News Highlights

Salt Lake Tribune editorial argues killing Yucca Mountain as nuke waste site would help keep waste out of Utah. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano visits Utah this week to learn about LDS Church (Arizona Republic). Executive committee of the Family Law Section of the Utah Bar opposes Amendment 3 (Deseret Morning News). Scott Matheson releases plan for dealing with Utah growth (Standard-Examiner).

Quote of the Day

"It's crap. There were good legal reasons for not going public with (the sexual harassment) story. . ."

- Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch, responding to Republican charges that District Attorney David Yocom soft-pedaled sexual harassment allegations because of political and personal connections (Deseret Morning News)

Water is Key Campaign Issue

The Utah Foundation and the Utah Priorities project have released a new research report, this one on Utah’s water situation. Utah is in the sixth year of drought, straining water supplies around the state. This drought is the worst since the dust bowl of the 1930s for the Wasatch Front, and the worst since 1900 for much of the rest of the state.

According to a Utah Foundation statewide voter survey, water supply/water quality ranks as the third most important issue facing the state. Visit www.utahpriorities.net for more information. Gubernatorial candidates Jon Huntsman and Scott Matheson responded to a detailed questionnaire on the key issues, including water, and their answers are posted on the site.

Historical Note: American Military’s Bloodiest Day

On Sept. 17, 1862, Confederate and Union armies clashed outside Sharpsburg, Maryland, in the Battle of Antietam. Over 23,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured. It was the single bloodiest day in American military history. (Source: National Journal Calendar)

Lots of Company for Utah’s Initiative 1 Bond Proposal

Conservation ballot initiatives seem to be popular around the country. Utah’s $150 million conservation bond proposal is among 65 state and local conservation measures being tracked by the Trust for Public Land (see website).

Among the proposals are: Los Angeles County, California - $500 million water quality, parks and open space bond; San Diego County, California - $800 million sales tax conservation bond; Ventura County, California - $250 million sales tax bond; Adams County, Colorado - $175 million sales tax bond.

The entire list can be reviewed at the LandVote Database. If you are interested in Trust for Public Land projects, you can sign up for LandLink Conservation Newsletters.

If approved, the Utah ballot proposal will provide money for water and air quality, farmland easements, wildlife habitat, parks and trails, and other community projects. Land transactions will require willing sellers and willing buyers and will not reduce property tax revenues.

(Disclosure: The Exoro Group has assisted with the Yes on Initiative 1 campaign.)

Wednesday Pet Peeve

The Department of Redundancy Department

Many years ago when I was a cub reporter I had a curmudgeonly old city editor named Lou Bate who was fond of making red marks (pre-computer) all over my purple prose.

One of his pet peeves was redundancy, and among his most hated abuses was the use of “northbound” or “southbound” when a simple “north” or “south” would do just fine.

To this day, I cringe when I hear a radio traffic reporter say, “If you’re driving northbound on I-15 you’re in for some heavy traffic.” Lose either “driving” or “bound.” I continually see newspaper sentences like, “The car was traveling southbound at a high rate of speed.”

It’s proper to say, “Northbound traffic is flowing smoothly,” or “The car was northbound on I-15.” But it’s entirely improper to say, “The getaway car was headed southbound on Beck Street.” Or, “Watch out for moose if you’re driving eastbound on I-80.” The traffic reporters get it wrong about a dozen times a day. They obviously don’t have a Lou Bate riding herd on them. My grammar and English usage are certainly not perfect, and readers are welcome to point out my boo-boos. We can all contribute a bit to the preservation of the Mother Tongue. That would make Lou happy.

Lighten Up on Moore

I enjoy "Utah Policy," but I am puzzled by why so many people are calling for "balance" to the speech by Michael Moore. When Sean Hannity appears in Provo for the 4th of July celebration, some called for "balance," but were dismissed as sore losers.

Can't we look at Michael Moore's appearance as providing balance in Utah? Isn't this state already a bastion of Republican and conservative thought? Isn't there already a constant drumbeat of Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh and Doug Wright and Fox News? Where's the balance there?

If balance is needed here - you need to call for balance in other areas as well. Otherwise your words are hypocritical. Are the people calling for "balance" so insecure in their own political beliefs, they're afraid if someone with a contrary viewpoint speaks he'll be able to persuade the masses? What is the worst that could happen if Moore speaks here? He does a little Bush bashing and then goes on his merry way. Is Moore going to tip the election? No. Is Moore going to persuade the state to vote for Kerry? No Will Moore make some people think about some of the policies that the Bush administration is pushing? Maybe. I am just astounded by the insecurity of Bush supporters in this state that they can't take a little criticism.

Lighten up everyone. It's just a fat guy and his words. Remember...Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

- Bryan Schott, News Director, KCPW Radio 1010 am. 88.3&105.3 fm

Students Begging the Question

Don't you think that with the invitation of Michael Moore to UVSC the students are just begging the question? I think everyone who has seen the film was moved in some way and I think we would all agree that there is a lot of truth in the film. Is it biased? Of course it is, it is Moores view of the world and isn't that what all films are? It is a peek into how the world or a situation is viewed by the writer and director. I think it is great that this has spurred controversy and opened up the minds of the students to a bigger world and by the way, isn't that why they are college students in the first place? To get a broader view of the world around them and their place in it? I for one will make the trek to see Michael Moore and I wish there was a petition circulating to get more diverse speakers to our state. I like green Jell-O as much as the next person, but a steady diet of it can't be good. Just my thought for the day.

- Linda Strode, Senior Account Executive, Utah Business Magazine/ Wasatch Digital IQ

Global Invasion Pending?

Dear Mr Webb, Were you just talking off of the top of your head when you said Michael Moore was a "sorry excuse for a human being" or did you really mean it?

Either way, you are way over the top. Did you see Fahrenhiet 911? It is far from a complete analysis of the decision to invade Iraq, but the fact is, he built a powerful circumstantial case against the president and his neocon advisors. A close friend of mine, recently retired from the military, told me in January of 2001 about the administration's plans for global invasion. 9/11 was an excuse to invade Iraq. If Bush is re-elected we will invade all over the Middle East; the draft will be brought back and our sons will spill their blood in a torrent.

The fact is, the whole WMD argument for going to war was A BIG LIE, and thanks to it over 1,000 American guys are dead.

I am not a liberal (I'm a Libertarian) but I think Moore is one gutty guy, and he is not "a sorry excuse for a human being."

- Lew Jeppson

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

Associated Press
- Napolitano's mission: Learn about Mormons

Davis County Clipper
- Jail expansion essential, says county
- RAP Tax proponents court chamber
- Preparations for election ongoing

Salt Lake Tribune
- Did UEA e-mail violate campaign laws?
- Another county official charged
- S.L. County fine-tuning ethics rules
- Walker aide to head college savings plan
- Taylorsville expected to vote to create its own police force
- Multistate sales tax plan losing its momentum in Utah
- Tax cut making cents for Utah County diners
- Sex scandal embroils county
- Hatch accuses Kerry of undermining U.S. troops
- Editorial: Sound it out
- Editorial: Nuclear disposal

Standard-Examiner
- Democrat Matheson pitches growth plan for Utah
- Fluoride fight starts in earnest
- Editorial: Grand contortions on a small-town scale

St. George Spectrum
- Matheson, Swallow have similar views on energy issues

Deseret Morning News
- Demo's mailings slammed
- Hannity planning to speak at UVSC
- Ex-county official charged
- UEA e-mails under fire
- Lee Benson: Bloggers put bite on Rather
- County mired in scandals
- Appointment of Yocom son defended
- State Bar panel opposes same-sex measure
- Editorial: Dan Rather's reverberations

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 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 24: Corroon for County Mayor walks Redwood Road in West Valley City – 6pm 801-328-2208
- Sept 25: Cache Democrats Meeting, 8-10 am, Cabin Fever Restaurant, Highway 89 and 12th S, Logan. Everyone welcome.
- 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: Mark Shurtleff at the NAACP Meet the Candidate Night, 6-7 pm, Law and Justice Center, 645 S. 200 E. SLC.
- 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: Mark Shurtleff at the Davis County Senior Citizens Meet the Candidate Event, 11:30-12:30 pm, 140 E. Center St, Clearfield.
- 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 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, 6-8 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: Meet the Cache County and School Board Candidates Night, 7-9 pm, Whittier Community Center, 290 N. 400 E, Logan. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the PTA.
- 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.
- 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 14: Mark Shurtleff speaks at the Minority Community Event, 9 am, SLC. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 16: Peter Corroon will walk the precincts in Midvale and WVC. 801-328-2208.
- Oct 17: Civic Dialogue presents a moderated debate on the Open Space Initiative, 5:30 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 18: Jon Huntsman Jr. at Tooele Valley Rotary Club luncheon, 12 pm, Best Western Inn Tooele.
- Oct 18: Gubernatorial Debate, KUTV Take Two with Rod Decker, 6:30 pm, airs live outside KUTV studios on Main Street.
- Oct 19: Gubernatorial Debate at Salt Lake Rotary Club, 12 noon, Marriott Hotel 75 S W Temple, SLC.
- Oct 19: First District Candidates Rob Bishop and Steve Thompson debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.

- See the entire calendar