Let's see if I have this correct.

A couple stood up at a public meeting and advocated for something. Then the couple asked the local newspaper not to name them because they did not want to draw attention to the issue?

Then the newspaper complied with the request and granted anonymity to the couple who just influenced public policy?

So much for newspapers being spotlights on public business.

This strange turn of events occurred at a meeting of the Alpine City Council, which considered whether to amend the town's off-road vehicle ordinance. A local couple asked the ordinance be amended to allow their Japanese mini-truck on city streets.

The couple then asked the Provo Daily Herald not to name them, according to the newspaper's article on the meeting.

The city of Alpine, however, had the good sense to keep the public business public. The city's Website has documents online suggesting the couple is Roy and Linda Pehrson. The documents, in the Dec. 16 meeting packet, include the Pehrsons' rationale for seeking the ordinance be amended.

— NC

Labels: Open and Public Meetings Act, Utah County