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i Editorial. . .When Utah residents enter the voiingbooth next Tuesday they will face a bewildering number of choices—national, state, and county offices, school board selections, and not the least important, they will be asked to vote “for” or “agalnst”fcur constitutional amendments.These amendments have been drafted by several hard-working Utah organizations Interested In better state and local government,. more efficient school administration, and in law enforcement designed to give greater protection to the citizen on the street.All four amendments have been endorsed by Governor Calvin L. Rampton, Gubernatorial candidate Nicholas Strike, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Association of Counties, Utah Education Association, Utah Constitutional Revision Commission, Utahns for Effective Government, Utah Legislative Conference, American Association of University Women, and many other organizations and Individuals,The first proposed amendment, worked out by the Utah Constitutional Revision Commission, would enable the Utah Legislature to become more streamlined and effective.It would remove unnecessary detail and deadwood In the law, and, would empower a legislative auditor to audit any agency or subdivision of state government, essential if the Legislature Is to be an effective watchdog over the expenditure of public funds. Another section would authorize the Legislature to retain legal counsel separate from the Attorney General’s office.The second amendment would enlarge the category of offenses for which the accused may not be released on ball, provided the proof or presumption of guilt Is strong. When an accused felon is released on ball, he often commits another crime -to raise money to pay a bondsman for the ball on the first offense. As a result, there is a vicious cycle in which bail Increases the pressure to commit additional felonies.A third proposition on the ballot would eliminate the present requirement that first and second class cities must have a school district separate from that of the county in which the city is located. The change, which is permissive rather than mandatory, would permit city and county school districts to consolidate for greater efficiency and economy If their patrons so desired.The fourth, and possibly the most important amendment, would allow the counties, subject to referendum, to select the form of government best suited to each county's needs.As it is now, every county must have the same form of government—the commission form, which has become badly outmoded. Because of wide differences in population, geography, and economic conditions, It doesn’t make sense for ail counties to be organized the same way.The amendment is essenttalto permit such changes in those counties which feel the need for reform. Other counties may still remain as they are.We have studied all four amendments, and feel they will improve state and local government, school administration, and will offer greater protection from criminals to the citizen on the street. We urge you to vote “FOR” all four.
Newspaper Details
Ephraim Enterprise
Ephraim, Utah, US
Thu, Nov 02, 1972
Page 3
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Utah, USA 04 Apr 2025
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