OCR Text |
Show Volume XXII Issue III The Ogden Valley news Page 3 January 15, 2014 Guest Commentary Trust . . . But Definitely Verify! By Lee H. Hamilton Of all the numbers thrown at us over the course of last year, one stands out for me. I hope we can avoid repeating it this year. That number is 12. It’s the percentage of Americans in a December Quinnipiac poll who said they trust the government in Washington to do what is right most or all of the time. It’s a depressingly small number— especially compared to the 41 percent who say they “hardly ever” trust the government. This meshes with recent polls that echo a bleak truth: trust in government is at historically low levels. That’s not all, though. Americans are feeling vulnerable and highly distrustful of both government and private-sector prying. More worrisome, a few months ago an AP poll found that fewer than a third of Americans trust one another. The poll’s message is clear: our society is in the midst of a crisis in trust. This might seem like a touchy-feely concern, but it’s not. Trust is essential to our political system and our way of life. The belief that people and institutions will do what they say they will do is the coin of the realm in our society. It is what allows people to work together—in their daily interactions with others and in their communities, legislatures, and in Congress. Negotiation, compromise, collegiality, are the mechanisms our complex and diverse society depends on, and are impossible without trust. Trust is one of the medley of virtues that has allowed our institutions to develop and prosper, along with honesty, competence, responsibility, and civility. A breakdown in trust between Congress and the executive branch invariably brings problems: the turmoil of the Vietnam War era, Watergate, Iran-Contra, and our current budget travails. A society-wide lack of trust imposes real costs. It makes the drafting of laws and their implementation extremely difficult: government becomes more expensive because it requires more emphasis on regulations and enforcement. In fact, you could argue that we see all around us the results of our trust deficit. Government dysfunction, an economy performing below its potential, business and public official scandals and misdeeds, trusted institutions’ willingness to skirt the law and standards of good conduct, our social safety net under attack because people mistrust recipients—all of these speak to a society struggling as trust weakens. Yet here’s a question. Do the polls match your experience? In my case, they do not. Trust still figures in my dealings with institutions and individuals, most of whom are good people trying to live a decent life and to be helpful to others. They deal with one another honorably and with care. I’m convinced that this is because, no matter what the polls say at the moment, the habits instilled by parents, schools, and a vast number of public and private institutions do not just disappear. These habits include the experience of grappling with the challenges that representative democracy throws at us, and they serve as a reminder that we need trust in one another to make our national experiment in representative government work. As idealistic or even naive as this may sound, we need to work toward more trust among our people and between people and their government. Some new laws might help, but the challenge is more basic than formal laws can address. Higher standards of conduct at all levels of American life must become the norm. Trust may have weakened, but most of us do not see or experience a corrupt America. Even as we have become a larger, more diverse nation, a sense of community remains crucially important to make this country safe and secure for ourselves and our children. We cannot take for granted our success at self-government over the centuries: the only invisible hand guiding and preserving our institutions is our collective will. Events in recent years have given us plenty of reason to be distrustful. Clearly, healthy skepticism is warranted in the wake of the NSA revelations, the problems with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, and other evidence of both government and corporate misbehavior. In the end, however, “trust but verify” is still the golden standard. Our ability to function and move forward as a society rests on trust. Think about it. education, and the citizen’s role in representative democracy. “Like” us on Facebook at “Center on Congress at Indiana University.” Whatever the reasons, rural states appear less likely to expand Medicaid, leaving nearly 1.8 million rural Americans in a “coverage gap,” earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough for premium subsidies through health insurance marketplaces. This represents about four percent of the total rural and small town population in the 24 non-expansion states for which data is available, comparable to the number of people nationally informed their policies from the individual health insurance market were not compliant with the healthcare law. In non-expansion states, rural health care provider networks will be stretched, possibly to the breaking point. Small towns may be left without crucial pieces of healthcare infrastructure, rural residents may be left without institutions to attend to their healthcare needs, and rural communities may be denied jobs and economic activity. After a great day of skiing/boarding come get a deep tissue recovery massage. l l l l l By Mayor Jim Truett, Huntsville Town It’s that time of year again when the snow falls and we try to stay warm. It’s also the time when road crews are working to keep all the roadways clear of snow and ice so we can all be safe when we have to travel. Following are some of the ways you can help road crews maintain our roads during winter weather. 1. Pull back your garbage containers from the roadways so the snow being pushed off the roadway doesn’t disturb or knock it down. 2. Please keep abandoned vehicles clear of the roadway, and, if at all possible, please park in driveways. This allows us to not box your vehicle in, and allows crews to keep from pushing snow into the roadway. 3. If you have a mailbox that is not secured and Outcalls available—enjoy a relaxing massage in your own home or condo. Assisted Stretching Injury-recovery massages also available. Day and evening hours available. Conveniently located in Eden, across from Carlos & Harleys, next to Allstate Insurance. Call Now! www.mountainperformancemassage.com 5460 E 2200 N Eden, UT 84310 is pushed out close to the road, please pull it back just off the roadway. This will help keep it from accidentally being bumped. 4. Please do not throw snow back into the road; this can create an ice patch on the roadway where vehicles can then slide. It can also damage snowplow blades. When the snowplow comes through, we all know what happens to our drive ways. This is what we have to deal with living where we do. Please be courteous and patient. 5. Some years we have an abundance of snow and our snow banks can block the view of drivers. Please take extra time to negotiate travel through intersections for both your safety, and the safety of others. 6. And, finally, please just slow down and be aware of your surroundings. We want everyone to be safe this winter. Please help us, help you! Utah’s Office of Energy Development Launches New Website The Office of Energy Development (OED) is pleased to announce the public launch of its new website <www.energy.utah.gov> The updated OED website provides a user-friendly platform for businesses and the public seeking information specific to energy development in Utah. The site delivers important news coverage of Utah energy issues and serves as a hub of information regarding recent policy changes, new energy developments and important events such as the 2014 Utah Governor’s Annual Energy Development Summit. Of particular importance is the “Funding & Incentives” section, which the public may visit to find information on research grants, state and federal incentives, and financing and loans. One popular incentive available through the website is the Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit, which is available to homeowners and businesses seeking to advance the State’s energy conservation goals through on-site genNote: Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on eration with solar, wind, geothermal, and other Congress at Indiana University. He was a mem- technologies. The new OED website makes ber of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 these applications easier to find and to submit years. Now on Facebook, you can find informa- electronically. tion about educational resources and programs, Having recently completed a re-branding and share your thoughts about Congress, civic process, OED also has a brand new visual Rural America and the Medicaid Gap By John Crabtree, Center for Rural Affairs A recently released Center for Rural Affairs report (http://files.cfra.org/pdf/medicaidexpansion-a-rural-issue.pdf) examines differences between rural and urban states regarding the decision of whether they would expand their Medicaid program as provided in the Affordable Care Act. The healthcare law extends Medicaid eligibility to nearly everyone under age 65, earning up to 138 percent of the 2013 federal poverty income level - $15,856, or $32,499 for a family of four. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 28, 2012, however, each state has the option of whether or not to expand. So far, 25 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid with 25 states declining or delaying. This Winter, Please Help Us Help You! identity that reflects the dynamism and breadth of the State’s energy industry. The icons in the shape of Utah reflect the State’s primary energy resource areas: Conventional Energy, Energy Efficiency, Renewables, Energy Infrastructure and Unconventional Energy. The logo is anchored in the top corner of the website as a reminder of the key components that comprise Utah’s energy mix and represent an important part of the economic footprint in the State. The new website (www.energy.utah.gov) and branding further establish the Utah Office of Energy Development as the primary resource for advancing energy development in Utah. About the Office of Energy Development (OED) Governor Gary R. Herbert recognizes energy as one of the four cornerstones of Utah’s strength, along with education, job creation, and self-determination. In recognition of this priority, the Office of Energy Development (OED) was created in 2011, with a mission to provide leadership in the balanced development of Utah’s abundant energy resources, through public and private partnerships that foster economic prosperity, energy independence, and a reliable, affordable energy supply. Through its economic development and policy efforts, OED helps to advance the responsible development and utilization of all energy resource types. Two Major Leaders Join GOED Economic Development Board The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce the addition of Margaret Lasecke-Jacobs and Josh Romney to the Economic Development Board. Both Margaret and Josh will bring new perspectives and experience to the board that will enrich the sound counsel offered to GOED. The Economic Development Board is charged with promoting and encouraging the economic, commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural and civic welfare of the state. The board also advises Governor’s Office of Economic Development staff on the development, attraction, retention and expansion of businesses, industries and commerce within the state. “We are thrilled that Mrs. Lasecke-Jacobs and Mr. Romney have agreed to join the Economic Development Board,” said Spencer P. Eccles, GOED executive director. “Their knowledge and skills will significantly enrich our board as our board members continue to advise the GOED leadership team.” Margaret Lasecke-Jacobs has a wealth of experience in marketing and public relations. Recognized early on in her career for her leadership potential, Margaret became one of the youngest vice presidents at Ogilvy & Mather (formerly Dudley Anderson & Yutzy). She later served in senior management positions at Fujitsu America and Oracle Corporation. After leaving Oracle Corporation in 2000, Margaret formed a marketing and public relations consulting firm. She now serves on the Sundance Institute Utah Advisory Board. TWO LEADERS cont. on page 11 Wanted: Eden Park Manager If interested in information on applying for the position of manager for the Eden Park District, please contact an Eden Park Board member before January 15, 2014. Board Members are: Nick Froerer Brent Christensen Nedra Peterson Lance Quinn Maureen Peterson 801-510-3210 801-745-3066 801-745-3942 801 745-3920 801-389-5788 801.688.3006 NOW OPEN! Come Visit Us in the new Eden Center! (across from Eats of Eden) New! Gift Baskets, Specialty Products, and Unique Gifts! www.SimplyEden.com Athena@SimplyEden.com 801-710-1929 |