Fall The Favorite Season of All
Horsehead in Fall by Karly Halls, Monticello
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History of Commission Districts in San Juan County, Utah
By Gail Johnson, former San Juan County Clerk
Serving 9 years 1983-1991
Because history gives context and
perspective to current situations, the history of commission districting in San
Juan County bears repeating. And perhaps I know this history best because of my
personal involvement. It is not my intention to fuel anymore contention. Just give some history.
San Juan County was the first county in Utah
to have district county commission seats.
That was in 1984. Up until that time, all counties in the state had
a 3-member commission, each member elected at-large with two seats being four-year
terms and one seat being a two-year term.
The
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a legal action against San Juan County
in November 1983, stating that the at-large commission violated the federal
Voting Rights Act even though the county was in compliance with state law. I was county clerk at the time and was a
defendant in the action along with county commissioners Calvin Black, Ken
Bailey, and Bob Low. These men have since
passed away. I attended the meetings with the DOJ attorney as well as
participated in the county's efforts to comply.
Contrary to some beliefs, the Navajo Nation was not party to this
legal action. The Tribe did however, participate in the
process of establishing the original commission districts.
Neither the federal judge nor the
DOJ determined the boundaries for these commission districts. It was left to the county to do that with instruction
by the DOJ that communities and cultural areas were to be kept intact as much
as possible while balancing the populations.
The intent was not to dilute the vote of any group of people and
thus diminish their voice in the county.
The DOJ had to give final approval of the commission districts to ensure
they were in line with the decree signed by the federal judge.
The county held many meetings to get
input from residents -- from Spanish
Valley to Navajo Mountain to Aneth. An
informal county-wide opinion survey was taken to get public input. From February through September of 1984, 13 districting
proposals were presented by different
organizations and reviewed thoroughly by interested stake holders. This included UNDC (Utah Navajo Development
Council) and the Navajo Nation. Eventually,
issues were resolved and a final plan was agreed upon by the various groups,
and it was accepted by the DOJ. The plan
was also approved by county voters in the 1984 November general election. Of the 20 voting precincts, Navajo Mountain
was the only precinct opposed to the plan -- 53 "Yes" and 88 "No". Commissioners were then elected from
districts beginning with the 1986 general election.
This original districting plan put
the western portion of the Utah Navajo reservation with the western and
northern portions of the county as Commission District No. 1. Commission District No. 2 included the
Blanding area and White Mesa. Commission District No. 3 included the central
and eastern portions of the Utah Navajo reservation. These three districts kept community and
cultural areas intact while evenly distributing the population as much as
possible as required by the DOJ.
Prior to this 1983 legal action, the
DOJ had brought similar actions against neighboring counties in New Mexico and
Arizona. Also, subsequent to this action
(May, 1987), Utah law was changed to provide for this new form of county
government. This allowed for San Juan
County to be in compliance with state law as well.
I remember the commissioners were concerned about the western part of the Navajo reservation (Oljato area & Navajo Mtn.) being in a different commission district than the rest of the reservation. They discussed it with Willie Greyeyes, then UNDC board chairman. A UNDC resolution signed by Mr. Greyeyes (Sept. 6, 1984) endorsed the new plan: "...The Board of Directors of the Utah Navajo Development Council, after a thorough review of the alternatives and after hearing extensive input from the local Utah Navajo communities, herewith endorses the redistricting plan previously known as Proposal #8... and The UNDC Board of Directors is convinced that placing the Navajo Mountain and Oljato precincts in District #1 with the northern part of the County will prove to be in the best overall interests of both the county and its Navajo citizens..." The Oljato Chapter passed a similar resolution on September 22, 1984.
Proposal #8 placed Cedar Point in
District 2 (central district) and White Mesa in District 1 (northern
district). Commission minutes of Sept.
10, 1984 state: "Willie
Greyeyes, Louis Tapaha, and Worthy Glover representing UNDC met with the
Commission to present a resolution adopted by UNDC regarding commission
districting. The resolution adopts a
proposal for districting which includes Navajo Mountain and Oljato in District
#1 and includes Cedar Point in District #2...The Commission felt that the Cedar
Point area should be placed in District #1.
Mr. Greyeyes had no objection to putting Cedar Point in District
#1. The Commission also felt that the
residents of Navajo Mountain and Oljato should be consulted about this
proposal. Mr. Greyeyes stated that he is
confident that Navajo Mountain and Oljato will support this proposal and vote
for it. Mr. Greyeyes stated that he has
had contact with the people of Navajo Mountain and they are in favor of this
proposal...."
Two weeks later in commission
meeting, a motion was passed modifying Proposal #8: "taking
Cedar Point out of District #2 and putting it in District #1 to preserve
community interest, and taking White Mesa out of District #1 and putting it in
District #2 to preserve community interest. These changes would change the
deviation to 7.8% from 4.9%." Prior to this motion, the minutes state that
Ron Faich and Donna Chavez, representing the Navajo Tribe, met with the
commission and presented a resolution from the Navajo Tribal Advisory Council
requesting the adoption of Proposal #8. After
some discussion, "Mr. Faich and Ms. Chavez stated that the
deviation difference would be fine as long as the community interest is not
split. Ms. Chavez further stated that
she is ready to recommend the changes ...Also present were Herb Clah and Worthy
Glover representing UNDC. The representatives
present stated that the Navajo Tribe and the UNDC are recommending the above
changes which will be called modified proposal #8 and are also asking that it
be adopted by the Commission and placed on the November election ballot. The representatives from the Navajo tribe
replaced proposal #8 attached to the resolution submitted by the Tribal
Advisory Council with modified proposal #8.
The representatives from UNDC also replaced proposal #8 attached to the
resolution...with modified proposal #8...The commission stated that they feel
that the modified proposal #8 best serves the community interest for each
district..."
This is how and why
commission districts began in San Juan County. I was a witness to it. These historical facts are documented
in county records and federal court records.
Under the direction of the DOJ,
the county did everything required to comply with the Voting Rights
Act. There was no political or racial
gerrymandering. If that were the case,
then the DOJ and the federal judge were party to it.
In a letter to me from Herb Clah, UNDC Executive Director (Oct 5, 1984) he said, "...We
appreciate the willingness of the San Juan County Commission to work
cooperatively with UNDC and the Navajo Tribe in resolving this issue. Even though there have been some
misunderstandings along the way, we feel that the efforts to communicate and
resolve differences have been worthwhile."
The road
to consensus got bumpy quite often, but consensus was achieved. Strong differences were resolved respectfully
and professionally.
In the
October 24, 2011 commission meeting, Commissioners Phil Lyman and Kenneth
Maryboy agreed to form a redistricting committee to look at the 2010 census
data to recommend any changes to
the commission districts. Commissioner
Bruce Adams was not present. That
committee reported on November 14, 2011.
Two rural areas east of Monticello (Cedar Point and Ucolo) were moved
from District 1 to District 2 to put populations back into balance. Thus not
disrupting a lot of residents and preserving community interests as had been
done previously. Commissioner Kenneth
Maryboy opposed this action preferring a complete redistricting of the county
using census blocks rather than voting precincts.
The Navajo Nation filed suit against
San Juan County two months later in January 2012 alleging that the county commission
districts were unconstitutional.
Again, documents show that the
original San Juan County commission districts were created to comply with a
federal court order. These districts
were created to give more opportunity to American Indian residents for
political participation in county government.
These districts were created with the assistance and endorsement of the
Navajo leadership.
It is unfortunate that misinformation by some
has lead to divisiveness IN this county and misperceptions OF
this county. Historically the average
county resident, American Indian and non-American Indian, gets along well with
other county residents on a day-to-day person-to-person basis regardless of
race or politics. There isn't
perfection, but in general there is respect.
There is cooperation. There is
personal service. There are
friendships. There are shared
grandchildren. And, there are good
people. Gail Dalton Johnson, Sept. 2019
~~ Kudos to the San Juan Record for their newspaper makeover! More color, better organization, and information and a great new logo!
List your favorite ten icons in the new county illustration and you will be entered into a drawing for a deluxe San Juan "swag bag", courtesy San Juan County Visitor Services. The drawing will take place on September 27.
~~ B. Keshlear's Analysis of Past and Present County Voting District Alignments
"Most conspicuously, Podmore’s brand of journalism seems ideologically driven. He has fearlessly targeted a conservative elected official who no longer holds county-level office and his dodgy decisions while in office but soft-pedaled coverage of incendiary remarks of liberal politicians. He has spread misinformation. "
EXCERPTS in article: "(Many of the people attending the meeting, including Mark Maryboy, spoke Navajo. The organizer of the event and president of the chapter, Kenneth Maryboy, did not provide translation services for non-Navajo speakers in attendance even though discussions of county policy took center stage. Bold-face type indicates Maryboy's comments):"
~~ Lodging in Moab has Stirred up a Hornet's Nest SL Tribune
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| Writers of the Purple Sage |
~~ Reporters Must Dig Deeper for Full Facts When It Comes to San Juan
~~ Henderson Attends GRAMA HEARING
( Segment starts at: 2:35:30)
~~Popularity of Outdoor Motorized Recreation Increasing
by Kelly Green
Recreation in the outdoors can be costly depending on what type of choice is of interest. For those who like motorized travel as their activity, a new four wheel drive such as a Jeep Rubicon or Toyota 4Runner can start for as much as $40,000 to $60,000 and higher depending on added trail accessories. These vehicles can take you into some amazing places that most will never get to enjoy and see on Utah’s public land. Every year during Moab’s Jeep Safari extravaganza, which happens around Easter weekend and lasts for around nine days, enthusiasts come from all over the country to challenge the trails in Southeastern Utah’s red rock country. Many auto companies and entrepreneurs come in to show off their wares for both advertising and sales. Tires, rims, winches, jacks, suspension kits, and many other interesting items are displayed for those who enjoy this kind of recreational activity and want to outfit their vehicles with something really special to enhance their rigs. Some users modify machines to turn them into beastly Rock Crawlers that can conquer just about any obstacle while others may be looking for a less extreme ride for a family outing and only want a few items. Again depending on the type of accessory added, there is just about something for everyone. Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question, "Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?" with the retort "Because it's there,” that same desire for back country explorers could be included as people want to get out and see the public lands and with the miles and miles of trails and roads available, it is no wonder that the motorized outdoor recreational sport has grown.
2019 San Juan Safari
Since Moab and Southeastern Utah, is a proclaimed paradise for all sorts of outdoor activities, the Rally on the Rocks event is another popular destination spot for UTV riders. This annual event takes place on the famous Slickrock domes and nearby trails and is really gaining in popularity with the UTV crowd. The event offers guided rides throughout the week and going with those who know the country and local history of the surrounding area is a real treat for those who want to get to know the area better. Famous trails like Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, Steel Bender, and many more attractions are a great way to see what is out there to test ones driving skill. The Rally on the Rocks organizers also are great contributors in helping to give back to the community as they have graciously given donations to various charities, which help improve the lives of people in Grand County.
Bein
Street Legal UTV owners want fair and equal treatment
Utah’s National Parks are accessed by state highways and county roads and millions of dollars are being spent by Utah taxpayers to fund construction and maintenance of these roads. The Utah Legislature has been a leader in allowing certain types of OHVs to be registered as street-legal because they recognize the growing recreational popularity and economic benefits to the state and local communities. To qualify, machines need to be modified to meet safety standards and must be insured. Owners of street-legal OHVs comply with numerous laws and regulations to be given the privilege to drive on a wide range of state and county roads and like all motorized users, they contribute to the maintenance of the state highway system through gasoline taxes and registration fees as well as paying for off road stickers for the development of infrastructure, trail maintenance, and other public land use projects.
Recently members of UTV Utah, have led the fight to open street-legal access to Utah’s roads and highways by sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior Bernhardt, to ask for his help in getting the National Park Service to lift the prohibition of street-legal OHVs on the publicly accessible roads of Utah’s National Parks. Even though National Park regulations say they should update their rules to comply with state law, the National Park Service has not at this point in time done so and it is felt by many UTV riders that it unfairly discriminates and it is time to change the policy.
Education and Responsible Use is Key
Because America’s public land has such a variety of choices for the general public to enjoy, learning how to properly take care of the resource is going to be an ongoing challenge for those tasked with its longevity. For motorized recreationists education is key to preserving continued access on the public land. Public agencies and private citizens need to continue to work together so the great gift of multiple use remains available to all who want to enjoy the outdoors. By educating the public and motorized recreational users about how they can be good stewards, everyone wins.
Kelly Mike Green is a lifelong resident of southeastern Utah. Poet, author, grandfather, and outdoorsman, Kelly is a strong advocate for multiple use on public lands and is active in promoting a responsible and balanced approach for public land use.
Recreation in the outdoors can be costly depending on what type of choice is of interest. For those who like motorized travel as their activity, a new four wheel drive such as a Jeep Rubicon or Toyota 4Runner can start for as much as $40,000 to $60,000 and higher depending on added trail accessories. These vehicles can take you into some amazing places that most will never get to enjoy and see on Utah’s public land. Every year during Moab’s Jeep Safari extravaganza, which happens around Easter weekend and lasts for around nine days, enthusiasts come from all over the country to challenge the trails in Southeastern Utah’s red rock country. Many auto companies and entrepreneurs come in to show off their wares for both advertising and sales. Tires, rims, winches, jacks, suspension kits, and many other interesting items are displayed for those who enjoy this kind of recreational activity and want to outfit their vehicles with something really special to enhance their rigs. Some users modify machines to turn them into beastly Rock Crawlers that can conquer just about any obstacle while others may be looking for a less extreme ride for a family outing and only want a few items. Again depending on the type of accessory added, there is just about something for everyone. Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question, "Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?" with the retort "Because it's there,” that same desire for back country explorers could be included as people want to get out and see the public lands and with the miles and miles of trails and roads available, it is no wonder that the motorized outdoor recreational sport has grown.
 |
| 2019 San Juan Safari |
The popularity in UTV and ATV use has grown in recent years because of the significant fact that they are cheaper and more affordable than larger vehicles. Improved engineering and reliability in the competitive market is proving that they are the poor man's best option to recreate in forest and desert terrain, which is one of the main reasons for its growing popularity. A variety of accessories are also available and depending on how you want to dress it up for individual taste, a lot of different options are possible. Most UTV’s can hold two to six people depending on which machine is chosen and avid riders claim the ride in a UTV is much more comfortable than the bigger rigs. No matter what you choose there is something out there for just about everyone.
Since Moab and Southeastern Utah, is a proclaimed paradise for all sorts of outdoor activities, the Rally on the Rocks event is another popular destination spot for UTV riders. This annual event takes place on the famous Slickrock domes and nearby trails and is really gaining in popularity with the UTV crowd. The event offers guided rides throughout the week and going with those who know the country and local history of the surrounding area is a real treat for those who want to get to know the area better. Famous trails like Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, Steel Bender, and many more attractions are a great way to see what is out there to test ones driving skill. The Rally on the Rocks organizers also are great contributors in helping to give back to the community as they have graciously given donations to various charities, which help improve the lives of people in Grand County.
Bein
With the increase in popularity and more outside people coming into the area, the impact on the environment is a concern and the local people have started campaigns to educate about proper etiquette and responsible driving on local streets and highways as well as taking care of the surrounding desert landscape. Most riders are conscientious about obeying speed limits and picking up their own trash but there are always a few who don’t, which give other law abiding recreationists a bad name. It first started with the “Throttle Down in Town” campaign, which was evaluated as being highly successful and this years educational theme is, “Do it Like a Local.” Those who have lived in the Moab area for a long time offer suggestions for being safe and taking care of the public lands so everyone can have an enjoyable time while visiting. The terrain and hot temperatures can be treacherous and inexperienced drivers can quickly get into trouble if they are not careful and prepared. Extreme temperatures can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and drinking the proper amount of water needed is always stressed. Slowing down in town and showing courtesy to everyone goes a long way to having an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Street Legal UTV owners want fair and equal treatment
Utah’s National Parks are accessed by state highways and county roads and millions of dollars are being spent by Utah taxpayers to fund construction and maintenance of these roads. The Utah Legislature has been a leader in allowing certain types of OHVs to be registered as street-legal because they recognize the growing recreational popularity and economic benefits to the state and local communities. To qualify, machines need to be modified to meet safety standards and must be insured. Owners of street-legal OHVs comply with numerous laws and regulations to be given the privilege to drive on a wide range of state and county roads and like all motorized users, they contribute to the maintenance of the state highway system through gasoline taxes and registration fees as well as paying for off road stickers for the development of infrastructure, trail maintenance, and other public land use projects.
Recently members of UTV Utah, have led the fight to open street-legal access to Utah’s roads and highways by sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior Bernhardt, to ask for his help in getting the National Park Service to lift the prohibition of street-legal OHVs on the publicly accessible roads of Utah’s National Parks. Even though National Park regulations say they should update their rules to comply with state law, the National Park Service has not at this point in time done so and it is felt by many UTV riders that it unfairly discriminates and it is time to change the policy.
Education and Responsible Use is Key
Because America’s public land has such a variety of choices for the general public to enjoy, learning how to properly take care of the resource is going to be an ongoing challenge for those tasked with its longevity. For motorized recreationists education is key to preserving continued access on the public land. Public agencies and private citizens need to continue to work together so the great gift of multiple use remains available to all who want to enjoy the outdoors. By educating the public and motorized recreational users about how they can be good stewards, everyone wins.
Kelly Mike Green is a lifelong resident of southeastern Utah. Poet, author, grandfather, and outdoorsman, Kelly is a strong advocate for multiple use on public lands and is active in promoting a responsible and balanced approach for public land use.
