News Highlights

12 conservative attorneys support Amendment 3 (Salt Lake Tribune). County Council lacks votes to pursue sexual harassment inquiry (Deseret Morning News). Nancy Workman gets a little good news (Morning News). Tribune editorial accuses Bob Bennett of “transparent waffling” in nuclear testing debate. Standard-Examiner editorializes in favor of prison relocation study.

Quote of the Day

"We need civil discourse. We need to learn to deal with uncomfortable issues. And we need to respect a variety of different opinions and points of views that might not necessarily agree with us all the time."

- William Sederburg, president of Utah Valley State College, suggesting that the Michael Moore controversy might be good for UVSC in the long run (Deseret Morning News)

With 100th Edition, UtahPolicy.com
Announces Policymaker Blog

This is the 100th Edition of this newsletter. We started on May 7th and have published every working day since. While it has just been a part-time endeavor, done mostly for the fun and challenge of it, we hope it is useful for policymakers. We have managed to add some interesting features and have more planned for the future.

Today we're announcing the creation of the Utah Policymaker Blog, and we're inviting elected and appointed officials, plus some key political leaders, to participate (see invitation below). Blogging is an entirely new channel of communications, enabled by the Internet and related new technologies. Since this is the first attempt at a shared policymaker blog, at least in Utah, we don't know how successful it will be. The key will be participation by policymakers. If they participate, the blog will be informative and fun to read. If they don't participate, it will fail and we'll discontinue it. Please read the invitation below for more details.

GOP Likely to Retain House Control

Charlie Cook, political analyst for National Journal, expects Republicans to gain or lose up to three seats in the U.S. House, but retain control. His analysis concludes the GOP will end up with a majority of as many as 233 seats or as few as 227. In his report he highlighted some close contests, but did not mention Utah 's 2nd District race. Democrats are now 12 seats down in the House. President Bush's poll numbers are making it hard for Democrats to make inroads.

Election Guide

Salt Lake's two daily newspapers have created a handy election guide, found at www.utahelections.net.

Easy Way to Register to Vote

If you're not registered to vote, or know someone who needs to register, you can get it done fairly easily by going to www.yourvotematters.org. The Utah mail-in registration deadline is Oct. 13, or you can register in person at your county clerk's office up to eight days before the election.

Transportation Funding

The Wasatch Front Regional Council is biting the bullet and proposing a financing plan to raise $6 billion by 2015 to fund transportation projects around the state (see Salt Lake Tribune story). For an in-depth analysis of Utah’s transportation funding needs and ways to finance it, check out the study done by the Utah Foundation, which can be found at www.utahpriorities.com.

Sneaky Democrats

Have Democrats already taken over Salt Lake County? If you go to www.saltlakecounty.org, it takes you to www.campusdemocrats.org, a web site dedicated to registering Democratic college students.

If you are an elected official, appointed official or key party leader, we would like to invite you to become a blogger. UtahPolicy.com is creating the Utah Policymaker Blog and we hope you will be part of it. It is an opportunity for you, as a Utah policymaker, to publish your opinions, thoughts and ideas to a wide audience of opinion leaders. It is an opportunity to participate in an exciting new high-tech communications medium that is becoming a powerful tool in politics, business and in every walk of life. Please send an e-mail to daily@utahpolicy.com and we'll show you how to participate.

It's fun and exciting to be a blogger. You are probably aware of how bloggers are credited for toppling the powerful Dan Rather and CBS News. The phenomenon of blogging is growing rapidly and as a leader in Utah you ought to become familiar with this new method of communicating and use it to your advantage. In effect, Utah policymakers will have their own electronic publication in which to communicate with the public.

Only policymakers (elected and appointed officials and a few key opinion leaders) are being invited to participate. While the general public will be able to read the blog, only invited policymakers will be able to publish to it.

Here are the reasons you should agree to become a contributing blogger:

·• You can communicate directly to citizens and other policymakers and opinion leaders without having your comments and opinions filtered by the news media.

• You can “talk back” to the news media. You can comment on news stories published by newspapers, and magazines and aired by television and radio. You can even link to the original articles.

• You can promote your pet projects, priorities, legislation, causes, and issues.

• You can respond to others' comments in the blog, creating a dialog.

• You can learn how to use an entirely new, and very powerful, communications channel. At some point you might want to create your own personal blog, and this will give you experience.

• You will be joining millions of other bloggers, some of whom have developed large followings.

• The Utah Policymaker Blog will become a very popular blog if enough policymakers participate. News reporters will read it for story ideas. It will help set the political agenda of the state. It will become a valuable forum for the exchange of opinions and ideas on public policy issues in Utah.

It makes sense to do a joint blog, rather than individual blogs, at least initially, because a joint blog will attract far more readership and attention. It is very difficult for busy people to produce individual blogs and post interesting things daily that will attract readers.

Readers will find and read the Utah Policymaker Blog because we will link to it every day from the Utah Policy Daily newsletter. We will highlight blog postings in the newsletter. The newsletter goes out to 5,000 subscribers every working day, so the blog will have a high profile. It will reach a highly sophisticated audience of opinion leaders and policymakers.

The key to success is having enough policymakers participate in the blog. If it is interesting and lively, with frequent posts by policymakers, it will be a success. If it is boring, with infrequent posts, it will not succeed.

We'll give you simple instructions and a password so you can easily post your observations on the blog. In fact, in you prefer, you may simply e-mail your comments to us and we'll post them.

What we need immediately is simply an e-mail from you saying you're interested. We'll provide further information. You may write about anything you desire, but we may make some suggestions on topics to help get you started.

It will be fun and exciting to participate in this new channel of communications. Please send an e-mail to daily@utahpolicy.com if you're interested.

Reader Responses

“Thank you for publishing the 'Agenda Utah' news summary and occasional commentary. I look forward to reading it every weekday morning. The links to the news articles are very helpful.”

“I appreciate receiving your insights on not only the politicians but also on the great articles and tips that can be used by us in various applications. Your newsletter is fast and easy to read.”

“I love getting the Agenda. I wouldn't know what to do without it. On the days I don't get it I feel lost. If I could only choose to get one email a day it would be the Agenda.  This is a hasty and jumbled note, but I wanted to encourage you and your efforts. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the Agenda.”

Editor's note: If you ever miss an issue you can always find the current edition at www.UtahPolicy.com and back issues here.

“My daily read of Agenda Utah saves a lot of time and keeps me much better informed. Although your current series on communication tips directs great practical advice to politicians and opinion makers, I'm finding that this counsel is very applicable, as well, to those of us who operate businesses. Thanks for providing this excellent service.”

“Thank you so much! Discovering your newsletter is the high point of this election season for me. I can't figure out how I got along without it. Good job. Thank you.”

“Thanks again for starting my day/week off well with lots of great information at my fingertips!”

“I do not care what you call your daily newsletter. I just want to read it. Keep up the great work.”

Rep. Roger E. Barrus, District 18, October 4
Rep. Ben C. Ferry, District 2, October 11
Rep. Gregory H. Hughes, District 51, October 13
Sen. Gregory Bell, District 22, October 16

Entire Birthday List

Utah Policy Daily is a service
of Utah Policy.com

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

Tooele Transcript Bulletin
- Huntsman proposes state prison in county

Davis County Clipper
- Costs overstated, say fluoride advocates
- Wal-Mart appeal takes stage Wednesday

Deseret Morning News
- Fee no Moore than usual
- Intelligence network worries the right, left
- Hatch takes heat over Patriot Act
- Things looking up for Workman
- Lee Benson: Big debate really isn't, 2 aces say
- Sex query stalled in County Council
- County mayor hopefuls debate the issues — mainly development
- Sederburg says Moore dispute could aid UVSC
- Big-box stores becoming big empty boxes
- John Hughes: Presidential debates inherently unpredictable

Standard-Examiner
- Public center advocate accuses council of interest in only 'white people things'
- Editorial: Let's study possible relocation of prison

St. George Spectrum
- Editorial: Presidential debates must not be missed

Daily Herald
- Huntsman unveils plans to study move of state prison
- Immigration a key issue in 3rd District

Salt Lake Tribune
- 12 lawyers say Amendment 3 will pass legal muster
- On the Stump: Political briefs
- Student leaders hope to rouse apathetic young voters
- 'Fahrenheit UVSC': It's hot
- Future justices a key election issue
- Dayton: DA vowed to get mayor
- Editorial: Our worst nightmare

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Sept 27-Oct 2: Steve Thompson for Congress Neighborhood Walk in Weber and Morgan Counties. Call 435-753-3979 to schedule a visit.
- 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, broadcast live on KCPW 88.3 & 105.3 FM/1010 AM.
- 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: First presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Jim Lehrer
- 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 fundraiser, Utah vs. New Mexico football game, food and refreshments, 5:30 pm,  2314 E Sunnyside Ave, SLC, $10.
- 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: Vice presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Gwen Ifill
- 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 8: Second presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Charles Gibson
- Oct 8: Jenny Wilson for County Council Fundraiser, silent art auction and performance by Kurt Bestor, 5 pm, Alta Club, 100 E So. Termple, SLC, RSVP 801-521-3766, $50.
- 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 13: Third presidential debate, 7 pm. Moderator: Bob Schieffer
- 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.
- Oct 20: Salt Lake Chamber’s Business Friendly Legislators Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Little America
- Oct 20: Attorney General Candidates debate, 12:30 pm, Sutherland Moot Court Room, S.J. Quinney College of Law, Univ. of Utah.
- Oct 20: Mark Shurtleff holds Meet the Candidate Night, 6 pm, Brigham City. 801-910-9463.
- Oct 21: Mark Shurleff at PTA Legislative Forum, 1-2 pm, Hollywood Conn.
- Oct 21: Gubernatorial Debate, On the Record with ABC 4 News Reporter Chris Vanocur, 7 pm.
- Oct 24: Civic Dialogue presents Salt Lake County Mayoral Race Debate, 5:30 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 24: Third District Candidates Chris Cannon and Beau Babka debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- 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: Gubernatorial Debate, KSL-TV, KSL Radio and the Deseret Morning News, Rose Wagner Theatre, 7 pm.
- Oct 25: Meet the State and National Candidates Night, 7-9 pm, Whittier Community Center, 290 N. 400 E, Logan. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the PTA.
- Oct 26: Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Board Room, featuring candidates Jon Huntsman, Nancy Workman, Mark Shurtleff
- 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.
- Oct 26: Utah Attorney General Candidates debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 28: Second District Candidates Jim Matheson and John Swallow debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 28-29: UEA Convention.
- Oct 29: Gubernatorial Debate, KUED Studios, 7 pm, U of U, airs Nov. 1.
- Oct 31: Civic Dialogue presents a moderated debate on the Utah Constitutional Revision of Marriage, 5 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Oct 31: US Senate Candidates Bob Bennett and Paul Van Dam scheduled to debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Nov 1: Utah Candidates for Governor scheduled to debate, 7 pm, KUED Channel 7.
- Nov 2: General Election, 7 am to 8 pm.

- See the entire calendar