Utah County voters will be called upon in the Nov. 2 general election to approve or reject a proposed new form of county goverment. Called the “Separation of Powers” plan, the proposal provides for a part – time elected seven – member County Council as the basic governing body with legislative powers; and a single elected County Executive as the top administrator. A combination of key elective and appointive officials also would be involved in county leadership under a system designed to produce maximum efficiency and responsiveness to the public. How did the plan originate? in 1972, the Utah electorate passed a constitutional amendment by a 7 to 3 margin to permit counties to change their forms of government, should the people desire. The succeeding Legislature approved enabling legislation. Responding to citizen requests, the Utah County Commission lunder which three commissioners serve as both legislators and administrators) created in 1974 a Utah County Government Study Commission. Now, after long study, that commission has submitted its report, recommending the “Separation of Powers” plan. Citizens will have opportunity to act cooperatively to modify the proposed plan until July 4, the statutory deadline or cut-off date. Unfortunately, that . doesn’t give the public a lot of time for input at this stage. The Study Commission previously has solicited input from many citizens. Now it’s the public’s turn – and it must act rapidly. The Study Commission has set up three meetings for the public ‘this week: June 22, B p.m.,-American Fork Public Safety Building; June 23. 8 p.m., Payson Fire Station; and June 24, 8 p.m., Room 311. Utah County Building at Provo. These meetings are highly important for understanding of the optional plan. In each case, public officials will meet with the Study Commission for an hour preceding the public session. Copies of the plan in its present form will be available for citizen examination and comment in county and city offices as well as public libraries throughout the county. The 11 – member Study Commission has been headed by Dr. Martin B. Hickman, chairman. Names of other members appeared in an article in the Sunday Herald. Presumably all would welcome citizen input. The present move proposes the first systematic reorganization of Utah County government since the county was incorporated. It’s a move that should have the attention of the entire citizenry of the county.