News Highlights

Gov. Olene Walker is undecided, but has serious concerns about the marriage amendment (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News and Standard-Examiner). Columnist Bob Bernick discusses reasons major Utah candidates avoid the national conventions (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

“Salt Lake County residents might soon see Mayor Nancy Workman stand before an Olympus Cove billboard and proclaim (with apologies to a former U.S. president): ‘Mr. Reagan, tear down this sign!’"

- Story by Alan Edwards (Deseret Morning News) on county billboard controversy

Big Apple Delegates

Here they are, the Magnificent 70, the Utah delegates and alternates attending the Republican National Convention next week in New York City:

Ed Alter, Allyson Bell, Sen. Bob Bennett, Chad Bennion, Lewis Billings , Jim Bischoff, Rep. Rob Bishop, Curt Bramble, Susan Bramble, Laura Bridgewater, Tim Bridgewater, Dave Buhler, Annette Call, Joe Cannon, Marreen Casper, Ron Casper, LaVar Christensen, Jessica Christopher, David Clark , Debbie Clark, Greg Curtis, Candace Daly, Alan Dayton, Nila Dayton, Marco Diaz, Carrie Dickson, Dana Dickson, Nate Draschil, Tom Draschil, Arlene Ellis, James Evans, Enid Greene, Brent Hatch, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Molonai Hola, Allyson Isom, Eric Isom, Dave Johnson, Becky Lockhart, Stan Lockhart, Al Mansell, Paige Marriott, Charlene McConkie, Dannie McConkie, Gayle McKeachnie, Steven Moffat, Mike Mower, Scott Parker, Don Peay, Adam Peeples, Don Ruzicka, Gayle Ruzicka, Jordan Ruzicka, Kristyn Ruzicka, Don Savage, Mark Shurtleff, Scott Simpson, John Solomon, Wendy Solomon, Marty Stephens , Spencer Stokes, Mike Thompson, Steve Urquhart, Mark Vincent, Michael Waddoups, Carlene Walker, Gov. Olene Walker, Todd Weiler, Winston Wilkinson.

Convention Tidbits

• Dannie McConkie and Gayle Ruzicka are serving on the Platform Committee; Winston Wilkinson and Paige Marriott are serving on the Credentials Committee; and James Evans and Candace Daly are serving on the Rules Committee. Twenty-two of the delegates are current elected officials.

• All of the delegates (and alternates) pay their own expenses (airfare, hotel, transportation, meals, etc.). The delegation hotel, the Millennium Hilton, costs more than $220 per night.

• The Utah delegates will spend Tuesday morning providing public service at a Staten Island soup kitchen, cleaning the grounds and serving lunch.

• Some delegates are planning informal trips to the new Manhattan LDS Temple and a Yankees game.

• Micron provided the delegates with a complimentary travel bag and UTGOP T-shirt.

• Some of the delegates serving on committees had to fly in as many as four days early for committee meetings (costing an extra $900 in hotel stay, etc.).

• Sen. Bennett has warned the delegation that he expects the protesters (250,000 are expected) to be worse than they were in Miami at the 1972 Republican Convention during the Vietnam war. At that time, protesters surrounded his car and were about to break the windows until they saw his wife was holding a baby in the front seat.

• The delegates have been warned to avoid looking like delegates when traveling to and from the convention hall, i.e., don’t wear red, white and blue hats on the subway, etc.

Is Higher Education Meeting Our Needs?

The Utah Foundation and the Hinckley Institute of Politics are presenting a forum on higher education on Wed., Sept. 1, 2004, 12 noon–1 pm in Room 255, Orson Spencer Hall, University of Utah. There is no cost. Panelists include:

• Dr. Richard Kendell, Commissioner of Higher Education

• Dr. F. Ann Millner, President, Weber State University

• Fraser Bullock, CEO, Sorenson Capital

• Trent Kemp, Student Representative, Utah State Board of Regents

The discussion will be moderated by Steve Kroes, Executive Director, Utah Foundation. Panelists will discuss challenges facing Utah's higher education system and how Utah's colleges and universities can better meet the needs of our students, society, and business community. This forum is one of a series of forums on the most important issues facing Utah this election year. Research on these issues is available from Utah Foundation and its Utah Priorities Project at www.utahpriorities.net. Future Hinckley Forums will focus on crime, water supply, the economy, and school choice.

(On Fridays we sometimes publish a change-of-pace article to help everyone loosen up for the weekend.)

Adventures with Iron-Stomach Hayduke

My dog eats grapes. And cherries, and apricots, and watermelon, and strawberries, and corn-on-the-cob. Sometimes he’ll even eat part of a carrot or tomato. He also steals hamburgers right out of the hands of small children.

Hayduke is a golden retriever/yellow lab cross, a rather handsome—and hungry—animal. He is always starving and always a little overweight, according to the vet, so he’s usually on a low-fat diet. He loves picnics in the backyard because he can graze beneath the tables and hope someone drops something. In advance of any picnic I have to lecture him not to swipe food out of unsuspecting hands. He responds rather sullenly, with melancholy eyes, but he knows exactly what I’m talking about.

A smart dog person once warned me that labs, in particular, will eat almost anything. I was walking him recently on the dirt road on the mountain behind my house, and he suddenly discovered and gulped down some dirty old French fries that had been run over and were at least several days old. When he was a pup, a favorite treat seemed to be horse manure, the fresher the better.

We have some overgrown grape vines that have taken over a little corner of our yard. Hayduke will disappear into the tangle of vines and greenery and stay for extended stretches, searching out bunches of grapes close enough to the ground for him to reach.

Although Hayduke thinks his main role in life is to keep the neighborhood safe from marauding squirrels and quail, he and the squirrels actually have a symbiotic thing going. The squirrels get into the apricot tree, surgically remove each apricot pit, and drop the fruit on the ground, where Hayduke promptly eats it.

Amazingly, none of this gastronomical abuse seems to result in major digestive challenges, although he sometimes has to be excused from the room when people start exclaiming eeeeyewwww!! and flop over, writhing, as though overcome with mustard gas. You don’t want to spend the night in a tent with him, unless you’re a beaned-up 12-year-old Boy Scout and can give as good as you get.

Other than these minor eating disorders, he’s a pretty good dog.

Rep. James A. Ferrin, District 58, August 27
Sen. Carlene M. Walker, District 8, September 2
Rep. Chad E. Bennion, District 44, September 6

Entire 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
- Utahns living in poverty hit decade high
- Forbes picks Utah as best place to die
- Utah man buys Democrat domain names to link to Bush Web site
- Huntsman seeks to protect legal benefits for gays
- Ex-auditor enters guilty plea in county car investigation

Davis County Clipper
- Wal-Mart: Centerville did us wrong
- McConkie hard at work in New York

Deseret Morning News
- Poverty numbers in Utah stay flat
- Rocky nixes free U. hour
- Former auditor enters guilty plea
- Billboard's a sign of anger
- Vineyard losing an icon — its mayor
- Walker undecided on Amendment 3
- Influx of immigrants into Utah is slowing
- Bob Bernick Jr.: N.Y. convention isn't big Utah draw this year

Daily Herald
- Ophir, EPA make deal on testing, reclamation
- Rep. Sanchez comes to Provo

Salt Lake Tribune
- Walker not sold on amendment
- Utah's poor have tough time making things better
- Ex-auditor admits his guilt in gas scandal
- Panel of prosecutors meeting to decide if Workman will be criminally charged
- Republicans skate into campaign flap
- Water oversight needs overhaul
- Tired of vehicle scrutiny, GOP lawmaker quits West Jordan job
- DABC tries 'flexible' penalty use

Standard-Examiner
- Walker neutral on Amendment 3
- Weber sets plans for proposed RAMP tax
- Special session may be set for Legislature
- Editorial: Praise for Riverdale's money-saving leader

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 27: Utah County Democratic event with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, 11 am-1 pm, Riverside Country Club, 2701 N University Avenue, Provo. $30.
- Aug 27: Salt Lake County Democratic fundraiser, 4-6 pm, Port ‘O Call, 78 W 400 S, SLC.
- 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: Peter Corroon for SL County Mayor fundraiser, Sun and Moon Café, 5195 Emigration Canyon, SLC. $30. RSVP 801-328-2208.
- 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 801-688-4457 for address.
- Sep 1: Interviews with Attorney General candidates, KRCL 90.9 FM
- Sept 1: Stonewall Democrats meeting, 5:30 pm, GLBTCC, 359 N 300 W, SLC
- 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 11: Diana Lee Hirschi for SL County Mayor meet the candidate fundraiser, 11- 2 pm, One World Café, Downtown SLC.
- 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.
- Sept 29: Salt Lake County Mayoral Candidate Debate, 7:30 pm, Westminster College, 1840 S 1300 E, SLC.
- Oct 1: Gubernatorial debate at Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, 12 noon, Provo Marriott.
- Oct 2: Women's Democratic Club Luncheon, 12 pm to 2 pm, Sheraton City Center, VIP 2 Room, 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: Sheryl Ivey (801) 942-2312.
- Oct 2: Libertarian Party meet/greet/eat fundraiser, 11 am-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.
- Oct 5: Attorney General candidates debate, 7 pm, KRCL 90.9 FM
- Oct 5: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Oct 7: 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.
- Oct 9: 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.
- Oct 14: Sutherland Institute seminar "Ethical Fitness--Being an Authentic Leader," 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 150 E Social Hall Ave, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.
- Oct 19: Gubernatorial Debate at Salt Lake Rotary Club, 12 noon, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC.
- Oct 25: KSL Gubernatorial Debate, 7 pm, Rose Wagner Theater, SLC.
- Oct 26: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
- Nov 2: General Election, 7 am to 8 pm.

- See the entire calendar