Michael Vaughan

In a few weeks, all registered voters in Weber County will receive a ballot in the mail for the library bond election. If the bond is approved, the Main Library will undergo a significant and much-needed renovation. A new branch library will be built in Roy. The North Branch will be expanded, and the Ogden Valley Branch will receive additional parking so that it may better function as a community center.

As a child my father was coerced into attending services at a Baptist church in rural Arkansas. Although the Baptist theology didn’t stick, my father held memories of the church services for the rest of his life. In particular, he remembered how his grandfather, Mack, reacted to one of the preacher’s sermons.

Ogden’s first 2013 Sundance film was shown at the Peery Egyptian Theater, and films continued at the Peery until Jan. 28, when the “Best of Festival” films was shown. I started attending the festival long before the films began playing in Ogden, and I have seen close to 200 Sundance films. 

Last week, I read a newspaper article in the Standard that detailed the efforts of a group to create "a sane Christmas with a view of abolishing the indiscriminate giving of presents." Members of the group called for a "giftless" Christmas. You may be familiar with similar efforts.

Both Romney and Obama could be described as fiscalists. They differ on their view of the ideal combination of tax rates and spending needed to cure the nation’s economic ails. They differ in regard to those who should bear the brunt of any tax increase or benefit from any tax cut. Nevertheless, the cornerstone of both candidates’ economic policies rests on a foundation of taxation and spending policies.

"Down at the mill they’ve got a new machine. Foreman says it cuts manpower by fifteen." Bernie Taupin and Elton John wrote those lyrics more than 40 years ago, and they were writing of a time long before they were born. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 18th century, people have understood that advances in technology may reduce the need for the labor of certain workers.

Dear Mr. Tim Cook,

CEO Apple Corporation:

Over the years, I have purchased many Apple products, and I have been consistently satisfied. I recently purchased an iPhone 4S. I am generally pleased with the product. However, I have discovered the phone has one serious defect. I hope your engineers will act swiftly to correct this problem.