Advertorial: Support Initiative 1 (below)

News Highlights

Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News feature packages of stories covering all the ramifications of Nancy Workman being charged. Morning News Editor John Hughes writes column about Mitt Romney's prospects as a 2008 presidential candidate. Scott Matheson to begin airing TV ads today (Tribune).

Will Deseret Morning News Editorial Stand Signal LDS Church Position?

The LDS Church, with a simple statement pro or con, could probably pass or kill Amendment 3, which would ban gay marriage in Utah. But the church apparently is not going to take a position on Amendment 3, despite an earlier statement supporting constitutional efforts to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

The church's silence leaves plenty of room for debate on Amendment 3. Some Republicans, like Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, argue against the amendment because they say it contains language that goes beyond banning gay marriage. With the church taking no position, and even going out of its way to correct reports that it supports the amendment, the moderates have plenty of cover.

But if the church won't take a position, what about the church-owned newspaper? At some point, the Deseret Morning News will editorialize on Amendment 3, and many people will take the newspaper position as a signal from the church. If the newspaper editorializes forthrightly against the amendment, it will be widely viewed as a signal the church is opposed. If the paper editorializes in favor of it, it will be viewed as a signal the church supports the amendment. If the Morning News editorial is wishy-washy, presents both sides and basically says, make up your own mind, it will be viewed as signal the church really wants to stay out of it.

However, it may be dead wrong to read too much into the newspaper editorial position. Contrary to widely held views, Church leaders do not review or approve Morning News editorials. However, it is true that when the church has a clearcut position on a political issue with moral implications, that position will usually be reflected in Morning News editorials. That only makes sense. A house editorial represents the institutional view of the newspaper and no newspaper takes positions contrary to the views of its owner on big issues.

But when the church has no such position, as seems to be the case here, the Morning News editorial board is entirely on its own to determine its stand. So the newspaper's position, while it will be carefully watched, may not represent the view of the church. The editorial board has been meeting with representatives from both sides to hear their arguments. Whether it represents the view of the church or not, the Morning News editorial position will be very influential, providing significant help to whichever side it supports.

Study: Utah Ranks 36th in School Performance

Utah students generally perform well on national tests, which reflects positively on Utah schools and teachers, especially given high numbers of students in classes and low per-pupil funding.

However, another reason Utah students perform well compared to students nationally is that Utah's overall student demographics are positive, so they should out-perform students in states with more challenging demographics.

A new study by Manhattan Institute scholars Jay P. Greene and Greg Forster shows that Utah students face disadvantages that are 15.1% lower than the average for all states. When these greater advantages are taken into account, Utah’s schools perform at about the national average. Math and reading achievement levels in Utah are 98% of the level that would be statistically expected based on the advantages of its students, ranking Utah 36th in the nation in school performance. This comparison stands in stark contrast to those that do not adjust for the reduced difficulty of educating Utah’s students. Without adjusting for the advantages of its students, Utah’s NAEP scores rank the state 22nd in the nation. The study combines measurements of sixteen social, economic, and demographic characteristics to produce a Teachability Index that measures the overall difficulty of educating students.

Workman Story Distributed Widely

The Nancy Workman story is getting widespread coverage around the country. A Google news search shows that an Associated Press article has been picked up by newspapers in essentially every state and major city.

Tip 7: Beware the “hypocrisy factor.” If an ordinary guy steals something, it isn't much of a story. If a cop steals something, it's big news. If a bar patron gets drunk, it's no big deal. If a clergyman gets drunk, it's a story. If a crisis has any smell of hypocrisy, it's an even bigger story. A little hypocrisy makes it a “man bites dog” story. That's important in determining the scope of a crisis and how to deal with it. The stories about Salt Lake County Auditor Craig Sorensen stealing gas were front-page because he was supposed to be the county's financial watchdog. When hypocrisy is involved, it's even more important to follow previous tips and get everything out fully and quickly, without trying to hide anything.

Advocacy-Opinion-Advertorial

Protect What Makes Utah Special -- Help Pass Initiative 1

This November, for the first time ever, Utah voters will decide whether to invest in the protection of their quality of life. Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth has launched a campaign to encourage everyone to vote "YES" on Iniatitive 1. If successful, Initiative 1 will fund a variety of conservation projects throughout Utah, including the protection of drinking water, air quality, wildlife habitat, family farms and ranches, and our state's beautiful natural areas. Let's plan wisely now and save Utah's unique natural assets for future generations. Find out how you can be part of this historic effort! Campaign volunteers and financial contributions are needed. Contact Kate Ferguson at (801) 531-7304 or kferguson@utahlands2004.org or visit www.utahlands2004.org.

Rep. Kory M. Holdaway, District 34, September 8
Sen. Ed P. Mayne, District 5, September 16
Rep. Michael R. Styler, District 68, September 16

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

Denver Post
- Reservoir worries spill over

Los Angeles Times
- A rocky path for pilgrims

Associated Press
- Salt Lake Mayor charged in funds scandal

Salt Lake Tribune
- Rolly and Wells: Mayor sub had own legal flap
- Workman removed, faces booking in jail
- Scott Matheson readies ad campaign
- The new mayor plans to keep a low profile
- Davis jail expansion is up to voters
- The State of Utah vs. Nancy B. Workman
- What penalties could Workman face?
- Editorial: Timely justice

St. George Spectrum
- Editorial: Cities should keep streets wide, useful

Daily Herald
- Spanish Fork OKs personal use of police cars

Standard-Examiner
- Davis jail expansion on ballot

Deseret Morning News
- Workman charges filed
- Lee Benson: Workman defenders are scarce
- County deputy mayor Dayton takes reins for now
- Law may not allow pullout
- Nancy Workman's statement
- Charges against mayor
- Yocom may investigate Rocky, too
- Draper folks vow to fight development
- Davis voters to decide on jail bonds
- John Hughes: Mitt seems to be made of right stuff for '08

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- 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 9: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “U.S. Middle East Policy and its Implications for World Order”. Featuring professor and author Stephen Zunes, University of San Francisco. 10:45 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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: 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 9-19: Utah State Fair, 10 am – 10 pm, Utah State Fairgrounds, SLC, UT
- 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 13: Scott Matheson Jr. at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Sept 11: Diana Lee Hirschi for SL County Mayor meet the candidate fundraiser, 11- 2 pm, One World Café, Downtown SLC.
- Sept 13: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Crime in Utah: Are We as Safe as We Think We Are?”. Utah Attorney General candidates Mark Shurtleff and Greg Skordas will debate crime solutions. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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.
- Sep 15: Voice for Moderation meeting, Gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman Jr., County Mayor candidates Nancy Workman and Peter Corroon, 6 pm, Anderson/Foothill Library, 1135 S 2100 E, SLC.
- Sept 15: Meet the Candidate Night with Nancy Workman, Peter Corroon, and Jon Huntsman. 6 pm, Anderson/Foothill Library, 1135 S 1200 E, SLC.
- 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 20: Steve Thompson at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Sept 23: USACCC Annual Conference, Homestead Resort, Midway.
- Sept 23: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Religion in Life and the World: A Personal and Geopolitical Perspective”. Address given by President Michael Young. 10:45 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Sept 25: Republican Central Committee Meeting.
- Sept 27: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Utah‘s Water Supply: Where Will it Come From?” Panel discussion. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- Sept 28: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Every Student a Politician: The Importance of the 18 to 24 Vote”. Featuring Lt. Governor Gayle McKeachnie, Dan Jones, and Frank Pignanelli. 11 am, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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: Hinckley Institute of Politics presents “Middle East Watches the U.S. Presidential Election” Panel discussion. Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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, Southern Utah University, TV KCSG 4, Radio 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 11: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics lecture on Utah‘s Economy-The Challenges and Benefits of Growth, Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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 18: Jon Huntsman Jr. at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Oct 19: Gubernatorial Debate at Salt Lake Rotary Club, 12 noon, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC.
- Oct 20: Attorney General Candidates debate, 12:30 pm, Sutherland Moot Court Room, S.J. Quinney College of Law, Univ. of Utah.
- Oct 25: Utah Foundation & Hinckley Institute of Politics lecture on Education-The Debate Over School Choice and Tuition Tax Credits, Noon, U of U Spencer Hall Rm 255. Free to Public. Also broadcast on KUER-FM 90.1.
- 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