It’s about representation...
Oct 25, 2012 | 1041 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print
OK, I’m a responsible citizen and I’m asking questions.

  This should not be a partisan issue. It’s not about Democrats and Republicans; it’s about optimum representation.

  Who initiated this change in form of government?

Answer: The four officials of the Republican Party are the signatories on the petition. In an amazing coincidence, this local initiative, with the same wording, is also on the Wasatch County ballot. Wasatch County also has a seven-person commission with two at-large representatives.

  Who will decide who would be on the study committee?

Answer: The appointment committee. This committee consists of five Grand County residents. One of those is appointed by our three state representatives, Hinkins (R), Mathis (R) and Watkins (D). One may assume the resultant choice will be selected by the local Republican Party.

  The second is appointed by the county council.

  The third is appointed by one of the petition sponsors, all officials of the Republican Party.

  The other two are chosen by the first three.

  These are the people who will choose the members of the study committee, which will consist of from seven to 11 individuals. Given the makeup of the appointment committee, it is unlikely the people chosen for the study committee will decide to retain the seven-person, non-partisan form of government, as the Republican Party has stated they wish to return to a three-person commission.

  What qualifications/backgrounds are necessary for those people who would serve on the Study Committee?

Answer: They must be registered voters and not hold any public office or employment.

  It is not mandatory that they hold public meetings.

  Why would one want to change to a divisive, rancorous partisan government when 60 percent of Grand County voters have chosen to not affiliate with either major party? A non-partisan government means neither party chooses the candidates for county council and that council members are not beholden to a party. They shouldn’t have party members threatening them because they voted their own conscience.

  “With these economic times, wouldn’t smaller government make more sense?” This question was actually posed by the “Yes” people.

Answer: Really? Each of our council members receive $700 per month for $8,400 total annual compensation: $8,400 x 7 equals $58,800. Emery County has “smaller government,” i.e. three commissioners. For each, total compensation is $44,572: $44,572 X 3 equals $133,716. San Juan County’s compensation is $48,744. Do the math.

  One final question: Do you remember how the three-person commission acted? If not, read last week’s T-I Guest Commentary.

—Karen Robinson

Moab
Share This Article |

Copyright 2013 The Times-Independent. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.