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Show OPINION Pane 2 - September 10. 2002 Uintah Basin Standard Commissioners Must Adopt a Bidding Policy for Services required and properly advertised, the chance Di tTcauccs ofopininas among pul itioii lead- of getting the most bang for the buck ers have long served as catapults for progress and change in American politics. Voters arc usually willing to listen to a new idea, an improvement over old ways, a call for reform. Certainly ifall elected officials embraced the same ideology, then the process of voting would be moot; it wouldnt matter who was elected. Just as, on the one luuul an clcclcdofficial is given permission by those who put them mto office to follow through with hisorherown unique ideas, the voters other hand expects there to be an air of organization and procedural protocol. The public has never given a free reign to the govern ing bodies. In Duchesne County, commissioners need to take a look at what has now become a precedence. Less than two years ago public concern arose over the way commissioners handled the bidding process wh ich resulted in contracting with a private company for computer services. The controversy arose because the county does not have a policy to deal with unsolicited bids, or bidding out county services ment, until the day the bid was awarded. Minutes ofthe commissions morning work meetr, ing most likely included some discussion, those minutes are not routinely made avai (able to the public and are not listed on the how-cve- county's website. The public had very little forehand knowledge of this latest move toward privatization, and no opportunity toapply for the job. Motivation is not a saving grace. Certainly the public is appreciative anytime theirclected representatives try to save money. Government is a very expensive machine to maintain and waste exacerbates the problem. But saving money should not take precedence over proper procedure. If we arc going to contract more county services out then we need to do it right. Commissioners would be doing a great service to all the people of Duchesne County if they would adopt a comprehensive purchasing policy that includes service agreements in its guidelines. Neighboring Uintah County, and indeed practically every county in the state has a policy that mandates bids be taken on any service proposal over SI 0,000. Accepting unsolicited bids from the first person who comes through the door and offers one is not a wise, fair, or professional way to conduct county government. After all, there are a lotofqualificd somebodies in the county who might be willing to offer more for less money. How much longer will it be before county commissioners decide they should tell those othcrsomcbodiesaboutthe Last month commissioners Lorna Stradinger and Guy Thaync voted to accept an unsolicited bid involving large expenditures of taxpayers' money withoutadvertisingandshop-pin- g around. They cited money saved as one reason for privatizing the countys Geographical I nformat ion Systems department. W ith no disrespect intended toward Stoncy the man who was awarded the bid Monks orhisquality of work, the issue at the heart of the controversy is: What guidelines did the commissioners follow inawardingthc bid, if any? The county deputy attorney has repeatedly advised the commission to adopt a pol icy that specifics the requirements for awarding service contracts. Such a policy would standardize the procedure of awarding bids and would validate Duchesne County as possessing business savvy. After all, when bids are utilised to express opinions or to highlight outstanding service of an individual or organisation, or any other worthwhile purpose. Letters may not he used to rvdace Cards of Thanks, or to list sponsors, participants or contributors to a fHirtii ular event arpurrose. LETTERS MUST .CONTAIN 4LW(.RI5. OR comments, . 1'SS. HE TYRED OR WRITTEN I.EGIHLY. SIGNED. AND INCLUDE NAME. ADDRESS AND RHONE NUMBER OF THtl AUTHOR. Letters will he (whlnhed unless they contain 1 libelous or defamatory statements. We rescue the right to edit letters and to withhold a name hy request if the nature of the letter is positive, tellers may he .submitted to the Standard office at 2M S 200 E., Roosevelt, Utah, H40bft hy the published deadline (normally Thursdays at S.IIO pm) All letters heaone pmierly of the Uintah Basin Standard. Community should be ashamed for lack of support Deur Editin', I just wunt to say I came out from Th( Salt Lake to nee the excellent band that came all the way from Denver to do a free'' concert for the city on Saturday, Aug. 31, and how disappointed I was to see the small turnout. How embarrassing for Roosevelt, there were probably around 50 people total there and the band was grateful for those that did show up. I would be surprised if they ever come back. I have heard people complain about having nothing to do in Roosevelt and makingftin of it, so why don't people go support things when they I lave them? I hud a great time and the bund was great. I'd like to thank the city for giving me somethingfun to do on a Saturday night with my family, outside of Salt Lake city. Kathy Workman Frosts work at rodeo arena is appreciated Dear Editor, Leah Richards and family along with Brittney and Sierra Scott and family would like to send a special thank you to Shane and Lisa Frost for all the time and hard work they did to muke the Uintah Basin Kids Rodeo (which was held at the Avokin Arena) this summer a great success it wasa lot or fun for every one. And a special thanks to Shane for taking that extra minute with the kids! Thank you so very much! Uintah Basin Standard Inc. ( USPS PRODUCTION: CORRESPONDENTS! ROOSEVELT - Teresa I tarnish ALTAMONT - ; BLUEBELL Shana Lee Loe rise her 434-347IIANNA - Tracy Roberts LAPOINT 247-237Marlene McClure Kota Nelson MONTWELL MYTON . ; 1KIDELL; NEIOl.A - Mondi Taylor WIIITERIK'KS; DUCHESNE 738-263- 4. Orinda (ice ubsncwt(3)uh(ancl.com Subscription Rates: 268 S. 200 E. Roosevelt, Utah In the Uintah Basin 1 Yr.S24-2Yr.S- 37 9 1 Yr.S36-2Yr.- S56 I Name. I Address. I City. J Out of the Uintah Basin I 84066-310- ZipEd, Cash nr Check tody. Sorry No Charges organizers say "Thanks Roosevelt!1 Dear Editor, I'm sending a huge "thanks to Roosevelt for its generous support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Labor Day weekend! Because of your help, our MDA Telethon raised a record $58,276,118 in contributions and pledges. It was heartwarming to see people across the country - from celebrities to unsung heroes - coming together to help families affected by neuromuscular diseases. As our nation marks the first anniversary of Sept. 11, it's clear that we remain true to our most cherished values. I want to thank you not only for calling in pledges, but for supporting phy sales, MDA Lock-Upthe-Bodrives by fire fighters. Your support makes it possible for MDA to keep the engines running at full speed on world wide research and cures. We've made so many significant gains in recent years! Besides research, your donations fond other vital programs, including some 230 clinics, help with medical equipment and - the favorite of "my kids summer camp. Jerry Lewis National Chairman Muscular Dystrophy Association s, ot Area residents interested in helping foster children find safe, permanent homes have a chance to join a statewide team of child advocates. The Foster Care Citizen Review Board is an independent state agency, which serves children in foster care. Openings are available for qualified board members who will review foster care cases from the Division of Child and Family Services. The FCCRB seeks to protect children in foster care while encouraging an appropriate and timely permanent Area residents interested in helping foster children find safe, permanent homes have a chance to join a statewide team of child advocates. The Foster Care Citizen Review Board is an independent state agency, which serves children in foster care. Openings are available fur qualified board members who will review foster care cases from the Division of Child and Family Services. The FCCRB seeks to protect children in foster care while encouraging an appropriate and timely permanent cons ofcontracting this service. Commissioner Ross continues to resist aU attempts to contract services for the county. Mr. Ross fails to understand that contracting pays for pure services. Government agencies get tied up in bureaucracy that is not productive. The private and government have been moving toward contracting in an attempt to reduce overhead costs. The private sector do many things more effectively and efficiently, and contributes to the tax base. As far as Commissioner Roms opinion regarding availability and cost savings, he foiled to demonstrate one hard fort. Its simple mathematics. If the first employee earnings of $53,000 are added to the second employee earnings of $40,000, it totals $93,000 in wages. Add $10,000 for operation and the total equals $103,000, the GIS 2002 budget. Currently, both employees are gone and a proposal to provide GIS services to the county by contract has been submitted and accepted for $64,000. An annual savings of $41,000 for the length of the contract for the same or more services. Obviously, Mr. Woods salary would require adjustments to the current year's real cost as would wagesalready paid to Mr. Monk, along with expended operation coats. I believe that availability, quality and quantity of work are not the real issue for Mr. Ross. I think its about control. Not withstanding every assurance in the contract, as well as on the part ofMr. Monks, language isspedfic Press coverage will hinder fair trial Dear Editor, I was disturbed by your article at the grave site. My first thought was, "How can a young man, charged with murder, get a fair trial, when the local newspaper is adding foel to the already raw emotions of a very tragic event? I recognize that sensational stories sell newspapers, but wouldnt it be better to let emotions settle and let an unbiased jury decide the fate of this young man? It might be well to remember that there are many other people in both families hurting from this tragedy and your article certainly didnt ease the pain of any of them. P.Todd Bountifol, Utah Editors note: It was the victims fomily who approached the Standard about doing the story. The victims girlfriend who was interviewed for the story did not talk about the pending criminal case, but did want to share her memories of her boyfriend. placement for each child. The state FCCRB system is now recruiting volunteers to serve as board members in the Roosevelt and Vernal areas. There are also positions open statewide. The position requires a commitment of one weekday each month and a willingness to abide by strict rules of confidentiality. The FCCRB will provide the required two-da- y training workshop, as well as periodic training. Each Board has ten members, five of whom must be parents. Boards established in each community will review Service Plans and other information provided by DCFS on each child. Members Will speak with caseworkers, supervisors, birth parents, foster parents, guardians ad litem (the childs attorney), therapists and others involved in thechilda life. As appropriate, Board members will interview the children. The FCCRB seeks citizens who have no vested interests, except a concern for the welfare of the child. In order to insure objective and independent evaluation of foster care case work. Board members may not be employed by the Division ofChild and Family Services or the Juvenile Court. (In addition, current involvement in some other volunteer programs may also be a conflict of interest.) Volunteers must also be willing to abide by strict ruin of confidentiality . Boards are to be representative of the ethnic, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and professional diversity found in the community. The two-davolunteer training sessions for these Board members will be held in Roosevelt on Sept. 27-2Those interested in this volunteer opportunity should contact: Christine Brown, Foster Care Citizen Review Board, 1385 South State Street, Room 231, P.O.Box 142501, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-250or 6 (801) Toll Free at y 8. 1, 468-003- creates Web site for truckers UDOT In last weeks paper the story entitled "55 years later 1947 Rodeo The Utah Department of regarding the termination of the Queen honored again at the Duchesne in partnership with the identified for Fair," cause. County incorrectly agreement Itah State Tax Commission, has deMrs. Leola Olsens husband. Mrs. Subsequent to the vote by Com-misskmer Thayne and myself to ac- Olsen married and later divorced Earl veloped a Web site to provide easy cept the proposal, Commissioner Robs Colton and is currently married to access to motor carrier information. The site, (www.dot.utah.govpoe stated for the minutes the reason he FayneOlaen. defoult.htm) , represents the first step did not concur. He said that no money in providingelectronic services to the would be saved and that availability motor carrier industry. Multiple state would not be assu red and there would agencies will be combining electronic be no benefit to the county. That is as service under one Web location in it should be. Alter the minutes were amended and accepted in commission In the story in last week's Stan- order to provide motor carriers with meeting the following week, Mr. Ross dard, "Five man burglary ring busted specific information, forms and inDear Editor, submitted to the clerk an extended law enforcement effort, " thel5-yea- r structions. The trucking industry has indiWhen an odd number of persona version ofwhat he wanted in the min- injoint old girl who was allegedly sexuare given equal authority by the citi utes. As chairman, 1 consulted with assaulted was traveling with the cated it wants one location where it ally can get business done," said Sam zens to make county policy, there will the county attorney, and informed suspects and is not a resident of the arise times when there is oi lition. Commissioner Ross that it is illegal to home in Sharmel Acres where the five Sherman, UDOT Engineer. "Utah is one ofthe first states where different Over the past year anda half, Commis- change the minutes alter approval. men were arrested. The mosioner Ross cast an opposing vote only Alter foiling in hia attempt to change lestation occurred on a alleged and regulatory agencies are working roadway three times. Commissioner Thayne commission minutes, he called the not at the home. A collaborattvely tobringall ofthe motor story in last week's carrier cast an opposing vote four times. This newspaper as so often he does, and had Standard stated otherwise. services together under one root" suggests that this commission made the story rewritten to his satisfaction. most of their decisions by consensus, Even though he has failed to demonnot w i thstandi ng the fact that comin g strate that this contract will not save to consensus was sometimes difficult. money, increase performance, and Strugglingto arrive at a decision is benefit the county, he publicly underultimately positive. It reveals mined the decision of the majority of thoughtfulness. This process becomes the commission by calling the paper negative when one who may oppose and presentinghis argument after the the majority feels compelled to dis- fact credit the decision of the majority Commissioner Ross fortherstated With less than a week before the will review the applications in through media communication or the that, "I am opposed to somebody walkspread of community gossip. Coming in the door with an offer and we deadline, juat one Roosevelt man has tive session on Tuesday, Sept. 17. missioner Rosas behavior suggests a buy it Mr. Monks is somebody. We applied to serve as Roosevelt mayor. The position became vacant about need to control that is disrespectful, 'are all somebody. And when governDave Boender, a retired U.S. Postal three weeks ago when mqyor selfish, and vain. ment closes the door to anybody, the service employee submitted his sp- Dennis Jenkins unexpectedly submitAfter Mr. Jack Wood left, the re- - very essence of free and open governies lion last week. Boender has lived ted his resignation. Jonkins cited time maining employee in the GIS ment is nullified. Duchesne County n Roosevelt since 1959 and is a Union restraints as his reason for leaving the ment, Mr. Stoney Monks, aubi citizens want access to government at High graduate. He formerly operated job. He was eight months into hia an unsolicited bid to contract GIS all levels and county taxpayers elected a photography business in Roosevelt. second term. services to Duchesne County. For sev- each commissioner to do our part to Those interested in filing for the Sterling Roes is acting as mqyor eral months, the whole commission ensure that our door stays open. position of mayor have until noon on pending the selection of a end attorney looked at the pros and Lorna Stradinger Monday, Sept. 16. The City Council new mayor. Trans-irtatio- n, 1 . Writers; Akbm Kachrie, Therein Mntnll, Sue Collier, Anglea Eddington Production; Colette Ashby. Andrea Harper, Valerie Winn, Malt Evans, Julie Naer and Doris Bcitoch Clip and Send to: Uintah Basia Standard MDA Telethon Volunteers needed one day a month to help foster children Stradinger voices opposition to Ross over contracting Pent id ical postage paid al Kuonevdl and Duchesne, Utah Published weekly at 2MI S 00 Kuusevell. Utah 84066-310- 9 . POSTMASTER: Send address changes to tlie Uintah Basin Standard al 26K S 200 I:.. Roosevelt, Utah 84066-310- 4 OFFICE HOURS: X IX) a m. to I 00 p m. Monday, 0.00 am to 3.00 p m. Tuesday thru Friday. Phone Faa: DEADLINES: Fie all News, Legal Noneei, Oasuficds k Advemung. ihc Deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. PUBLISHER: t raig Ashby EDITOR: Lclec E. Whiting ADVERTISING: Matthew Evans OFFICE MANAGER: Bonnie Finish 646-90- www.ubsiandard.com in- creased. There is no record in county commission fomul mi ruitcs that indicate commissioners were even considering privatizing the GIS depart- in general. MOTOR'S NOTE: The Uintah Basin Standard weleomes and encourages onnums from readers in the form of letters to the editor letters may he is j So far'just one applicant for mayoral position two-ter- pro-te- POOR C |