This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In her testimony to Congress, Kathleen Clarke has cemented her reputation as a political hack. The truth is that monuments promote economic development. According to the economic analysis, 2016 National Park Spending Effects, as reported in the St. George Spectrum: "A combined 7.6 million visitors spent an estimated $506 million while visiting" national monuments and parks in southwestern Utah, "supporting nearly 7,300 jobs."
Southwest Utah residents and taxpayers are happy to have this infusion into our local economy. Residents of southeast Utah who continue to re-elect Republicans (governor, all members of Congress and state representatives) who rant against creation of Bears Ears National Monument (when they should be addressing our health care problems) are shooting themselves in the foot.
Bears Ears National Monument means economic development. Let the tourist dollars flow to San Juan County.
Jean M. Lown
St. George