Editor,
Often times the citizens of a community will never know when their city is out of control. When things reach the point where the behavior of the chief executive officer is immoral and unlawful [state statute 76-7-103], it becomes apparent that a detailed constitutional analysis of one of the current city’s projects is needed.
Brigham City has already purchased or spent nearly $2 million on a hotel project, in spite of the claims made by Mayor Fife that it will cost nothing. Currently it appears the city is facilitating a loan to continue this real-estate venture. Sounds like “Lending Public Credit” (see Utah State Constitution Article VI Section 31).
The hotel is planned for one of the least commercially viable areas of the city. I and other residents familiar with the area will quickly point out that the central portion of the city is residential in nature. The southern portion of the city is strategically located along Highway 89 near I-15.
In addition, there is a large retail establishment with many existing restaurants in the southern section. Sounds like “Gambling” (see Utah State Constitution Article VI Section 28)
To be clear, Brigham City is spending money that it does not have for a hotel where it is not needed. This will undercut the profitability of existing hotels. How does a business compete with the city government and a large corporation working together to offer services at an admitted loss?
Sounds like “Public Taking” (see Utah State Constitution Article I Section 22)
Oh, did I mention that the Brigham City Council is now discussing plans as to how to manage the request from Utopia for more funds, which was originally steamrolled onto the city as well.
Lee Johnson
Brigham City
Comments