News Highlights

After 16 years covering Washington, D.C., for the Deseret Morning News , some of them as the only Utah-based reporter in Washington, Lee Davidson reveals in his column that he's returning to Utah for new assignments. He will be replaced by Jerry Spangler, another veteran reporter. The RAP tax will be on Davis ballot, reports Salt Lake Tribune.

Quote of the Day

"He basically criticizes everybody and then invites them to the table to discuss issues. That's backwards. That type of dialogue is always important ... but not after you criticize everybody...”

- Salt Lake City Council member Eric Jergensen, commenting in a Deseret Morning News article on Mayor Rocky Anderson’s plan to hold Town Hall meetings on his “Seven Freedoms.”

Check Out iCount.com

Some Utah entrepreneurs have created an interesting political networking web site that is designed to “empower individuals to share their opinions, join groups of like-minded people, and take action to affect change.” The site does not take partisan or ideological positions, but is “a political empowerment zone where citizens can gain more knowledge, share their beliefs, and join with others to fight for causes in which they believe.” If you wanted to fight off a Wal-Mart store or get something passed in the Legislature, for example, you could use the iCount site to organize and rally your supporters.

Go to www.icount.com and click around. Register as a member and take the issues survey. It's interesting to compare your own views on issues to the presidential candidates and others. iCount assists people in hooking up with others with similar interests. The site is at the beta stage, not completely finished, and the creators appreciate comments and feedback at comments@icount.com.

The founders said they created iCount because: “Participation by average Americans in the political process has dramatically declined over the past 50 years. The top-down broadcast media approach that has dominated American politics since 1952 has eliminated much of the public interaction so essential to a vibrant participatory democracy. As a result, more and more power has been concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer people. But with the advent of the Internet a major paradigm shift is occurring in how political bases are created and mobilized, and a new age of grassroots popular democracy is dawning in America.”

Bennett Makes Contact

The U.S. Senate race this year has been rather low-key. Democrat Paul Van Dam has attracted some attention on his bicycle ride across the state (See blog on Van Dam's Web site), while Bennett has been busy in Washington and doing low-visibility grassroots organizing. Tuesday night, Bob Bennett sent out an e-mail update on his campaign. He said he's not taking anything for granted in the campaign and will run “a vigorous grassroots campaign across the state.” He said he wants to help the Republican ticket up and down the ballot, returning a Republican to the governor's office and sending an entirely Republican delegation to Washington . He asked for volunteer help and contributions and encouraged visits to his web site.

Water is Key Campaign Issue

The Utah Priorities Project of the Utah Foundation has published another in a series of research briefs that focus on issues of importance in this year's gubernatorial election. This brief, the 10 th in the series, focuses on the critical issue of water use and water quality in Utah . Having enough water for Utah 's rapid growth will be a key concern of Utah 's next governor. Read the research brief at www.utahpriorities.com.

Davis Democratic Events

Davis County Democrats will have a booth in the County Fair Aug. 18-21, and volunteers are needed. If you can help, call Pat Herrera, 546-0283. Citizens can register to vote at the booth and obtain information about Democratic candidates... On Aug. 26, all Democrats are invited to a meet-the-candidates picnic at Barnes Park , 6-9 pm, west of 1-15 on 200 North in Kaysville. Bring a main dish and desserts, drinks, etc. will be provided by the party. Bring donated items, including cakes or pies, to be auctioned... Herrera also wants to start a Davis County Latino Caucus to address issues of concern to the group. Call her if interested.

Clarification: In Tuesday's Agenda Utah we published an item about Jack Anderson's retirement and inadvertently left off the name of the writer. A few people wondered who wrote it. The guilty dude was LaVarr Webb.

The Utah news media do a responsible job of reporting the news. But when a big story breaks, people who are caught up in it, including innocent bystanders, often feel like they've been sucked into a meat grinder. In many cases, they are dealing with a terrible personal tragedy, and the impact is enormously intensified by finding themselves in the vortex of a news media feeding frenzy.

Almost always, the subjects involved quickly feel invaded, used, abused and impotent to stop the frenzy. It's really no one's fault. It's simply the nature of the beast. But it is important to understand what's happening and not take it personally as the story runs its course.

In some instances, such as the Lori Hacking and Elizabeth Smart cases, the principals in the big story don't particularly like being in the media spotlight, but they also want to use the media for their own purposes, to get information out and recruit help, for example. In other cases where there is not a need to get information out, the principals involved just want the news media to go away.

But the media don't go away. When a big story is breaking, reporters and news outlets are in frenzied competition to get the latest scoop, find a juicy quote from someone, anyone, connected to the case, a tidbit of information here, a little speculation there. Sometimes the worst period is when a hot story is not resolved, but there is simply no new information. Despite the dearth of anything substantive, reporters are under enormous pressure to freshen the story, get something new, dig out the latest details. That's typically when some of the worst reporting occurs, especially on TV.

And if the story is big enough, the national news media get involved, particularly the so-called TV news magazines, and they blow things way out of proportion and sensationalize even the trivial.

I've directed teams of reporters on big, breaking stories, and the sad fact is that the feelings, privacy and best interests of ordinary citizens are sometimes violated as the newspapers and broadcast outlets scramble to serve the thousands of readers and viewers anxious to hear the latest details. It is sometimes the rights of the few being trampled for the benefit of the millions. It's not really the fault of the mainstream news media, although clearly some abuses occur that cross way over the line. It's part of the price we pay as a society for a free and unfettered press.

If you or someone you know is ever involved in such a feeding frenzy, it's important to quickly get advice from a seasoned public relations professional with experience in crisis PR. No one can end the feeding frenzy until the story has run its course, but a PR professional can help those involved understand what's happening, what to expect, and how to cope with it. Most individuals and families have no clue how to deal with the news media and they flounder in a rather bewildered fashion for a period of time before getting some help. The Smart family handled the media with great sophistication, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

- LaVarr Webb

Upcoming Birthdays

- Rep. Katherine M. Bryson, District 60, August 6
- Rep. Joseph G. Murray, District 8, August 8
- Rep. Scott Daniels, District 25, August 12

Elected Officials Birthday List

Agenda Utah is a service
of Utah Policy.com

Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Bart Barker
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Paul Hollingshead

Associated Press
- Missouri voters approve gay marriage ban; vote seen as bellwether for other states
- Utah governor declares 21 counties drought disaster areas

Denver Post
- Op-ed: Sobering thoughts on water

Davis County Clipper
- ‘No way, Wal-Mart!' cry Centerville residents

Deseret Morning News
- Cottonwood Heights winnows candidates
- Attorney argues against state's polygamy laws
- South Davis voters OK bond for rec center
- Rocky is beckoning legislators to freedoms
- The 7 freedoms espoused by Anderson
- Opinions simmer over Millcreek Home Depot
- Walker declares drought and seeks disaster relief
- Lee Davidson: So long, D.C. — it's been a wonderful life

Standard-Examiner
- Rec center bond passes by 249 votes
- Walker seeks drought relief
- RAP tax placed on Davis ballot

Daily Herald
- Gov. Walker seeking aid for parched Utah farms
- Spanish Fork may let officers use police cars for personal use

Salt Lake Tribune
- Recreation, arts, parks tax on Davis ballot
- Cottonwood Heights trims candidate list
- Fee hike sparks fight in S.L. County
- County weighs e-mail guidelines
- Walker declares agriculture disaster
- Utah suit challenges laws on polygamy
- Rule for abortion to be reworked

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 2-11: Hinckley Institute of Politics holds annual Huntsman Seminar in Constitutional Government for Teachers. Info: jnelson@hinkley.utah.edu.

- Aug 4: Utah Stonewall Democrats at GLCCU, 359 North 300 West, SLC, multi-purpose room, 5:30 pm.

- Aug 5: Washington County GOP Women's meeting, 11:30 am, Bloomington Country Club, RSVP Claire Lefkow 435-688-0777.

- Aug 5: Progressive Democratic Caucus Meeting, 6:30-8 pm, 455 South 300 East, Suite 102, Salt Lake City. Contact: Craig Axford (801) 918-6017.

- Aug 5: GOP Campaign School - A WINNING Score in 2004! Co-sponsored by the Utah Federation of Republican Women and the Professional Republican Women. Keynote speaker, Fred Lampropolous , Pres.& CEO Merit Medical, “Lessons Learned on a Cross-the-State Gubernatorial Campaign Trail.” Noon to 6 pm at Merit Medical, 1660 W. Merit Parkway (9800 S.), South Jordan. Cost $45, Contact PRW 801-270-0802.

- Aug 5: Fundraising event for Rep . Ernest Istook , R-OK. 9 am , Grand America Hotel, Milano Room. Suggested contribution: $1,000. RSVSP: 680-5884 or 328-5070.

- Aug 6: Huntsman campaign at Carbon County Fair in Price, Tooele County Fair in Tooele, and Wasatch County Fair in Heber City.

- Aug 6-7: BOOT CAMP OF POLITICS! The Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership intense two-day political training course where conservatives are taught how to organize grass roots youth efforts on college campus. The Leadership Institute flies in top trainers from around the country. Held at the U of U. Cost: $60 for campaign staff and others Republican volunteers. $30 for members of College or Teenage Republicans groups. Details.

- Aug 7: Hometown Days Parade, Kearns , 9 am, Gubernatorial Candidates Scott Matheson, Jr. and Jon Huntsman Jr. appearing.

- Aug 7: Harvest Days Parade, Midvale City , 10 am, Lt. Governor Candidate Karen Hale appearing.

- Aug 7: Huntsman campaign at Emery County Fair, 10 am.

- Aug 7: Wasatch County Parade, Heber, 5 pm, Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Matheson Jr. appearing.

- Aug 12: Sutherland Institute monthly seminar .The Unavoidable Rule of Law . 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 50 E Social Hall Avenue, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.

- Aug 13-14: Atlas Economic Research Foundation, the Sutherland Institute, and International Freedom Educational Foundation host .Communicating the Ideal of Liberty ., Little America Hotel, SLC. Register: 703-934-6969.

- Aug 14: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10:00 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson (801) 292-6772.

- Aug 17: Jon Huntsman at Vernal Chamber of Commerce, noon, Vernal Golden Corral, $8.

- Aug 17-18: Constitution Party starts 12-week history of Constitution course taught by Jim Brown. Class A is Tuesday nights starting Aug 17. Class B is Wednesday nights starting Aug 18. 7-8:30 pm. 801-557-9225.

- Aug 18: Voice for Moderation Meet the Candidates night. Meet Democratic candidate for Governor Scott Matheson, and Salt Lake County Auditor candidates Sean Thomas and Peter Stevens at 6 pm at the Anderson/Foothill Library located at 1135 So. 2100 East in Salt Lake City.

- Aug 18-21: Davis County Democrats looking for volunteers for their Davis County Fair booth, call Pat Herrera 801-546-0283.

- Aug 20: Matheson for Congress Fundraiser, Open House sponsored by Iron County Democrats, 7-9 pm. Call 435-865-7482 for location.

- Aug 20: Box Elder County GOP Summer BBQ, 6 pm, Marble Park, 435-723-7410.

- Aug 24: Greg Skordas for Attorney General Fundraiser, 5:30 pm, Em's Restaurant, 271 N Center St, SLC, $100 suggested contribution.

- Aug 24: Attorney General debate on KRCL radio, 90.9 FM, Noon - 1 pm, at 1971 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT.

- Aug 24: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.

- Aug 26: Jon Huntsman at Park City Sunrise Rotary Club, 7:45 am.

- Aug 26: Davis County Democrats Picnic, 6 pm, Barnes Park, West on 200 N in Kaysville.

- Aug 26: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 7 pm, Bohemian Brewery & Grill, 94 E 7200 S Midvale.

- Aug: 27: Jon Huntsman, Jr. , fundraiser at Delta Center , $100 for single ticket up to $5,000 for platinum table. Call 737-1811.

- Aug 30-Sept 2: Jon Huntsman attends Republican National Convention, New York City.

- Sept 2: Professional Republican Women monthly meeting, 11:45 am, Panini's restaurant, Wells Fargo Building , 299 S Main , SLC, $20 RSVP call 801-270-0802.

- Sept 2: Progressive Democratic Caucus Meeting, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, 455 South 300 East, Suite 102, Salt Lake City. Contact: Craig Axford (801) 918-6017.

- Sept 3: Huntsman campaign at Midway Swiss Days.

- Sept 3-4: Huntsman campaign at Iron County Fair, Cedar City.

- Sept 7: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.

- Sept 9: Sutherland Institute seminar .The Rules of the Game-Applications in Boundaries and Procedures . 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 150 E Social Hall Ave, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.

- Sept 11: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10:00 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson (801) 292-6772.

- Sept. 15: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's annual “Wasatch Challenge.” Trap, skeet and target shooting, Western entertainment and down-home cooking. Call 801.746.3030 or email info@markshurtleff.com for more details.

- Sept 16: Jon Huntsman at the Salt Lake Women .s Republican Club Meet and Mingle Night, 6:30 pm, Bicentennial Park, Sandy.

- Sept 17: Jon Huntsman at Salt Lake County Republican BBQ, 6 pm, Murray Park.

- Sept. 17: Salt Lake County Republican Party's Constitution Day Picnic, 6 pm, Murray Park. Come meet the candidates!

- Sept 23: USACCC Annual Conference, Homestead Resort, Midway.

- Sept 25: Republican Central Committee Meeting.

- Sept 28: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12:00 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.

- See the entire calendar