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Show HILLTOP TIMES Vote', hinges on influence of one man BY STEVE SALLES Standard-Examiner movie critic H ollywood — more specifically Kevin Costner — wants you to vote for the candidate of your choice. You know, "one man, one vote" and all (which I always thought was an odd expression since I can't remember it ever being "one man, six votes"). Costner and company go to great lengths to develop a scenario in which one man's vote will decide it all. And as far-fetched as that may be, if you can get past that idea, it may be easier to swallow the rest. Costner plays Bud Johnson, an easygoing slacker who has decided the good life has left him behind. He's content to sit on the sidelines and let come what may. He kind of works in an eggsorting plant in Texaco, N.M., with a predominantly Mexican workforce that he calls "insourcing." He drinks beer like it's about to run out, he enjoys fishing from the banks of a nearby river and loves NASCAR. He's what you'd call a good oP boy. He has no interest in politics. Doesn't even know who's running. But he has a 12-year-old idealist daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll), who is all about changing the world and saving democracy. He promises to show up at the polling place on Election Day and do his civic duty for Molly, but breaking promises is nothing new to Bud, as he gets sidetracked at the local watering hole after getting laid off. Molly waits patiently, but in a final moment of daring, she slips into the precinct polling place, signs Bud's name before a slumbering official and attempts to cast Bud's ballot. Unfortunately, the plug is pulled as she's POLICY From page 1 at 5 p.m. To vote early, you must be registered at least 30 days before the election. The locations and hours for early voting will be determined by the county clerk. In other circumstances, supervisors about to make her electronic choice and the vote is voided. Of course, New Mexico is a swing state and whichever candidate takes New Mexico wins the presidency. President Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer) is seeking re-election as the Republican incumbent, and Democrat Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper) hopes to unseat Boone. As Molly brings a sleeping, foul-mouthed Bud up to speed, he's less than thrilled about the possibilities of voter fraud and decides to play along with Molly's mistake. He's told he has 10 days to recast his vote and that the entire country will be looking for him to make the "right" choice. As the political machines descend upon this tiny town, the candidates must convince this one man they are right for the job, even if it means changing their stances to fit Bud's ideology. Only Bud doesn't have any idea what he stands for. When asked about "pro-life," he answers, "Isn't everybody?" It's all a big joke to Bud. The candidates wine and dine him at every opportunity, but to Molly, who has been reading the pleading letters sent by everyday Americans, the issues are vital. Rest assured, no particular side looks any better than the other. The movie is way too long and Costner's character arc from goofball to concerned citizen feels a little too convenient, but a good message greets you at the end, making the effort to see the film worthwhile. should review AFI 36-815, Absence and Leave, paragraph 8.4 on page 37, Absence for Voting or Registration, to determine whether the situation meets any of the requirements for excused absence. If so, supervisors may excuse employees within these parameters for the minimum amount of time necessary and as workload permits. Employees will provide a voting certificate afterwards to the supervisor when TIMES October 30, 2008 MAJCOM has moved those responsibilities under the force's inspector general, who will oversee all From page 1 inspector training and certification. Also, a new Ah* Force headStaff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz. Management of nuclear-capa- quarters staff directorate will be formed to provide oversight of ble aircraft assigned to Europe nuclear issues within the force, will not fall under the new comDonley said. mand, officials said. The Air Force secretary also A three-star general will lead announced establishment of a the new command, Secretary Donley said. Officials have not nuclear oversight board at the headquarters level that he will yet picked a location for the lead with General Schwartz. command's headquarters or identified who its commander Schwartz joined the roundwill be, but said they plan to table via teleconference from name a provisional commander Iraq, where he is visiting dein the next few months. Secployed Airmen. retary Donley said he plans to "While today's fight is vitally have the command operational important to our Air Force, the by September. capabilities that we provide in support of our nation's nuclear This roadmap, Donley said, addresses longstanding, system- deterrent force is just as, if not more, important," he said. "The ic problems in the force's handling of nuclear assets. The plan nation trusts us to provide them safely and securely." addresses structural changes within the force, changes in its Schwartz said the roadmap processes and procedures and provides a "back to basics" apa change within its culture, he proach for accountably, complisaid. ance, precision and reliability. One of the problems identiOfficials also plan to rebuild fied in recent reports was in the the Air Force's nuclear experforce's nuclear inspection protise within its ranks of Airmen cess. The secretary said the Air through training and career Force did not have consistent development, and officials said policies in place with consistent they plan to invest more heavily interpretations across comin the mission as it modernizes mands, and needed a stronger its nuclear capabilities. oversight of the inspection proThe Air Force spent about $85 cess. million in the last fiscal year revamping its nuclear program. It "We were not getting out of our inspection process what we expects to spend about $270 million in fiscal 2009, officials said. need," Donley said, noting he excused absence is authorized for this purpose. Otherwise, employees may request personal leave for the purpose of voting (annual leave, leave without pay, previously earned compensatory time or credit hours) per IAW normal leave rules. Supervisors should direct any administrative questions to their specialist in Civilian Personnel; Labor and Employee Management Relations Branch (OO-ALC/DPCE) or by e-mail to linda.telford@hill.af.mil. Timekeeping questions may be directed to specialists in the Comptroller Directorate, Civilian Pay Customer Service (00ALC/FMFC). Information on Utah polling dates and locations can be found at http:// www.leaveyourprint.com or call 1 (800) 995-VOTE or call the Election Staff at 399-8034. Varicose Veins.. 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