Tom Nelson sounds like a man who's just concerned for the well-being of his elected officials.
The lifelong Cottonwood resident told the Salt Lake County Commission Tuesday that incorporation of the east-side neighborhood is needed to lighten the trio's busy administrative load."You've all got a big burden, and we'd like to relieve you of that burden," said Nelson, drawing laughs from both commissioners and citizens squeezed into the County Government Center.
Nearly 100 people attended the first of two hearings scheduled to enlist public opinion of the proposed city. The meetings appear to be a mere formality for commissioners - who have already decided to let residents decide the future of "The Cottonwoods" at the ballot box.
"We will have a vote," said Commissioner Brent Overson. "We're not here to determine your destiny, you need to determine it yourself."
An incorporation election will likely be held sometime after October. If voters approve, city officers will be elected in 1995 and the new city will begin operating on July 1, 1996.
Bordered roughly by Murray-Holladay Road and Casto Lane on the north, Highland Drive on the west and the I-215 belt route on the east and south, The Cottonwoods would encompass a largely residential area of 6,780 people.
Tuesday, the largely pro-incorporation crowd rehearsed several of the major issues surrounding The Cottonwoods movement, including increased local planning control and fear of being drawn into neighboring cities.
"We want representation. You commissioners represent 280,000 people, this doesn't give our 6,000 residents much of a voice," said resident Trisha Topham.
Cottonwood resident and former Utah Attorney General Paul Van Dam said rumored annexation into Salt Lake City jeopardizes the "unique flavor" of the pastoral area, adding "if we have an opportunity for local control, I can support (the proposed city)."
Other folks - still feeling the sting of last year's huge valuation and tax hikes of Holladay-Cottonwood area properties - said incorporation is needed to keep more local municipal service dollars inside the community while cutting taxes.
A second public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Olympus Junior High, 2217 E. 4800 South.