News Highlights

With less than two weeks to go before the primary election, Jenny Wilson has the most cash to spend of any SLC mayoral candidate (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News).

Columnist Bob Bernick Jr. says it's unlikely Sen. Orrin Hatch will replace Alberto Gonzales as U.S. attorney general (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"When future generations of state leaders enter this boardroom, the inspiration of a great leader will accompany them. Governor Rampton's example is one we can all emulate and, to the extent we do, we will be better and more effective. He was a powerful statesman."

-- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., in naming the Governor’s Board Room in the renovated Capitol after former Gov. Calvin Rampton (Tribune). See also Morning News story.

Holiday Schedule

Utah Policy Daily will take off Labor Day on Monday and be back in action on Tuesday.

Media Watch

Navigating the Electronic Meteor Shower

The communications world is in enormous turmoil, and no one knows just how it will shake out. Daniel Henninger, deputy editor, Wall Street Journal editorial page, has a fascinating column in Thursday’s Journal about media and politics. He concludes: “Big media and big politics are all flying through an electronic meteor shower just now, and not all will survive. But, like ‘Star Wars,’ it'll be fun to watch the carnage. The GOP candidates have their own CNN/YouTube debate in November. Most, after seeing a Snowman dominate the Democrats' debate, have been leery of the format. They should be. I wouldn't want to argue with a Snowman.”

Global Tipping Point

In this week's issue of Global Utah, the e-newletter published by World Trade Center Utah, CEO Lew Cramer says "Utah is now at our 'Global Tipping Point,' where our strong economy, bright college graduates, energetic entrepreneurs, culturally experienced business executives, growing infrastructure of finance, law, and logistics, coupled with a supportive state government---ALL are combining to expand our state’s international business opportunities."

Business Franchising 101 

The Zions Bank Business Resource Center newsletter just finished its series on franchising by featuring an interview with Steve Cloward, former CEO of Big O Tires. Cloward has worked both sides of the franchising aisle, as franchisor and franchisee. If you're interested in the topic you can read the newsletter here.

CPPA Report: International Refugees

The University of Utah's Center for Public Policy & Administration has posted its latest Policy Report, which looks at the plight of international refugees in Utah. To read it, click here.

Today in Political History

August 31, 1964:  Pres. Lyndon Johnsonsigns the Food Stamp Act, which greatly expanded the role of federal government in giving food coupons to needy families.

August 31, 1965: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is established (Source:  Perspicuity) 

Wise Words

“The Framers of the Bill of Rights did not purport to ‘create’ rights.  Rather, they designed the Bill of Rights to prohibit our Government from infringing rights and liberties presumed to be preexisting.”

-- Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan (Source:  Quote Garden) 

Utah Attractions

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument was established in 1922 to protect and provide public access to a series of exotic caves in American Fork Canyon. The cave’s interiors are decorated with a colorful variety of dripstone, flowstone, and rimstone formed by minerals in the ground water that enters the caves.

The monument consists of three caves connected in the 1930s by short manmade tunnels. Hansen Cave was the first to be discovered, in 1887, followed by Timpanogos Cave in 1915, and Middle Cave in 1921. During the 1890s, Hansen Cave was stripped of most of its onyx and other mineral deposits by crews working for a Chicago onyx company. After the other two caves were discovered, local groups and the Forest Service were determined to protect them from the same fate. Designation of the site as a national monument provided the necessary protection.

A number of improvements have been made over the years, including a good trail, electric lights inside the cave, and a campground, parking area, and ranger's residence. (Source: Utah.Edu) 

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .

-- New York Times: "The political career of Senator Larry E. Craig of Idaho appeared to be collapsing Wednesday as fellow Republicans called for his resignation and party leaders ousted him from his committee leadership posts amid the fallout over his arrest in a men’s room and his guilty plea in the case."

-- Idaho Statesman editorial calls on Sen. Craig to resign.

-- Los Angeles Times: "Democratic donor [and Hillary Clinton fundraiser] Norman Hsu said Wednesday that he would 'refrain from all fundraising activities' until he resolved an outstanding warrant for his arrest stemming from a 1991 criminal case in San Mateo County."

-- Washington Post: "A growing clamor among rank-and-file Democrats to halt President Bush's most controversial tactics in the fight against terrorism has exposed deep divisions within the party, with many Democrats angry that they cannot defeat even a weakened president on issues that they believe should be front and center."

Blog Watch

-- Holly Mullen says of the Larry Craig scandal: "So. The man is 62, a [Methodist], an ultra-conservative in an ultra-conservative state who has built a Senate career largely on morals crusading. Never seen this plot line before, have we? .... The deeply sad part is the shame Craig must have lived with for god knows how many years. It's almost a full-time job, I'd imagine, running on a 'family values' platform every six years, and headlining conferences with speeches against the 'gay agenda.' .... Man, if we could simply be true to ourselves, knowing that society would accept us for who and what we are. Sorry if I sound like a Care Bear or Mr. Rogers. But really. Think of the pain and suffering living his truth might have saved Craig's wife, his family and everyone else caught in his fallout. But mostly himself."

Lighter Side

"A priest, a minister and a rabbi walk into a bar. The bartender says ... What is this, a joke?"

-- Bill Austin

Casual Friday

Utah Fishing Report

Fishing has been good this summer -- consistently good on most waters. Action will get even better as soon as temperatures begin to cool a little -- and the weathermen say that will start next week.

This holiday weekend will be crazy, with people everywhere. The popular spots will all be packed. After the holiday, with kids back in school and footballs flying, crowds will diminish just as fishing and hiking conditions start to improve. Lake Powell is hot now and getting better. Strawberry has been exceptional for people jigging deep. Hoppers and other terrestrials are great on our trout streams. Most waters are good and many will become very good during the coming weeks. Read Dave Webb’s complete report.

Outdoors Report

-- Morning News rolls around with the roller derby

-- Tribune’s review of new gear from the Outdoor Retailer show

-- Campgrounds full for Labor Day weekend in the Morning News

-- Head to the Uintas for the 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

-- For the latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report visit the DWR website

New Films

-- Balls of Fury:  Tribune review

Concerts

-- Mesgana Dancers of Ethiopia, Saturday, 7 p.m., Capitol Theatre

-- Benjamin and Jonathan Chan, violin and piano, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free

-- Pioneer Park Concert Series, Fridays through August 31, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Pioneer Park

-- Lunch Bunch Concert Series, weekdays, noon, Gallivan Plaza

-- Organ Recitals, every Saturday, noon, and every Sunday, 2 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall

Theater

-- “Candida” through August 31, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “Coriolanus” through August 31, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “King Lear” through September 1, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “Lend Me a Tenor” through September 1, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “The Matchmaker” through September 1, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “A Pirate's Life: Groovin' on the Seven Seas” through September 1, Pickleville Playhouse, Garden City (Bear Lake)

-- “The Scarlet Pimpernel” through September 1, St. George Musical Theatre

-- “Sleeping Beauty” through September 1, Academy of Performing Arts

-- “Twelfth Night” through September 1, Utah Shakespearean Festival

-- “Pirates of Penzance” through September 8, Center Street Musical Theatre, Provo

-- “Julius Caesar” through September 15, Actors’ Repertory Theatre Ensemble, Provo

-- “Something’s Afoot” through September 15, Terrace Plaza Playhouse

-- “Charley’s Aunt” through September 22, Hale Center Theater Orem

-- “The Foreigner” through September 27, Rodgers Memorial Theatre

-- “The Secret Garden” through September 29, Hale Centre Theatre

-- “Cinderella” through October 17, Tuacahn Amphitheater

-- “My Fair Lady” through October 19, Tuacahn Amphitheater

-- “42nd Street” through October 20, Tuacahn Amphitheater

-- “It's Showtime!” through October 27, Bumbleberry Theatre, Springdale

-- “Twist the Night Away” through October 28, Bumbleberry Theatre, Springdale

-- “Spamlet, Where Mystery Meats Comedy” through November 10, Desert Star Cabaret Theatre

-- “The Taffetas,” Desert Star Theatre

Museum Exhibits

-- The Art of Robert Sabuda: Travels in Time and Space Exhibition, through September 9, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, University of Utah

-- Minerva Teichert:  Pageants in Paint Exhibition, Brigham Young University Museum of Art

-- Life After Death:  New Leipzig Paintings from the Rubell Family Collection Exhibition, through September 29, Salt Lake Art Center

Et Cetera

-- Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Friday and Saturday, Mt. Timpanogos Park, Orem

-- Oktoberfest, through October 7, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

-- Downtown Farmers’ Market, Saturdays through October 20, 8 a.m., Pioneer Park

-- Utah Shakespearean Festival, through October 27, Cedar City

Utah in the National News

Ely Times: Sen. Harry Reid accuses Utah officials of trying to steal Nevada's Snake Valley aquifer water.

Inside Triathlon: Ogden is becoming outdoor recreation's "new Garden of Eden."

Romney Watch

Writing for The Christian Century, Prof. Laurie F. Maffly-Kipp takes an in-depth look at Romney's Mormonism, and concludes: "In 1845, Mormons left the U.S. for the western territories so that they could practice their religion freely. America followed them, annexed the territories and once again persecuted them on religious grounds. Now, in the early 21st century, Mormons are part of the American mainstream as educators, bankers, businesspeople and politicians. Have we moved beyond the questions forced on Senator Reed Smoot? Or do we still interpret Mormon insularity and secrecy, so understandable given LDS history, as a mark of disloyalty, disrespect or ill intent? Mitt Romney's candidacy is testing these boundaries once again."

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Growth not flowing into wages

- Wilson narrows funds gap

- Salt Lake powering a switch from coal to solar

- Alternate TRAX route draws west-siders' ire

- Ogden pulls off Emergency Day with non-disastrous glitches

- South Salt Lake may want to buy Granite High

- 2 states' water war heats up

- Holladay residents sound off on Cottonwood Mall project

- Vervene Leone 'Vee' Carlisle dies at 90

- Wilds group blocks proposed mine

- Guv's boardroom named for Democrat

- Bob Bernick Jr.: Hatch unlikely to be Gonzales' replacement

Standard-Examiner

- Op-ed: Vouchers have not helped students learn

- Op-ed: Weber has ideas in hopper to ease the pain of higher property taxes

Davis County Clipper

- Bennett plan would revolutionize healthcare

- Bountiful to give rebate to residents

- 'We need a vision': county planning

- Group gets ready to help RAP

- Anti-voucher law campaign starts

- Kaysville candidate meeting set for next week

KCPW

- Jordan Board of Ed Stays Neutral on District Split

- Anderson Says Buhler Would Be "Horrific" SLC Mayor

- Salt Lake City Gets Federal Funds to Grow Use of Solar Energy

- State Officials Consider Their Role in Mine Safety

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Candidates not looking to signs as primary election approaches

St. George Spectrum

- BLM gets input on fuel pipeline

- Candidates take a stand

- Early voting in So. Utah ends Sept. 7

Salt Lake Tribune

- Investigation of MSHA ordered by labor secretary

- A boost for solar energy

- Campaign signs ignite Ogden feud

- Diversity is up in Utah schools

- Rampton to be honored at Capitol

- As primary nears, Wilson holds most cash

- Traffic tie-ups biggest worry in American Fork

- Paul Rolly: Lawmakers stack deck on vouchers

- Editorial: Free-for-all: We need better law to govern school-district split

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Aug 28-31: Governor's Rural Tour through Utah
- Aug 31: Senator Bennett to discuss Healthy American Act with Utah healthcare providers, 10 a.m., McKay-Dee Hospital Education Center Auditorium, 4401 Harrison Boulevard, Ogden. The Education Center is located in the southeast corner of the hospital’s main level near the Visitor Entrance. Hosted by the Utah Hospitals & Health Systems Association.
- Aug 31: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM, features Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist Church on the African-American religious experience in Utah; Dr. Brian Moench of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment on the group’s opposition to a new coal-fired power plan in Sevier County; plus a conversation on U.S. energy policy and issues with John Hofmeister, president of Shell Oil.

- 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.
- Sept 5: Reagan Day Dinner for Salt Lake County Republican legislators, 7 p.m., Wells Fargo Building, 14th Floor, Salt Lake City. For table sponsorship info, contact Jeremy Roberts at 801-867-3866 or email jeremy@finishfirst.org.
- Sept 6: Annual Judgesrun Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. shotgun start, Homestead, Midway. Lunch buffet at 1 p.m., awards and conclusion at 3 p.m. Four person scramble, register as an individual or a team. For more info contact Samantha at 801-364-8300 or click here.
- Sept 6: Hinckley Forum "Whither Kurdish Nationalism?" 9 to 11 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall room 255. Guests include Robert Olson, University of Kentucky, Plenary Presentation for the 2007 Middle East & Central Asia Conference
- Sept 6: Lt. Governor Herbert to attend Be Ready Utah Conference, 11 a.m., State Capitol.
- Sept 6: Hinckley Forum "The School Voucher Debate," 2:15 p.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guests include Doug Holmes, Parents for Choice in Education; Rep. Carol Spackman Moss (D-37), Utah House of Representatives; Kirk Jowers, (Moderator) Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics.
- Sept 6: Salt Lake Friends (Quakers) Witness for Peace, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m, Main Street, East side between 2nd and 3rd South, Salt Lake City.
- Sept 6: Lt. Governor Herbert to speak at the 2nd Annual Judgesrun Foundation, 6 p.m.
- Sept 7: Medicaid Interim Committee meeting, 9 a.m., room W135.
- Sept 8: Utah Women's Democratic Club Luncheon with guest speakers Salt Lake City Mayoral Candidates Ralph Becker and Jenny Wilson,11:30 a.m., Olio's Restaurant, Sheraton City Centre 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City. $17 at the door. For details and to register, call 801-250-6613, email jccoffey1954@aol.com, or click here.
- Sept 10: Congressman Rob Bishop's Breakfast On The Green, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Thanksgiving Point. Please contact Tara Tanner for all table information at tara@tannerconsult.com or 801-575-6355.
- Sept 10: 7th Annual Senate Republican Golf Tournament, registration at 8 a.m., shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., Thanksgiving Point. Contact a member of the Senate Majority to reserve your spot. For more information click here.

- Sept 11: Municipal primary election
- Sept 11: Hinckley Forum "why i blog and why you should blog," 11:50 a.m., University Of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guest David Silver, Assistant Professor of Media Studies and the Director of the Resource Center of Cyberculture Studies, University of San Francisco; co- director of The September Project. Co-sponsor - The J. Willard Marriott Library and the Tanner Humanities Center as part of The September Project.
- Sept 13: Hinckley Forum "Democracy as an Ongoing Project: Threats and Challenges to Democratic Governance in the U.S.," 11:50 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guest Alexander Keyssar, Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy, Harvard University Co-sponsor-The J. Willard Marriott Library’s September Project. Presented by the Sam Rich Program in International Politics.
- Sept 14: Salt Lake County Republican Party Constitution Day Picnic, 5 to 8 p.m., Creek Side Park Pavilion. For information contact Patti Florence at 801-580-8824.
- Sept 15: Salt Lake County Republican Party Central Committee Meeting, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hillcrest High School, 7350 South 900 East, Midvale.
- Sept 20: Hinckley Forum "Campaign 2007: The Race for Salt Lake City Council District 4," 10:45 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Candidates to be determined by the Sept. 11th Primary Election.
- Sept 20: Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, 2 p.m., room W020.
- Sept 21: Hinckley Forum "Careers in the Foreign Service," 12 p.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guest Robert Laing, United States State Department Diplomat in Residence.
- Sept 24: Hinckley Forum "Founding Father: The Creation of an Island Nation," 9:40 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guest Sir James Richard Marie Mancham, First President of Seychelles and author of Paradise Raped, Presented by: Ambassador John Price.
- Sept 25: Hinckley Forum "The Role of Interest Groups and Lobbyists in Utah Politics," 9:10 a.m., University of Utah, Orson Spencer Hall, room 255. Guests include Senator Patricia Jones (D-4) Utah State Senate; Kirk Jowers, Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics; LaVarr Webb, Publisher, Utah Policy.com and Partner, The Exoro Group; Sherri Wittwer, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); Lara Jones (moderator) Reporter & Midday Metro Producer, KCPW.
- Sept 26: Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, 9 a.m., Weber Morgan Local Health Dept., 477 23rd Street, Ogden.

- See the entire calendar

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Editor: Paul Hollingshead
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