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Show T Page 2 - June 20. MttNfitt T 0 OPINION 2Q0Q Uintah Basin Standard 'T 0 A. 12 BEL Practice What You Teach v Jay Seville is Director of Special Projects at Frontiers of Freedom , a foundation. non-Prof- it, non-partis- A precedent has been set that could impact tens ofmillions ofchildren and working adults inthe coming decades. The Massachusetts Board of Education adopted regulations this month re-quiring teachers at schools where30pen:entof die students fail the state's math tests to be tested by taking the exams themselves. How could the Massachusetts Board of Education be so insensitive? The brouhaha stems from the 1999 test scores in Massachusetts where 40 percent of the 8th graders and 53 percent of the 10th ' graders failed the math section. Perhaps it is no surprise that a lawsuit and teacher boycotts were among the first responses by the teachers1 unions. Oik could almost hear the protesters, How dare the Massachusetts board require me to demonstrate competency in my subject area!" Stephen E. Gome, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, w as quoted in the Washington Times, We not only believe it is illegal, but it is unnecessary. We think it is going to damage the quality of schools by driving good teachers out ofoursNstem From his illogical statement, one would conj ecture he received his math training from the teachers he endeavors to defend. I low would good teachers" be driven out the school system by taking the tests themselves? Ifthe teachers are qualified there is nothing to worry about, right? They will pass the tests. schools Others opined that could theoretically be targeted. Given the recent polling showing the majority of black Americans support school choice, this would be something most minorities in the United States would applaud: an opportunity to rid their communities of incompetent teachers. However, it would not be responsible to merely focus chi inept teachers when trying to solve the an izcd nations in per pupil spending yet remains among the low est in math and science scores. The often quoted T1MSS scores (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) placed American senior highschool students 19th out of 21 countries in mathematics. In science they scored 1 6th out of2 1 countries. Is the answer more money? Reason magazine reported that spending per pupil more than tripled from under $2000 to over $6000 and salaries for instructional staff increased from $25,206 to $39,451 in 1996 dollars. Even class sizes declined from 26 to 17.4 Yet after all this increased spending, what have we gotten in return for our investment? To blame incompetent teachers would be the easy way out, but would not solve Johnny's test scores. To a large degree the teachers are merely the products ofand bound to the rules Primary Election Four candidates are running for Uintah Commission post ofa dysfunctional system: monopolized education. The teachers tend tobe very hard working men and women that had to play by the predetermined rules of the centralized educational bureaucracy. College students majoring in education spend significantly less time studying their particular subject area in the universities than other maj ors due to the exorbitant number of psychology and methods courses required of education majors by federal bureaucrats. The lack ofreturn on our investment from the public education is disappointing, especially for the economically disadvantaged. But w hen one observes how much more indispensable an excellent education is becoming in the information age, one begins to see the issue as not merely a political but ethical one. Each passing year the evidence increases the support for school vouchers, school choice proand religious schools. grams, T o prevent these reforms borders on immoral, mothers at least that is w hat most inner-cit- y would probably tell you. low-inco- A primary election on June 27 to determine the final two for the Uintah County Commission post will future Democrats, Herb Snyder, incumbent vs. Sharon Bedell and Republicans, Lewis Vincent, a former County Commissioner, vs. David r Haslem. America ranks among the highest ofindustrial- - You have to work at having a happy family EDITOR'SSOTE: The Uintah Satin Standard we komes and encourages opinions from readers in die Jom of letters la the editor. Letters may be utilized to express opinions or to highlight outstanding comments, sendee cfan individual or organization. or any other worthwhile purpose Letters may not be used to replace Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors, participants or contributors to a particular event or purpose. LETTERS MUST CONTAIN 400 WORDS OR LESS. BE TYPED OR WRITTEN LEGIBLY. SIGNED. AND LCLLDE NAME. ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE AUTHOR Letters will be published unless they contain libelous or defamatory statements. Re reserve the right to edit letters and to withhold a name by request ifthe nature of the letter is positive. Letters may be submitted to the Standard office at 268 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt. Utah. 64066bythe published deadline (normally Thursdays at 5.00 pm.) All letters become property of die Uintah Basin Th Dear Editor, Too many parents think that givincluding there children things ing money is love. Anytime people, young or old, get something without working for it, they do not appreciate it and it is surely not God's plan. Yes, the fomily is truly the happiest place we can have and be a part of. The family is God's main unit for ua all. A very wise man has said; The most important of the Lord's work that you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home." Wow! What a statement. Yea, I think we need more parents spanking their children while the kids are young. Then there will be less problems when they are teenagers. Your children will thank you later. I remember when I was young that if I did something wrong and needed spanking, 1 would have to go outside and cut my own willow. I learned at a young age it was better to mind and stay out of trouble than to Uintah Basin Standard Inc. Ptriodicd postage pod a Roosevdl and DKhnne. I'tah (USPS 646-400-1 PuMnhed weekly 261 S. 200 E . Rracvch. Vuh I4ft(rt-JIQ- 9 POSTMASTER: Send addins changes the Umuh Bern Standsd 261 S. 200 E.. Roosevelt. I'tah OFFKT IKHRS: 100am. tolOOpm Phone 435-722- -5 Monday. 9 00 a m In 5 00 pm Tuesday thru Friday 131. Fax 722-41- DEADLINES: For all News. Legal Naum; Clmsrfiedi PI BLISHFR: A Adicniung. (he Deadline a Thurvin EDITOR: I cake E Whiting Craig Ashby ADVERTISING: Michelle Roberts a y p m. OF FIC E MANAGER: Humic Parish PRODtCTION: Writers. Aldon Radicle, Lome Snadineer. ft Ghent Meehan Production. Colette Ashby. Jaccc Ashby, kaelyn Meyers, km Maks and Shauna Gilbert CORRESPOND!. NTS: ROOSEVELT -- Teresa Harmstoa 1. Al TAMONT -- . Rt ITBFU - Shaia laertschcr 454-397- 6. HANNA - Tracy Roberts 141-5- 4 1 7. 1 APOINT Marlene Medina 247 237J. MONTWELL - Noli Nelson 33-44MYTON -- ; TRIDELL - Loma McRae 247-235- 0: NFOLA - Mtmdi Task 3. Wlim-R- l DUCHESNE - Orindj Gee 7.U 2M4 Virginia Ferguson Subscription Rates: Clip and Send to. Uintah Basin Standard 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- In the Uintah Basin 1 Yr.S24-2Yr.- Address. I City CafWik CM I SJ7 1 Yr.SJ6-2Yr.S- 56 5inr Zip 4.. Vrkvn t- - Dear Editor, lam writ ingthis letter to Rebekah, in hopes that you or someone you know arill read it We are my worried about you. and would like for you to get in touch with ua. Whether you call or come to our house, know that we are not mad at you. and we really hope to hear from you. You know how much you mean to ua. and we misa you very much. So please, if you read this or hear about it contact us somehow so we can stop wondering if you are ok. We love you very much, you are just lilteoneofour children. Please call ua, our number is in the phone book. If you cant call please gvt in contact with ua somehow. We love you and mise you. Kim Edrington & Family Dear Editor, lee Name. I - Donations for Daymen Ont of the Uintah Basin I 9 get spanked. Besides, you have more peace of mind ifyou're not in trouble with your parents or the Lord. I have seven children of my own. Never any big problems in raising them. We always preyed together, plus our individual prayers night and morning. What a blessing to know that God is always there to help us. if we will but ssk. Too many ofus never pray until we need something. Why not thank God for what we do have? We should have a family night together. The Church ofJesus Chnst of Latter-da- y Saints has taught us for many, many years to have a family home evening together. To have a fun evening together, games, outings, refreshments, etc. What an enjoyable time this can be in building family love and relationships. May God blexs us all. From your friend with love. Mr. Miitney R. Checkctts. Family asks teen to contact them j He has bran married to Barbara Boyatt Haslem for 39 years. The Haslema have five children and 20 grandchildren. Herb Snyder Sharon Bedell home-schooli- ng quandary of American education today: School graduate, and spent eightyears in the Air Force as a cartographer . He currently works for Uintah Countys GJ.S (Geological Survey) oflice. By Aldon Rachel Little two year old Daymen O'Driscoll is the survivor of a near drowning that occurred over memorial day weekend. He is in Primary Children's Hospital and will be for aome time. Due to the accident, there has bran aome financial difficulties arise for the family and they will continue having financial problems due to medical bills, traveling expenses, etc. A account under the name of Daymen O' Driscoll has been opened at First National Bank. Weare asking the public to step forward and help with a cash donation for this family. Sincerely Kathy Tower The No. 1 issues facing Uintah County according to Bedell is the expansion of the Uintah Care Center and condemnation of private property plus roads and economic development. "If 1 am elected I will make sure I have all the (acta and information before making any executive decisions. It seems to me they get the cart before the horse, which results in ooieof the problems we are having," Bedell said. Im ibr the care center. We definitely need it, but expanded in a right way. She added, "I will be strong on protecting County rights to access public lands and natural resources. I will not pursue the indiscriminate condemnation of private property." Bedell said, "1 would never presume to imply that I am aware oif all of the problems and concerns of Uintah County and its residents, nor that I have a quick solution to each of them. 1 will promiseyou that I will be a good listener, that I will be attentive to every citizens' concerns and will do my best to seek the balance that accommodates the needs of our community." She stressed the need to focus energy on unity within all county departments in order to be productive for taxpayers. "Wa need to realize that it is time the taxpayers were considered first and give them more for their money." Bedell, 55. is a 1962 graduate of Steamboat Springs, Colorado High SchooL She moved to Jensen in 1971. Union Class of 95 seeks Lv.x Sharon Bedell full-tim- Dear Editor, We. the Union High Class of 1995. are happy to announce that we have officially bran in the real world" five years now. So far, the knowledge and experiences gained from high school have actually proven to be useful! mark gives us a chance This five-yeto fondly remember our teachers and superiors (time heals all wounds), as ; well as each other. Twelve years is a long time to spend together we care about each other and are excited to celebrateour newfound freedom (as well as responsibilities) together. r Wa have planned a reunion this summer and would like help locating some of our classmates. Please email (uhs95njunoxora) Or 0 call me (435) with information on any of the following: Henry Allred, Darby Anderson, Alex Arnold, Steve Averett, Stacy Blanchard. Sage Cens pooch, Justin Cole, Wayne Cruth, Ned Frank. Steve Gallagher, Kimberiy Gay lor, Jason Hackford, Michael Hackford, Jeff Hansen, Boom lorg, Eli loupe, Tony Ivans, Jessica Jenkins, Mathew Krueger, Sapaneae La rose. Clint Larsen, Jennifer Littlefield. Brandy Long, David Lund, Darrell Manning, Karen McKowen, Mellisa Mitchell. Scott Montoya, Michael Natcbeea. Jodell Padia. Shaneen Pargeeta, Michael Kichina. Ronald Roberta, Benny Romero, Kun Rost, Matt Rnyar, Robyn Scott, Rcndy See. Isaac &Tgw(ShhanaSliav!iTuux. Frank Shaw, Tim Tavapont, Craig Trrry, Michael Wallace. Shane Webb, Adam Wygncki. Jason Yancey. Thank you for your help Shalon Gurr Hansen, Senior President, Class of 1995 five-yea- 753-374- mm e. w JJtx! classmates Snyder eras the number one issue facing Uintah County as follows: Proper planning has and always will be the number one issue in my ion facing Uintah r.Wiuitech- nolugv as it is today, people can pick and choose where they want to live and maintain a living. People have more time to recreate, so I believe these factors will drive them out of the cities to the rural areas. We need to prepare ourselves for more growth and make it a con trolled growth, something that can be well managed. 'Next question 'that Snyder was asked was: What would you do differently if you are elected?" He said, "I don't know that I would do anything different if Im reelected. This position is more than Ive been totally committed to the County for 3 2 yesra, I eijoy heavy work schedules. I would continue to put the citizens and the County first." When asked where tie would focus hia energies to improve Uintah County, Snvder commented. "With more growth comes greater demands on services and being able to provide adequate services. I would say that in order to improve Uintah County for the future we need to focus our oner gics on water. This is the single most important resource. If we don't have water we can't do much. Also, Economic Development is important. We have to be able to promote ourselves. I would hope that UinUh and Duchesne Counties could work more closely together and promote the whole area No matter where a busi-nelocates, it will in some way benefit the other county." Sqydcr, 58 veers old. Vernal, was born and raised in Uintah County. He ' a tiiiTTwftil hininwimanforM years and then told out in 1988 and retired. In 1997 he wee elected Uintah County Commissioner. "1 love my work and Im totally committed to the citizens of UinUh County," Snyder committed. Lewie Vincent When asked why he decided to run again for county commissioner, incent said, "I enjoyed being the county commissioner. There'salot of challenges that aren't being addressed." UinUh County ia one of the more powerful rural counties, but now has lost a great deal of respect because of a lack of unity among the three commissioners. "Can I change that? I don't know, but I can try. "Things! would like to ace accomplished if I am elected would be first of an I will not vote for nor will 1 Rcptapayincreaee,"he said. "Commissioners raised their wages last year $3,800 a piece plus benefiu and that a not right. I never raised my wage once when 1 waa a commissioner. Ha added. "If I am elected I wiU " Hirelings, public forums, put articles in the paper and invite pcopfe from other communities in to invest ignte the council type government." Vincent is concerned about illegal garbage dumping throughout the countv. He wanto folk to be able to take their trash to the landfill with- . He wants K K SamUt ion to get a buyer transfer station on the west side of Uintah County. Vincent added. "There's no reason in the world we cant lower pmo arty taxes. That should happen this ifs no and year, huts, about it." n ho lives in Jensen, ia ntf utvoreidm water iasuesand has rernd on various boards. He isarancher and farmer with one ton. David Haslem She has been employed for 13 years in the Uintah County Road Department and ia in charge of the sign depart menL She has two sons, Chad an Travis. David Haslem Haslem'a goals if elected county commissioner are: "United County Offices to work a a unit for the benefit of the people of Uintah County. Get as much input into the decision making process. See that all departments and commissioners follow State Codes and county procedures. Use all furiding and tax dollars wisely and frugally." I support change, but not just for the sake of change, Haslem said. He added, "I am already familiar with many of the problems that are facing Uintah County and its citizens, businesaes and industries. With my experience. 1 feel that I can start out being an effective commissioner. I eqjqy the challenge of mmlving problems. I have always had a good rapport with Stats and Federal agen- Haslem stressed that commissioners should, at all times, set the example for all department heads by obeying all laws, codes, policy and procedures. "They should take a leadership role and conduct their business in an open manner as required by law. The commissioners should have basic knowledge of the role that the other elected officials and department heads pfoy in the performance oftheir duties and the operation and maintenance of the county." If is also concerned about the Uintah Care Center, economic development, roads, taxes, public land issues, etc. Haslem is a 195 Lintah High Poor ( |