News Highlights

More Salt Lake County troubles: Possible sexual harassment suit involving the County Clerk office (Deseret Morning News). EPA Chief Mike Leavitt trying to keep Yucca Mountain in running for N-waste (Salt Lake Tribune). USVC seeks conservative speaker as students circulate petitions to dump Michael Moore and student leaders who invited him (Morning News and Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“Whom to vote for? Alice Cooper's candidate or Bruce Springsteen's? The guy ZZ Top is endorsing or the guy Kid Rock and Ron Silver are pushing? The guy that Angie Harmon and Bo Derek are promoting or the man Bon Jovi and Whoopi Goldberg are backing?”

- Doug Robinson column on movie stars and rock stars trying to influence the election (Deseret Morning News)

Nine Innings from Ground Zero

HBO recently aired a documentary titled Nine Innings from Ground Zero which tells the story of the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Bush/Cheney campaign has posted this clip on their website recounting the first pitch thrown out by President Bush in game 3 in New York. If you're a Bush supporter, you'll find it quite touching.

Missionary for Municipal Fiber

Provo Mayor Lewis Billings is staying very busy these days. He’s co-chair with Sen. Jake Garn of the Yes On Initiative 1 campaign, the ballot initiative that will raise money for watershed protection, parks, trails, conservation easements, wildlife habitat, and other community projects. Garn and Billings are both very active supporters, making calls, giving speeches and raising money.

The mayor of Utah’s third (or second) largest city (depending on who’s counting the population), has also become a missionary for municipal broadband projects. Billings recently was invited to spend a day in Lafayette, Louisiana, to give a keynote speech and meet with community leaders who are promoting a bond to build a fiber-to-the-premises project there. The group supporting the project provided a detailed report on Billings’ speech at this web site.

Billings’ several-year, multi-faceted fight for the iProvo project, one of the larger municipal fiber projects in the country, has provided him with a fair amount of notoriety on this topic. In October, the mayor has been invited to give the keynote address at a major municipal broadband conference in San Francisco, sponsored by the American Public Power Association. Between iProvo and UTOPIA, Utah’s other large broadband project, Utah has become a recognized leader in broadband deployment to homes and small businesses. Both projects are proceeding rapidly.

(Disclosure: The Exoro Group has assisted with the Initiative 1 campaign, iProvo, and UTOPIA.)

No Dollar Left Behind

The Utah Taxpayers Association (which doesn’t like Initiative 1, iProvo, or UTOPIA), has published another edition of its e-mail newsletter, Taxing Times. The newsletter refutes 13 statements “that the Spending Lobby uses to increase taxes while trying to sound like they are not raising taxes. Keep track of how many times you hear these lines in the election debates and in the upcoming legislative session.”

You can read the newsletter by going to www.utahtaxpayers.org and clicking on Taxing Times under Publications (although the latest edition hadn’t been posted last time I checked.)

I obviously don’t agree with the Taxpayers Association on some issues, but UTA President Howard Stephenson and Vice President Mike Jerman are good guys who care about good public policy. It’s healthy to have a watchdog scrutinizing public officials’ use of tax dollars. Projects using public money, including the ones I support, are ultimately better planned and executed because the Taxpayers Association is watching.

Michael Moore at UVSC

I basically think Michael Moore is a sorry excuse for a human being. But I’m not opposed to his appearance at Utah Valley State College. The student leaders who invited him may or may not have anticipated the furor the invitation would cause, but all in all it’s good for the students and the school. With intense news coverage, heated debate, student activism, petition drives, and ominous comments by legislators, the students are learning a whole lot more about national politics, local politics, political activism, student government, debate, use of student funds, public relations, leadership, and current events than they’d ever learn in a political science or PR class.

If it doesn’t get out of hand, the debate is healthy and educational. Certainly, Moore’s speech should be balanced with an appearance on campus by a conservative. Legislators ought to express their opinions about this matter like anyone else, but I’d hate to see them get punitive. No one is hurt. No one is in danger of being brainwashed. It’s a good thing to see students forced to think and debate about what they believe in and even try to do something about it.

Tuesday Pet Peeve

Publishing a newsletter allows me an occasional rant. So here goes: Am I the only one in the world who is bothered by improper usage of “beg the question?” I hear and see it used improperly all the time in speeches, in newspaper and magazine stories, and in casual conversations. I suppose this battle has been lost because the phrase is used improperly far more than it is used properly.

To beg the question, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, means “to take for granted or assume the truth of the very thing being questioned.” It means “to assume an answer to an unstated question or premise.” It doesn’t mean “to ask the question” or “demand that the question be asked.” If a woman, for example, shops for a new dress to wear to a ceremony she hasn’t been invited to, her husband can say, “Dear, you’re begging the question.” If a politician in a debate jumps to a conclusion or assumes the truth of an unstated premise or question, he can be accused of “begging the question.”

It’s a little tricky to use the phrase, and I usually just avoid it. But it always bugs me when someone uses it improperly.

Announce a 100-Day Plan

With six weeks to go in the election, it’s time to be pro-active and forward-looking and tell voters exactly what you intend to accomplish if they elect you. For major candidates, a good way to do this is to announce a 100-day plan, the list of things you intend to accomplish during your first 100 days in office (or some other time period).

Announcing such a plan makes sense because it’s action-oriented, and shows energy and determination. It shows you won’t be a status-quo, business-as-usual office holder. You have exciting plans for the future.

It may not make sense to call your action list a “100-day plan” if you’re a candidate for the Legislature or certain county offices. But you can announce your specific priorities, particularly how you intend to help your own district or county. As the election gets closer, it’s important for any candidate to let voters know just what he or she intends to accomplish.

Rep. Gordon E. Snow, District 54, September 22
Rep. Bradley G. Last, District 71, September 24
Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, District 25, September 25
Rep. Calvin G. Bird, District 65, September 25

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

New Tork Times
- Editorial: Dawdling over DNA

Deseret Morning News
- Yocom hid harassment probe, says attorney
- Anti-Moore petition is circulating at UVSC
- Rocky's off the hook in e-mail investigation
- Incumbents outraise and outspend
- Legislative leaders fare well in raising funds for election
- Doug Robinson: Celebrities jump on the stump
- Attorneys spar — then Workman hearing is set
- Marjorie Cortez: Lawmakers should stay out of Moore uproar

KSL
- Editorial: Senator Bennett's tightrope

Salt Lake Tribune
- UVSC seeks voice from right to counter Michael Moore
- Mullen: Moore flap reminiscent of Steinem
- West Wendover cites stumbling blocks in way of merger
- Mediation called for in Cannon lawsuit
- Amendment would exempt farms from air reporting
- Huntsman declares he's against N-waste in Utah
- Leavitt looks to end-run Yucca
- Corroon ads take potshots
- Mayor's trial could be delayed
- Rocky won't be penalized for violating statute

Please submit calendar items to AgendaUtah@UtahPolicy.com

- Sept 20-24: Legislators Back to School Week.
- Sept 20-25: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Davis County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 21: Mark Shurtleff addresses the Cache County GOP Women, 12 pm, Coppermill Restaurant in Logan. 801-910-9463.
- Sept 21: Peter Corroon at U of U Young Democrats Meet the Candidate Night, 7 pm
- Sept 22: Attorney General candidates debate, sponsored by Women's State Legislative Council, 12 pm, Salt Lake Library, 210 E 400 S, SLC.
- Sept 23: USACCC Annual Conference, Homestead Resort, Midway.
- Sept 23: Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, 10 am, State Capitol, Rm W025.
- Sept 23: KRCL Salt Lake County Mayoral Debate – 1971 W. North Temple, SLC, Noon.
- Sept 23: Salt Lake Chamber Economic Advisory Council: “The Impact of the Big Box,” Noon, Waterford School Performing Arts Building
- 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 23: Matt Everett for Senate Campaign BBQ, 7 pm, Adams Park, Logan. Special Guest Donald Dunn. $20. 435-770-6567.
- Sept 23: Andrew McCullough for Attorney General, Fundraiser and Voter Registration Drive, 7 pm to 9 pm, Crazy Goat Saloon, 119 S West Temple, SLC, $5 suggested donation, 801-413-2804.
- Sept 24: Corroon for County Mayor walks Redwood Road in West Valley City – 6pm 801-328-2208
- Sept 25: Republican Central Committee Meeting.
- Sept 25: Peter Corroon walks precincts in SLC and Taylorsville. 801-328-2208.
- Sept 25: Peter Corroon at the South Jordan Country Fest Parade, Salt Lake County Equestrian Park, South Jordan 801-328-2208
- 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 27-Oct 2: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Weber and Morgan Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Sept 28: Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Board Room, featuring candidates Scott Matheson, John Swallow, Greg Skordas
- 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 28-Oct 1: Constitution Party's Presidential Candidate Michael Peroutka tours Utah. Tickets: www.cputah.org
- Sept 28: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7:30 pm, Western Regional Park, Vernal.
- 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.
- Sept 29: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, Snow College, 150 E College Ave, Ephraim. Also at Canyon View HS, 7:30 pm, 166 W 1925 N, Cedar City.
- Sept 30: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7:30 pm, UVSC, Sorenson Student Center, Grand Ballroom, 800 W University Parkway, Orem.
- Oct 1: Gubernatorial debate at Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce, 12 noon, Provo Marriott.
- Oct 1: Presidential candidate Michael Peroutka, 7 pm, Ben Lomond HS, 800 Jackson Ave, Ogden.
- Oct 1: Andrew McCullough for Attorney General, Utah Football and Pizza Party, 5:30 pm to 10 pm, 2314 E Sunnyside Ave (825 South), SLC, $10 suggested donation.
- 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 2: Peter Corroon walk s precincts in Sandy and West Jordan. 801-328-2208.
- Oct 4: Mark Shurtleff at Orrin Hatch's Women's Conference, 10:30 am, Salt Palace. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 4-9: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Salt Lake County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Oct 5: Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee meets, 9 am, State Capitol, Rm W135.
- Oct 5: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Oct 5: Eminent Domain Conference, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Red Lion downtown SLC, register 801-731-5399.
- Oct 6: Attorney General Candidates debate, 7 pm, Dixie State College, Dunford Auditorium, TV KCSG 4, Radio KDXU 890 AM.
- Oct 6: Utah Stonewall Democrats monthly meeting, 5:30 pm, GLBTCCU, 359 N 300 W.
- Oct 6: Utah Land Use Institute, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Red Lion downtown, SLC, register 801-731-5399.
- 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 9: Mark Shurtleff at Utah County GOP Women's Fundraiser, 5 pm, Provo Marriott. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 9: Peter Corroon walks precincts in the East Benches. 801-328-2208.
- 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 11-16: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Weber County. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- Oct 12: Open Forum with the Gubernatorial Candidates, 7:30 pm, New Davis Conference Center in Layton, 801-510-1221.
- Oct 13: Gubernatorial Debate, KSL Radio 1160 with Doug Wright, 10 am, KSL studios.

- See the entire calendar