OCR Text |
Show ee with Steve Russell oT & Jim Legacy Highway South: UDOT, that patron saint of asphalt and holder of the keys to the mint, has ponied up $80,000 for a study to determine the feasibility of an expressway through the Moab Valley. The City of Moab has tossed in ten grand, as required by UDOT, one supposes, as a gesture of good faith to show we really are interested (Kudos to the Grand County Council for refusing to ante up its $10,000 share). Most people agree that heavy truck traffic through the center of town poses myriad problems, not the least of which are health and Stiles safety related. Nor is the Chamber of Commerce interested in touting T-Shirts that read; “Moab - Flattened Tourist Capital of the World.” But rather than determining how the present problems can be effectively addressed, we will likely get the UDOT panacea, “Just take this new road and call us ina decade.” The subsequent call is usually necessary since new roads don't solve problems, they just create bigger and better ones. The best suggestion I've heard on this issue so far was printed in a Times Independent letter to the Editor, to wit: If big trucks pose such irremediable problems for the valley, then ban them. Limit 18-wheelers to the interstates that were built with truck traffic in Power of the People: The citizens of Grand County can be as apathetic and apolitical as anywhere else. Push the right buttons though, and LOOK OUT. In August, certain members of the County Council floated the idea of changing Grand County's unique non-partisan form of government. Among other things, the plan was to return to the party system and eliminate voting districts so that all candidates would run at large. When pressed about why the mind. The wife and I noted on vacation that many small towns in Italy do exactly that. Council would consider such sweeping changes less than a decade after a spirited citizen campaign to install the present form of government, the proponents of the new measure Large trucks are simply not permitted to enter. Rather, there are lots outside of town where the cargo is off-loaded into smaller vehicles for local delivery. The trucking industry would surely bellow, but hey, they can either get used to it or be driven out of business by those able to adapt. The alternative is that all of us will have to get used to another UDOT boondoggle and its progeny. explained that they had been approached by unnamed people yearning for the way it used to be. Well, as Al McLeod pointed out, that back room minority were quite probably the same folks who made the change to the present form of government necessary in the first place. The Zephyr conspiracy sniffer has also detected the distinct aroma of persuasion emanating from the Utah Association of Counties, if not stuffed elephants from up North (although that scent could be Olympic spirit). One can imagine withering inquiries from UAC of how any self-respecting rural Utah County can be expected to function properly without a straight-ticket option. UDOT. that patron saint of asphalt and holder to the keys to the mint, has ponied up $80,000 for a study to determine the feasibility of an expressway through the Moab Valley. We will likely get the UDOT panacea, Or, how in the world can voters do what is right if they have to choose their leaders on the basis of real issues rather than party affiliation? Though the merits of term limits and a five person Council are fairly debatable, our non-partisan elections should be held up as a model for the rest of the State. Here, we can "Take this new road and call us in a decade." pick our pols based on individual merit rather than rote adherence to irrelevant hot button issues or gaseous party planks. It would appear that the Council heard from a whole lot more locals opposed to regression in Grand County politics, and we say, nice job making yourselves heard. The voters instituted the change in the first place. If it isn't working to the satisfaction of we, the people, the voters will rise again. It's Election Season: ..and soon the air waves and print media will be filled with the joyous sound of hopeful public servants to be, or not to be, and that is the question which produces the Too Many Cops, Not Enough Problems: San Juan County used to be the only place in South Eastern Utah where one was wise noise. to be nervous even if you weren't doing anything wrong. Just keep those hands at ten and two, watch your speed, stay straight and just hope you can make it through the jurisdiction without arousing suspicion. Of course, none of that will help you of you don't look right, and if a recent civil rights action against the UHP has any merit, you even have to be careful about how you look at the boys in blue. blank stare or cross-eyed? Moab now has its own special problem. : In the County there are four council seats and three school board seats on the ballot. Here, in a Nutshell, is what we'd like to hear from the candidates: If there are issues out there which need to be illuminated and discussed please: What is it this time Trooper, furtive glance, a. Tell us what the issues are; b. Tell us why we need to be concerned about them; It seems there is an epidemic of people c. Tell us your position and intentions simply and clearly. walking around town and minding their own business, without proper identification. The Zephyr has received reports of folks who, without warning or cause are accosted by Moab City Police who demand to see identification and ask for information that is patently none If we the people raise issues, please: _ a. Listen and take them seriously; and b. Respond directly, simply and clearly. of their business. These stops have centered around Swanny Park and the officer, who does not identify himself, is described as “stocky, with light colored, thinning hair.” If you are walking around the safe, quiet streets of Moab, not engaged in criminal activity, and this happens to you, don't be intimidated. Get the officer's name and badge : If no burning issues exist, and there is no known requirement that they must — Great, run on your qualifications, qualities and good graces. Have some fun, and bring us all : along. number, and demand an immediate call to or interview with acting Chief Navarre or the officer's superior. If this is not arranged, make an immediate report to the station at 2598938. Note: If it is late at night, and you are a juvenile or look like one, curfew violations are a legitimate reason to be stopped and questioned. Also, resist any urge to give an officer And be polite, even if the officer isn't; contempt of cop is one of the surest and shortest routes City Zoning Revisited: . In the last issue, we told the story of the City's rejection of a proposed zone change (residential to commercial) across from the ballpark that would have allowed for the construction of a new building for State of Utah Workforce Services. The area is already into trouble. much more commercial than residential, and the existing trailer park is a non-conforming false information. That, in itself is a crime even if you hadn't been doing anything wrong. . Vision I ntegrity P. rofessionalism _Joette Langian ese For Grand County Council * District #5 J will represent the citizens in the 5th District and assure that the best interests of the West Side are heard and protected. * JT will advocate for long term care for the elderly and an increase in services within our community in order to provide the full spectrum of senior care. * JT understand the importance of providing and maintaining local quality health care services for both residents and visitors. * T believe in responsible growth that benefits the community without sacrificing the environment. |