Like most Utahns, I have a great admiration for former Gov. Calvin Rampton and former first lady Norma Matheson. After reading the article "Petition targets N-waste" (April 3, 2002), it appears to me that those behind the coalition of Utahns for Radioactive Waste Control are exploiting these dignitaries.
I imagine that those who imposed on these fine Utahns to use their good names made certain that it all sounded like a beneficial and worthwhile endeavor. I doubt that any mention was made that the petition's additional taxes and fees would exceed the targeted company's annual revenue. The targeted company happens to be my employer.
What I can't figure out is how the Utah Education Association signed on with this coalition. It's sad that dues from our underpaid teachers may be going toward the $1 million effort in this misguided petition drive.
Educated people should know that if receipts don't exceed expenses, including taxes and fees, eventually there's no tax money for schools, teachers, books, desks, the environment, the poor or the homeless.
I urge Utahns to avoid signing this petition. But, above all, please smile at and be nice to the petition people. Hopefully the coalition will hire the poor and homeless to help collect signatures. Otherwise, the coalition's effort will not result in any benefit to those they purport to help.
Jay Vance
North Salt Lake