| OCR Text |
Show OPINION APRIL 2005 The West View Page 3 . - This opinion section is an open forum for community issues. Editorial columns and opinion articles are strictly the opinion of the author. | Letters of an indecent or demeaning nature will not be published. Letters will be edited for style and space. Students Create ‘River of Hope’ Mural Editorial renacersaeceresesee At first glance, outrage over the UTA transit fare increases that will take effect May 1 seems a bit exaggerated. After all, it seems logical that the expansion of commuter rail and the creation of an intermodal hub near 600 West and 200 South require UTA to increase revenue. Furthermore, what’s a fifteen cent raise on a $1.35 bus ride to most middle or upper class people? What’s the big deal? Well, to hard-working, low-income people any raise is a burden when they barely scrape by every month to pay rent, utility bills, uninsured medical expenses, or to buy groceries or diapers. That small fare increase could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many west side residents, who depend on _affordable public transportation for everyday survival. The question has been asked whether or not it is UTA’s responsibility to preserve accessibility to public transit for low-income riders. In providing this essential public service, shouldn’t UTA be expected to be sensitive to the needs of lowincome, working-class people who ride the-bus and TRAX out of necessity? . : | 7 UTA General Manager John Inglish said over the phone that it is not UTA’s responsibility to deal with low-income issues. He also said in a public meeting that according to review by his agency there are no distinct low-income neighborhoods in Salt Lake City. He added that there will soon be TRAX spurs connecting to West Jordan, West Valley and the airport, “where many west side residents work.” It is troubling that a man in such a high power position seems so out of touch with west Salt Lake City neighborhoods, which are comprised mostly of low and middle-income classes. _ Inglish was quick to point out that UTA works with approximately 20 non-profit agencies in providing discounted fares to the homeless. He also explained that UTA is more sympathetic ; to Para transit riders, because they have a department specifically dedicated to Para transit, thus they have a greater understanding of Para transit riders’ needs. | While it’s noble of UTA to serve Para transit riders (who are ‘not subject to current fare increases), and to partner with agencies to provide much needed services to the homeless, that’s not the issue we’re talking about here. We at The West View believe there are alternate options (that fall between the no-fare and full-fare arguments) that UTA should consider in providing affordable public transportation for all: Programs which target companies to help pay for bus passes like the Eco Pass, which is funded by state governments, uni- versities and white-collar employers, could be aggressively marketed to restaurants, hotels, day labor employers, and construction companies, etc., as a benefit for their employees who often are low-income. Why not offer a day pass with unlimited rides? That’s essentially what an Eco pass is, except on a daily rather than an annual basis. How about offering a monthly pass on a payment plan that a single parent could afford at the beginning of the month? While it’s true that west side neighborhoods are not completely impoverished, they are full of people who have low to modest incomes. By making sure the young, the elderly, or those without cars can get around to jobs, doctors, grocery stores, etc., UTA can help prevent those neighborhoods from becoming isolated pockets of terrible poverty and isolation. - Charlotte Fife-Jepperson Backman Elementary School students pictured from left to right: Porshae Avant, Guadalupe Gomez, Ezmeralda Ortega, Brandon Gowans, Jazmin Flores, Alma Lopez, Brittany Williams.and Marlene Rillcon. Photo by Dale J. Neilson make this school a very unique one,” said Yusuf A. Musim. “The river here is as unique and special as by Norma Hendrickson and Edie Trimmer Backman Elementary students celebrated the dedication of their collective artistic creation, the River of Hope mural, in the school’s entrance. Faculty advisors who helped students create the mural were: Jan Peterson, Shilo Mays and Paula Marquez. The Salt Lake City Arts Council funded the mural. The March 4 dedication ceremony was followed by a program presented by all grades in the school, called “We want to know, America!” Mayor Rocky Anderson and City Councilman Carlton Christensen attended the program. Three students from the fifth grade shared their thoughts on the creation of the mural and what it symbolizes: ‘“‘We have students who bring many cultures to the children who attend this school because no two rivers are alike ... We are pleased to share this river of hope with you.” on “This is the first mural I have ever made,” said Nohzdar Slivany. “This mural will last as long as this building lasts, maybe 60 years. And I was part of this.” “We did not know how this mural was going to look as we worked on the drawings and glazing of the pieces. Now we see the mural and it’s beautiful. I feel glad,” Alejandra Villegas said. Principal Fern Wilkerson, in voicing her evaluation of the project, said, “ This mural is a symbol of the hope that lives within all of us. It is a mosaic of the differences that we all have and yet it is the merging of togetherness that makes us one.” THE WEST VIEW May 2005 Issue Submission Deadline: Tuesday, May 3 We welcome your stories, photos, and opinions. Please notify us if you know of something in the community that deserves coverage. Email us at editor@thewestview.org or call (801)355-9572 Honoring the Life of Bella Marie Buckley A common woman with uncommon devotion to her west side community died in a house fire March 29. Bella Marie Buckley, 83, was trapped in the upstairs the Hibernian Society of Utah demonstrated her commitment to the “common” good. Her 41 years as a seamstress for Pyke Manufacturing, her willingness to accept assignments no one else wanted, and her devotion to her nieces and nephews marked her as a “com- bedroom of her home at 262 S. 1000 W. by a mon” member of the neighborhood. by Norma Hendrickson blaze believed to have been started by a candle that had provided light during a three-hour-long power outage earlier in the evening. _ Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word common as both “belonging to and serving the community” and “not above the average, especially in social status.” Buckley was the personification of both definitions. Her advocacy for the poor, her dedication to the Salt Lake Citizen’s Congress and her service in An online search of Buckley reveals a short list— articles about her death, her obituary and her emeritus membership on the Crossroads Urban Center Board. Her life’s labors did not generate a lot of media attention, but they left a legacy for her family, her community, and especially for those with little power or capital to promote their own causes. Buckley was named “Hibernian of the Year” in 1993 in honor of her service ranging from chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to quietly doing dishes and clean up. Many people use the word tireless to describe her lobbying efforts regarding housing and utilities for low-income residents. She served on the Crossroads Urban Center board for over a decade, receiving its lifetime achievement award in 2002. She was just as dedicated in more personal issues and crises. A fellow member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Phil Lopez, remembers serving with Buckley on nearly every funeral luncheon at the church. Buckley will be remembered for her uncommon valor and service to family, church, and community. | |
