This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
How odd that West Valley City and anyone using Granger-Hunter public services are being asked to pony up more money each month right after being told there needs to be a property tax increase in the same year.
Are these new fees needed to help offset some of the funds lost by city officials who carelessly gambled on (I mean invested in, wink-wink!) Utopia? Since city officials don't mind spending taxpayers monies on frivolous things, may I suggest they purchase one of President-elect Donald Trump's books on how to invest money wisely? After all, the man did become president on a dime compared to his opponent, who spent millions more and lost.
If West Valley City really wants to generate real public funds, they — along with the rest of the state — should allow the lottery and bring the state into the 21st century along with the rest of the country. Because living inside the great Zion wall is not exactly living in Utopia or the United States.
I'm sure the city and state government are just trying to protect their citizens from the horrors of gambling addiction, but the only thing we need to be protected from is their gambling with our taxpayers money.
Linda M. Sagendorf
West Valley City