My comment was based on Ms. Cline's comment in the newspaper story. You have to admit that it didn't paint her in a flattering light. It's a pity that she wouldn't take a stand for the reporter (or if she did, that the reporter or editor chose to spin it otherwise). Had her comments in print matched her apparent history on the subject, I would not have been so critical. Based solely on the story, however (which you posted the link to, Patrick), she came across as a typical non-caring, uninformed beaurocrat. So it appears that the story was intentionally slanted by the writer or editor and I therefore apologize to Ms. Cline, but would encourage her to try and present a more truly representative stance in the media, in the future. Dark-sky club site? After over 30 years its still funny. That one never gets old! ;o) On 7/9/07, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Whoa Chuck!
Were it not for Nicole Cline Tooele county would not have a light pollution ordinance. She was the one that wrote it, got it passed and sees that it is enforced.
True, the law is not perfect but all one has to do is drive (or better yet, fly) around Tooele County at night and see the difference.
Virtually all of the new commercial lighting is shielded (see the new elementary school in Stansbury, the DI and new car dealerships in Tooele, the Deseret Peak Complex west of Tooele city and even the new Wal Mart distribution center near Grantsville. That last one, BTW, is actually in Grantsville and therefore not covered by the ordinance, however, when construction first started I voiced my concerns to Ms. Cline and she assured me the situation had been taken care of and, as I indicated, it was.
Plus I know of at least three bad lighting situations that the new ordinance fixed (in two of those cases the offending lights have been shut off and in the other the objectionable bulbs were replaced with better ones).
And then there's the new homes across the pond, south of SPOC. I learned during this last SPOC star party from the owner of one of those new homes that it's written into their covenants that exterior lights much not shine at the observatory.
So, like I said, the situation is not perfect and it's certainly not Bryce-like but it could be a whole lot worse.
And for those thinking into the future, maybe this is the time for those who have always wanted a true dark sky site to come together and actually accomplish something. But that could be the subject of another thread...
Clear (and dark) skies!
Patrick