News Highlights

Article: "Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt has one of the toughest jobs in government, and it may get even tougher next year. For the first time in his political career, Leavitt will answer to a Democratic majority -- something he never had to deal with in the Republican-dominated Utah Legislature and the GOP-controlled Congress during his tenure as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency" (Salt Lake Tribune).

In Deseret Morning News op-ed, former Congressman Jim Hansen says pushing for new congressional seats in Utah and the District of Columbia is bad public policy. “…if we continue to push this ill-conceived idea, we plow new ground, challenge the Constitution, throw the Senate to the far left, possibly a very expensive cost to the state, and really with no political benefit. I would urge the Legislature not to be so excited about this idea and follow the normal procedure of the next census. Patience is a great virtue.”

Utah Taxpayers Association is proposing “congestion pricing” legislation that would toll new highways based on level of congestion, with higher tolls during busy times (Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"The blog's nice because it's a non-pretentious way to share information. It's not self-important. It's not like dragging a podium out to a marble hallway."

-- Ric Cantrell, who manages the Senate Site blog for the Senate Republican majority, in an Associated Press story in the Daily Herald focusing on legislative bloggers.

Political Funny Stuff

It’s mighty quiet out there in politics land. Not much to report. So if you’re sitting at your computer with not much to do as 2006 fades out, here’s some political entertainment to keep you busy. About.com features The 25 funniest political quotes of 2006, the 25 dumbest political quotes of 2006, and the top 10 Bushisms of 2006. If you’re a liberal, you’ll like Slate’s Five Best Political Moments of 2006. Fun is poked at Dick Cheney, George Allen, Mark Foley and, of course, Donald Rumsfeld, among others. And if you’re a conservative you’ll enjoy a slide show of funny John Kerry photos. If you’re really bored, check out the Onion’s politics section. There, that should keep you busy for a couple of hours.

Borat’s Economic Predictions

In this week’s Tea Leaf, Jeff Thredgold, the Borat of Utah economists, uses today’s movie titles in his semi-annual economic, financial, and political update. Yes, it’s pretty corny but, says Thredgold, “One of the painful realities of life as an economist and professional speaker is that the subject matter of economics is typically viewed (with good reason!) by the general public as confusing, intimidating, and boring.  As a result, trying to present weekly economic and financial information with an unusual twist can occasionally be a most welcome change.” Excerpt on the Federal Reserve: “Chairman Ben Bernanke, THE GOOD SHEPHERD of monetary policy, takes rising comfort in his CASINO ROYALE bet in late June 2006 to move to the sidelines, following 17 consecutive monetary tightening moves.  Wall Street anticipates the HAPPY FEET feeling of likely short-term interest rate cuts by mid-year 2007, as the Fed might be able to increase THE FOUNTAIN of money growth at that time. Other forecasters see that STRANGER THAN FICTION view as a SHORTBUS to losses.  This vocal minority sees FURther interest rate hikes still to come.”  

'Discovery Ogden' Updates

The Ogden City website is highlighting Discovery Ogden, which is "a comprehensive public process, compiled by the Ogden City Council, to share with the public the extensive review processes that may be conducted by various decision-making entities regarding the possible gondola/resort/hillside development project." For the newest updates, click here.

Ogden: #1 Digital City

The Ogden City Website also notes: "The City of Ogden is one of the most digital-savvy, cutting-edge mid-size cities in the nation, according to a report released this month by the Center for Digital Government and the National League of Cities, which composed a list of the top 10 digital cities in America. Ogden was awarded the top ranking in the 2006 Digital Cities Survey, for cities with populations between 75,000 and 124,999. The survey is an annual review of how the nation's city governments are utilizing information technology to increase citizen service and streamline operations. In the four years that Ogden has been reviewed by the Center for Digital Government, Ogden has not ranked below third place, being ranked #2 in 2003, #1 in 2004, and #3 in 2005." For more info, click here.

Blog Watch

The Senate Site asks and answers the question: "What would congressional reapportionment look like if it were based on this year's population estimates?".... David Fletcher offers his "top 10 picks for IT in State of Utah government for 2006".... Utah Taxpayer analyzes Gov. Huntsman's tax reform proposal.... Jesse Harris takes Glen Warchol to task for this post at Out of Context.... Paul Rolly reports: "With at least eight hopefuls already announced as candidates for Salt Lake City mayor next year, it is only fitting that the first shot across the bow in the 2008 campaign comes from the city's best known politician, who is not running for the job. Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson sent out invitations this week to a party at his house. It's a fund-raising event for candidate Keith Christensen, the former city council member who already has Anderson's public endorsement. 'There are political parties ...Then there are party parties,' the invitation states. 'In Salt Lake City, we'd prefer the latter.' The invitation promises Hors d'oeuvres and drinks at Anderson's private residence. It also promises a dialogue with Anderson, to 'learn why he enthusiastically supports Keith Christensen.' ... Anderson's passionate endorsement of Christensen is intriguing. The Democrat and self-described liberal is shunning the candidacies of several fellow Democrats, such as Jenny Wilson, Ralph Becker and Meghan Holbrook, to support a Republican in Christensen. But the invitation addresses that as well. 'Just think ... an effective Republican mayor in Utah's capital city who has the ability and commitment to keep up the progressive values regarding public transit, equal treatment for gays and lesbians, youth programs, combating global warming, clean air, liquor law reform and bicycle friendly community.' Guests are encouraged to contribute $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or 'other.'"

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Mitt Romney Watch
Slate notes that the New Republic's Jan. 15 cover piece (subscription required) "examines the challenges facing Mitt Romney as he prepares a run for the presidency. Romney may have more difficulty defending Mormonism to Americans than John F. Kennedy did with Catholicism. While Kennedy swayed skeptics by declaring the separation of church and state 'absolute,' Romney's reliance on Christian conservatives means he can't distance himself from religion. Also, educating Americans about Mormon theology is less likely to ease their concerns than exacerbate them. Joseph Smith's teachings place the United States 'at the focal point of sacred history' and make American politics a stage for the 'ultimate divine drama,' with the 'Garden of Eden ... located in Jackson County, Missouri.'"

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- President cherished his ties to Utah

- LDS statement on Ford

- Dixie getting anti-illegals organization

- Planner for Sandy is taking Salt Lake post

- ZCMI retailers biding time

- McKay Center's upkeep up to UVSC

- Cedar Hills receives award for city budget

- Op-ed: James V. Hansen: Wait patiently for 4th House seat

Standard-Examiner

- Official: Focus more on depression in seniors

- Gas prices edge up over holiday

St. George Spectrum

- County passes budget without opposition

- City's financial picture positive

- Cedar City struggling with Mesa Air Group

Daily Herald

- Lawmakers use blogs to deliver policy, personal side to public

- Bill targets retail boosters

City Weekly

- Hits & Misses

- Postal Going: Some downtown business and postal employees decry the Main Street post office displacement for a new mall

KCPW

- Escorts Now Required to Meet with Police Chief Before Working in PC

- Medicaid Drug Reform Proposal Back for Round Two

- Law Would Allow Anonymous Reports of Dangerous Drivers

- Sandy City Planner Takes Over SLC Department

- Another Month or Longer Before County Has Full Review of Stadium Proposal

Salt Lake Tribune

- Leavitt sure to see tough crowd in '07

- President Ford: Tremonton family stays close

- Higher tolls for busy roads?

- Rocky reaches into suburb for a city planner

- High-tech sewer plant is proposed

- Vehicle ban sought in remote Arch Canyon

- Clock is ticking on drug-plan decisions

- Treasurer admits theft attempt after charge is reduced to misdemeanor

- Moving trucks are wearing rolling billboards - for free

- Tourism booster talks up Japanese market

- Utah pump price stays below the U.S. average

- SkyWest: More help wanted

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Dec 28: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, features a special rebroadcast of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Sundance Resort Tree Room Author Series. The Secretary of State for the Clinton Administration talks about foreign policy, Iraq and religion in a speech. Robert Redford makes the introduction.
- Dec 28: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 to 9 p.m., Grecian Garden, 4816 South State Street, Murray.
- Dec 29: Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) contribution deadline. To receive a Utah State tax deduction for 2006, contributions must be received in the UESP office no later than 5 p.m. See www.uesp.org.
- Dec 29: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, features a special broadcast of Kevin Phillips, author of “American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century.” He spoke at Sundance in September as part of the Tree Room Author Series on Media.
- Jan 2: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, features economist Jeff Thredgold on the year that was and the year that might be; DABC Commission Chair Larry Lunt on changes he'd like to make in Utah liquor laws; and Robert Gehrke, Washington Bureau reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune, with an assessment of the incoming 110th Congress. To participate, email midday@kcpw.org during the show.
- Jan 2: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Key Legislative Players - Part 1," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The beginning of a series of conversations with key legislative players for the 2007 session. Doug first talks to Rebecca Walsh of the Salt Lake Tribune about who the people are to watch. Then Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble and House Majority Leader David Clark are profiled.
- Jan 4: Professional Republican Women (PRW) luncheon meeting, Panache Private Club, 2nd Floor, Wells Fargo Building, 299 S. Main. Featured guest speaker will be Dr. Quin Monson, Assistant Professor, Political Science, BYU. Socializing begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at 12 noon; $20 for members, $25 for guests. RSVP to Melanie Rogers at 801- 891-6926 or e-mail melmrogers@yahoo.com.
- Jan 4: Davis County Democrats Planning Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Commissioner's Chambers, Davis Courthouse, Farmington.
- Jan 5: Medicaid Interim Committee, 8:30 a.m., room W135.
- Jan 5: Senate Rules Committee, 3 p.m., room W110.
- Jan 9: United Way of Salt Lake third annual Legislative Preview Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown. For more information, please contact Bryson Despain at 801-736-7709.
- Jan 9: Utah State Senate Majority annual leadership breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Grand America Hotel. For more information contact Ric Cantrell 801-673-1603.
- Jan 10: What's Up Down South Washington County Economic Summit, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dixie Center, St. George. Summit will feature economic analysis, breakout sessions and bullet point addresses about 13 of the area's most influential 2007 projects. Early bird registration is $60 per person before Dec 26, $100 per person after the deadline. No tickets sold at the door. Register here, or email summit@dixie.edu.
- Jan 10: House and Senate Rules Committee meetings, 3:30 p.m., room W135.

- See the entire calendar