|
Today's political briefing: Key developments
and analysis for Utah policymakers
Subscribe
or Unsubscribe
|
Paid
by Scott McCoy for Utah Senate District 2
|
Message Center
(Announcements, Advertisements, Advertorials, and Sponsored Articles.) |
2015 Watch
New Web Site
The 2015 Transportation Alliance now has a Web site at www.2015utah.com. Supporters can join the Alliance at the site and get a lot more information. The site is pretty bare bones, and we’ll be adding more information and features, including a blog with daily posts and updates on transportation issues.
Senate Republicans on Transportation
The Senate Site blog reveals in a Thursday post the apparent Senate Republican view of the transportation initiative put forth by the Salt Lake Chamber and the 2015 Transportation Alliance. Says the Senate Site: “The strong feeling in the Senate Majority is this initiative is appropriate for debate in a General Legislative Session. We appreciate the Alliance's research and reality check. It is really not appropriate, however, for a Special Session. ‘Special’ Sessions work nicely for less-complex, consensus items, or bills that have already been fully vetted. This initiative promises to be a challenging policy discussion attached to a jaw-dropping price tag.”
Utah County: Don’t be Left Out
by LaVarr Webb
One of the reasons it’s crucially important to allow citizens to vote this year on a comprehensive, regional mass transit system is so that Utah County doesn’t get left out.
Utah County, where I grew up in a farm setting in West Orem, is home to some of the state’s worst traffic congestion. And it’s only going to get worse with the county’s booming population growth, rapid business expansion, and dramatic increases in big truck traffic.
An even bigger gridlock challenge is looming: The rebuild of I-15 which, even in the best scenario with improved secondary streets, is simply going to be a nightmare for Utah County commuters.
Adding to the dilemma is the fact that Utah County is 10 years behind the rest of the Wasatch Front with regard to mass transit. Residents of Weber, Davis and Salt Lake Counties have been happily paying double the transit tax that is being paid in Utah County, and thus transit systems in those counties have been greatly expanded. By contrast, Utah County hasn’t even consolidated itself into the transit district. Instead, participation has been left up to individual cities and, despite years of discussion, leaders still aren’t sure what they want to do with mass transit.
Davis, Salt Lake and Weber county leaders figured out their transit master plans long ago, and they have been executing. Thus, Salt Lake County has a wildly successful TRAX system with triple the expected ridership. County residents love the system so much they want to rapidly expand it with four new lines, even if it means paying higher taxes. Salt Lake County mayors and other leaders want residents to have the chance to vote this year on expansion of the system. Polls show the proposal will easily pass. The planning and environmental work has been done on the four new lines and construction could begin immediately.
In Weber and Davis counties, citizens next year will have the FrontRunner commuter rail system (plus the new Legacy Highway) connecting into Salt Lake County, and they also have improved bus service. South Davis also wants a TRAX line, and Weber is also looking at significant improvements.
The real danger for Utah County is that if Salt Lake County unilaterally comes up with the money to build the four new TRAX lines, then commuter rail into Utah County may be put on hold indefinitely.
The reason for this is that Salt Lake County must contribute significant tax dollars, requiring a vote of the people, for commuter rail south to be constructed. Even if Utah County taxes itself enough to build commuter rail, it does no good if it stops at the Salt Lake County border.
Once those four new TRAX lines are constructed, Salt Lake County voters will have little incentive to vote to raise their taxes once again to give Utah County a commuter rail line.
That is precisely why the Salt Lake Chamber and The 2015 Transportation Alliance have approached the mass transit system on a regional, comprehensive basis. If the Legislature allows citizens across the Wasatch Front to vote for a sales tax boost this November, enough money will be available to build the four SL County TRAX lines, build commuter rail to Provo, and make other major transit improvements in Utah, Davis and Weber counties.
On the other hand, if the mass transit scramble disintegrates into every county looking out for itself, then we’re not going to have a comprehensive system and Utah County will be in danger of becoming an island with a disastrous transportation system.
The 2015 Alliance plan allows Utah County to catch up in one fell swoop. Those projects mentioned above could all be constructed by 2015 if we start now. A system could be in place in Utah County to offset I-15 reconstruction.
But it all depends on the Legislature and governor being willing to put this matter on the ballot this year. If they don’t act, then Salt Lake County is going to move ahead. Leaders there know exactly what they want and they’re ready to go for a first-class, greatly-expanded system. And why should they wait? But once Salt Lake County moves on its own, the prospect of a unified regional system is shattered and becomes much more difficult to put back together.
Utah County residents ought to be calling their elected leaders and urging them to support the 2015 Alliance plan. |
|
|
News Highlights
Deseret Morning News editorial says, “… it is disturbing that the state Senate Republican caucus would reject, with little real thought or effort, a plea by the Salt Lake Chamber … to put a transportation-funding measure on the ballot in November.” Republican senators say the issue is too complex for a special session (Salt Lake Tribune).
3rd District candidate John Jacob says he may be facing opposition from Satan in his bid to unseat Rep. Chris Cannon (Tribune); Jacob responds to rumor about past gambling habits by saying he has never been addicted to gambling (Morning News). Political columnist Bob Bernick guesses Cannon will barely survive Jacob challenge (Morning News).
|
|
|
|
Quote of the Day
"Folks keep sending us back."
-- Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, responding to a Tribune poll showing the Legislature has only a 39% approval rating compared to the governor’s sky-high rating. |
|
|
|
Friday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates
|
|
The Boys (and Girls) of Summer
Legislative branch beats executive branch in softball. See House Majority post.
Podcast Watch
This week’s InsideUtah.com podcast by Jennifer Napier-Pearce features 3rd District Congressman Chris Cannon (:37) on his run at a sixth term; Merrie Lee, Crystal Ashton and Laura Durrant (10:57) on their grassroots way of helping Utah’s Somali Bantu refugees; and internet cult hero and Salt Lake City resident Maddox (17:54) on manliness and marketing.
Blog Watch
In Utah Planner’s Corner Wilf Sommerkorn says we have to think regionally regarding transportation improvements… Called As Seen offers photographic proof that "lines get crossed more easily each day," and asks: "Are [conservative opponents of Rep. Chris Cannon] willing to sink to Clintonian tactics for short-term political gain?" (hat tip: MangledCat) (see also here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)... Rep. Steve Urquhart has a post on medical malpractice... The UAC Blog posts a June legislative update and says it’s unfortunate that the Senate GOP caucus nixed a special session on transportation... Paul Allen has a post "on the need for broadband availability in rural communities"... Green Jello posts some thoughts on gay marriage (see also here and here)... The World, According to Me says: "So, as you probably weren't aware, there is an election happening this Tuesday. Sure, it's a primary election, but it's still important. It's important that we document the [voting] problems that happen now, so that we can avoid them in November ... I personally will be touring Salt Lake County looking for problems, and liveblogging those problems. However, I need your help on a few points."
-- Compiled by Golden Webb
Washington Watch
The Hatch Report
Sen. Orrin Hatch and Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin, "who have been on opposite sides of a long-running [drug supplement regulation] battle have now come together on a bill that would require reporting of deaths or other ill effects linked to supplements and over-the-counter medications" (NPR and Hatch press release); Hatch, in response to recent Democratic proposals to set deadlines for pulling American troops out of Iraq, says deadlines "based on an arbitrary date rather than progress invite further terrorism and show a lack of support for the Iraqi people" (press release); Hatch urges the Senate to procure 60 F-22A Raptors, a plane maintained at Hill Air Force Base, over the next three years through a multi-year contract, which would save taxpayers as much as $335 million (press release).
Ashdown: No to Withdrawal
Senate candidate and Hatch opponent Pete Ashdown says he would vote against both Democratic proposals to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, but would propose giving the Iraqi people the right of referendum on Iraq's U.S. military presence. Ashdown also criticizes Hatch's "continued politicization" of the Iraq war (see press release).
Bennett Secures Ag Funding
The Senate Appropriations Committee approves Sen. Bob Bennett's request "for over $31 million for Utah [agriculture] projects included in next year's USDA and FDA's budgets, with over $14 million dedicated to Utah State University" (see press release).
Immigration Reformers Target Cannon
Conservative columnist calls for Utah voters to give Rep. Chris Cannon "the pink slip" (Magic City Morning Star); Cannon's 3rd District opponent, Utah County businessman John Jacob, is endorsed by Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (see press release); radio and TV personality Mara Liasson includes a clip from Monday's Cannon/Jacob KCPW debate in this audio dispatch about Republican divisions over immigration (NPR).
Greens Hail Poll Results
The Wilderness Society and the Utah Wilderness Coalition hail the results of a recent statewide poll of registered Utah voters, which found that 89% of respondents favor holding more public hearings on the proposed Washington County growth plan (see press release).
UTC Appoints New Leadership
The Utah Technology Council announces four new Executive Committee appointments and names Will West, president and CEO of Control4, as UTC's new chairman (see press release).
Casual Friday
Angler Special at Select Utah State Parks
It will soon cost less to fish at four of Utah's most popular state park fishing waters. Beginning Wednesday, July 5, anglers with a valid 365-day Utah fishing or combination license can fish Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, for $5 a day, at Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Rockport and East Canyon state parks. Utah residents 62 years of age or older can fish for $3. This discount offer will continue through the year, but it's not valid on holidays. To take advantage of the reduced rate, anglers must show their valid 365-day fishing license as they enter the park.
"We've doubled the number of rainbow trout that we normally stock in Jordanelle and Deer Creek," says Roger Wilson, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "Rainbow trout fishing can also be good at Rockport, and anglers who fish about 30 to 40 feet deep at East Canyon can expect to catch trout too." Wilson also reports good smallmouth bass fishing at Jordanelle right now.
For more information, call Utah State Parks at (801) 538-7220, the Division of Wildlife Resources at (801) 538-4700, or visit www.stateparks.utah.gov or www.wildlife.utah.gov on the Web.
Outdoors Report
-- Morning News reveals what Utah ski resorts offer for summer fun
-- Mountain bikers create unusual trails in Vernal. Read about it in the Tribune
-- Information about finding the right family camp and a list of camps in the Morning News
-- Tribune writer rejoices in camping experience, another recounts fishing trip in Louisiana
-- Morning News helps families plan their next adventure vacation
-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News’ Outdoor Notes
-- Check out the Tribune’s Recreation Roundup for sports and recreation activities this week
-- Use the Morning News’ interactive map of Utah to plan your outdoor pursuits across the state.
-- The latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report on the DWR website
Weekend Events
To see a comprehensive list of this weekend's events, including new movies, concerts, theater, museum exhibits and much more, click here. |
|
|
|
Friday
June 23, 2006
Utah in the National News
Magazine names St. George, Utah, one of its "five great places to retire" (AARP Magazine and CBS News).
Article looks at the controversy surrounding the proposed Divine Strake bomb test (Los Angeles City Beat).
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that a deported Mexican man and former Utahn who lived in the United States for 20 years illegally is barred from seeking legal residency or other relief in the courts (Associated Press).
See what our products can do for your community
Local Headlines
Deseret Morning News
- Jacob tackles rumor on gambling
- State leaders complain of federal inaction on immigration reform
- Deportee can't come home
- Rocky accused of being spoiler
- Fairpark director has reason to favor soccer field
- Aquarium opens today at new Sandy location
- Provo District may buy, use former Oakridge
- Bomb parts found on TRAX, police say
- Taylorsville OKs 15% tax increase
- 5% of mailed birds are 'still out there'
- Utah's sex-crime laws touted
- A comparison of sex-offender laws
- Utah short of 1,000 jobs 'Just For Youth'
- Bob Bernick Jr.: Will Cannon survive primary challenge?
- Editorial: Poor decision by Senate GOP
- Editorial: Immigration: Take a breath
Standard-Examiner
- Supreme Court ruling hits home
- Don Porter: In your own words, please
- Editorial: Vote 'yes' on Weber bond
KCPW
- KCPW House District 25 debate
- Messy details in splitting school districts
- Utah slides in college grad ratings
- SLC schools earn clean air award
- KCPW weekly environmental update
- Conservative Alan Keyes visits Utah
St. George Spectrum
- Worth the wait; late arrival doesn't dampen emotion of waiting families
- Parowan Council adopts parts of Heritage 2020 plan
- Deuce supporters flood Tarmac
- Reunion: 'It's been a long ride ... this makes it all worth it'
- Editorial: Fred C. Adams, take a bow
Logan Herald Journal
- Logan city approves budget
- CCSO seeks accreditation
Daily Herald
- Payson cops allowed to park cars at home
- Editorial: Brokering a breach of privacy
Tooele Transcript Bulletin
- Track naysayers confront Miller
- Commission candidates square off in primary
- School bond primer recaps top concerns
- District budget first draft OK'd
Salt Lake Tribune
- Jacob's bad luck: Is it . . . Satan?
- Senators: Special session no place to talk tax hike
- Door shut: Court upholds Ogden man's deportation
- Latinos say immigration laws often confusing, anti-family
- Possible bomb parts left on train
- For Senate hopefuls, geography is key issue
- Bond would fix up Ogden High
- Rolly: Rocky gets late building permit
- Fairpark has it all, Rocky insists
- Utahns like Huntsman, not Legislature
- Rest of 222nd battalion back home
- Washington County hearings backed
- Taylorsville raises taxes for renovations
- County council weighs bonding for open space
- Sides settle suit over parking near LDS conference center
- Cool public response to toll lanes
- Moved aquarium reopens today
- Consumer watchdog wary of pitch by Questar
- Editorial: Xenophobia: Official English undermines effort to inform voters
- Editorial: Take it slowly: Cities should carefully study school-district issue |
Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com
- June 23: Gov. Huntsman Centenarian Event with First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman and Lt. Gov. Herbert, 10:30 a.m., Utah State Fair Park, Bonneville Building, Salt Lake City.
- June 23: Rob Latham at Meet the Candidates Open House , 11 a.m., Draper Senior Center, 12350 South 800 East, Draper.
- June 23: 50th Annual Utah AFL-CIO/COPE Endorsement Convention, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W 3100 S, West Valley. Pete Ashdown speaking at 2:30 p.m. Visit www.utahaflcio.org for more information.
- June 23: Lt. Gov. Herbert to meet with Mexican Consul General Salvador Jiminez, 5:30 p.m., Utah State Capitol Complex, Salt Lake City.
- June 24: Chris Cannon to attend Fort Herriman Days Parade, 8 a.m., Herriman.
- June 24: Cache Democrats monthly breakfast meeting, 8 a.m., Cabin Fever Cafe, 180 W 1200 S, Logan.
- June 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to give report to the Republican State Central Committee, 9:00 a.m., Salt Lake County Complex, Salt Lake City.
- June 24: Chris Cannon to attend WestFest Parade, 10 a.m., West Valley.
- June 26: 17th Annual Salt Lake Chamber Classic Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Salt Lake Country Club, 2400 East Country Club Drive, Salt Lake City. For more information visit the chamber website.
- June 26: Medicaid Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- June 27: Statewide Primary Election
- June 27: Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, 2 p.m., room W020.
- June 28: Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees meeting, 2:30 p.m., Administration Building at the Meadowbrook Facility, Board Rooms, 3600 South 700 West, Salt Lake City.
- June 29: Privately Owned Healthcare Organization Task Force, 9 a.m., room W135.
- June 29: Meet and Greet Pete Ashdown, 6 p.m.,offices of Pace Pollard Architects, 256 East 100 South, Salt Lake. Hosted by John Pace and Ken Pollard. Contact nancy@peteashdown.org for more information.
- June 29: Washington County Republican Party County Central Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., The Dixie Center, St. George. Party business and possible bylaw changes will be discussed.
- June 30: Applications due for the Salt Lake Chamber's Leadership Utah class. To learn more, click here.
- July 1: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- July 1: Young Democrats of Utah free public barbeque, 4 to 8 p.m., Sugarhouse Park, Central Pavilion, 1300 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Democratic candidates, please sign up to bring your favorite side dish to share. For more info or to RSVP, please call Remington at 801-792-2802.
- July 4: Lt. Gov. Herbert to participate in Freedom Festival Parade, 9 a.m., Provo.
- July 5: Special Districts Subcommittee of the Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W125.
- July 5: Lt. Gov. Herbert to host Mayor Olaf Raschke and staff of Meissen, Germany at the Utah State Capitol Complex, 4 p.m., Salt Lake City.
- July 7: Closing the Achievement Gap for Hispanic Youth presentation by Barbara Lovejoy, Director of the nonprofit Generación Floreciente, 12:00-1:30, Lamb's Café, 169 S. Main, Salt Lake. For more information or to register contact Barbara at 801-466-1117 or bclovejoy@msn.com.
- July 8: Cache Democrats monthly breakfast meeting, 8 a.m., Cabin Fever Cafe, 180 W 1200 S, Logan.
- July 13: Water Issues Task Force, 9 a.m., Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
- July 15: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- July 17: Retirement and Independent Entities Interim Committee, 9 a.m., room W135.
- July 18: Utah House Republican Caucus Annual Bowler's Ball Fundraiser. For details contact Kat Dayton at 801-581-0630.
- July 19: Political Subdivisions Interim Committee, 2 p.m., room W025.
- July 29: Utah Democratic Family Reunion, 12 p.m., Washington Park (located just east of the Mountain Dell Golf Course). Democrats from all over Utah are invited to bring the whole family to this event where there will be games, food and an opportunity to get to know one another better.
- Aug 5: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Aug 19: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Sept 2: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Sept 9: Cache County Democrats Annual Picnic, 5 p.m., Wilson Park, Logan.
- Sept 16: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Oct 6: Green Party Honk 'n' Wave for Peace "U.S. Out of Iraq, Now," featuring Bob Brister, Green Candidate for Utah's 2nd Congressional District, 9 to 10 a.m., NW corner, intersection of 700 E and 2100 S, Salt Lake City. For more information see www.bristerforcongress.org.
- Oct 10: Coalition for Utah’s Future, sponsor of Envision Utah, 11th annual Common Good Awards Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., Little America Hotel, 500 South Main Street, Salt Lake City. The Coalition will recognize those entities from the public and private sectors that have previously received a Common Good Award. Contact Kevin Fayles at 801-303-1462 or kfayles@cuf-envision.org for reservations.
- Oct 19: Utah Intergovermental Roundtable's Summit
- Nov 15-17: Utah Association of Counties Annual Convention, Dixie Center, St. George.
- Nov 15: Salt Lake Chamber 30th Annual Women and Business Conference and Athena Award Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Grand America Hotel, 555 South Main Street, Salt Lake City. Cokie Roberts, senior news analyst for NPR as well as political commentator for ABC News, will be the keynote speaker. To learn more or register, visit www.saltlakechamber.org.
- Jan 31: County Officials Day at the Legislature, Utah State Capitol.
|
- See the entire calendar
|
Utah Policy Daily is a service
of Utah Policy.com
Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Paul Hollingshead
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Luci Hollingshead
Advertising: Jenn Wheelwright
Utah Policy Daily
American Plaza III, Suite 105
47 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.537.0900 Office
801.537.0901 Fax
Special E-Mail Messages: Utah Policy Daily may send subscribers e-mails with information about new features, special offers, or messages on public policy issues from clients and advertisers. If you do not wish to ever receive these e-mails, please let us know by e-mail at daily@utahpolicy.com.
|
|
