Friday, April 29, 2005

Utah Policymaker: South Davis Recreation Center Board

I've discovered a blog whose contributers are elected officials in Utah. I will provide a permanent link to it on my sidebar. Utah Policymaker

One post of interest is as follows.

"I feel that we as City Council Members from the participating cities of this district have been misled. We were led to believe from the beginning that our input on the design of the building was not only wanted but, welcomed. Now that the bonding has been approved by the voters, it seems the Board (which is made up of the Mayor's of the cities, Commissioner Dan McConkie as well as two other members) doesn't want anymore input on the what the facility is to look like and include.

In a Davis County Clipper article from Sept. 28th 2004 about the Recreation District Meeting, Tom Hardy was quoted as saying "we selected VCBO to do the study and to do the preliminary design and master plan." He goes on to say "The Board had two choices. Do you want to scrap everything you've done or get going as quickly as possible?" This seems a bit extreme. I don't think a majority of the citizens want to scrap everything. However, I do believe that a majority of the people who voted in favor of the bonding want to change the current "preliminary design" slightly. I have a commitment from Mayor Larrabee to get together with some residents of our city to discuss the preliminary designs. His biggest caveat is he wants them to have a sincere interest in the facility. If I'm helping to pay for a facility (through my property taxes) isn't that sincere interest?

Posted by Thad Van Ry # 10/12/2004 02:56:13 PM"
I can tell you, one of the "two other members" is Darrel Twede, who, along with Dannie McConkie used to be one of my neighbors. I have much respect for Daryl, and he was right to accept the invitation to serve, but the process by which he was selected was flawed. No process was in place to qualify the candidates for the Board. And, the fact that the Board does not have the benefit of a diverse membership bodes ill for the project.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Nay: Phrase not found!

I just searched all the Davis County Commission Public meeting minutes back to January for the word Nay, and came up with nothing. Do any of the Commissioners ever disagree? Or, do we have a severe case of Political Groupthink. I've seen complete agreement to exist in other settings besides County government. I suspect dissent is rare, or extinct among most of the 15 cities within Davis County, and the thought frightens me. I want the wheels of progress to keep turning, but not at the expense of intelligent thought. When the public show up at a Truth-in Taxation hearing and express concern, only to be brushed aside by a unanimous vote, we feel betrayed!

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

County Townhall Meeting: May 18th

Mark your Calendars for May 18th at 7:00 P.M to be at the Davis County Memorial Courthouse, 28 E. State. The County will be hosting the first Townhall meeting for the County. Some have, rightly expressed some skepticism that this meeting will be well attended. I would agree, because it has not been well advertised by the County. Has anyone heard this advertised on Channel 17? The County website hasn't mentioned it. I've found the meeting mentioned in the Standard Examiner, and the Clipper only. Please, correct me if I am wrong.

The chance of having another meeting like this hangs on how many attend this first one. One issue that will be discussed is the County Jail expansion, but this time belongs to the Citizens, and any questions will be answered(we are told). In preparation to play 'Stump the Commissioner', on May 18th, comment to this post with your best questions? If you know you can attend, let us know in your comment?

Monday, April 25, 2005

Citizens for Tax Fairness

I created this blog as a way to publicize issues, pertinent to residents of South Davis County, that have been swept under the rug. The opinions expressed, are my own, but the site is open to public comment. So, if you reside in my County, weigh in!

I'm providing a link to an organization, of which I play a small, fly on the wall, part. They've actually saved the County substantial amounts of money.

Citizens For Tax Fairness