News Highlights

Salt Lake County not meeting the goals of its three-year affirmative-action plan (Salt Lake Tribune).

Bills that would ban gay-straight alliance clubs move forward (Tribune and Daily Herald).

SB80, allowing public-private partnerships to build toll roads advances; now faces only final House vote (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“You can say one thing about the proponents of public-money vouchers to help pay private-school tuition: They adhere to Winston Churchill's admonition to never, never, never give up.”

-- Salt Lake Tribune editorial opposing school choice vouchers.

Robin Riggs Running for House Seat

Robin Riggs, former General Counsel to Governor Mike Leavitt, and Utah President of Qwest, has decided to run for House District 48, the legislative seat being vacated by LaVar Christensen, who is running for Congress in the Second District.

With well over 20 years experience in government relations and public policy, Riggs is a well-known fixture on Capitol Hill. In addition to his service in the Leavitt Administration and Qwest, he has represented several high profile business interests at the Legislature, including the broad business community in his current role as Vice President and General Counsel of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

He is a social and fiscal conservative. He believes in limited government and lower taxes and that a strong economy that creates high-paying jobs is the only long-term solution to education and transportation needs. He is a strong advocate for school choice where parents have greater control over how their education tax dollars are spent. He is also a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights.

With extensive experience in the political, corporate, and nonprofit world, Riggs believes he is uniquely qualified to represent all aspects of his constituents' interests. An attorney, Riggs began his career in public service as a staff lawyer to the Utah Legislature, writing tax and business legislation for over 10 years.

Riggs is married to the former Patricia Paulsen of Holladay. They have four children, ages 6 to 13. They are long-time residents of Sandy. District 48 comprises parts of Sandy and Draper.

Close Match: Hatch vs. Matheson

Sen. Orrin Hatch would face a tough opponent in Rep. Jim Matheson, according to a new political survey. And a majority of Utahns (55.6%) at least somewhat support giving parents vouchers for their children’s education, while 34.8% oppose.  

With the Legislature wrapping up its 2006 session, the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy (CSED) at Brigham Young University conducted its second Utah Voter Poll, concluded Feb. 9, to assess the attitudes of voters toward issues facing the state and toward various political leaders.  CSED is directed by Prof. Kelly Patterson and Assistant Prof. Quin Monson of BYU’s political science department.

Utah Policy Daily will publish the highlights of the survey over the next few days and provide a link to all of the poll results and methodology once they are posted on the Utah Voter Poll Web site. Here are a few of the questions and results:

Has Senator Orrin Hatch performed his job well enough to deserve re-election or is it time to give a new person a chance?

• Senator Hatch DEFINITELY deserves reelection, 19.0%
• Senator Hatch PROBABLY deserves reelection, 31.9%
• It is PROBABLY time to give someone new a chance, 20.1%
• It is DEFINITELY time to give someone new a chance, 23.7%
• Don’t know, 5.3%

If you were voting for the U.S. Senate today and the candidates were Orrin Hatch and Peter Ashdown, who would you vote for?

• Orrin Hatch, Republican, 55.9%
• Peter Ashdown, Democrat, 27.3%
• Don’t know, 16.8%

If you were voting for the U.S. Senate today and the candidates were Orrin Hatch and Jim Matheson, who would you vote for?

• Orrin Hatch, Republican, 45.2%
• Jim Matheson, Democrat, 42.0%
• Don't know, 12.8%

Some have proposed that the government provide a certain amount of money for each child's education. The parents can then send the child to any public, parochial, or private school they choose. This is called the "voucher system." Would you like to see such an idea adopted in the state of Utah?

• Strongly favor, 17.2%
• Favor, 21.7%
• Somewhat favor, 16.7%
• No opinion, 9.6%
• Somewhat oppose, 12.8%
• Oppose, 11.0%
• Strongly oppose, 11.0%

Get to Know Your Legislators

Name: Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove, District 1, Box Elder County

Occupation: Educator - Assistant Dean for Distance Education and Associate Professor, Utah State University

Education: Finally finished with a Ph.D. in Special Education from Utah State University

Growing up: I was lucky to grow up on a quiet family farm surrounded by family and friends

Fondest memory: Time with my grandmother who lived next door

Childhood ambition: Reading every book in the Fielding Elementary library

Family: Wonderful husband, Martell Menlove, and five exceptionally-talented children and one exceptionally-talented daughter-in-law: Sara, Taylor (Marisha), Megan, Ross and Rebecca (twins)

Why politics: To advocate for my constituents

My perfect day: A snowy day with a good book and a long snowmobile ride with my husband

Hobbies: Reading and helping my husband work on our cabin

First job: Driving the hay truck

Motivations/ambitions: Becoming a grandmother!

Hottest issue you're watching: Funding for education

Biggest challenge: Learning the Legislative process

Alarm clock: 5:00 a.m.

Proudest moment: Seeing my children achieve their dreams

Political ideology: Participatory government

Soundtrack: Phantom

Personal motto/mission statement: Listen, learn, and act

Most embarrassing moment: Tipping over an ATV on a ride with Parks and Recreation personnel and Legislators.

Inspiration: My dad and mom

Retreat: The cabin at Bear Lake

Favorite book: All of them!

Favorite movie: Family videos
Indulgence: Dark Chocolate

Mentors: My husband and children

A small insight into my psyche: I like to process...

My top priority for the 2006 session: Preparing good legislation focused on the needs of Utah citizens

Hot issue in 2006 session: Spending the budget surplus

The 2006 session will be remembered for: The budget surplus

The surplus: Focus funds on our unmet needs

Utah's tax system: Needs to fairly tax citizens

Education funding: Let's target unfunded mandates

Transportation: Focus funds on rural roads as well as the more heavily-populated Wasatch Front

USTAR: Critical for future economic development

My district is cool because: of the many, good citizens who care deeply about our state government and the legislative process

I like serving in the Legislature because: I am learning a great deal and working hard to assist my constituents.

My philosophy of government: Participatory government focused on the needs of the citizens

Running for political office and holding office is: a very humbling experience.

Anything else to add or share: I appreciate the confidence that the voters and my colleagues have in my abilities to serve them!

Blog Watch

At the House Majority blog, Rep. David Clark explains why it's "imperative that the Senate pass HB216"... At the Senate Site blog, Sen. Tom Hatch has a “Common Sense” post on tax cuts (see also here)... The Third Avenue discusses the relationship between the LDS beliefs and Utah politics (see also here)... The Utah Amicus and Planet Legislature have several good posts from over the weekend... The World, According to Me passes along an email from the Utah Democratic Party accusing out-of-state political operatives of push polling Rep. Jim Matheson... Rep. Steve Urquhart liveblogged Day 36 of the legislative session (see also here)... Utah Conservative conducted a candidate survey with Rep. Jim Ferrin... A post at New West sings the praises of TRAX... Rep. Jeff Alexander explains why, in a democratic system, "getting along isn't always best"... Wilf Sommerkorn has more on the "Sons of SB170"... SLCSpin thinks Rocky Anderson's cut out for the Legislature... Dee's 'Dotes has a post on HB393 (see also here)... Wash Park Prophet praises Rep. Chris Cannon's Second Chance Act.

Washington Watch

Hatch Defends NSA Spying

Sen. Orrin Hatch defends President Bush's surveillance program and the war in Iraq at an invitation-only luncheon with Iron County political and business leaders (St. George Spectrum); Sens. Hatch and Bob Bennett visit air logistics centers in Utah and Georgia (Associated Press and Houston Home Journal).

Bennett to Present Lecture at UVSC

Sen. Bennett, in conjunction with the Utah Rural Development Council, will host the Fifth Annual Rural Business Conference at Western Park in Vernal on April 19 and 20 (see press release); Bennett will present a lecture titled "Personal and Political Integrity" at UVSC's Ragan Theater this Friday at 9:30 am. A question-and-answer session will follow his remarks.

DOE: Yucca Modeling Work Sound

The DOE releases report confirming the technical soundness of the Yucca Mountain infiltration modeling work performed by the USGS that came under some controversy last March (see press release).

Fowlke's Mid-Session Report

Rep. Lorie Fowlke has posted to her website a "Mid-Session Report" of legislative news, including info on legislation relating to, among other things, education, transportation, and economic development. To read it, click here.

Buhman for Utah Co. Attorney

Republican Jeff Buhman has announced his candidacy for Utah County Attorney. For more info, click here.

Rocky's Torino Speech

The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office website has posted a PDF file of the speech Rocky Anderson delivered on Feb. 12 in Torino, Italy titled "Salt Lake City: A Sustainable Olympic Legacy." To read it, click here.

Elected Officials Birthday List

National Headlines

Massachussets governor and likely '08 presidential candidate Mitt Romney said to be aggressively courting grassroots activists in South Carolina (The Hill).

Because the largest source of funding for roads and transit systems -- state and federal gasoline taxes -- can't keep up with demand and spiraling costs, more and more states are turning to toll roads (Stateline.org).

Steven E. Jones, a BYU physics professor who thinks the World Trade Center Building 7 was destroyed by controlled demolition and not a terrorist attack, is mildly mocked by conservative news site (Human Events).

Article on e-government mentions Utahn Phil Windley (Government Technology).

Growing number of states, including Utah, are trying to enact child protection registries to help parents limit the adult-oriented messages sent to their children's e-mail, cell phones, pagers and faxes (Associated Press).

The American Association for the Advancement of Science strongly denounces legislation and policies that would undermine the teaching of evolution and "deprive students of the education they need to be informed and productive citizens in an increasingly technological, global community" (Spero News).

Liberal radio talk show host says the West is becoming a national model for progressive politics (Reno Gazette-Journal).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

(Had not updated its Web site by UPD publication deadline.)

Salt Lake Tribune

- S.L. County is far shy of affirmative action goals

- 2002, the Sequel! Coming to your town soon! Uh, not likely

- Plan to eliminate rail line receives backing in House

- House OKs proposal for an all-day kindergarten

- Child support tabs may go up

- Provo Council raises proposed

- Gay Clubs Bills Moving Forward

- 'Updated' law would allow sexual insults, false reports

- Star-Spangled Style

- Senator softens bill on illegal residents' tuition

- Toll Roads Inch Forward

- Compromise Tax Plan Being Readied

- Bill Advances to Shrink Governor's Budget Power

- Legislation gets rubber stamp from state lawyers

- Panel Ejects Seat-Belt Bill

- Good Samaritan Bill Put Aside

- Panel says cities shouldn't use occupancy permits as leverage

- Legislative Briefs

- More from the Legislature

- Editorial: Real Stadium: County should not be blackmailed into support

- Editorial: Private-School Vouchers: HB181 shifts tax dollars around, away from public schools

Standard-Examiner

- Trading on the view?

St. George Spectrum

- Hurricane Roads impact fee goes from zero to $3,898

- Editorial: Learn from past mistakes

Daily Herald

- Buttars slams gays as immoral

- Attorney steps up to unseat Bryson

- Backup budget legislation clears committee

- Medicaid protesters search out 'cowards'

- Teacher suggestions bill

- High school diploma bill passes Senate vote

- Hunting age bill OK'd by House

- House approves kindergarten bill

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 21: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day.  See legislative calendar for details.
- Feb 21: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Teen Suicide in Utah," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Utah's suicide rate is the tenth highest in the nation, and suicide is the leading cause of death for males 15-19 in the state. Doug Fabrizio talks to community activists and counselors about an epidemic facing teens from all walks of life.
- Feb 21: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 p.m., Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 21: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Ogden Exchange Club, Ogden Golf and Country Club, 12 p.m., 4197 Washington Blvd, Ogden. Contact jktrenholm@aol.com to attend.
- Feb 21: Pete Ashdown, candidate for U.S. Senate, to give presentation to Weber State University College Democrats, Shepherd Union Building, room 338, Ogden. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 21: Davis County Democrats Constitution Essay Awards Presentations, 5:30 p.m., Davis District School Board Meeting, auditorium at 45 State Street, Farmington. Subject of the essay was "What the Constitution Means to Me," and the contest was open to all eighth grade students in Davis County. The general public is invited.
- Feb 21: Gov. Huntsman to attend 2006 Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards, 6:50 p.m., Hilton Hotel, 150 W 500 S, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 21: Salt Lake County Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Little America Hotel. The event will be a celebration of Senator Orrin G. Hatch's 30 years in the Senate.  For more information contact Jeremy Roberts at 801-867-0991 or lincolndinner@aol.com.
- Feb 21: Cache Democrats to Sponsor Community Forum "Health Care Reform in Utah: Why and How," 7 to 9 p.m., Cache County Building multipurpose room, 179 N Main, Logan. Dr. Joseph Q. Jarvis, President of the Utah Health Alliance, will speak. The forum is open to all members of the community.
- Feb 22: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day.  See legislative calendar for details.

- Feb 22: Final meeting for the Executive Appropriations Committee on all budget matters.
- Feb 22: Gov. Huntsman to attend American Express Event, 8:45 a.m., The E Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.
- Feb 22: Envision Utah’s new resource, Compact Housing: Markets, Realities, Concerns and Solutions, to be unveiled, 9 a.m., Gallivan Center, 239 South Main Street. Contact Kevin Fayles at kfayles@cuf-envision.org or 303-1462 to reserve a seat.  The forum costs $20.
- Feb 22: Gov. Huntsman to attend L-3 Communications 50th Anniversary, 11:15 a.m., The Grand America Hotel, 555 S Main, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 22: Women's State Legislative Council Meeting, 11:45 a.m., State Office Building Auditorium. Debates will be presented on "Abortion by a minor," "Aging Issues Concerns," and "Blocking Development of Natural Resources." Pros and cons presented in all committees. Delegate Members and visitors invited. Visitors call for Guest Pass to Kitty Kaplan, Pres-Elect at 801-942-5133 or Suzanne Merrill, President, at 801-796-0831. For detailed information please visit www.wslcofutah.org.
- Feb 22: Gov. Huntsman and Speaker Curtis to attend Freedom Foundations at Valley Forge event, 12 p.m, The Grand America Hotel, 555 S Main, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 22: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Energy in the 21st Century?" 2 p.m. A talk by Matt Simmons, Chairman Simmons & Company International; 2006 Distinguished Alumni, U of U author, Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy.
- Feb 22: Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Board Room, Administration Building at the Meadowbrook Facility, 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 22: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Summit County Lincoln Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m., The Canyons Resort in Park City.
- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to speak at the annual meeting of the Special Service District Association, 9:30 a.m., Auditorium in the State Office Building at the Capitol.
- Feb 23: Gov. Huntsman KUED Monthly News Conference, 10 a.m., KUED Studios.
- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the annual meeting of the Utah Water Conservation Forum, 12 p.m., Jordan School District Office, 9361 S 300 E, Sandy.
- Feb 23: Congressman Jim Matheson to speak at Dixie State College, 2 p.m., Main State Theatre. Topics will include growth in Washington County and the future for the County.  In additional, he will discuss the role of Dixie State College and make observations regarding possible curriculum developments and applicability over the next few years. There is no charge to attend.
- Feb 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Manufacturer of the Year Awards Banquet, 5:30 p.m., State Room at the Capitol.
- Feb 23: Gov. Huntsman KSL's "Let Me Speak to the Governor," 6 p.m., KSL Studios.
- Feb 23: An evening with Senator Mitch McConnell to celebrate the launch of Congressman Chris Cannon’s 2006 campaign, 6 p.m. VIP reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Little America Hotel, 500 S Main, Salt Lake City. Tickets $150, VIP Reception $1000, table of 8 with 2 vip tickets $2000.  To RSVP call Whitney 801-368-5777 or email rsvp@chriscannon.com.
- Feb 23: Davis County Democratic Party 2006 President's Month Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Davis Applied Technology College, 550 E 300 S, Kaysville. Dinner, Special guests, future candidates, and drawings for door prizes. Tickets are $25 per person or purchase a table for eight at $160. For tickets call 801-721-4002 or 801-543-3364.
- Feb 23: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 p.m., Rocky Mountain Pizza Company, 3977 Wasatch Blvd., Holladay.
- Feb 24: Bonding bill available to legislators by noon and final action taken on it by calendared closing time.
- Feb 24: Last day to pass bills with fiscal note of $10,000 or more.
- Feb 24: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Murray Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Forum, 7:30 a.m., Mimi's Cafe 5300 S State, Murray. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 24: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Terrorist Financing: Preventing Another 9/11," 10:45 a.m. Jeff Breinholt, Acting Chief, Counter terrorism Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Opening Ceremony of the Black Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m., 1747 S. 900 W., Salt Lake.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Weber County Lincoln Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Eccles Conference Center in Ogden.
- Feb 24: Davis County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, 7 p.m., Davis Conference Center, Layton. This event will feature Larry H. Miller as keynote speaker. Other invited guests include Sen. Orrin Hatch, Rep. Rob Bishop and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert. Contact Duard Pedersen for details at dpederson@utdavisgop.org or call 801-554-1875.
- Feb 24: Salt Lake City Shundahai Network to host a series of 4 short films about nuclear waste storage and transportation: “Nuclear Power Industry Transportation Claims Debunked”,  “Nuclear Waste Project Yucca Mountain”, “What’s the Deal with Yucca Mountain” and “Nuclear Energy/Nuclear Waste”,  7 p.m., Free Speech Zone, 2144 South Highland Drive, Suite 130, Salt Lake City. For more information see Shundahai Network website  or call 801-533-0128.
- Feb 24: Candidate for U.S. Senate Pete Ashdown Meet and greet hosted by Dr. Raymond Ward, Lakeview Hospital Community Classroom, 630 Medical Dr, Bountiful. Discussion on Democracy 2.0 and health care solutions. For more information contact Brett Garner, 801-983-7383 or brett@peteashdown.org.
- Feb 25: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 pm, Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium.
- Feb 25: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Box Elder Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m., Maddox Ranch House in Perry.
- Feb 26: Last day for a motion to reconsider in 2006 General Legislative Session.
- Feb 26: Last day to consider bills from own house.
- Feb 27: General appropriations bill, supplemental appropriations bill, and school finance bill available to legislators by calendared floor time and final action taken on each bill by calendared closing time.
- Feb 27: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 27: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.
- Feb 28: Chamber Board Of Governors, 7:30 am, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.

- See the entire calendar

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