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Show causing thousands of dollars of damage to the retaining walls and to the concrete sidewalk itself. The debate over the quality of the walkway construction and the type of materials used has been debated and will continue to be debated. But not here. We just have one question: When in the hell are you going to open it again? The damage, while striking, could have been temporarily mitigated weeks ago. It reminds me of the Infamous Mill Creek Drive Bridge Washout of 1977. But with a different ending. The city built a new highway bridge at a cost of about $250,000, but it was poorly engineered, and when the first of that summer's flash floods rambled down the creek, the bridge rumbled with it~—-about four feet actually. UB TIBI Les “7h THE CITY ELECTIONS... As the election season gears up for three City Council seats, I find myself wanting to ask the candidates just one question: “Are any of you willing to take a stand against a THIRD tram in Moab?" Councilmen and councilwomen come and go in this little burg, and as I look back at the last ten years, I cannot think of a single action (as opposed to in-action) that any council member initiated which dramatically changed the future and fortunes of Moab. We have, for the most part, been shaped by outside market forces, the shifting demographics of a nation fleeing urban areas in droves, and a benign governing body that seems content to just ride with the bumps. The city administration seems to worry itself silly over some of the little stuff, while it dozes the rest of the time. So will this election make a difference? Could it? Recently I saw a movie called "Bulworth." Warren Beatty plays the part of Senator Jay Billington Bulworth, a man who has lost his soul. Even worse, Bulworth knows it. He realizes that he has sold himself so completely to the corrupt political process, that there ‘ is nothing left of him to respect. In utter despair, he decides to have himself assassinated. But once he’s cut the deal for his own demise, he finds the experience so purifying and liberating, that as he continues to campaign while waiting to be shot, he begins to tell the truth. To everyone. And the response, to his surprise, is overwhelmingly supportive. Now...I’m not suggesting that the city council candidates plan their own assassination (or start delivering their speeches in rap), but we are all dying for some honesty and plain straight talk. No ambiguities please! No more cliches! If you're not going to do anything to slow down Moab’s cancerous tourist growth, then tell us! But also tell us why you support the construction of another two, or three, or four motels in Moab. And tell us how these additions will make our lives here better. Would you support an ordinance that restricted large retail businesses like Wal-Mart from moving to Moab? Tell us. Either way, but tell us what you think. And explain yourself, Tell us what you really think of the way the city is being run these days. What did you think of the Vern Erb story in the Zephyr last issue? Did you think it was a ridiculous performance by the city, or do you think Vern was way out of line? But TELL US. What do you think of the Moab Police Department? Do you think it’s an efficiently-run department? Did you think the Moab P.D. did everything it could to resolve the conflict with John Dinsmore in November 1997, before an officer shot him dead with a 12 gauge shotgun? And yeah...would you REALLY oppose a third tram in Moab? I think a great many of us are sick of equivocation and inaction. Let us know where you stand by taking a stand. We cannot make an intelligent choice, if we don’t know what your position is. And good luck...to all of us. i THE MILL CREEK PARKWAY...CLOSED ‘TIL FURTHER NOTICE? About two months ago, Moab had a real gullywhomper that ripped through Moab like a liquid freight train, detoured through the middle of downtown businesses, and overflowed storm sewers. And it did a real number on Moab’s new Mill Creek Parkway, y The entire bridge moved four feet. It took months to actually rebuild the bridge, but in the meantime, the city put down a few big culverts adjacent to the defunct bridge, laid some fill over it, and re-opened the road. After a week or so, nobody noticed the difference. Today the city could do the same AUGUST BROOKS The frustrations Vernon Erb has had over a fountain and sidewalk built by the city, shortcomings of the Moab public works department, and aggressive city billing practices have all been covered in The Zephyr. Even though the city and the city staff and the criticisms--Stiles ing to the community improvements should have been a positive experience for Mr. Erb, crews are productive and hard working, there must be something to isn't the only one upset with city hall. City employees aren't answerthey serve, but the problem lies more with their approach than their actions. \ Just as the leadership of the Moab Police Department is responsible for the low morale and difficulties they are having, the city manager, the Mayor and the City Council are accountable for letting their staff drift into its own world. As one of the three new council members, I'll push for the changes necessary, whether they are procedures, personel, or codes to make city hall responsive instead of defensive. Primary: October 5 General: November 2 FOR MOAB A Paid Political Advertisement CITY COUNCIL |