|
This is Hotter Than Speed Dating
Utah’s intrepid lawmakers have tackled some tough really issues: repealing the 17th Amendment, banks and credit unions, evolution, and tax reform, to name just a few. But, clearly, none are tougher than this: Getting “camera people” to dress up a bit.
The great “levis and t-shirt” controversy has erupted in the Utah House of Representatives and the result is you can probably count on seeing some camera people decked out in shorts and sleeveless “wife beater” t-shirts any day now.
The latest legislative side show started when House majority PR person Kate Bradshaw (Who is really a nice person. And neatly dressed.) sent out the following e-mail message to reporters:
“I have a request for all of you in return. I've received some comments from the Representatives about the casual dress of the media, and camera people in particular. If you could please encourage your photographers and camera people to dress, at a minium (sic), in khaki slacks and a collared shirt- I would appreciate it. I know these people heft heavy equipment and will find themselves at different job sites all day long, so I won't expect ties and jackets, but it's very disconcerting to the Representatives to have people in levis and t-shirts on the floor while the House is in session.”
Whoa. Them’s fightin’ words. It’s not that photographers mind being labeled as sloppy dressers. They pride themselves on their grunginess. Some of them were in that bar scene in Star Wars. But they do definitely mind being told what to wear. Most of them haven’t worn a “collared shirt” since they quit going to Sunday School at age 9.
So don’t expect camera people and photographers to adopt the House dress code. If you happen to see an interestingly-dressed person on Capitol Hill, it’s probably not a homeless person. It’s a “camera person.”
Blog Watch
At the Senate Site blog, Sen. John Valentine clarifies the Senate Majority's position on removing the sales tax on food... Rep. Steve Urquhart questions the need for an 'Origins of Life' bill (see also here and here)... Mountain View Corridor says toll roads won't solve Utah's transportation problems... The ULCT's Issue Blog has a post on S.B. 170 (see also here)... Part of the Plan questions the native intelligence of several Utah senators... Times & Seasons has a post on America's historic "Mormon Problem"... The Tom Barberi Show has a post on Rep. David Hogue's video game bill... Planet Legislature has a post involving Sen. Pete Knudson and the Sundance movie "Kinky Boots"... Utah Conservative has a post on GRAMA... Dee's 'Dotes says West Jordan is ignoring its citizens.
Washington Watch
Hatch: Abortion Politics "Dangerous Game"
Sen. Orrin Hatch praises Judge Samuel Alito and strongly recommends he be confirmed to the Supreme Court in speech on the U.S. Senate floor (see press release); Hatch warns Democrats not to play the "dangerous game" of abortion politics (vis-à-vis the likely confirmation of Alito) "because most Americans question the morality of abortion" (Associated Press).
Matheson to Address Legislature
Rep. Jim Matheson will "highlight significant victories on several important Utah issues in an update to members of the Utah Legislature later this week" (see press release); Matheson concerned about "notice that the federal Department of Transportation has awarded the Essential Air Service contract for the Cedar City Airport to Mesa Airlines" (see press release).
National Politics
National Journal.com’s Charlie Cook takes an interesting look at ways to analyze whether Democrats will take control of the U.S. House or Senate in this year’s election. … Excellent essay (if you’re a conservative) by Shelby Steele in the Wall Street Journal commenting on Hillary Clinton’s remarks about the U.S. House being run like a “plantation.”
Chamber's Legislative Priorities
The Salt Lake Chamber has posted a PDF file document enumerating its 2006 legislative priorities, which include transportation funding, the USTAR economic development initiative, and affordable health care. To read it, click here.
Candlelight Vigil for Border Crossers
Proyecto Latino de Utah is organizing a candlelight vigil to remember the thousands of immigrants who have died, are dying or who will die while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 27th, at the Holiday Village Cinemas (1776 Park Ave.) in Park City, following the 3:15 p.m. screening of the Sundance Film Festival documentary Crossing Arizona.
Now You Know
The city of Roy is located between Ogden and Sunset. The area was used as a grazing range before 1867 when it became an outgrowth of Kanesville and Hooper. In 1894, an application was made for a post office under the name of Roy. David Peebles was a prominent citizen whose young son, Roy, had recently died. (Source: Local Government Directory, Utah League of Cities & Towns) |
