News Highlights

Jon Huntsman and Scott Matheson differ on marriage amendment (Deseret Morning News). Salt Lake Tribune editorial says Orrin Hatch’s affection for Patriot Act "is downright creepy." Book controversy flares in SLC (Tribune and Morning News). Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey says big things about to happen on site of downtown mall (Standard-Examiner).

Election Interest Very High

How interested are Utahns in the upcoming election? Extremely interested. A new survey commissioned by the Exoro Group and conducted by Dan Jones & Associates shows an amazingly high mean score of 8.87 when registered voters were asked to plot their interest in the election on a 1-10 scale, with 0 being “not at all interested” and 10 being “very interested.” Democrats, though few in number, score even a little higher (9.10) than Republicans (9.01) on the interest scale, with independents a little less interested at 8.56. Interest rises with income and age. Among geographic areas, interest is highest in Davis County (9.09) followed by Salt Lake County (8.98), Weber County, (8.86), Utah County, (8.71) and the rest of the state, (8.69).

Excited to be on the Ballot

It has been a wild rollercoaster ride, and now the real work begins. Congratulations to the broad coalition that supports parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and preservation of family farms. Thanks to certification (See Salt Lake Tribune story) Monday by the State Elections Office, Utahns will get a chance to vote on a true quality-of-life ballot initiative. But with only 10 weeks remaining before the election, the coalition must mount a full-blown campaign and educate voters about this proposal.

Initiative supporters are obviously excited to finally be on the ballot. Here are excerpts from a Monday afternoon memo from Dave Livermore of The Nature Conservancy to coalition members:

“I wanted all of you to be aware of this wonderful milestone. Seven public hearings, countless meetings, thousands of hours donated by hard working volunteers, incredible effort by partners and TNC staff, numerous news articles and editorials, appealing the Election's Office ruling, victory at the State Supreme Court -- getting to this point has been an incredible journey. Three cheers for Amanda Smith and her team for the amazing job done thus far -- and for all of you who have contributed so generously to this effort.

“Thanks to all of you, working together, we have reached a watershed moment for conservation in Utah. Now it's on to ‘Phase II' of our campaign to ensure victory in November . . . but for a moment it is time to dance in the streets a bit and celebrate a job well done! For a conservation funding proposal to make it on the Utah ballot through the initiative/petition process is literally history in the making -- it has never been done. Each of you has been part of this effort and we are grateful. Stay tuned. There's more to come!”

End Needless Debt

At the current rate, 20% of Utah families will be bankrupt in another four years. Utah leads the nation in bankruptcy rates. It is becoming a huge public policy problem. Zions Bank has started a program to combat this trend, and is holding a free luncheon Wed., Aug. 25, for business leaders and human resources directors who might have employees who need to get their financial lives in order. Gaining control of personal finances can help improve employee morale, increase productivity and decrease turnover. Zions does not make any profits from the service, but feels the problem must be addressed. The first group that attended the Zions program saved an average of $3,000 and paid off an average of $7,100 of debt in just three months. The free luncheon will be at the Taylorsville branch office, 5482 S. Redwood Rd. Please RSVP 594-8054 or endprogram@zionsbank.com. For more information about the program, go to www.endprogram.com.

Huntsman Kick-Off Party

Jon Huntsman, Jr., has invited supporters to a rally celebrating the final push of the 2004 general election with a country-western celebration, hosted by Larry H. Miller, at the Delta Center, Friday, Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will include American Idol Carmen Rassmussen and Utah country sensation Ty Perry and the Broken Bow Band, as well as a fireworks display.  The show will be held outside, so bring chairs and/or blankets.  Coolers and picnic food will be allowed.  Parking is limited (fee lots include the Gateway and lots immediately east of the Delta Center), please carpool and use Trax as much as possible. Questions? Call 1-800-737-1811 or email tauni@votehuntsman.com

"On the brink of the ocean of life and truth we are miserably dying ... Sometimes we are furthest away when we are closest by. We stand on the brink of an ocean of power, but each must take the steps that would bring him there." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." -William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, Act 1

New infantryman to commanding officer -- "Sir, where is my foxhole?" The officer's quick reply, "You are standing in it -- just throw the dirt out!" -Unknown

Sen. James Evans, District 1, August 26
Sen. Leonard M. Blackham, District 24, August 26
Rep. James A. Ferrin, District 58, August 27

Entire Birthday List

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of Utah Policy.com

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

Christian Science Monitor
- California's fight to stop corporate flight

New York Times
- Editorial: Roadblock at Yucca Mountain

Salt Lake Tribune
- Donors on record pace
- Backers and opponents of open space measure now must convince voters
- Book burns ears of SLC councilman
- Workman hires new law clerk after scandal
- Bishop run-in led to change, corps staff say
- Editorial: Watching the watchers

Standard-Examiner
- Mayor on the mall
- Former Syracuse mayor recognized for his service
- Proposal revived for fall ballot

Daily Herald
- Provo could see impact fee increase
- Editorial: Don't lock up court records

Deseret Morning News
- Marriage measure dividing Utah race
- Some feel S.L. club is pushing racy book
- Cost of living in S.L. has risen and rising
- Initiative on open space is on ballot
- Editorial: Don't be afraid of a discount

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 24: Meet the Candidates night for Salt Lake County Council, 6 pm, Kearns Oval.
- Aug 24: Greg Skordas for Attorney General Fundraiser, 5:30 pm, Em’s Restaurant, 271 N Center St, SLC, $100 suggested contribution.
- 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: Jon Huntsman at Utah Mining Association, 11 am, Grand Summit Hotel, The Canyons Resort.
- Aug 26: Davis County Democrats Picnic, 6 pm, Barnes Park, West on 200 N in Kaysville.
- Aug 26: Jon Huntsman Jr at Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly meeting, Salt Lake City Main Library (210 E 400S) in the lower level Conference Room B at 5:30 pm. Visitors welcome.
- 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 27: Rep. Rob Bishop town meeting 7-8 pm, Brigham City Council Chambers, 20 N Main.
- Aug 28: Rep. Rob Bishop town meetings 11-noon, Salt Lake County Council Chambers, 2100 S State; 2-3 pm Oakley City Bldg, 960 W Center. 7-8 pm Rich County Courthouse, 20 S Main, Randolph.
- Aug 28: Disco Party for Mark Wheatley for Legislature, 7:30 pm, Former Bob Rice Mansion, 4421 Zarahemla Dr, Olympus Cove, SLC. Park at Olympus Hills Mall, shuttle service provided, suggested donation $15, More info call Josie Valdez 801-264-8844.
- Aug 28: Paul Van Dam for US Senate “Casino Night”, 5-8 pm at the Ashdown Penthouse, 780 E S Temple, SLC. $50, contact 801-879-3430.
- Aug 30-Sept 2: Republican National Convention, New York City.
- Sep 1: Reception Fundraiser for Steve Harmsen, Guests Russell Skousen and Steve Poulton, 5:30 pm, Home of Scott and Linda Rice, call 801-668-4457 for address.
- Sep 1: Interviews with Attorney General candidates, KRCL 90.9 FM
- Sep 2: Washington County Republican Women “Party for the President”, 11:30 am, Bloomington Country Club, St. George, $10, RSVP 435-688-0777.
- 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 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 4: Jon Huntsman at Hispanic Fiesta Days, 3 pm, Gallivan Center, SLC.
- Sept 4: Libertarian Party meet/greet/eat fundraiser, 11am-10 pm, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 911 East Fort Union Blvd, Midvale. 15% of purchase donated to Libertarian Party if you identify yourself as a Libertarian.
- 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: Huntsman Campaign at United Way Day of Caring Breakfast, 7:30 am, Lavell Edwards Stadium, BYU; Logan Rotary Club, 12:30pm, Coppermill Restaurant, Logan; also at Vietnam Veterans meet the candidates night, 7 pm, Salt Lake City Library, 4th floor, 210 E 400 S.
- Sept 9: Eleanor Roosevelt Luncheon featuring Kerry Campaign Chair Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, 11:30-1 pm, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC, $50.
- 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 10: Weber County Democrats Sawbuck Reception, 7 pm, $100, contact Erica Anderson 801-479-8927.
- Sept 11: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10 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 15: Jon Huntsman at National Assisted Living Week luncheon, noon, Legacy Retirement Residence, South Jordan.
- Sept 15-17: Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Convention, register: www.ulct.org
- 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: Utah League of Cities and Towns gubernatorial debate, 9 am, Sheraton Hotel, 150 W 500 S, SLC.
- Sept 17: Jon Huntsman at Governor's Council for People with Disabilities, noon, 750 W Heritage Park Blvd, Layton.
- Sept 17: Salt Lake County Republican Party’s Constitution Day Picnic, 6 pm, Murray City Park, 5125 S State St, donations welcome. Come meet the candidates! Call 801-718-4882 for more info.
- Sept 18: SLC Greater Avenues Street Fair. Jon Huntsman will be there at 8 am.
- 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