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Show Page A2 The Summit County Bee May 5, 2000 It RatIngs Hme Toll Mo About a by Leon Slmlster A friend of mine gave me a list (internet s generated) of job performance ratings (JPR) taken from actual employee per- formance eval uations. and it occurred to me that many of our current holders of political offices could have been some of those interviewed. Especially do I think of the diffig this culty in properly past eruption of puzzling concluJPK-ralin- d sions arrived at by our Utah State Legislators. I'm still somewhat mystified over their peculiar treatment of IIB320 which, highly-venerate- in effect, does away with the Committee of Consumer Services. The bill - over 40 pages long -apparently will put Questar totally in control of adjusting consumer prices of natural gas with very little regulation from public agencies. The obvious public conclusions have been tendered as to the legislative reasoning behind this decision, which amounts to the public's awareness about the influence acquired through freebies" and campaign funding gratuities being extended to legislators by many of the larger corporations and businesses who pay hired lobbyists big bucks to influence legislative decisions. Most who attend legislative sessions (excluding the Ruzicka faction) agree that there is a certain amount of madcap confusion at times. This qualifies for the JPR rating of. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, hut the train isn't coming." Both the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News reported lobbyists gave a total of approximately SI 01), 000.00 to the legislators for y the past session. The Tribune has it pegged at $103,343.29, and the News repotted a total of $86.698. (X) (early March). Admitting the impossibility of obtaining a truly accurate figure, due to loopholes in Utah's ethics laws that successfully muddy up the waters as to which legislators get the most loot, the figures are taken as sort of quasi accurate, but are nevertheless, Our legislators, likewise, have had a humorously difficult time in deciding where to spend all the tobacco settlement money. I mean, it was a veritable wind-fal- l, and I think Utah's AO, Jan Graham, analyzed it quite well when she verbalized her opinion that the money came from the people who caused T have been proud of those who have served our I country through the various wars as they fought to preserve the freedom which so many of us seem to take for granted. I have stated many times in my column how I feel about people who don't believe in taking a moment to salute nr place a hand over the heart when our American flag passes by us or as the Pledge of Allegiance is recited. This came hack to me as I attended the Republican and Democratic Conventions held in the County during April. I was stunned as I looked around the rooms hi see people NOT holding their hands over their hearts, especially since these were meetings in which people would possibly be chosen to he our future leaders. As parents and leaders in the DLS ummil CrOunttf lie Staff PUBLISHERS Dk Buy SuaBuys Launa Wynn CdRor Pamda Rotten smokers; i.e cancer, emphysema -among other things - and therefore the bulk of the loot ought to be spent on treatments for those so afflicted and also on preventative measures in convincing our youth to not become future recipients of these smoking afflictions by educating them to resist the tobacco industry's saturation advertising, which is intended to entice them into starting the habit. This spending would replace our lawmakers (and possibly the Governor's) plans for blowon other ing the wind-fa- ll priorities which are already to the hilt. Thinking with Graham's perspective makes more sense to me. The legislators JPR for their rationale would be "They have delusions of adequacy." And last, but not least, for their worn-ou- t, feigned efforts to "handle" the smell of lobbyists' g the distaste by ignoring public's (and even public protesting the allnwarce of any type of extra tax-fund- gift-givin- in-p- ut fllPST 325-64is published weekly for 910 per year In 0) Summit County. Senior Citizen Discount. 913 in county: 921 by Wane Publishing Inc.. 163 South, 100 West tlelier City. 64032. UT Periodical! Postage raid at Coalville. ITT 64017. POSTMASTER. Send address changes to The Summit County Bee. P.O. Box 7. Coalville. LT 64017. The entire conlinlt of thit new ffsiprr n Copyright 2000 The Summit County Bee ind'ot IVave Publnluitf Inc. AM lights reserved No part of (M public ition mjy be reproduced m any turn with- r. out the written content of the Managing tditor or Publisher probably shouldn't end this gun-contr- g. all the health problems for the keep reverting back to the old Johnsonian (Lyndon B.) philosophy of "....government should take a bigger role in individual's lives...." That's precisely what new laws would do and exactly what we don't need. In fact, I get a cold sweat when I think of how our U.S. government is now trying to legally skirt jobs, which our lawmakers were democratically elected by the community, I believe we' as adults should help the young people know and understand the importance of showing respect to our flag and what it stands for. All we have to do is look around us at foreign countries to take a reality check and realize our many blessings. During the past week I have spent several hours reading articles written by various authors and lis- tening to television and radio accounts relating to the 23lh Anniversary of the Vietnam Conflict. 1 suppose this one means more to me because it stands out in my memory. Silting in school rooms, taking tests as we learned about the problems leading to the Vietnam Conflict was not only confusing, but a situation that became real as time went on because boys and friends" I grew up with were suddenly leaving home for a land far away and to God only knew whaL In talking with several of those who served their country during this lime, I was sickened by what they had to endure- - from hot sweltering living conditions to having to retrieve bodies that could he identified only because of denial records, a ring or other personal mnmcnlo, to the fact of watching a friend get killed right next to you and wondering if you would he next. According to one VET" the truly hard part was coming home to find that instead of being honored for their service, they were treated criminals-bein- g called names such as "baby killers", ignored or passed over for jobs, and suffering critical injuries. Still others passed away from agent orange caused illnesses. Finally, after many years, some- one decided those great human beings, numbering over 30.000, should be honored and plans for a monument were pul into place. Now, daily, people travel to the site to place items next to the name of a loved one or friend who paid the ultimate price-givin- g their lives in the name of their country. I knew several who died in the conflict as well as others who passed away later. Many who served choose not to talk about it or attend assemblies or programs where they could receive recogni- - Letter To people to do, by forcing legal action against private industry and ignor- ing legislative procedures. This happens when the few individuals in power don't get things exactly their way, as in the current bnihaha between the White House legal staff and a couple of the nations gun makers. It deserves the top JPR award, "If they got any more stupid, they'd have to be watered twice a week." unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world. was just like trying to put a feather in his (Governor Leavitt's) cap. Republican Convention Mr. Brown, is someone who puts on a smiling face, pats you on the back and then stabs you. His nose is stuck in everyones business and County Citizens need to know, be concerned, and be aware of his dealings. Also, with all the buildings available for holding meetings why was the convention held in a school room with small space and no Lastly, but importantly. Congratulations to Randy Ovard for being selected to represent the Republican Dear Editor, As I attended the County Republican Convention held on Saturday April 29, 2000. 1 came away with several things on my mind that bothered me. Congressmen present, but WHERE was the Governor. I felt it was a sorry thing for him not to be present, but it should make people realize what type of Governor we have in the State. When Glen Brown delivered his speech on the Governor's behalf, it was mote of a Church Service or Memorial, as he painted him as a hero. I thought it I . for the people damn" Live well, laugh often, love as much as you can Reward yourself, life is Care for your short; play hard Be a responsible neighbors Citizen Vote ' sons for issuance: A. Name of issuer: Remember kind Take advantage to opportunity North Summit School District of every learn new Tell the people you love things that you love them at least once a day...There is no such thing as too many hugs and kisses....Say five positive things for every negative thing.... B. Purpose of Debt: Reroof Elementary and High School Buildings, Purchase Property For Future Needs, Build a Bus Garage This too shall pass. ...Have pels....Treal yourself as well as you treat others Learn how to make Live every day good decisions to the you can do nothing ahout....Don't forget to take care of one another. I need to send Happy Birthday greetings to my son, Rambo (Randce) who turned 23 on May 2. 2(XX). I KNOW it was just yesterday that he was crawling around on the floor as he learned to walk, and it HAD to be yesterday that he graduated from High School. Time certainly does fly right along Also, a BIG Congratulations to my daughter-i- n law- - Camellia as she graduates from Weber Stale Universily. She and my son, Rodney, have had a busy couple of years with being married and having a new son in January. I have a lot of respect and admiration for both of them as they continue to accomplish their set goals. Thought for the week: The cream of enjoyment in this life is fullest-yesterd- C. Type of Debt and Maximum Principal '4 The general obligation bond for financing the above projects was rejected by the voters. The Board of Education invites all citizens to attend the public hearing. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss financing for needed repairs and funding for future projects without raising taxes. The proposed debt will fund these projects. always impromptu. The chance walk; the unexpected visit; the unpremeditated journey; the unsought conversation or acquain- Published in the Summit County Bee April v wiMHMtixi 1 in nil it II 2, 2000 end May 5, 2&Ki 1 hnd out whale happening in your hometown. Subscribe to the Sunmiit County Bee - Call a -- USBAZions Bank Capital Outlay Program Series 2000, lease purchase debt, maximum principal amount $1 ,300.000 ay tance." Fanny Fem. A.C. BlonquisL r ness you received and pass it along n School District Board of Education will meet on May 1 0, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the North Summit School District Office, to hear public comments regarding a resolution authorizing the issuance of debt by the entity and to explain the following rea- Surround yourself with who a "give positive Party as the candidate seeking the County Commission seat He will do a good job to represent the residents of the County, should he be elected. Public Notice The North Summit lion because the pain and hurt go too deep. I honor them and their tribute to America!!!!!! Well, I guess it is time to move onto something a little lighter. As you know from past columns, I get a lot of reading material sent to me-soI really enjoy, others go in the garbage. Recently I got a page of "helps" to "make life's path more fulfilling" and so I decided to share some of them with you. Look EcHtor TIhe Comments From The First, it was nice to have State Senators and Thought for the day: America is never wholly herself s PIace as if they were The Summit County Bee I column without touching briefly on the (what seems to me to be headed nowhere) problem of Aside from the hands-of- f approach with our state lawmakers (of which is, in my opinion, O.K.) I have never been able to understand how making more laws about guns and their availability would do anything more than what strict enforcement of laws we already have would do. I -- odor-hearin- Paim All my life curricular remuneration by lobbyists) they would earn the maximum JPR of, "Some drank from the fountain of knowledge, but they only gargled." 43-da- r- - 336-550- rj 1 re 1 POOR C |