OCR Text |
Show n PROPOSI TIONS Continued from page 1 men. Repealing thia section of the constitution eliminates this poeaibil- According to a law passed by the legislature in 1991, neither spouse is personally responsible for die separate debts, obligations, or liabilities of the other either before marriage, during marriage (except for family expenaee) or incurred after divorce. Propositions would add language that clarifies the status ofUtahs pub- lic lands. The school and institutional trust lands are the largest part of the state'sS.7 million acresofstate-ownlands. They were given to the state at the time of statehood by the federal government to be held in trust for the beneficiaries. The largest single section ofthese lands are the school trust ed lands. The purpose ofthis constitutional change is to reinforce in the state constitution what was stated in the Utah Enabling Act, recent state statutes and court cases regarding the differences between institutional and school trust lands, and other lands owned by the state. The clarification makes no changes to the way these lands are currently administered. of all Approximately lands in the state ofUtah are owned by the federal government. About 23 percent is privately owned and 4 percent are Indian reservations. The balance -- approximately 7percent, or 3.7 million acres - is owned by the state of Utah. These state lands can be divided into three categories: sovereign lands, agency lands, and institulands. The tional or school-truof state lands are the school-trulands which are scattered through the state in an almost checkerboard two-thir- st ma-jori- ty ? state to amend its constitution making ballot initiatives dealing with a specific issue more difficult to pass than an initiative on any other issue. They also argue that Proposition 6 violates the tradition of majority rule. Lastly, opponents argue that to majority on thia require a one issue is like saying that the majority of voters can be trusted on all initiative issues but this erne. .Proposition 6 amendsa section of the Utah Constitution that establishes the State Tax Commission and gives to the Commission its powers and responsibilities. It would allow the atate legialature to authorize any state court to adjudicate, review, reconsider, or redetermine any matter decided by the State Tax Commission or by a county board of equalisation relating to revenue and taxation. The purpose of Proposition 6 is to provide taxpayers access to Utah's courts for an original, independent hearing oftax cases whether from the State Tu Commission or axmty Board of Equalization. In essence it becomes an additional check on the Tax Commission by allowing taxpayers the chance to have their tax assessment decided by someone not connected to tte auditor or property assessor an impartial Judge trained in tax matters. Though there isno organized opposition to this proposition, some attorneys have raised some questions. By allowing the creation of trial dt novo (original trial) on all Tax Commission mid county Board of Equalisation appeals, the state is creating potential for a large increase in court cases at the district level where judges have previously indicated they do not have expertise and submit that these cases beappealed to state court on the basis at legal issues rather than starting completely over inatriafefe nouo case. two-thir- . - st fashion. Proposition 4 specifically denies the right to vote to any person convicted of a felony" in a Utah state court Currently, the Utah Constitution already prevents the mentally incompetent, those convicted of treason, and anyone convicted of voter fraud from voting. The purpose ofthe proposition isto take the right to vote away from all felons while incarcerated regardless ofthe type ofcrime. Utah is oneof only four states (the others being Maine, 'Massachusetts, and Vermont) that does not already prohibit convicted felons from voting. Proponents believe that Utah should follow the lead at the vast majority of states and deny the right to vote to convicted felons. A state law passed in the last legislative session will go into effect if Proposition 4 passes. This new law states thatuponcompletionofafelons sentence or upon probation or panda he may register to vote and be eligible -tovote.... .i: ; Whether Proposition 4 passes or fails, it will not make much difference in the voting behavior of Utah's inmates. According to the Elections Office in the Lieutenant Governor's Office, 57 ofa possible 4,272 inmates requested absentee ballots in 1996 and 48 inmates mailed their ballots . back. Proposition 5 changes Utahs initiative process in one special area of state law: wildlife management This proposition has been the most hotly debated of those that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot If passed, Proposition 5 would red quire a majority approval of voters for any initiative that would "allow, limit, or prohibit, the taking of wildlife or the season for or method oftaking wildlife. The purpose ofthe proposition is to requireahigher level ofsupport for matters that affect hunting and fishing laws. Currently, initia-tives in Utah, regardless of the issue, require a simple majority to pass. Proposition 5 would place wildlife issues in a unique position of requiring a majority to pass. Proponentsofthis proposition feel the higher level of support is necessary to prevent environmental and and fishinggroups from changing Utahs wildlife management program through the initiative protwo-thir- two-thir- anti-hunti- cess. They argue that such groups have been unable to influence the management of wildlife in Utah by pressuring the legislature or governor so the initiative is the only other established channel available to them. Opponents ofProposition 6 dislike AGREEMENT Continued from page 1 enforcement officers. In another cooperative agreement, DuchesneCountyrecognizesthestepa the tribe is taking toupgrade its prosecution and judicial system, and cites their desire to lessen the burden on county judicial, prosecution, law enforcement and incarceration facilities, inmaUngthededskmtoallow tribal membersarrested offthe reservation for misdemeanor offenses to be deferred to tribal court for prosecution. The agreement does allow tribal members who object to being subject to tribal authority for misdemeanor in 8 th District Court for theState of Utah. TheUte Tribe has agreed toa disclaimer of civilregulatory authority" in a separate agreement to be executed simultaneously with the county's resolution which allows misdemeanor cases off the reservation involving tribal members to be deferred to tribal court.' In the agreement, okayed by tribal officials, the tribe disclaims all civil andor regulatory authority over reservation lands owned by except in specific situations, such as when the health or welfare ofthe tribe is at stake and other incidents as outlined in other cases already upheld in courts of law. Y2K GLITCH Continued from page 1 year 1900. The torrid of system breakdowns is complicated even more b failure to consider leapyears and misinterpretations of special coding. The second part of the problem if business related, he reports. Embedded chips are very complex and affect an endless range of services from alarms, telephones, air conditioners, form sand documents, water systems billing, fox machines, hospital equipment, and so forth. Embedded chips create less obvious problems, Bowden suggests, but result inagreater chance that sometl g will be overlooked. Although larger business systems are much m re complex and will require expertise, states Bowden, there are some relatively easy steps the home computer operator may take to correct their systems. If you do not want to purchase a brand new computer, a bios chip may be purchased at any computer supplier or catalog for about $40. Or, the home computer operator may call the producers oftheir respective operating systems and request a compliance statement You may also choose to go to an Internet site and software that will request cost-fre- e tell if your computer complies. The Internet software tool is called Y Mark 2000 and can be found at bio-me- October, 1999 Regarding cost, Hale says that it should not be terribly expensive if machines can be repaired, ratherthen replaced. NEW TAX UINTAH BASIN STANDARD. October 20. 1998- - Page 3 The Uintah Basin has a different port recreation and culture in other history than other areas ofUtah, she communities. Hancock Cove resident Betty said, adding that it is important for Hancock believes thut the tax is prob the youth to have access to that hisably okay. "We need to preserve our tory. We owe it to our children.. She emphasizes that the tax money history. 1 wonder if theres not a way we could get a museum in each of our would not all go to the museum, but just to ha veapartofitcould enable the communities through some kind of volunteeriam," says Hancock, suggestgroup to apply for grants that require ing that Eagle Scout projects or Fumatching hinds. With this kind of money, you can ture Farmer of America projects may be good resources. use it as leverage for other money," said Hansen. This will make a won- derful opportunity for matching money." Altamont resident, Janice White, opposes the proposed tax increase. She says that regardless of how much or how little a tax, the government is functioning where private business is supposed to function. Theres nothing so wonderful to those who support a cause than to force everyone to pay for it! White stated. Hancock Cove resident Robin Reynolds, says hes tired of all the of one percent its only h taxes that have all added up to give Duchesne County the highest tax rate in tiie state. I just dont feel like I can stand one more tax, no matter how small. From what I hear, I think a lot of people feel the same way. I also think that it is a big mistake to always look to any level ofgovernment to take care of our needs and wants, Reynolds expressed. Many people in the outlying areas of the county arent supporting the initiative either, according to Fruitland resident Jim Foraltis, a member ofthe Duchesne County Planning and Zoning Board member. We just cant justify a tax that really has no benefit for us. Besides that, the CIB (Community Impact Board) has funds for cultural projects, comments Forakis. Rather than implementing a new tax, we ought to use money thats already there. Thatsjust the problem say County Commissioners and others who favor the tax: There is no money to promote recreation and cultural arts in Duchesne County. And county residents are already paying the very same tax when they spend money in Uintah County and throughout Utah to sup- one-tent- No recession in 99, U. says 1 fV , . 4pl 9 s i Jim Lincholten Inventories were refilled after bad weather subsided in the Gulf Coast, allowing the resumption of import deliveries. World oil producers have reduced pumping in an effort to drive prices higher, but their attempts have so far been un- in 10 years and a 2.5 percent rate next year. The figures are well A University ofUtah economist down from the robust says steady job growth will help growth years of 1994 through 1996, protect the United States against he said, but they are hardly the recession that has slowed the recessionary. worlds economy. R. Thayne Robson, Robson said jobs lost at Corel, the director of the universitys Bu- Iomega and Geneva Steel are being reau iff Economic and Business Re- partially replaced at other firms. search, is also a trustee of a Ziona Also, Utah is still in the midst of a Bank municipal bond fund. He told construction boom principally fund shareholders recently that de--r housing, condominiums ' spite the recession jhaf currently and commercial projects and the grips about 40 percent oftKe world's ' state' is buffered somewhat by the economies, the United States in relatively strong economies iff Negeneral and Utah in particular vada, Wyoming, Colorado and othshould enjoy moderate job growth er surrounding states. in 1999 that will help prevent the Robson expects the Utah econointernational problems from taking my to remain relatively strong hold. through 2001, with no recession at Robson expects Utah to finish least until the 2002 Winter Olym1998 with a 3 percent growth rate pics have come and gone. the first time the rate has been that levels. Crude for November delivery was unchanged at $14.05 a barrel; November heating oil held steady at 38.16 cents a gallon; November unleaded gasoline rose .39 cent to 43 .9 1 cents a gallon; November natural gas gained 5.4 cents to $2,095 for each 1,000 cubic feet.In London, North Sea Brent Blend crude oil fin: delivery in November settled at $12.58 per barrel, off 11 cents, on the International Petroleum Exchange. 'Real Estate Comer" ADVICE TO PACK RATS by A. Lym Snow CRS, CRB - Centurv 21. Country Really Does your home look smaller than it is, because of clutter or too much furniture? It may be worth the effort and expense to put some things in storage before you show your home. That time-honor- presale ed strategy, the garage or yard sale, can also help thin out your belongings. And many charitable organizations will haul away your discards, for which uc- erosity you also get a tax tion. Whatever method or combination you use, try to see your home as others will. No matter how much storage space you have, if its jammed, it will not look like enough to prospective buyers.O Century Country Realty has offered qualify service to our customers in the Uintah Basin for over 20 years, call today for answers to your real estate questions. 21 722-45- 53 Proven Leadership Experience! Highly Involved and Sensitive To Communities Needs! InrIiAM Willing rry e PeOcsec (800) CA f 20 l COPY Wr to Listen! Ready To Work! Dedicated t. Finlay 647-90- One Show Sunday 7:30 Falling in kw is the trickiest spell of all sandra nicole BULLOCK KIDMAN 1 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. A Night At The Roxbury "PG-13- " 7:30and9:10p.m lIVTAII nivim Bride Of Chuckie 36 PWD FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT GORDON t. to Serve! Smoke Signals "PG-13- " Sponsored In Part By Sundance Institute and The Ute Indian Tribe MOVIE Information Call 722-209- 5 1,1 1 THEATRE Sunday October 25th 2:00 p.m. $2.00 Per Person Miracle-Ea- r Dechesee V.lley Medical Clieic iiHirv Special Matinee Located In The Uiatab Basin Medical Clinic 210 W. 300 N. Roosevelt RObSEVELTi One Show Only 7:30p.m. No Show On Sunday HEARINGiTESTS Service on all makes ft models Batteries ft Accessories Last week the Assistant Secretary oflnterior ruled that the mixed bloods do not share in a portion ofthe tribe's lucrative water resources, sayingthey received their water rights when they were given allotments iff land at the time they were terminated. UDC has the right to appeal both decisions to UJS. District Court. TL" the process proponents are using to protect Utah's current wildlife management program, not necessarily the goal of protecting it. Opponents argue that the "initiative process was created to allow citizens ofUtah to have a voice in how they want to be governed. They believe that Proposition 5 is a direct assault on the ballot initiative process and point out that, if passed, Utah would become the first Uintah Basin Medical Gink And Duchesne Valley Medical Gink bloods nuqr participate in any draw for permits on the same basis as tribal members, they have no guarantee or right to 27 percent of those permits. Mixed bloods will also be offered an equal opportunity when the tribe offers elk to tribal members for subsistence purposes. "It is the tribe's prerogative to determine how many permits will be issued, so long as mixed bloods are afforded an equal opportunity in all ly Crude prices are running about year-ag-o Continued from page 1 low successful. 30 percent below MIXED BLOODS (Ml economist Associated Press prices remain same after taking a tumble Crude oil futures prices were unchanged late last week on the New York Mercantile Exchange after tumbling sharply in the previous session. Oil prices plunged Wednesday, Oct 14, to their lowest level in six weeks before rebound ing some. The dwlin was driven by traders predictions that U.S. inventories were replenished last week with imports. Crude oil futures fell in advance of weekly supply figures from the American Petroleum Institute, which showed continued gains in energy stockpiles. The API report, released after the dose of Wednesdays trading, found crude oil stocks rising 8.220 milium barrels last week to 327.351 milium barrels. Gasoline stocks fell by 7.023 million barrels. theyear2000.Asaresult,saysWinder, attorneys are waiting in the wings. Uintah Basin Medical Center Controller and Y2K Coordinator, Brent Hales, says that the hospital is on target. We have just completed a large assessment and areincompliance with our current system," he commented, but says the hospital has more to bring into compliance than just their commaputer systems. All our d chines have embedded chips that have date sensitive information, and we dont know how those will be affected. We have surveyed the machines and are currently waiting for the return data. Based on that assessment, we will formalize our plan to make sure we are in compliance no later than Continued from page 1 www.nstl.com. Local businesses representatives Duchesne County Area Chamber of are working to solve their individual Commerce. The wonderful treasures Y2K challenges. Roosevelt City ofthe people who settled the Basin are Administrator, Brad Hancock, says leaving the Basin as their owners are that he is optimistic and working at going into nursing homes and passing solving the city system problems. Its away. She emphasizes that a museum almost impossible to predict exactly what will happen. We just hope we would not just benefit from visitor attendance, butbea valuable resource cover all the bases. to area residents, especially children. Moon Lake Manager-Engineeriemployee, Ken Winder says the utility company is making a major effort to inventory every piece of equipment Oil Associated Press on system that involves electronics. On that basis, we will prioritize critical areas. We have contacted our manufacturers, developed a hard copy files, and have conducted our own testing, comments Winder. I think we are doing a good job and hope to be in compliance by June, 1999. However, Winder shares the concern of many companies who are cautious when it comes to compliance. It is very difficult for a supplier to give compliance because there are so many unknowns , says Winder. No situation like this has occurred in the history of the world and it is virtually impossible to predict what will happen in SNOW - am |