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Today's political briefing: Key developments
and analysis for Utah policymakers
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Transportation Watch
Utah lawmakers were generous with highway money in the 2006 session. But is it enough to make up a lot of ground on Utah’s $16.5 billion in unmet highway needs? Unfortunately not. Read today’s Feature Story below.
Internet Connectivity
Fiber-to-the-Premise vs. Wireless: Which is the winner? See Client Advocacy Essay below.
Reach Utah’s Policymakers
If you need to deliver a message, get the buzz going, or build your organization’s visibility, consider an advertisement, sponsorship, or advocacy essay in Utah Policy Daily. You will reach several thousand Utah opinion leaders and policymakers, including most legislators. For more info, call or e-mail Mark Towner at 801.502.9134, mark@utahpolicy.com. |
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News Highlights
Two major economic development bills died in the legislative session (Morning News).
After heated debate, the Draper City Council approves an ordinance prohibiting secondhand stores in the heart of its retail district (Deseret Morning News and Salt Lake Tribune).
The Provo Municipal Council allocates almost $1 million from the energy fund to make iProvo's first bond payment (Daily Herald and Deseret Morning News). |
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Paid
For by Jana Truman For Davis County Commission
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Quote of the Day
“Trying to spur innovation through the tax code leaves the non-experts at the IRS to define what constitutes a qualifying innovation.”
-- Tribune editorial opposing tax credits for synfuels. |
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Wednesday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates |
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Candidate Filings
Check out state elections Web page showing who has officially filed for various offices.
Politics 101: How to Get Involved
The Salt Lake Chamber sponsored a seminar Tuesday morning entitled, “Politics 101: Peeling Away the Mystery of Politics in Utah.” The panelists, including Stan Lockhart, Robin Riggs, LaVarr Webb and Maura Carabello, provided insights on how Utah’s political system works, and how citizens can get involved and become delegates, party officers, or even candidates. If you didn’t attend, you can still get a copy of the handouts and listen to the full presentation by going to the Politics 101 page on the Chamber web site. |
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Client Advocacy Essay
(UTOPIA is a client of the Exoro Group)
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Fiber vs. Wireless: Which Technology is Superior?
By LaVarr Webb
I had to smile a bit while reading Jay Evensen’s Sunday column in the Deseret Morning News. The column and its headline suggested that the fiber-to-the-premises technology connecting homes and businesses in the 14 UTOPIA cities and Provo is “passé” -- outdated because wireless Internet connectivity seems to be taking over the world.
Did anyone else detect at least a modicum of irony in the fact that a newspaper guy whose main product is printed on dead trees and delivered by vans and bicycles and tossed on driveways in the rain would question the long-term viability of ultra-modern fiber-optic technology?
This is just a friendly little dig, since Evensen, the editorial page editor of the Morning News, is a friend of mine (and publisher of the Pignanelli-Webb column that appears next to his).
I just don’t want Jay to feel too much pity for people like me who live in a UTOPIA city and face the prospect of having a real fiber-optic cable connect us to the big, wide world out there.
Wireless is fine if you’re satisfied with wimpy broadband. Wireless can almost compete with the baby broadband DSL and cable modem technologies offered by the cable and phone companies. But if you want beefy, brawny broadband, the kind of broadband that will deliver the advanced services and applications exploding onto the communications scene, that turn workstations, laptops, and big-screen TVs into multi-media, high-definition wonder machines, then you had better move to Provo or a UTOPIA city.
The Internet-centric applications being developed in business, entertainment, medicine and a host of other fields are simply mind-boggling. But many of them will require mega-broadband/fiber-optic connectivity, which can be 100,000 times faster than wireless. Video is becoming ubiquitous on the Internet. But who wants to wait an hour to download a movie? Who wants to watch video in tiny windows with herky-jerky, blurry quality? With ultra-broadband, Internet video can be like watching high-definition television. IPTV (TV over the Internet) is expected to be a $44 billion business within four years. The biggest companies in the world – Microsoft, Google, Times Warner, AT&T, Intel, News Corporation, Apple, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo (not to mention any number of innovative startups) – are getting set to deliver an amazing array of Internet-centric products, services and applications that require ultra-broadband. Everything is moving to the Internet.
With mega-broadband, the promises of the “network is the computer” become a reality. Google and other companies are introducing net services allowing you to put all your documents and applications on a secure server so you never have to upgrade software and everything is available any time, any where you can connect to the Internet. Interacting with the server out there on the Internet will be as fast as interacting with your hard drive.
Mega-broadband opens a whole new world of entertainment video, telemedicine, remote education, homeland security, personal and home security, geographic information systems, interactive games, customer service operations, government services and so forth. Innovation will flourish. New businesses and services will emerge that we haven’t even dreamed of yet.
That’s why the biggest telecommunications companies in the world are all betting on fiber-to-the-premises. Across the world, national governments, local governments, and private businesses are laying fiber, providing ultra-broadband connectivity to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, the United States is way behind. It’s also important to remember that fiber and wireless aren’t competing technologies. A fiber backbone is required for high-bandwidth wireless services. Both will be important in the future.
So if you’re worried about all those good folks in Provo and the 14 UTOPIA cities being left behind as technology progresses, rest easy, Jay. The fiber optic cable connecting their homes and offices to all the wonders of the world is going to be viable for one heck of a lot longer than your printed newspaper, which will one day go the way of the woolly mammoth.
But that’s not the end of news operations. Jay’s columns and editorials will survive far longer than the printed newspaper. In fact, perusing the on-line newspaper will be a far richer experience, replete with audio and video and interactivity. You might click on Jay’s photo and he might READ you his column. And how will it all be delivered to my home in Centerville? Most likely over a lightning-fast fiber connection in a blink of an eye.
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Blog Watch
The Senate Site blog has its eye on state senators' election plans... Rep. Steve Mascaro has a post on healthcare and Medicaid (see also here)... Woods Cross Citizen prefers DART to W-FART... Utah Democrats tries to make sense of the last 24 hours of the legislative session... The House Majority blog thanks LaVarr Webb for "taking the time to understand, explain, and appreciate not just the 45-day [legislative] session, but also the other 320 days of legislative work as well", while SLCSpin thanks Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch for "having a sense of humor"... 13th Floor asks: "If Roe is overturned, which states will ban abortion?" (see also here)... This Gay Christian's Blog says Rocky Anderson is "setting an example that only marriage equality [for gays] is acceptible -- whenever we finally get there."
Washington Watch
Hatch Pushes Generic Biologics
Sen. Orrin Hatch among growing group of lawmakers pushing the FDA to draft guidelines that would open the door to generic biologics competition (MarketWatch).
Bennett Enjoys Flight Perk
Sen. Bob Bennett among many members of Congress who avail themselves of free corporate jet flights, a perk provided by lobbyists (USA Today).
U Prof Appointed to Safety Board
Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta appoints Dr. Kurt Hegmann of the University of Utah to the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Medical Review Board (see press release).
Local Watch
ULCT Legislative Policy Committee
The Utah League of Cities and Towns asks: "Interested in becoming involved in the legislative process? Want to make a difference for communities statewide? Submit your name for consideration to serve on the ULCT's 2006-07 Legislative Policy Committee." For more info, click here.
Education Watch
The Math & Science Challenge
National Journal’s Technology Daily published an interesting article Monday on how to improve science and math education at elementary and secondary levels.
National Politics
Congress Can’t Pass a Budget
As further evidence of how messed up Congress is, read this National Journal column by Stan Collender on the growing popularity of two-year federal budgeting. |
- See the entire calendar
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Wednesday
March 8, 2006
National Headlines
Harris H. Simmons, the chairman of Zions Bancorp who also leads the American Bankers Association, is featured prominently in front-page Wall Street Journal story about the bank/credit union battle over advantages enjoyed by credit unions -- especially their tax-free status.
Brookings Institution study on population shifts finds that aging whites are gravitating toward smaller communities such as St. George, Utah, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (USA Today).
Article looks at Utah's experience in becoming "the first state to reduce benefits and increase cost sharing for existing Medicaid beneficiaries, to finance a primary care benefit expansion for previously ineligible, low-income adults (Health Affairs).
Local Headlines
Deseret Morning News
- Utah Power seeks record hike
- U. study may help Mexico, Utah connect
- Mexican immigrants in Utah
- Draper says no to a downtown DI
- Recorder probe halts data project
- Shurtleff opposes food-safety bill
- Was city loan to iProvo illegal?
- Talk of pay hike raising hackles
- Deal would move planned wind farm
- Land-use bill raises ethics questions
- Utah murder spawned inheritance legislation
- West Wendover puts off decision
- Senate to consider Hatch flag amendment
- Firm-friendly bills fizzled
Tooele Transcript Bulletin
- School bond debaters ask: Who will grow faster?
- Filing begins today for county, state, school board slots
- Clean Harbors seeks OK to store radioactive waste
Standard-Examiner
- Utah Power seeks largest hike
- Editorial: Subdividing school districts
Davis County Clipper
- City, county, state officials exult over Legacy
- Hatch: Stop criticizing, start solving
- Legacy harks back to slower times
Daily Herald
- Provo loaning $980,000 to itself for iProvo bond
- Utah Power seeks $197 million rate hike
- Study details economic ties of Utah, Mexico
- Mexicans spend $7 million in Utah for vacation
- GRAMA good news is: No bad news
- PETA: Vegetarians make better lovers
Salt Lake Tribune
- Draper bans DI at choice retail site
- Editorial: SYNFUELS TAX BREAKS: Dependence on tax breaks doesn't solve problems
- Former leaders running for seats in Legislature
- SLC Board plans K-8 schools
- Fred Esplin gets more duties at U.
- Anderson to interview police chief candidates
- Rolly: Tourism ad guy cracks wise
- County freezes payment after tempers heat up
- Provo gets OK for $1 million
- 2006 Legislature: One for the history books
- Matheson supports line-item veto
- Bishop rejects Patriot Act amendments
- Hatch's flag bill will move to floor
- Shurtleff is sour on food safety bill
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Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com
- Mar 7-17: 2006 election candidate filing period.
- Mar 8: Board of Trustees of the Utah Transit Authority Meeting, 10 a.m., Board Rooms of the Administration Building at the Meadowbrook Facility and Maintenance Complex, 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City.
- Mar 8: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. During the Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints underwent significant changes. Doug talks to Kimball's son, Edward L. Kimball, author of the new biography "Lengthen Your Stride: The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball."
- Mar 8: Women's State Legislative Council Meeting, 11:45 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., State Office Building Auditorium. Wrap-up of 2006 Legislative session, speakers include Rod Decker, Senator Curt Bramble, Senator Ed Mayne, Representative Becky Lockhart, and Representative Ralph Becker. For more information see WSLC website.
- Mar 8: Gov. Huntsman to give Welcoming Remarks at Department of Technology Services Opening, 3 p.m., Sheraton City Centre Hotel 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City.
- Mar 9: Hinckley Forum "Money and Politics," 8 a.m. Kirk Jowers, Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics; Associate Professor, University of Utah; Director of Academic Affairs for Campaign Legal Center.
- Mar 9: Gov. Huntsman to attend Utah County Business Expo, 11:45 a.m., UVSC, McKay Events Center.
- Mar 9: Lt. Gov. Herbert to speak at Associated Builders and Contractors of America Meeting, 12 p.m., Sheraton Hotel, 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City Utah.
- Mar 9: Davis County Republican Party Central Committee Meeting/Caucus Training, 7 p.m., DATC in Kaysville (behind Davis High). This meeting is for all precinct chairs and vice chairs, as well as all elected officials.
- Mar 9: Constitution Party of Utah Davis County General Meeting, 7 p.m., Kaysville Library, 44 N Main, Kaysville. Questions contact Jorgina Hancock at 801-298-0430.
- Mar 10: Cassandra Network Monthly Meeting, 12 to 1:30 p.m., room 125 West Capitol Building. Brown bag lunch for all women interested in public policy. Guest Speaker will be Diana Pounder and her topic is "The Power of Learning When and How to Say No."
- Mar 11: Davis County Democrats monthly breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Granny Annie's Restaurant, 286 N 400 W Kaysville. Guests Charles Henderson, democratic chairman of the Black Caucus, and Billie Larson, chairwoman of the democratic Womens Caucus. Please bring an item of food (non perishable) for the Davis County Food Bank.
- Mar 11: Pete Ashdown entry in St. Patrick's Day Parade, 9:30 a.m., The Gateway, Salt Lake City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 11: Pete Ashdown Ashdown Campaign Caravan Customization Party, 12 p.m., Campaign Headquarters, 780 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 11: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library, meeting room C. "911 Eyewitness" by Richard A. Siegel will be presented. For more information contact Director James Valarian at utahrallyforpeace@hotmail.com.
- Mar 12: Pete Ashdown Meet and Greet at the home of Brenda Scheer, 5 p.m., 776 N East Capitol Blvd, Salt Lake City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 13: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Hurricane Rotary Club, 12 p.m., JB's Restaurant, 635 W. State, Hurricane. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 14: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Cedar City Rotary Club, 12:15 p.m., Sullivan's Steak House, 301 S. Main Street, Cedar City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 15: United Way of Salt Lake 1st Annual Report to the Community Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown, 75 S West Temple. Learn about United Way of Salt Lake’s public policy success during the 2006 Legislative Session and receive a comprehensive overview on current initiatives and their impact on the community. For more information, please contact Jennifer Andrs at 801-736-7787 or jennifer@uw.org.
- Mar 17: Utah Democratic Progressive Caucus 3rd Annual Bowling Tournament Fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m., Sue Rich Lanes, 1376 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City. Cost: $30.00 per player in advance - $35 at the door. Not Bowling? $15.00 per adult and $5.00 per child. For more information call UDPC at 435-336-2123.
- Mar 18: Lincoln Day Breakfast, Emery County 9:00 a.m.
- Mar 18: Green Party sponsored Honk 'n' Wave, 9 to 10 a.m. Meet on the northwest corner of the intersection, 700 East and 2100 South, Salt Lake City.
- Mar 21: Last Day for Governor to Sign or Veto Bills.
- Mar 21: Republican Caucus Meetings.
- Mar 21: Republican Party State Wide Precinct Caucus Meetings.
- Mar 21: Hinckley Forum "Can Democrats Retake the West?" 9:10 a.m. Governor Brian Schweitzer (D-MT). Presented by the Sam Rich Program in International Politics.
- Mar 22: Republican Training for Newly elected Precinct Officials begins.
- Mar 22: Hinckley Forum "Hamas Victory: What it Means?" 10:45 a.m., Omar Kader, President PaL-Tech, Inc.
- Mar 22: Meet and greet with Pete Ashdown, candidate for U.S. Senate, 6 p.m., the home of Barb Guy, 1191 S 800 E, Salt Lake City.
- Mar 23: Hinckley Forum "Washington Update," 10:45 a.m., Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT).
- Mar 23: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Logan Rotary Club, 12 p.m., Coppermill Restaurant, 55 North Main, Logan. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 23: Pete Ashdown Meeting with USU College Democrats, 5 p.m., Old Main Building, Room 326, Logan. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 23: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 p.m., Rocky Mountain Pizza Company, 3977 Wasatch Blvd., Holladay.
- Mar 24: Hinckley Forum "Cambodian-U.S. Relations," 11 a.m., Ambassador Sereywath Ek, Cambodia's ambassador to the United States.
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- See the entire calendar
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