The State Monopoly
We live under a government that doesn't like itself. It's always wanting to go on a diet—get smaller, make less of itself. And often, it wants to cut off parts of itself and give them away to private interests because, of course, business knows best. This is why there is a proliferation of private prisons, why mass transit in Utah is run by an outside agency and why executives of that agency make big bucks. But wait: Is anyone seeking to privatize the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control? No, Utah wants to be in control of its citizens' personal habits. DABC has labored under bad management and worse customer service, so the governor asked for a report on the situation. Ironically, the report on the governor's website gives a 12-step solution, but does not address the chief problem—that one manager oversees multiple stores.
This Land Is My Land
Meanwhile, the Legislature's attempt to save San Juan Commissioner Phil Lyman from further legal woes proceeds with gusto—if you can understand it. After debating the Federal Quiet Title Act and the statute of repose vs. the statute of limitations, Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, summed it up nicely: "I think it's very clear, the Legislature passes legislation." In other words, screw the courts. Given that, they passed a bill "clarifying" a bill from last session that set the statute of limitations back to 1953. It's all about whose right it is to what property, and, in this case, it's for Recapture Canyon and Lyman's illegal motorized jaunt through it. Only Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, argued against the bill, but he figures the courts won't buy it, anyway.
Brush Up Your Résumé
We know this happens, but seldom is there this kind of substantiation. You know those Medicaid cheaters? Well, the Legislature has been after them for some time, so a few years ago, it created an inspector general position for someone to go get 'em. Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, believes the hiring qualifications were so specific as to point to only one person—the one who allegedly got the job. But then, that inspector general left, and six months of searching turned up no replacement. Now a national search is under way, with new qualifications. It required the Legislature to amend the qualifications during its recent special session. "So, with SB 1002, the Legislature normalized the job qualifications, so the state could fill the post," Dabakis said.
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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