Ogden Valley News | 2000-10-01 | Page 15

THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue XIX Page 15 October 1, 2000 WEBER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - SEAT “C” Glen H. Burton Republican 3821 N. River Dr., Eden, UT 84310 [phone] Email: [e-mail] Weber County Commissioner Graduate of Executive Management Program, Emmitsburg, MD Robert J. Fuller Democrat 3060 W. 4600 S., Roy, UT 84067 [phone] Email: [e-mail] Project Manager, Underground Const./Managing Partner, Traffic control service. Master of Business Administration; B.S. Marketing, minor economics, Utah State University. Governor Leavitt appointee, Utah Critical Land Conservation Committee/Utah Open Land. John H. Thompson Republican 1030 Peach Drive, Ogden, UT 84404 [phone] Retired Fire Chief Six years as State Legislator; Thirty-seven years community service. What ideas do you have for using our property tax dollars more efficiently and effectively? How would you change property management practices in the County to prevent a recurrence of the Rulon Jones land situation? Do you feel our county government is most effective and efficient in its present 3 fulltime commissioner form? How do you perceive the role of county government in interacting with federal, state and local government in the areas of planning, self-image, and services (police, fire, etc.)? I believe consolidating government services will save tax dollars, such as the recent consolidation of the Emergency 911 Dispatch Center, which is projected to save $9 million over 10 years. I had the opportunity to sponsor and promote this consolidation. I believe consolidating law enforcement will save additional tax dollars. The county policy was changed right after the Jones property concerns were raised. A Public Lands Advisory Council was formed with responsibility to review and make recommendations on all county owned public lands, along with additional notice requirements. This has already been done. I believe the three commissioner form is the most cost efficient, but with the new state law allowing county form of government changes, I would support the people’s choice to expand the commission to five members. As the overall county growth demands, I believe this change would be better for county government than a council/mayor form. Weber County Government is currently partnering with federal, state and local agencies to maximize our tax dollars in the following areas: Forest Service partnering in law enforcement and fire; State lands partnering in fire; State and federal partnering in 911 dispatch center, surveying and mapping, recreation-snowmobile, Monte Cristo, North Arm Trail Head, North Ogden Pioneer Trails, etc. Develop a long-range Capital Expenditure Plan that prioritizes spending, a fundamental management tool. From 1993 to 1999, long-term county obligations have risen at an alarming rate, from $20 million to $79 million. Taxpayers would be better served if commissioners understood the difference between Economic Plans vs. Planned Economies. Hire a commissioner who respects the Utah Code, upholds county regulations, and assumes personal responsibility. Hire a Deputy County Attorney who understands what a title search is and honors recorded contracts. Read the depositions of our lawsuit and recognize the price society pays for elected officials who settle for mediocrity. No. Based on results and economic logic we need to increase the chances of electing people who can demonstrate a higher degree of common sense, plan ahead, and show up to work. A seven member paid council with one fulltime manager would save taxpayers over $100,000.00 per year in salaries. Commissioners must practice the Partnering concept and enroll all levels of government with the public interest in mind. There is no excuse to miss Federal Grant opportunities or McAllister Open Land Funding. Commissioners should support city agendas and recognize the ripple effect our decisions have on one another. First, no new or raised taxes for any reason. Second, review current expenditures and ensure taxes fit first into necessary and required functions of county government. Third, try to simplify the six county taxing entities on the property valuation into the 21 budget expenditures funds to let more residents clearly understand where THEIR money is going and why. This is best answered after the current court case is settled. Selling public land should be a last resort. But if the sale is necessary, the public should have timely information and input into the decision-making process. Our leaders should have public interest, service and trust as their top priority. Anyone responsible for mismanagement should be held accountable. The quality of people you elect is far more important than the form of government you have; but effectiveness and efficiency can be enhanced by good commissioners, excellent staff, dedicated employees, honest and open public input, and the philosophy of doing the most good for the most people for the right reasons. Weber County tends to be as independent of these other entities as possible. More can be accomplished when political groups work together in areas of common interest, toward common goals than when they refuse to. I would like to see higher levels be a source of assistance, help, and information rather than the real or perceived cause of all problems. Greg Chambers is running for office, but did not respond to questions. Group Honors Perception Park’s History By Ruth Malan Standard-Examiner Correspondent Twenty years ago, the park in South Fork Canyon was dedicated the first time. [On August 10], the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Utah added a bronze 24-inch by 18-inch plaque that details the park’s history. Perception Park, hidden away in the Hawthorne area of the canyon, was the fruition of a dream a group of women had 30 years ago. On August 8, 1980, former Congressman Gunn McKay, DUtah, dedicated the area which was conceived and equipped for meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Federation members say it was the first park of its kind to be built in Utah. “With the school for the deaf and blind so close, it made it a logical area,” said Joan page, a GEWC member who spent four years raising the money, researching the history and having the plaque made. Susan McDaniel, of the U.S. Forest Service’s graphic department, designed the plaque. A five-line poem, written by Pat Dickamore, is engraved on the plaque below a picture of the park. The poem reads “Someone had a dream. Many began to care. Now we have this mountain experience for everyone to share. The dream came true.” Dickamore and Geneva Swartz helped Page research the park’s history. The person with a dream was Jeri Winger, the state president of the club more than 30 years ago. She came up with the idea after visiting the National Arboretum and Braille trail in Washington, D.C. After her visit she contacted the Forest Service and suggested a conservation park project. Other presidents followed keeping her goal in mind, and fund was set up to raise money for the project. Officers of GFWC/Utah and of the Women’s Conservation Council, went to Washington D.C., to meet with Utah’s congressmen to discuss the government allocating funds for a park that would accommodate the physically challenged, the elderly and parents with children in strollers. McKay, of Huntsville helped acquire funds for this cause. The Forest Service eventually was granted nearly $1 million dollars to use on the project. Because federal money could not be used for landscaping, the club raised funds for trees and shrubs. The 25-acre park is nestled between the mountains, seven miles east of Ogden. Inside there are spots for visitors to sit and watch the water tumble over the rocks as well as easy access for those in wheelchairs. The park also contains picnic areas and places for families of other groups to gather for picnics or reunions. There is even overnight camping on the banks of the Ogden River where visitors can fish. Note: This article is being reprinted courtesy of the Standard-Examiner. Campsite sign from Highway 39. New plaque at Perception Park.