Jeff Alexander Day
Former Rep. Jeff Alexander received an unexpected honor from Gov. Jon Huntsman and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday. Alexander, who recently resigned from the Legislature, spoke to Provo Rotary about his 16 years of service. He was introduced by Herbert, who thanked him on behalf of the state for his service and also read a gubernatorial declaration – which was a total surprise to Alexander – noting Alexander’s many accomplishments and declaring “Jeff Alexander Day”.
Today is the deadline for applying for his Alexander’s District 62 seat. Among those who have expressed interest are Chris Herrod, Brent Ashworth, John Curtis, Paul Warner, and David Starling. Even more are likely to apply.
Project Will Boost Economy
On Nov. 14, Murray City was awarded the EPA’s prestigious Phoenix Award at a ceremony in Boston, MA, for excellence in the Brownfields redevelopment of the Murray Smelter site. After years of collaboration, planning and cleanup, the Murray Smelter site is actively being developed into a $560 million campus for Intermountain Healthcare’s state-of-the-art Intermountain Medical Center. The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUTAH) featured the development in its weekly newsletter, noting that the 142-acre project will have an enormous economic impact on the area.
Washington Watch
Hatch: 'Fight This War and Win'
Sen. Orrin Hatch says of the newly released Iraq Study Group report: "You can't just say, 'Well, we gotta pull out because the American people want us out.' We've got to continue to fight this war and win, and if we don't, we'll pay a tremendously difficult price. I don't think it ever hurts to have wise men thinking through ideas. That doesn't mean that they're all good ideas" (McClatchy Newspapers); Hatch votes to confirm Dr. Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense (press release); the House gives final approval to a bill sponsored by Sens. Hatch and Barack Obama that seeks "to protect an individual's right to continue reasonable charitable contributions, including religious tithing, during the course of consumer bankruptcy" (press release); Hatch hails the Senate passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (press release).
Bennett: No Quick Iraq Solution
Sen. Bob Bennett says of the Iraq Study Group report: "I appreciate the candor of this report that recognizes there is no quick solution for success in Iraq. The report looks at three areas. First, the external approach focuses on a new diplomatic effort to build international consensus. Second, an internal approach appeals to a greater effectiveness and stability of the Iraqi government. And third, the U.S. military's effort to adjust for the changing situation on the ground. These three are interrelated, and should be addressed together" (see press release); Bennett welcomes the confirmation of Robert Gates (press release).
Matheson: 4th District & Lands Bill
Rep. Jim Matheson says of the House's decision to shelve a proposal that would have given Utah a fourth congressional seat: "It's unfortunate that a consensus, bipartisan bill's movement was blocked earlier this year by objections from the House Judiciary Committee Chairman. That created roadblocks that couldn't be overcome, as the clock wound down on this session of Congress. I have long supported this measure's twin goals and I had hoped they could be achieved sooner, rather than later. Fortunately, a fourth seat for Utah is a sure thing in the next few years" (see press release); Matheson says of the failure of the Washington Co. growth bill to receive a vote in Congress this year: "Sen. Bennett and I have worked closely with the Utah delegation and stakeholders throughout Utah on this important bill. We remain committed to working on this legislation in the next Congress" (press release); Matheson hails the passage of the Rural Water Supply Act, which "will help rural areas and tribal lands with vital projects to ensure delivery of clean water" (press release).
Wise Words
“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”
-- Winston Churchill
Podcast Watch
This week’s InsideUtah.com podcast by Jennifer Napier-Pearce features local bloggers Ethan Millard and Josh Steimle (:36) on renaming the Delta Center; Salt Lake resident Merrie Lee (10:52) on a pilgrimage to see Al Gore on Oprah; and bookseller Catherine Weller (18:30) on gift ideas for the reader on your list.
Blog Watch
The Senate Site commemorates Pearl Harbor. ... Jesse Harris defends the iProvo municipal broadband network.
Paul Rolly reports on leadership posts and committee assignments in the Legislature.
Casual Friday
Outdoors Report
-- Ice fishing is good at Scofield Reservoir. For the latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report visit the DWR website
-- Morning News has gift ideas for the outdoors lover in your life
-- Check your knowledge of Utah’s official wildlife symbols in the Tribune
-- Miller Motorsports Park wins international award in the Morning News
-- Head down south to enjoy Tribune’s Hike of the Week
-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News’ Outdoor Notes
-- Check out the Tribune’s Outdoor Notebook and 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
New Films
-- Unaccompanied Minors: Tribune review
-- Apocalypto: Tribune review
-- Blood Diamond: Tribune review
-- The Holiday: Tribune review
Concerts
-- “A Little Jazz With Your Mistletoe,” Dan Waldis, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Rose Wagner Center,
-- Kurt Bestor, Friday and Saturday, Abravanel Hall
-- Ring Around the Rose, Dionysios Greek Dancers, Saturday, 11 a.m., Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, $5 (355-2787)
-- Ruth Ellis Vocal Academy Singer: “Joy to the World,” Christmas favorites concert, Saturday, 2 p.m., Art City Playhouse
-- Murray Symphony Christmas Concert, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Murray High School, $10 at the door
-- “Winter Solstice,” Stonecircle, Celtic group, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
-- Utah Valley Handbell Ringers, Christmas music, Saturday, 8 p.m., Cathedral of the Madeleine, free
-- Perla Batalla, Saturday, 9 p.m., Eccles Center, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City
-- Christmas on Temple Square, Saturday - Dec. 23, times and locations vary, free admission
-- Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” through December 30, Capitol Theatre
Theater
-- “Return to Christmas” through December 9, SCERA Center
-- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” through December 11, Sugar Factory Playhouse
-- “A Christmas Story” through December 16, Draper Historic Theatre
-- “A Christmas Carol” through December 22, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
-- “A Christmas Carol” through December 23, Hale Center Theater Orem
-- “A Christmas Carol” through December 23, Rodgers Memorial Theatre
-- “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” through December 23, Center Street Musical Theatre
-- “Forever Scrooge” through December 29, The Off-Broadway Theatre
-- “The Santaland Diaries” through December 30, Tooth & Nail Theatre Company
-- “Savior of the World” through December 30, LDS Conference Center
-- “Spirit of the Holidays” through December 30, Desert Star Dinner Theatre
-- “White Christmas” through December 30, Egyptian Theatre Company
-- “Jack Frosty: He'Snowman to Mess With” through January 6, Desert Star Cabaret
Museum Exhibits
-- Five Outer Planets Exhibition through December 27, Unseen Shores: The Post-Vietnam Era from the U.S. Navy Art Collection through January 13, Peace Garden Exhibition through January 27, Salt Lake Art Center
-- Painters of the Wasatch Mountains Exhibition through January 28, Museum of Utah Art and History
-- Sideshow through January 28, Utah Museum of Fine Art
Et Cetera
-- Holiday Gift Making, Saturday, Discovery Gateway |
