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Transportation Watch

The High Cost of Inaction

With a burgeoning population and congested streets and highways, northern Utah faces a transportation crisis. More tax dollars will be required just to prevent total gridlock, not just on the big state highways, but also on secondary roads.

On Nov. 6, voters in Davis and Weber counties and in Brigham City, Willard and Perry in Box Elder County will have the opportunity to vote on Opinion Questions that, if passed, will accelerate construction of vital highway and mass transit projects with a quarter-cent sales tax increase.

Will building the transportation projects and preserving highway corridor be worth the higher tax? That is a question each voter will have to decide. (Read entire article below)



 

News Highlights

Sen. Bob Bennett says it's a two-man race for the GOP presidential nomination -- and Mitt Romney can beat Rudy Giuliani (Deseret Morning News).

The new land management plan for the redrock country around Moab is setting up a likely showdown between environmentalists, OHV users and energy firms (Salt Lake Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“No one likes tax increases, especially folks on fixed incomes. But before they invoke the ghost of Howard Jarvis and rally to put a tax limitation amendment like California's Proposition 13 on the ballot, Utahns should take a deep breath and think about the unintended consequences that Prop. 13 has visited on the Golden State since 1978.”

-- Tribune editorial opposing property tax limitation in Utah.


Wednesday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates

Wilson, Becker Hold Events

Two mayoral candidates are holding some interesting campaign activities. On Labor Day, Sept. 3, Ralph Becker will provide a free showing of “Who Killed the Electric Car” at the Broadway Theatre, 111 E. 300 South. Refreshments and reception begin at 6 p.m. and an environmental discussion will follow the screening. For more information, call Bianca, 801.390.0963. or visit www.ralphbecker.com.

Meanwhile, Jenny Wilson will hold a reception on Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m., at the Salt Lake Hardware Building, 155 N. 400 West, at which a variety of artwork will be displayed for sale, with a portion of sales proceeds benefiting her campaign. The art can be previewed On Sept. 4, noon to 7 p.m., and Sept. 5, noon to 5:30 p.m., at the same location. Works from some 30 artists will be featured, with prices starting at just $50.

Chamber Debate Podcast

The Salt Lake Chamber has posted a series of audio segments of Monday morning's SLC mayoral debate. To listen to the segments, click here.

Washington Watch

Hatch: Bipartisan Response to Tragedy

Sens. Orrin Hatch, Ted Kennedy, and Mike Enzi declare "that they will work together in a bipartisan process to ensure that the tragedy suffered at the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah will be thoroughly examined to determine if anything could have been done to avoid this disaster, and ensure greater mine safety for the future" (see press release).

Matheson Statement on Gonzales

Rep. Jim Matheson says of the resignation of Alberto Gonzales: "I think Attorney General Gonzales has made the right decision. As his credibility has eroded over the past few months, questions have persisted about whether he can effectively lead the Justice Department. There should be nothing partisan about the responsibilities of those who work for this federal agency. It's troubling that Mr. Gonzales may have allowed political pressure to dictate hiring and firing decisions there. I hope his replacement will restore confidence in the Justice Department's ability to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans" (see press release).  

Cannon Guest on Lonsberry

Rep. Chris Cannon recently appeared on the Bob Lonsberry Radio Show. To listen to a clip of the show, click here.

Today in Political History

August 29, 1632John Locke, writer and thinker on the philosophy of government, is born.

August 29, 1758: The New Jersey legislature establishes the first Indian reservation on a tract of 1,600 acres.

Aug. 29, 1991: The Supreme Soviet, the parliament of the U.S.S.R., suspended all activities of the Communist Party, bringing an end to the institution. (New York Times)

August 29, 2005:   Category 4 hurricane Katrina makes landfall near Buras, La., and devastates New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf coast. (Source:  Perspicuity

Wise Words

“It is one thing to show a man that he is in an error, and another to put him in possession of the truth.”   

-- John Locke (Source:  Brainy Quote

Campaign Tip

Choosing the right merchant account for credit card contributions will save your campaign money. There are two basic choices.  If you’re going to raise less than $350/month from credit cards, you should use a merchant account that charges a flat percentage on each contribution, but no monthly fee.  Right now, 10% is the industry standard.  If you’ll raise more than $350/month from credit cards, you should use a merchant account that charges a monthly fee (usually $20-$30) and a lower percentage (usually 2-3%) on each contribution. (Source:  Campaign Tips

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .

-- The Politico: "With his summer-long windup to a presidential campaign finally nearing an end, actor-politician Fred Thompson defended [in an interview with Politico] his late entry into the race and said the continued interest in him is a reflection of Republican dissatisfaction with the rest of the field."

-- MSNBC: "The last Democratic president to enjoy a filibuster-proof Senate majority was Jimmy Carter 30 years ago. But it now looks possible that in next year's elections the Democrats just might attain the 60 seats they need to foil Republican filibusters."

-- American Thinker: Columnist Thomas Lifson: "One of the ugliest aspects of contemporary 'progressive' thought is a thoroughly patronizing attitude toward African-Americans, regarding them as eternal victims unable to fend for themselves. The latest insult comes from America's most stridently left wing big city government, San Francisco, where municipal officials are fretting over recent declines in the number of blacks living within the city limits."

-- Wall Street Journal: Columnist Bret Stephens explains why he thinks global warming "is more alarmist than alarming."

Blog Watch

-- At UtahSenateDemocrats, Sen. Mike Dmitrich discusses the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy. (See also related Steve Urquhart and SLCSpin posts.)

-- At The Senate Site, Sen. Lyle Hillyard praises Rep. Greg Curtis for his display of leadership at the annual meeting of the Uniform State Law Commissioners. Says Hillyard: "I had a number of members tell me after that meeting of how impressed they were of [Curtis'] ability. I would just smile and say the Utah House of Representatives schools their leaders well."

Lighter Side

Favorite Headlines

(Source: James Taranto’s Best of the Web on OpinionJournal.com)

Let Them Eat Cake
"Edwards Wants Law Against 'Brownies' "--headline, Reuters, Aug. 28

'Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum, I Didn't Drop Those Plates!'
"Giant Lies About China"--headline, Ha'aretz, Aug. 25

Sounds Like This Place Is for the Birds
"Gul Poised to Become Turkey's President"--headline, Associated Press, Aug. 28

Potatoes in Peril
"Tuber Rescued on South Platte"--headline, Denver Post, Aug. 27

Everyone's a Critic
"Man Critical After Being Shot in the Head"--headline, Indianapolis Star, Aug. 27

 

 

Wednesday
August 29, 2007


Utah in the National News   

Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says the Utah Education Association “is calling in the national cavalry to help it repeal … one of the nation’s most far-sighted voucher laws ... Look for other liberal activists to pour cash into what will be the most significant state-wide ballot test for school choice in years.”

Christian Science Monitor: "As the three-week search for six men missing in a Utah coal mine enters a last-ditch-effort phase, the federal investigation into what caused the catastrophic cave-in is likely to begin soon and to include a close look at mining practices in this seismically volatile region


Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Skyline expanding: Work begins on a new high-rise for Salt Lake City

- Centro Civico Mexicano votes 17-8 to oust Renteria, move on

- Idaho senator says he did nothing wrong, isn't gay

- Utahns top U.S. on SAT, AP tests

- Number of uninsured children in Utah increases

- U.S. poverty rate falls for first time in decade

- Clearfield's 'Construction High School' starts

- Bennett says GOP race down to Romney, Giuliani

- Senators pledge bipartisanship in Utah mine investigation

- Petition is seeking to keep mines open in Carbon, Emery counties

- Salt Lake County reluctantly backs school ballot

- BLM seeking comments on Utah-Nevada gas pipeline

- West Bountiful calls for child-safe standard

- West Jordan is putting school issue on ballot

- Utah census: By the numbers

- Green housing revitalizing Salt Lake area
- Lindon plans to start its own police force

- Incentives lure insulation firm to Nephi in '08

- Op-ed: Float fiasco shows arrogance

Standard-Examiner

- Ogden water rates to go up again

- Editorial: Alberto out the door

- Op-ed: Syracuse needs a strong mayor

Davis County Clipper

- Benefit bike ride set

- Rest of teacher funds coming

- Legacy to bring new ambiance

- Jobless rate below state average

St. George Spectrum

- County tables talk on alcohol limitation

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Wyoming company plans to drill for oil in Skull Valley

- Editorial: Rest of county should follow Goshute example

Daily Herald

- Candidates talk culture, zoning and iProvo

- Nephi gets $32M fiberglass plant

- Editorial: Reject Parkway helmet law

KCPW

- Public Hearing on Kennecott Clean-up Tonight

- Climate Change Committee Brings the Heat

- $4M Incentive Package Lands $32M Insulation Plant in Nephi

- Smaller Districts Not Automatically Better for Students

- Bottomline Rewind: Unions Seeing Resurgence in Beehive State

Salt Lake Tribune

- New plan drafted for redrock region

- Jordan split may go 3 ways

- Poverty down in the U.S.; Utah flat

- Ogden's rusty pipes big worry

- Centro Civico board votes to oust president

- Wasatch critics leery of tax hike

- State tops national average for SAT

- Utah students excel in A.P. testing

- Water project completion means increased flows, future reliability

- Crandall Canyon, area miners may consider unionizing

- Lehi clears the way for new development

- Craig gets no defense from Utah

- County Council approves ballot issue wording

- Paul Rolly: Gunk blast ruins stroll near park

- Tower construction begins

- Utah pay gap stirs gender talk

- Diplomat-legislator fought for women

- Board OKs company's incentive

- Editorial: No Prop. 13: Simplistic fixes have unintended consequences

- Editorial: Report due: Education office should meet NCLB deadline


Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 28-31: Governor's Rural Tour through Utah
- Aug 29: Commerce and Workforce Services Appropriations Subcommittee meeting, 8:30 a.m., Department of Workforce Services, 140 East 300 South, Salt Lake City.
- Aug 29: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, Mayor Rocky Anderson is guest host and talks about the crisis of legal drug abuse with Abbie Vianes, coordinator, Mayor's Coalition on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; Sandra Kresser, who lost her son to prescription drug abuse; and Terri Hurst of the Harm Reduction Project. To comment call 801-355-TALK or email midday@kcpw.org during the show.
- Aug 29: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "September Dawn," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. In what is now known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, 120 people were killed by the Mormon Militia and Paiute Indians. A new fictional account of the tragedy opened this weekend and Monday, Doug is joined by historians and film experts for a look at its portrayal of the events.
- Aug 29: Equality Utah 6th Annual Allies Dinner, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, Grand Ballroom, Salt Palace Convention Center. Benefiting Equality Utah Political Action Committee. For more info visit equalityutah.org.
- Aug 31: Lt. Governor Herbert to attend the Utah Highway Patrol Press Conference, 1 p.m.
- Aug 31: Utah County Democrats community picnic, 5 p.m.,Nielson’s Grove pavilion, Sandhill Road and 2000 South, Orem. Drinks and dessert will be provided, bring own picnic dinner. Please bring canned food for the Utah Food Bank. After the picnic, see the Owlz play the Ogden Raptors at 7 p.m. E-mail Lance LeVar at newsletter@utahcountydems.com by August 25th to purchase $5.00 group tickets.
- Sept 5: Lt. Governor Herbert to attend Sports Commission Golf Tournament.
- Sept 5: Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, 7 a.m., South Central Utah Site Visits.
- Sept 5: White City Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Eastmont Middle School, room 105, 10100 S 1300 E, Sandy.

- See the entire calendar


Elected Officials Birthday List


Utah Policy Daily is a service
of Utah Policy.com

Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Paul Hollingshead
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Luci Hollingshead

 

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Feature Story


The High Cost of Inaction

By LaVarr Webb

With a burgeoning population and congested streets and highways, northern Utah faces a transportation crisis. More tax dollars will be required just to prevent total gridlock, not just on the big state highways, but also on secondary roads.

On Nov. 6, voters in Davis and Weber counties and in Brigham City, Willard and Perry in Box Elder County will have the opportunity to vote on Opinion Questions that, if passed, will accelerate construction of vital highway and mass transit projects with a quarter-cent sales tax increase.

If voters approve the tax boost, they will pay an additional quarter cent on each $1 purchase, or 25 cents on each $100 spent. The money raised will be spent on high-priority local transportation projects and corridor preservation, as determined by local elected officials.

Will building the transportation projects and preserving highway corridor be worth the higher tax? That is a question each voter will have to decide.

While higher taxes are never popular, voters should also be aware that there are also consequences for inaction. Northern Utah is far behind in keeping up with transportation needs. It is not just a quality of life issue, but also an economic development and business success issue. The region’s economy will suffer if good mobility can’t be ensured. The cost will be much higher than a small tax increase.

That is the reason the region’s business leaders and Chambers of Commerce are leading the effort to win support for the Opinion Questions.

Passing the Opinion Questions will also save tax dollars in the long run. The price of right-of-way is escalating faster than inflation. Acting now will save multi-millions of dollars in the future. The amount of money that must be spent to just preserve the Legacy North corridor is enormous, to mention just one important future highway.

Finally, northern Utah will get more state tax dollars for transportation if citizens and local leaders step up with matching funds. State Transportation Commission Chair Stuart Adams has made that clear. In approving money for projects, local participation is a significant factor, he said.

In summary, no one likes a tax increase. But the consequences of rejecting this opportunity to improve transportation funding is a much higher price to pay than a quarter cent on a dollar. If we don’t invest more in transportation our mobility will be impaired and our economy will suffer. A well-functioning transportation system is fundamental to a robust economy. A healthy economy, in turn, provides good-paying jobs for our citizens and enough tax revenue to support quality education and other social needs. This is our opportunity to fight congestion, improve mobility, preserve our quality of life, and ensure a healthy economy in northern Utah.

 
 

On the Move

Links to the Week's Key Transportation News Stories

-- Op-ed: John Njord: Bridge safety is UDOT priority (Deseret Morning News).

-- UDOT helps kids find safer route to school (KCPW).

-- Counting riders bedevils UTA (Salt Lake Tribune).

-- Realignment project at halfway point (Tribune).

-- Study focuses on pedestrian safety (Standard-Examiner).

Airport road limits draw more fire (Logan Herald Journal).

-- Paris, here we come! Salt Lake lands direct flight on Delta (Deseret Morning News, Salt Lake Tribune and Daily Herald). 

-- Delta Air Lines' Ed Bastian speaks out (Tribune).

-- Lindon is mulling transit-plan change (Morning News).

-- Discrepancies in ridership data may hurt UTA (Morning News).

-- Software to help find safe school routes (Morning News).

-- TRAX line foes taking their case to high court (Morning News and Tribune).

-- Forum focus: Help to keep seniors on the go (Tribune).

-- Lehi east-west connector (Daily Herald).

-- Many upset over Highland road (Deseret Morning News).

-- Davis plans corridor preservation (Standard-Examiner).


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Utah Transportation Watch is a service of Utah Policy.com