In the past several years I have read article after article wherein it is clear that many Utah businessmen, economists and governors have erroneous attitudes toward growth along the Wasatch Front.
They feel that growth is good - the bigger, the better - and that everybody wants more and more of it. Both of these ideas are incorrect.Many of us, especially those of us that are from Utah originally, those whose interests ought to be of more worth to government than outsiders', do not feel that our current level of growth is good.
When I read articles like "Good times expected to keep on rolling" in Wednesday's News, I cringe at the thought of what will happen if "the state's prospects continue on the track of the past five years."
I fail to see good times in ever-greater air pollution, worsening roads, buildings higher up the hills and farther into the forests, more gangs, etc.
Any economist can tell you of the good side of growth; a wise one will also point out the down side and discuss the concept of limited resources, one example of which is the good life along the Wasatch Front. We cannot expect to maintain our current level of growth and yesteryear's good life simultaneously.
Let us stop spending money on attracting growth and begin spending that same money on our current problems that are already at intolerable levels because these can only get worse with a greater population if nothing is done.
Let us put into office people who can see beyond the simple equation of more people equals more sales equals more revenue for our bureaucracy. I call on Gov. Mike Leavitt to lead the way in this to show that he is truly interested in good times for Utahns.
Kevin S. Ashworth
Salt Lake City