a group of hunting extremists in our state has stated that if Proposition 5 passes in Utah, they will try to have a similar measure in front of Idaho voters in 2000. It is true that there have been several measures on state ballots across the nation in recent years which have sought to promote "fair chase in hunting and to restrict certain methods oftake which most people, hunters and find particularly objectionable; a spring bear hunt which orphans cubs, for example a practice which non-hunte- rs, - Utah wisely does not permit It is also true that many of these measures have passed, but they have all improve their golf game and leant life skills that will help them in the real world. Thanks again to all those who demonstrated support to the Union High Golf Tbam! Sincerely, Michael L. Ross been carefully crafted to address a single issue. There never has been, and never will be, any citizens' initiative to seek to ban hunting for the simple reason that most Americans, including the writer, support ethical hunting and such an initiative wouldn't stand a prayer of pasLibrary sage. closefollowed I have these issues ly and, without exception, opponents of these measures have used the identical scare tactics being used in Dear Editor, Utah to promote Proposition 5: The Duchesne County Library Board wants to express our support "Theyll try to ban all hunting; take for the proposed l10th of 1 percent away Thanksgiving turkeys; no more farm animals; no more medisales tax increase for recreation and cal research; eastern elitists, etc. cultural facilities and activities Rubbish!! Rubbish squaredll Can scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3 anyone seriously imagine a meaballot We feel this increase will sure on the ballot which would seek benefit the entire county in many to ban deer hunting? It would be ways. laughed out of town!! What the good This proposed increase reprepeople of Utah are seeing is a blasents an increase in sales tax of 10c tant, on a $100 purchase. This initiative attempt should generate approximately by a minority ofUtah citizens (largeorly bankrolled by an $125,000 a year for the next 10 ganization, the Wildlife Legislative , years . This is a small price to pay for Fund of America) to disenfranchise quality recreation, cultural focili-the majority of Utahns and to obvities, and events. ate the primary principle of democSincerely, racy: one person, one vote, and the The Duchesne County Library majority a simple majority carBoard ries the day. A sound thrashing of Proposition 5 at the hands of enlightened Utahns will spare your neighbors to the north the same battle two years down the road. Very truly yours, Lynn V. Fritchman board urges support of proposed tax carefully-orchestrat- ed te - - Golf team supporters Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, belter known as lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive disorder otlhe nervous system. are appreciated Dear Editor, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the local individuals and businesses who have finan-ciall- y supported the Union Golf Team in the past and during this 1998 high school season. staff is The Union aware of the many supporters who help and assist our young players to Muscular Dystrophy Association -- www.mdaussjtrg golf-coachi- hapl&HJpMOA... BKomtttDAHdpiNofk The Standard will publish comments about good deeds knows know Everyone somebody.... Do you someone who deserves a pat on the back for the good he or she has done? In a world where so much goes wrong, were looking for the what is going right The Uintah Basin Standard would like to recognize individuals and groups who are making outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life for one or more Uintah Basin residents. We will publish public comments about such efforts under the title "Hats Off. Send your comments about you know or know of, along with your name and place of residence, to the Uintah Basin Standard, 268 South 200 East, Roosevelt, UT. Or fax us at rs You Might Be A Farmer If... Your dog rides in your truck more than your wife. You wave at every vehicle whether you know them or not You always look when a vehicle passes your house, even after dark. You have convinced your wife that an overnight, trip after equipment parts is a vacation. You have specific hats worn to: Farm Sales, Livestock Auctions, Customer Appreciation Suppers, and Vacation. You have ever had to wash off in the back yard with a garden hose before your wife would let you in the house. You have never willingly thrown away an empty 5 gallon bucket You have used baling wire to attach a license plate to a vehicle. You have used a chain saw in remodeling your house. You can remember the fertiliser rate, seeding rate, herbicide rate, and final yields on a form you rented 10 years ago, but cannot recall your wifes birthday or dress size. You have fibbed to a mechanic about how often you greased a piece of equipment You have used a velvet leaf plant as toilet paper. You have driven off the road while looking at your neighbors crops. You have borrowed gravel from the county road to fill pot holes in your driveway. You have buried a dog and cried like a baby. You have used a tractor front-en- d loader as scaffolding for roof repairs. You have used your castrating knife to slice and eat apples just to make your wife queasy. And finall- y- If given a $1,000,000, you would keep on farming, youd farm differently (and probably still go broke), but youd keep forming because that is who and what you are... The American Fanner! te |