Citizen Commentary on KUER-FM 90

HETHER YOU WANT to offer your comments on a virtual soapbox, or submit them to be considered for broadcast on KUER-FM 90, the "Raise Your Voice" forum offers you the chance to tell candidates and fellow voters what you think.

Each week, KUER news staff will ask one or two citizens to read their comments in the studio, then they will be put them on the air.

• Submit your comments to "Raise Your Voice"
• Read the "Raise Your Voice" Submission Guidelines

Posted 11/3:

When I hear politicians talk about increasing teacher accountability, it makes my blood boil. How can politicians expect a teacher to teach to their best potential if they don't have enough books for their students? And don't politicians know that teachers ARE accountable to their department heads and school principals?

To me, use of the phrase "increased teacher accountability" shows a politician who doesn't really understand public education, so they're picking up the latest buzzword which they think will make them sound informed. Politicians should worry less about teacher accountability, and more about their own personal accountability when it comes to voting more money for Utah schools.

Keri Hains Riker
Orem, Utah

Posted 10/31:

With regard to Initiative B:

1. I believe we should enact legislation to "prohibit the civil forfeiture of property owned by an 'innocent owner,'" (which involves voting 'Yes'). Those not involved in a crime should not pay for it.

2. However, I also believe we should continue to allow properties seized to appropriately be used to fund special operations to halt drug trafficking problems, etc. (which involves voting 'No'). This is a logical use for these monies which result from related crimes, and funds are definitely needed to support law enforcement. While there can be some disincentive for police to acquire and use these funds correctly, this is countered by rules restricting use only for non-routine enforcement measures and regulations about the manner in which the property is taken. I choose to trust and work with law enforcement organizations in their efforts rather than take away power they need.

It appears that right now the way to achieve the two objectives above is to vote 'No' and later work toward the very necessary protection of innocent owners' property rights. There are too many detrimental aspects to the current initiative to warrant a supporting vote.

Laura Duffin
Midvale, Utah

I think there is a group of people more important than them all, and I know you will agree when you read what I mean. All of the above could be done without, but we could not live without food. So why is it that the American farmer is being discounted as completely unimportant and left out. My father is a dairy farmer who is making less money now, per pound of milk, than he did in the early '70s. I think something is wrong here, don't you? Well, I am certain that we all would if we suddenly lost the privilege of purchasing a gallon of milk, or some cheese, or ice cream, etc. Then maybe we would have something to say about their awful wages. Those of you who are somewhat naive will suggest there are many government programs offering assistance to farmers. The last time my dad went to get some such "assistance" he was going to be given a $100, and along with that a contract to abide by government standards that took away freedom of choice in running the farm. Gee, thanks. When are we going to wake up and see that the commodities we live on are what fuel this society? It has nothing to do with computer chips and technology. Take away food, and nothing else matters. I just wish we'd start treating the matter that way, so that my family and thousands of others could stop living in the poverty level of income while trying to run a business in the year 2000, on wages that became obsolete 30 years ago.

If you think I am only worried about myself and my family, any farmer of any type, almost, can tell you that they are having just as difficult of times. Many of them are losing land that has been in there families for generations, and instead of being able to live out their dreams, are being forced to give up. If the auto workers, secretaries, teachers, pizza delivery people, or anyone were to suddenly be given paychecks identical to the ones they received 30 years ago, how long would that last? Or any other business in the country, for that matter. Obviously, it just wouldn't happen. Why are we letting it happen to those individuals that are providing us life on a daily basis?

Michael Haderlie
Ogden, Utah

I think the candidates for state offices and Congress are ducking several issues:

(1) nuclear waste -- why must the nuclear industry play a shell game with their waste, instead of storing it on site, and why must taxpayers subsidize the industry by assuming ownership of the waste? If the utility industry had to absorb the real cost of its activities, like the rest of us, it would shift to other energy sources on its own.

(2) campaign finance -- why should the price of advertisements on television determine who shapes the issues discussed in the elections, consider, for example, that two of the three major TV networks, and scores of local radio stations, are owned by the nuclear power industry. We should be discussing public financing of elections;

(3) what ever happened to health care reform? NO ONE is satisfied with the current system (except some insurance company executives), yet none of the candidates seem interested in discussing either federal OR STATE initiatives to guarantee affordable, and understandable, health insurance;

(4) what about state funding for higher education -- as a student I support a tuition increase in any amount . . . if the state increases its appropriation to higher education by the same percentage -- tuition increases and state appropriations should be linked by statute; I don't think the Utah legislature pays its fair share, and consequently, many worthy students are priced out of an education, and many good educators are priced out of Utah.

Bern Haggerty
Salt Lake City, Utah

I feel that the Envirocare issue is being dodged. We need to be aware that the State of Utah may choose to allow Envirocare to store radioactive waste that has been generated in other states. Of course, the current proposal would also allow such waste to be transported through our communities.

Do we want to allow Utah to be a dumping grounds for radioactive waste that consists of everything except spent fuel rods? If we, as a state, say "no" to allowing spent fuel rods to travel through our communities, how can we allow radioactive waste that is every bit as lethal to be dumped in Utah?

On a related topic, do we want to allow the Army to "burn" all of the nation's non-stockpile chemical weapons at the incinerator, given the history of malfunctions we have witnessed?

What are candidates views on what Utah's image should be? In the long run, will Utah still be attractive to families and tourists, and businesses?

Robynne Kirkpatrick
Salt Lake City, Utah

I appreciate this web site and the reliable information it offers. I think it is important to make sure the information we use to make decisions in an election is reliable and correct. An earlier comment was made about a bill in congress (602p). This is a well known hoax that has been circulated on the Internet for years now. With only a minimal amount of research this fact can be found out. To cast a vote made on false information is as bad or worse as not voting at all. I hope voters will be concerned enough to do their homework and find out the truth of the issues, not become inflamed over false or misleading information.

Kimberly Clarke
Washington Terrace, Utah

i think new elects should consider
that they dont have solutions to all the
problems past officials have left undone
but to agree to take into consideration
all the challenges that may face them in office.

furthermore they should all consider
the way alcohol is managed in the state
of utah
it is managed by the church at a profit
to and for state controlled liquor stores
put the content to 6%
and let entrepenuers open up shop
we also need to focus on extracurricular activities for the
students of utah schools
for instance
more utilities in the parks
such as volleyball nets
and places not restricted to skate boarders
they deserve the rights of bicyclists
such as bike lanes
its all transportation issues
people who bike to work should be
permitted to write off 75% of their
automobile, state and road tax
because they do not pollute
and furthermore do not do any damage to roads and therefore should not pay for
the maintenance of our highways
except for 25% because we all drive sometimes.

anyone considering office should of course consider who they are working for us the people
how can we live in free society
if our elders are making our decisions
its like being twelve again and being
grounded on certain issues

we need to take all public control
away from the churches, they should only
have the power to influence
religion, for those who chose it.....
and not condemn those of us who decide
to take a higher wisdomized path in life
because beleive it or not
the church here in utah, uses its influential power to slow growth
in all criteria, unlesss it pertains
directly to its members businesses

all around the church hurts productivity
in this nice state
old issues being brought into play
only benefit older generations
their chance to speak should be over
let go of power i say
and transfer it into the hands that will be here longer

Richard Daniel Bunker
Salt Lake City, Utah

With all the talk about education, I do not believe that the state leaders have done enought to raise teacher salaries. If they are serious about attracting good teachers they must have a SIGNIFICANT pay raise. I am talking about a 30-50 percent salary increase.

They deserve to be better compensated for the service they provide to the state. It is pitiful that our society puts so little value on the work of these public school teachers. The long-term consequences of our neglect could be devastating.

Governor Leavitt: Instead of reducing the sales tax by 1/8 of 1 percent as you say you have, take that money and even a little more and funnel it to the teachers. DIRECTLY to the teachers. I believe that the majority in the state are willing to pay 1/8 of 1 percent more taxes for this to happen.

Whichever candidate will support the idea that our teachers deserve more will get my vote. Not just incremental increases over time with lots of rhetoric to go along with it. I want a quicker and more substantial response.

It is almost insulting to the teachers to offer them minute increases if they will work even harder to meet excellence standards set by the state. They are already doing a good job. We need to recompense them for this. Thank you.

Daniel Ware
Lehi, Utah

If a sign was posted on our church or school "Leave Your Guns Home !" or "No Guns Allowed Here !" The law abiding citizens would not bring Guns in. How are you going to keep the criminals (who don't care about the law) from having free reign in that school or church? Maybe you can enforce the laws that are already on the books, and ensure our security!

Gov. Leavitt has stated many times, that "education is better off now" ... HUH... FACT.. class sizes are larger and education pay is one of the lowest in the nation...! How will we be able to keep Quality Educators, if they are not reasonably compensated?

COMMENT: I believe that if we take good care of and educate our children, educate them through college, then we will be able to close the prison doors!

Mike Millet
West Valley City, Salt Lake, Utah

A recent e-mail was sent to me on 10/12/00 regarding a bill that the federal government is trying to slip a bill (bill 602p) that would allow a .5 cent charge on e-mails sent. The postal service is complaining that they are losing x amount of dollars every year due to free e-mail services. In the editorial on March 6th 1999 is more information. Tony Schnell (R) has even suggested a $20.00 - $40.00 sur charge for internet service.

How far are we going to let OUR elected officials go before we put an end to them taxing us to death.

J. Charlesworth Utah

What is initiative A (English as the Official Language of Utah)? I don't understand the extent of the law. Especially the second line of the law:

"(2) exempt those documents and actions required by the United States and Utah constitutions; federal law and regulations; law enforcement, public safety and health requirements; public and higher education; certain judicial proceedings; economic development and tourism; and libraries;"

Does this mean that these areas will or will not be using English only? For example, judicial proceedings, will this mean that all printed legal documents will be in English? Or does this mean that these areas will be able to operate in multiple languages?

Dixie Crowther West Jordan, Salt Lake County, UT

I was in the Army during World War II and at 18, not eligible to vote. I became eligible in 1954 and was so proud to finally get the privilege of voting. I have not missed any elections since then and am keeping up my voting privilege.

I don`t comprehend anyone who fails to vote. It is an exceptional privilege given to us by our democractic country. I always felt that my one vote could possibly be the decisive vote.

Check the candidates and vote your choice after getting the facts needed to vote wisely. Remember, it is a privilege that millions throughout the world do not have.

Please vote!