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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue XX Page 15 October 15, 2000 WEBER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - SEAT “C” 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.)? 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. Glen H. Burton I believe consolidating government services will Republican save tax dollars, such as 3821 N. River Dr., the recent consolidation Eden, UT 84310 of the Emergency 911 (801) 745-3987 Dispatch Center, which Email: is projected to save $9 commgburton@ad.com million over 10 years. I Weber County Commissioner Graduate of Executive Management had the opportunity to sponsor and promote this Program, Emmitsburg, MD consolidation. I believe Current County Commissioner; consolidating law 6 yrs Weber County Fire enforcement will save Chief and 27 yrs Assistant additional tax dollars. Fire Chief, Ogden City. Robert J. Fuller Democrat 3060 W. 4600 S., Roy, UT 84067 (801) 775-0794 Email: FULLERWORKS@ad.com 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 Unaffiliated 1506 24th Street, Ogden, UT 84401 (801) 621-1808 Email: jthompso.orc1@state.ut.us Fax: 626-9734 Agent, Dept. of Human Services, State of Utah U.S. Citizen, elector and resident of Weber County. Greg Chambers is running for office, but did not respond to questions. Recipe of the Month Potato Soup 8 chopped or diced potatoes (peeled or not) 1 chopped onion 2 celery ribs chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced 1 can chicken broth 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 cup milk ½ cup flour Put all of the ingredients, except the milk and flour into a five-quart crockpot. Add water to within one inch of the top of the crockpot. Cook on high for eight hours. One hour before serving, put milk and flour into a small container with a lid. Shake until well mixed. Add to the soup. Sliced green onions, grated cheese, and chopped bacon can be used for toppings. 540 S. Hwy 39 Huntsville, UT (801) 745-4200 AMMUNITION SPECIALS! Federal 30-06 150 Gr. $13.99 Federal 7mm Remington Mag 150 Gr. $17.59 Federal 12 Ga. 3” Mag Steel $10.39 Federal 12 Ga. 2 3/4” Steel $9.19 Layaways available for Christmas |