GOP Legislature Doesn't Want Your Grandma to Vote

Well, not without waiting in line for 4-5 hours to get a state ID card.

KSL:

Elderly voters in Utah won't be allowed to use their Medicare cards as a valid form of identification at the ballot box.

The Utah House voted down a measure Thursday 47-27 that would have carved out an exception in state law that requires a picture ID to vote.

Current forms of acceptable identification include a valid Utah driver's license, U.S. passport, tribal identification card and concealed weapons permit.

Two forms showing the voter's name and proof of address can also be used.

Rep. Marie Poulson, a Cottonwood Heights Democrat who sponsored the bill, says many older voters don't have driver's licenses or other necessary documents.

But opponents defeated the bill out of fear illegal immigrants would obtain fraudulent Medicare cards.

Maybe Grandma can get a concealed weapons permit.....

Hunsaker: You Can't Handle The Truth About Canal Safety

Tribune:

Last summer's deadly Logan canal collapse is spurring efforts to identify potential hazards along Utah's waterways, but a House bill would keep those findings secret from the public and even the courts.

That is, if there ever were any findings from HB60, the Water Conveyance Facilities Safety Act. Compliance, if the measure passes, would be voluntary.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Fred Hunsaker, R-Logan, says water companies should create management plans identifying potential hazards along their canals or ditches. Voluntary compliance would give them continued access to state revolving funds. Noncompliance would cut them off from state money for repairs or hazard prevention.

But Hunsaker's bill would make the plans exempt from the Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah's open-records law. And if a lawsuit were filed in the event of canal failure, the management plans -- or the lack of them -- would not be allowed as evidence in civil negligence, injury or damages litigation.

But because the canal companies wouldn't have to actually file the plans with the state, only certify that they exist, would they be records at all? And what would be their point?

HB 60 -- The "We know whether or not you live under a canal that could destroy everything you own and possibly kill you, but we're not going to tell you or the state." bill.

Cause that will work really well.

-Bob

I'm a Human Being, and I'm Mad as Hell

From TPM:

A third political party is emerging in America. Call it the I'm-Mad-As-Hell party.

It's a mistake to see the Mad-As-Hell party as just a right-wing phenomenon - the so-called Tea Partiers now storming the gates of the Republican Party. There are plenty of mad-as-hellers on the left as well - furious at Wall Street, health insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and establishment Democrats.

Mad-as-hellers don't trust big government. But they don't trust big business and Wall Street, either. They especially hate it when big government gets together with big business and Wall Street - while at the same time Main Street is in shambles and millions of people are losing their jobs and homes.

First it was TARP, the giant bank bailout that seems to have made Wall Street flush again -- so flush the Street is now distributing giant bonuses as if the crash it brought on never happened.

Then came the stimulus package, replete with earmarked goodies for every corporation big enough to hire a team of Washington lobbyists.

And then it was health care, which to some people looked like a sweetheart deal between government and Big Pharma and big health insurers.

Whenever I go on a rant about Congress or the Legislature screwing us over, my mom just smiles and says "Well, that's just the way it is." And, it will remain that way until we, the people, act.

An answer to Sutherland

From an email:

For years now non-profit organizations like the Sutherland Institute have advanced policies which reflect conservative values. Progressives in Utah have been largely left out in the cold, especially since the loss of fine organizations like the Utah Progressive Network (UPNet). Too often progressives have been forced to react to legislation they disapprove of instead of going on the offensive with ideas of their own. Those days are coming to an end.

The Citizens Education Project (CEP) has been in existence for more than 10 years. During that time, the grassroots organizers who formed the CEP have had some significant victories. For example, they blocked efforts to bring private prisons to Utah and worked closely with downwinders to make sure nuclear testing in Nevada never resumed. They have also been fighting the Las Vegas water grab in Snake Valley and have a long history of holding the military accountable at Dugway Proving Grounds when others wouldn't. The CEP is proud of its record of standing for openness and transparency and will continue to do so.

Now the organizers that founded the CEP are ready to take the organization to the next level. They realize it is no longer enough to simply block bad policy. They believe it's time to also start bringing good policy ideas to the table. You are receiving this message because we think you agree.

While organizations like the Sutherland Institute have enjoyed considerable corporate support and even have members of Congress like Congressman Rob Bishop raising money for them (see Paul Rolly, Jan 4, 2010 Salt Lake Tribune), progressive organizations like CEP likely won't. For one thing, the CEP won't have much corporate support because we don't intend to muddy the waters on climate change or other issues, we intend to inform and educate the public and policy makers about problems facing Utah and the West and offer real solutions.

By the end of 2010 we plan on having raised the resources needed to establish a foundation that will support a progressive think tank in Utah for years to come, but we will need your support to get things rolling. With your help, we will be a resource for the public and policymakers offering information and ideas that over time can create real positive change in the lives of people across Utah and throughout the region.

By becoming a sustaining member at $5, $10, $25, $50 or more each month, you can help us build the solid small donor support needed to sustain our organization and begin the work of both creating and critically analyzing policy choices that will effect your life and the lives of your fellow citizens for generations to come.

Our goal is at least 1,000 monthly donors by the end of 2010. We know there are far more than 1,000 citizens in Utah who want to see a strong progressive non-profit presence and understand how influential it could be in shaping our state and region's future. If you think the time has come for an organization like the CEP, we ask not only for your contribution, but that you forward this email to others who share our values and ask them to join you in supporting the CEP.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We know these are difficult times economically. However, the most difficult times are when the need for solid progressive ideas and organizing is greatest. From poverty to climate change, what happens today has serious consequences for our future.

Sincerely,

Craig Axford
Executive Director, Citizens Education Project

Democratic Response to State of the State

Hey, that's my Senator!



I can't find video of the Governor's speech, but here's a link to the transcript.

HB 76, Scalpers, and SmithsTix

Deseret News:

The 2010 Legislature, which convened Monday, will consider a proposed bill that targets overpriced tickets by limiting the amount scalpers and ticket brokers can charge.

If passed, the law may not eliminate the independent ticket business in Utah, but resellers say the restrictions would have a "very negative effect."

Under HB76, a person may not sell a ticket for more than the ticket's face value plus tax and a "service charge" not to exceed $10, or 15 percent of the price.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lynn Hemingway, D-Salt Lake City, said the proposal is a result of constituent complaints.

"I just want to keep prices down," he said. "It's important that families can afford to go to these events and not get ripped off."

In December, I attended a concert at a local venue. The advertised price of the tickets was $10, including taxes. However, buying four $10-face-value tickets at the venue box office cost me $48, due to a $2 "facility fee." Had I gone to the authorized ticket agent (SmithsTix), it would have cost me nearly $60 plus additional fees to either print my tickets at home or have them mailed to me.

I have a problem with this. However, this is not what seems to be what this bill targets. This bill appears to target the scalpers standing on the street before most sporting events and concerts.

However, Scalping, like many other things, runs on a system of supply and demand. When demand is high (say a Miley Cyrus concert or a Jazz/Lakers game), the scalpers make a profit (however, usually the base price of the tickets is so high, the scalpers on the street have a tough time making a profit). Yet, when the demand is low (say, a Salt Lake Bees or a Jazz/Kings game), The scalpers are selling tickets well below face value (I get a great deal as an employee at Bees games, but the price from a scalper is still better).

I have a real problem seeing the supply-and-demand Republicans get involved. However, this is an election year, so they'll ram this one through.

-Bob

P.S. -- as always, the views expressed here are my own, and do not reflect the views of my employers.

Jon Stewart on How Effed Up Democrats Are

From the Monday, January 18, 2010 episode:

VIDEO: SUtah Blowhard Blows Hard About Redistricting

Too, too, easy....



I'd love too see the full thing. Actually, I'd have loved to have been there. I think I'd die of boredom if I had to sit through the whole video. However, I think Rep Clark didn't exactly win himself many votes that day....

-Bob

(Thanks to The SideTrack for posting the video)

Of Popularity and Polls

From Utah Policy:

Atty. Gen. Mark Shurtleff has an approval rating of 63%, the second highest rating among Utah's top politicians, only behind Congressman Jim Matheson at 71%....

After Shurtleff comes Sen. Orrin Hatch, 62%; Sen. Bob Bennett, 58%; Gov. Gary Herbert, 57%; SL County Mayor Peter Corroon, 45%; Congressman Jason Chaffetz, 41%; and Congressman Rob Bishop, 39%. Those statewide numbers are the results of a survey conducted by Dan Jones & Associates Jan. 8-11, with a 600 sample and a possible 4% error margin, plus or minus.

Ah! Panic! Corroon only has 45% approval Numbers, right?

Well, these are statewide numbers. Corroon's numbers actually look pretty good:

Corroon, who is running for governor, has a relatively low favorability rating at 45% statewide, but he also has the lowest unfavorable rating of all politicians, at only 12%, and a whopping 40% have no opinion or haven't heard of him. So those who have a locked-in opinion about him are overwhelmingly positive. In his home stomping grounds of Salt Lake County he has a very healthy 67% favorability rating.

LaVarr Webb, who wrote the piece, doesn't say what Governor Herbert's disapproval numbers are. I'd be interested to see that.

-Bob

Matheson Battling Carbon Monoxide

From an email:

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. Exposure to the colorless, odorless gas can result from several sources, including malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, stoves and portable generators used indoors. This story from a Utah newspaper about an alarming incident highlights the danger.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings occur everywhere across the U.S. from cold weather states in which furnaces frequently run, to hurricane-prone areas in which residents lose electricity and use portable generators inside.

The safest known way to detect carbon monoxide is to install a working CO alarm. Fire safety experts such as the National Fire Protection Association recommend placing CO alarms on each floor of your home and near sleeping areas.

To help protect families from this silent killer, 19 states (including Utah) have passed laws requiring CO alarms in certain residences. Currently residential CO alarms may comply with a voluntary standard, known as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 and most states with CO alarm laws require that the devices meet this standard.

I believe we can do a better job preventing CO poisoning. That is why I have introduced legislation that would expand the level of protection. My bill creates a mandatory production standard for these life-saving devices. It would also set up a grant program to assist states that pass residential CO alarm requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission would oversee the grant program, with priority given to states that have greater than average fatalities from carbon monoxide. My legislation is supported by child safety advocates, business and retail groups.

We know that nearly all carbon monoxide poisonings can be prevented by simply placing CO detectors in the home. Saving lives is what this bill is designed to do.

Corroon Setting High Water Mark in Ethics

From the Press Release:

Salt Lake City, Utah - Standing on the Capitol steps, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon set the high water mark for ethics reform.

“I’m here today as we begin this legislative session, because I want to see Utah set a high water mark. A mark the voters in Utah can look back on through the session and afterwards to see if this legislature has fulfilled their commitment to pass meaningful ethics reform and that the Governor has signed it,” stated Mayor Corroon.

Calling on the Legislator [sic] and Governor to take immediate action, Mayor Corroon outlined five needed reforms that are critical to ensuring the needs and interests of the people of Utah are represented in the government.

1. Immediately limit the amount an individual or entity can give to a state-wide candidate to $10,000 and $5,000 for a legislative race, and prohibit state contractors (people who financially benefit from state contracts) from donating to state wide candidates and legislative candidates.

2. Immediately ban all gifts to statewide elected officials and legislators.

3. Immediately end of the personal use of campaign funds.

4. Stop the revolving door by giving legislators a cooling off period of 2 years before they can lobby their former colleagues.

5. Create an independent ethics commission to address ethical violations by legislators and state wide elected officials.

Mayor Peter Corroon ended his statement by urging immediate action. “Our society is based on values and ethics. Our values as Utahns are deeply rooted in ethics. The ethic of hard work, the ethic of being good stewards, the ethic of doing the right thing. Our Legislature and Governor can and should do the right thing. They can make this easy. They can and should do this now.”

To accept comments and build on his ideas, Mayor Corroon is encouraging the people of Utah to submit their thoughts on ethics reform on his website, www.votecorroon.com. “This is a critical issue for all
Utahns, and I’d love to hear what you think. Please post your comments about ethics reform on our website votecorroon.com. We’ll be reporting back as the session progresses.”

As Mayor of Salt Lake County, Peter Corroon worked with the Republican controlled legislative body and together, the Republicans and Democrats passed real and meaningful ethics reform. They took it head on and passed it.

Under Utah State Law, the Legislature and Governor have the authority to pass legislation and have it go into immediate effect. The process requires take a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate and the Governor’s signature.

I highlighted the pertinent parts of the release. This is the type of leadership this state needs.

VIDEO: "Who We Are" A Tribute to the Spirit of Utah

Wo be unto Buttars, for he shall be thrust down to Hell......

From PRIDE In Utah:

Sunday evening, Utah Senator Chris Buttars was interviewed live at his home in West Jordan by KUTV. During the interview, Buttars was asked about the infamous interview he gave to “8: The Mormon Proposition” director Reed Cowan in which he claimed that gay people are the “biggest threat to America going down.” Buttars told KUTV tonight that Mr. Cowan deceived him during the interview by wearing a “BYU T-Shirt” to the interview in order to lull the Senator into security. Um… there are photos proving that’s a lie Buttars. Here they are.

Even if Mr Cowan DID wear a BYU T-shirt, it still doesn't excuse what was said. Furthermore, I'd still like to know how Senator Buttars knows so much about Pig Sex.

-Bob

P.S.- The title of this post comes from 2 Nephi 9:34 in the Book of Mormon

SB 36 -- Maybe We Should Hunt Republicans Next

(I want to be clear -- I do not condone the hunting of Republicans.)

Sometimes, there's a story about a bill that's so good, it just needs commenting....

From the Tribune:

Wolves are out of control, says Utah Sen. Allen Christensen, and the state's policy should be to kill them. Heck, he did. Went to Canada to bag one. It's at the taxidermist.

And besides, Christensen says, passing a bill to declare Utah's policy to destroy or remove all wolves is a simple case of states' rights.

The North Ogden Republican's goal is spelled out in SB36, which has caught the attention of legislative attorneys who attached a rare warning that the bill, if passed, probably would be found unconstitutional.

Screw the Constitution!

"Will it be a fight? Absolutely," Christensen concedes. "We have enough money to take it all the way to the [U.S.] Supreme Court."

Again, in this day of deep budget cuts and such, I think the AG's office has way too much money if they can afford to defend vanity bills all the way to the Supreme Court.

The Utah chapters of the Cattlemen's Association and Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife support the bill. The Sportsmen will contribute to litigation costs, says Byron Bateman, president of the Utah chapter.

"We've been in the fight from the get-go," Bateman said, "and we'll be in it to the end."

Ah. There's where the money is coming from. And I thought it was illegal for outside groups to fund the State's defense. That seems to be an issue whenever an abortion bill comes up.

SB36 is for people who enjoy wildlife, Christensen says, adding he knows wolves are wildlife, too.

I enjoy wildlife enough to kill it unnecessarily.

But they were exterminated in this region in the 19th century "for good reason," he says. "They were simply not compatible with humans anymore."

They weren't compatible because humans showed up and decided they weren't compatible. Remember,white man settled the region in the 19th century.

And now in Utah, Christensen says, "we supposedly don't have wolves. We would like to control our borders and say wolves are not endangered. We would like them not to immigrate into here."

You see, it's an immigration issue. Dang immigrants!

But federal law trumps state law. In Utah, except for a small area included in the northern Rocky Mountain gray-wolf recovery area, wolves remain on the endangered list and under federal protection. So even if Christensen's bill were to take effect, says Ed Bangs, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service wolf-recovery chief, it wouldn't matter.

Anyone who kills a wolf without proper cause in most of Utah still could land in big trouble -- to the tune of a $100,000 fine, a year in prison and loss of the gun that killed the beast and the truck the hunter rode in.
Bangs has heard all the arguments against wolves: They've destroyed elk and moose herds in the Yellowstone region, decimated livestock, hurt ranchers financially and they are man killers -- claims that tell some of the truth about wolves but not all of it.

"People who don't like them give them supernatural powers. It's that way all over the world," Bangs says. "In reality, they're no big deal."

Wolves have contributed to a decline of elk in and around Yellowstone, but moose loss is probably more due to climate disruption. "Moose can't handle heat at all," Bangs says. "They just lie around and don't store body fat."

White-tail deer populations are stable. Weather, loss of habitat, fire and other predators, including humans, have contributed to wildlife losses. In the West, Bangs says, wolves mostly cause problems with livestock depredation.

But they don't kill people. The first documented time a wolf killed a person the federal agency knows of occurred three years ago in Canada at a mining camp where wolves had become habituated to humans who fed them and left garbage around. The wolves had become aggressive. They killed a man who was trying to get close enough to photograph them, Bangs says.

This year, Christensen says, he went to Canada to kill a wolf. "I did kill one. It's currently at the taxidermist," he says. "Wolves are wildlife, too. But they proliferate so fast."

Republicans proliferate so fast. Maybe we can hunt them, too.

-Bob

Another Democratic Challenger to Bennett

From an email:

January 21, 2010, Salt Lake City, Utah –Seeing a genuine need for a better quality of representation from Utah’s leaders in Washington D.C., Christopher Stout (D-UT) will announce his candidacy for U.S. Senator on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at The Bad Ass Coffee Company, 3530 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah at 1:00 pm.
“Senator Bennett is holding a seat in the U.S. Senate that belongs to the people, not to Republicans or Democrats,” Stout says. “Utah needs a strong, independent Senator, not another beltway lifer who caters to special interests and plays party politics with important issues. My voice in Washington will speak on behalf of the people of Utah and take the responsibility as this state’s elected representative seriously.”
Stout, a lifelong Utahn, will conduct a grassroots campaign that speaks directly to Utahns and their needs in Washington D.C. With a background in accounting and a profound love for Utah and its people, Stout believes it is time for Utahns to take back their representation from leaders who have over the past decades become too complacent and self-serving. Providing solid leadership in times of uncertainty and solving key issues such as reducing the national debt and freeing America from its energy dependence on foreign oil are a few things Stout believes are important to Utahns, and causes he will take up in Washington.

SB38 -- Ruining The Purpose of HOV lanes

HOV Lanes should be for 1) Cars with more than one occupant and 2) for Clean fuel cars. And those restrictions should be in place 24/7/365, not just during rush hours, like SB38 would do. From Jesse:

I was perusing through the list of bills filed so far up at the hill and came across SB38, Restrictions on High Occupancy Vehicle Lane. This adopts a practice used in many other states that turns HOV lanes into normal lanes outside of peak traffic hours defined in the bill as 6AM to 9AM and 4PM to 7PM. This would certainly be a welcome change to help lessen congestion outside of the morning and evening commutes.

Traffic Jam at noon, but you've got a nice, open lane of travel unused because you and everyone around you have only one person in your SUV? Tough luck.

-Bob

LTE: Corroon Is Good Choice

From Yesterday's Deseret News:

The short-sightedness of Utah politics continues to amaze. If Dennis McCormack (Readers' Forum, Jan. 20) would look past the D at end of Peter Corroon's name, he would see a leader deeply committed to his constituents who only proposed a tax increase to balance the budget after many budget cuts. He would see the man who stood up to the wealthy and powerful interests behind a soccer stadium because he didn't want the county left holding the bill. If he were to look past the R ending Gary Herbert's name, he would see a man who puts his party before his state.

Herbert fights ethics reform and does nothing to keep nuclear waste out of Utah.

Corroon would fight FOR ethics and nuclear waste regulation, while actually paying more than lip service to improvement of our schools.

Utah should be lucky to have Corroon in charge.

Domenick DeCaria
Salt Lake City

Another Brilliant Move From Buttars

Because this sends a great message to businesses looking to relocate here -- Come to Utah, where our kids have one less year of school than yours do!

SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah senator thinks the way Utah looks at its budget needs to be "rethought." Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, began outlining his plan to reform state spending from the ground up Thursday. Among his proposals is one to eliminate the 12th grade, a move he says would cut $250 million out of the budget every year.

"Almost all of the industrial world uses 11 grades," he said. "Why do we use 12? The kids either got their one foot in AP classes in college, or they're just running around, taking PE."

Buttars hosted what he called a government reform summit at the State Capitol. In attendance Thursday afternoon were several Republican senators and representatives, as well as some conservative leaders like Gayle Ruzicka of the Utah Eagle Forum.

Buttars believes his ideas "have legs."

Yep. That will fly.

And, I take offense. I didn't take one AP nor one PE class my Senior Year.

Cramer FAIL on Markets and Mass vote

I really think that Jay Leno could do a better job than this wacko. Predicting that stocks would rally after Brown won the special election? FAIL


(screen capture from google)

Sign Fair Boundaries Petition Online!

From an email making the rounds:

Dear Friends,

Utah needs you to sign the Fair Boundaries Initiative petition now. Your vote is your voice. With only days until the start of the legislative session, you can send a clear message to our representatives and the power brokers demanding to have your voice heard by signing the Fair Boundaries petition…ONLINE!
Yes, we said online. No hassle. You don’t have to hunt down a petition, simply click on http://fairboundaries.utahpetitions.org/ and follow the steps. Even if you think you’ve already signed a paper copy, check the site to make sure we have your name.
We want Fair Boundaries to hit its target of 95,000 signatures during this legislative session, and with your help, we can!

This year the Utah State Legislature will begin the statewide process of redrawing congressional and legislative district boundaries. Without your signature, politicians will continue to meet behind closed doors and protect their own political agendas without having to worry about repercussions, challenges from other candidates or the will of the people. If we don’t get the Fair Boundaries Initiative on the ballot, it’s quite possible that your vote WON’T COUNT for future state and local issues that matter to you most. We have an opportunity to change this process. Don’t be fooled by the detractors, this is an issue of fairness that crosses all party lines and affects everyone. Your signature will help us tell our state officials that we, the people, want a more open and honest government.

Do you think your vote should count? Do you think politicians should NOT select their voters? Help us send a clear message to the Utah State Legislature that we need a change in our current redistricting process.

After signing we hope you send this on to family and friends throughout the state.
If you have questions, please visit www.fairboundaries.org.

I just signed. Will you?

HB 91-- A bad Bicycling Bill

Blue in Red Zion has pointed out a bill being run by Representative Carol Spackman-Moss that "allows bicycle riders the right to blow through intersections when no other cars are there. No having to legally wait for the light to change in a downtown commute, no need to stop in a residential area with a stop sign, no riders can simply keep on riding, provided it is safe for them to do so."

I used to ride my bike a lot. Anyone who has seen my calves can attest to that. However, anyone who has seen the rest of me can probably guess that I haven't been on a bike much since getting home from my mission a decade ago. My parents and I have been involved in the local cycling community in varying degrees since the late 80's.

I think this is a bad bill for many reasons. I feel that one of the problems cyclists face today is that they don't get any respect from drivers, compounded by the fact that they many in their ranks don't respect the laws that are out there. How many times have I seen a cyclist just about get themselves killed blowing through a stop sign or a red light. Now, having times that they are allowed to is just foolhardy. Even fewer cycling laws will be enforced.

You see, in Utah, a bicycle is a vehicle, and has the right to be on the road (at least in the right half of the right-most lane of traffic) with a few exceptions (freeways when there is an alternate road, some local restrictions). With that right, bicyclists have to obey the same laws as everyone who drives a car. Yes, I have heard of cyclists getting cited for speeding and running stop signs.

So, creating a special set of rules for cyclists is a dangerous path to go down.

-Bob

"You Gotta Love It Baby!"

With a gentle push and a mild arc, the cowhide globe hits home:

SALT LAKE CITY (January 20, 2010) – Utah Jazz team president, Randy Rigby, announced today that the team will honor longtime broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley when the Jazz hosts the Sacramento Kings at EnergySolutions Arena on Friday, January 29. The night will feature a halftime ceremony recognizing Hundley's contributions to the Jazz, and will also include dedication of the Hot Rod Hundley Media Center. The media center is used for journalists covering the Utah Jazz on game nights.

“Hot Rod Hundley was an important part of the Jazz franchise for 35 years,” said Rigby. “Though he’s now enjoying retirement, we feel that it is important for Jazz fans and the organization to formally thank him for his years of service and dedication. In addition to raising a banner to the arena rafters in his honor, we see the Hot Rod Hundley Media Center as an opportunity to showcase his passion for Jazz basketball and to be sure his presence remains.”

The remodeled media center will outline Hot Rod’s legendary career from his days at West Virginia University to his final call as a Jazz broadcaster.

The only member of the original New Orleans Jazz staff to remain with the team for its first 35 seasons, he joined the organization prior to the expansion team’s inaugural season in 1974-75 and moved with the team when it relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979-80. Hundley would go on to call 3,051 Jazz games, missing only 14 contests in three-plus decades. Hundley spent the first 31 years of his Jazz career as the play-by-play voice of Jazz radio/television simulcasts before becoming the radio voice for his final four seasons.

Sim Gill for DA Announcement Tomorrow

Just got this in the email:

Dear Friends,

I want you to be the first to know about my intentions to run for the office of Salt Lake County District Attorney. Many of you supported me during the last campaign and for that I am very grateful.

I now ask you to stand by me once again. I am announcing my campaign bid Thursday, January 21 at 11 a.m. in front of the District Attorney’s office (111 E. Broadway). I hope you will join me.

I am confident that, with your help, we will restore trust and integrity to the District Attorney’s office.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sim Gill

P.S. If you’re interested in visiting our website, it will be live on Thursday:
www.votesim.com

Greg Skordas has previously announced his intentions to run against Lohra Miller for the spot.

Utahn Tweeting Problems With Haiti Rescue

Sometimes, the reporting from the scene can help the restof us grasp just how bad situation can be. Even if that reporting is 140 characters or less.

Utah County developer (and owner of the NBADL Utah Flash) Brandt Anderson is traveling with a group of doctors to Haiti,bringing supplies with them. They were unable to get clearance to land in Haiti, so they flew into the Dominican Republic and drove the supplies to Haiti. Well, they tried to. Here's his posts on Twitter from this morning:

*in dominican republic driving to haiti. long trip. plans to fly into port au prince didnt come through.

*In DR. Shocking that aid is not lined up to get into Haiti. We are the only ones on the road. This is the way in and aid is not headed in

*We are close to the border. Almost into Haiti. We are starting to see refugees sleeping in te streets.

*I have spent several hours on the phone because the Dominican Army will not let fuel pass over to Haiti. It is a huge unreported problem.

*Without fuel we cannot power our hospital. I thought it was just us but at the border there are at least 10 furl tankers that can't leave.

*Just crossed into Haiti. The difference is evident.

*The border is a mess Understandable that the DR military wants to keep people out but they should let the aid and fuel pass through

This will be an interesting story to follow.

Swing State Project Moves Status of UT-Gov Race

So, what you are saying is, we have a chance.....

In a state with a pretty limited Democratic bench, the recent entry of Peter Corroon in the gubernatorial race is a huge boon for Utah Democrats. Corroon isn't just another sacrificial lamb that Utah Dems have become accustomed to running against entrenched incumbents -- he's the mayor of Salt Lake County, which is home to more than a third of the state's population. While it goes without saying that this will be a challenging race, Corroon at least gives Democrats a fighting chance here, especially if some of the same budgetary problems facing many of the other beleaguered governors begin to take a toll on the freshly-minted Gov. Gary Hebert. SSP is changing its rating of this race from the sub-competitive Races to Watch to the more competitive category of Likely Republican.

This is based on the Deseret News/KSL/Dan Jones poll last week that had the race going for Herbert by a 48-35 margin, down from 56-32 in November.

Standard Examiner: A Real Race for Governor

Utah Democrats have an attractive candidate for governor this year. He's Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County mayor, and he will provide current Republican Gov. Gary Herbert a tough race this November, presuming both are the major party candidates.

Corroon is a popular mayor who has enjoyed bipartisan support. There are key differences between him and Herbert, who has strong support from the Republican Party leadership and has solidified his political strength within his party since succeeding Jon Huntsman almost a year ago. Corroon has already drawn battle lines, saying if he were governor, he would not have allowed radioactive waste into Utah and a Snake Valley water deal to go through.

Corroon, who wants Utah to use more renewable energy sources, is more liberal on environmental issues than Herbert, who recently said that he doubts that humans cause climate change. Both candidates will need to present to voters concrete plans to help clean up air in the Top of the Utah which has been, so far this winter, very dirty and unhealthy.

Corroon and Herbert disagree on the budget. Corroon, in a recent campaign trip to Ogden, said he would not have allowed the recent cuts in public education to occur. That presents a clear tax policy contrast with the governor, who is more likely to prefer cuts in government, such as education, to raising taxes. Corroon will argue that a strict rule against taxes is a threat to needed services. Herbert will argue that new taxes are unhealthy in the current economic environment.

Read the rest here.

Sherlock Holmes by Jane Austen

This little Gem comes from Not Always Right, a blog dedicated to highlighting fun interactions between customers and employees. As someone who works in customer service, I feel their pain.

This one comes from a movie theater here in Utah:

Customer:“I want a refund! Sherlock Holmes was possibly the worst film adaptation of a Jane Austin book I’ve ever seen!”

Me: “Sherlock Holmes was not written by Jane Austen. It was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

Customer:“I thought there was something odd about it. Well, I guess it really is nothing at all like her other books. Silly me!”

Video: Peter Corroon Announcement in SLC

Is "Taxpayer" Association a Front forBig Business?

From the Trib's Public Forum:

Whenever criticism is leveled at the fiber-optic system UTOPIA, you find the Utah Taxpayers Association screaming the loudest. Ironically, it is one of the least-qualified to comment on telecommunications policy. It denies that there is a serious telecommunications problem in America, yet for more than a decade we have been slipping in rankings by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for broadband speeds, availability and pricing. Also, U.S. telecommunications regularly get some of the worst rankings in the quarterly American Consumer Satisfaction Index .
The Utah Taxpayers Association is selective about what kinds of "unfair competition" it speaks out on. It makes a lot of noise against municipal networks, but it remains silent about the abuses of the Universal Service Fund by incumbent telephone carriers, the numerous equipment depreciation tax benefits enjoyed by Qwest, and the onerous build-out requirements imposed by cities at the behest of Comcast. None of this is surprising, since Qwest and Comcast are dues-paying members of the association. For all we know, the association is a front doing the dirty work of telecommunication incumbents.
The Utah Taxpayers Association is no friend to the taxpayer, and it is completely unqualified and lacking in credibility in these matters.
Jesse Harris
Sandy

While I am not pro-UTOPIA, I also think the Utah Taxpayers Association is not a good group. They are the same ones who pushed through the Jordan School District Split.

Sen Buttars doesn't Want Gays Shoving it Down His Throat

This has been floating around for a while. I'm posting it mostly so I have it when I need it later on....

Wayne Holland Statement on Sheldon Killpack

“Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack’s circumstances are tragic – for him and his family, his constituents and colleagues, and for the public who he may have endangered.

We ask all Utahns to honor the principle that he is to be presumed innocent of the charge of driving under the influence until proven guilty. However, his decision to refuse to comply with the investigating police officer’s request for breath test shows that he did not deal with this in a responsible, forthright manner.

As a public figure, he knows that he will be held to a high standard. We expect that there will be consequences for his leadership position and his position as Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee."

However, this is the Utah Senate we're talking abut. Even if he were stripped of his committee chairmanship, it would be returned to him by the end of the year. Just look at Senator Buttars....

More on Killpack DUI

For more on the story, see my previous post.

Tribune

In a statement, Killpack apologized for those who he has disappointed.

"I am deeply sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me -- my colleagues in the Senate, my constituents and, most importantly, my family," Killpack said. "I am a firm believer in responsibility and personal accountability, and am prepared to accept all personal, legal and political consequences for my actions."

Killpack's father was killed by a drunken driver when he was a teenager and he has sponsored and supported legislation aimed at cracking down on impaired drivers. He was the Senate sponsor last year of a law that allows the seizure of vehicles for habitual drunken drivers.

"Coming from a family who has lost a member as a result of somebody driving under the influence, a lot of times we hear about the inconvenience of something like this where you would lose a vehicle," he said during debate of the bill. "I would invite people to examine the inconvenience of someone losing a family member as a result of someone driving under the influence."

Senate President Michael Waddoups, who has been a crusader for tougher drunken driving penalties, said the arrest is a difficult time for Killpack and his family.

"He has requested privacy as he addresses the situation with those closest to him," Waddoups said. "When he and I spoke this morning he indicated he is accountable for his actions and I respect him for that. Senator Killpack has served this state, and the Senate, with distinction and he remains in our hearts and prayers."

BREAKING: Utah Senate Majority Leader Arrested for DUI

I wish KUTV had the ability to embed their videos like KSL and Fox13 do. However, since they are the only ones reporting it, I can provide you a link to the story and a summary of what was reported:

Sheldon Killpack (R-Syracuse), Utah Senate Majority Leader, was pulled over for swerving in the area of 3300 South and 700 East. He smelled heavily of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test, and refused a Breathalyzer.

The Senate is expected to release a statement in the next few hours.

-Bob

Glenn Beck Goes All Gotcha Media on Sarah Palin

Carl Wimmer is not allowed to look at The Onion, lest he get ideas

New Law Requires Women To Name Baby, Paint Nursery Before Getting Abortion

Donate to Help Haiti

I can't even begin to comprehend the amount of damage in Haiti after the Earthquake. And, it really pisses me off that greedy people will try to use tragedies like these to scam people out of their money.

Please Donate to the charity of your choice. However, here are some links to someof my favorite charities helping people in Haiti:

LDS Humanitarian Services Emergency Response -- "Each year, millions of men, women, and children are impacted by war, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other disasters. In these desperate circumstances, quick response is often the difference between life and death.

The Church continually gathers donations of food, clothes, medical supplies, and relief items. The resources are then pre-positioned in key locations for shipping on short notice. Because of this preparedness, the Church is able to respond immediately in times of emergency.

When the timing of response is critical, international relief agencies have come to rely on the Church for food and materials.

In addition to providing materials, the Church also helps with funds and volunteers. Volunteers often make the most difference in restoring hope in the lives of those in crisis. A recent example is the more than 10,000 days of labor donated by Church members to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and surrounding states.""

American Red Cross -- "You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org."

Healing Hands for Haiti -- "Healing Hands for Haiti is a not-for-profit, non-governmental institution with no religious or political affiliation which fosters and respects diversity within our organization.
We will work in cooperation with governments and local organizations when our mutual goals are aligned for the benefit of the Haitian people.

Healing Hands For Haiti supports and encourages the Haitian people in providing quality physical rehabilitation services for themselves in a spirit of self-determination, independence and human dignity with a focus on empowering Haitians with disabilities."

Healing Hands for Haiti International is responding to a powerful earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. The earthquake has collapsed buildings and caused wide-spread damage, injuries, and fatalities throughout Port-au-Prince and the countryside.

We are now working with our partners to make an immediate assessment of the damage. We are attempting to make contact with Healing Hands Haitian staff to ensure their safety, as well as the staff and residents of our partner organizations and orphanages where we spend so much of our time and efforts. At this time we are still unaware of the status of our clinic and guesthouse sites at headquarters in Port-au-Prince.

One of our North American medical teams is now on standby to be deployed to Haiti as soon as it is safe and possible. We are now involved in assessing the immediate requirements to make a coordinated effort to respond to the specific needs of the Haitian population living with a disability. In the coming days, the number of persons with disabilities will grow dramatically, and we are beginning preparations to respond to this humanitarian effort.

Americans are encouraged to support Healing Hands for Haiti by making a donation by clicking on the Donate button above and specifying Haiti Earthquake Response Fund.

Catholic Relief Services -- "Staff in Haiti is responding immediately to the earthquake that rocked Port -au- Prince, the capital of Haiti. Tuesday night the agency made an immediate commitment of $ 5 million for emergency supplies.
In a brief phone conversation before communication was lost, CRS Country Representative Karel Zelenka described Port -au- Prince as "covered with a plume of dust from damaged buildings."

"I've been in earthquakes before, but I've never felt anything like this," Zelenka said, speaking from the city of 2 million people. "This was a major hit. And it was direct. It is a disaster of the century. We should be prepared for thousands and thousands of dead and injured.""

Fox13 Story on Corroon Announcement

 

Sometimes, I'm just too stupid to use the internet. After FOX13 reporter Ben Winslow tweeted me that their videos are embeddable, I looked, and it's just a little harder to find the "share this" button (KSL has the embed code right next to the story.)

KSL Story on Corroon Announcement

Notice who gets his ugly mug in front of the cameras a few times.......

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

(note to other local TV stations: It's 2010. Please make your videos embeddable. Thank you.)

Video: Peter Corroon: Back to Basics

Peter Corroon on KSL

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Peter Corroon Throws First Jab

While he isn't the most engaging man while behind a microphone, Peter Corroon does have an entertaining way of saying things.

Take, for instance, this jab in the Deseret News:

"Our state leaders have talked about education as their No. 1 priority for decades and Utah is falling in national standards," Corroon said. "They've cut hundreds of millions of dollars out of our education system. If that's priority No. 1, I'd hate to see priorities 2 and 3."

-Bob

The End of the World, on Channel 9

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Sometimes, I feel like this is what I'm seeing when I watch the news.....

Harry Reid, Racism, and Hypocrisy

Politico:

Republican leaders on Sunday called on Harry Reid to step down as Senate majority leader, after the Nevada Democrat apologized for calling Barack Obama as a "light-skinned" African-American who lacked a "Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told POLITICO that Reid should immediately step down as majority leader.

Cornyn said Reid's comments "were embarrassing to the Senate" and warrant his removal from leadership. He noted that Reid, then minority whip, had backed the ouster of Republican Leader Trent Lott after he made racially charged comments in 2002.

Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, also pointed to a "double standard" in how Democrats have treated Reid as compared with Lott.

"If he should resign, then Harry Reid should," Kyl said on "Fox News Sunday." "If they apologize and you know what is in their heart, my feeling is they shouldn't, but in this case he should."

"There is this standard where Democrats feel they can say these things and apologize as long as it comes from one of their own," said Republican National Chairman Michael Steele on the same program. "And if it comes from somebody else, it’s racism."

Sure, he apologized. However, had Rob Bishop (just throwing a name out there) said something similar, no amount of apologizing would be enough.

So, We see hypocrisy from both sides of the isle: Republicans for suddenly caring about racism, and Democrats for pretending it's OK to say something possibly racist, because if you have a track record of helping minorities......

-Bob

RNC Chairman Steele either a prophet or a liar

TPM:

Appearing today on Laura Ingraham's radio show, RNC chairman Michael Steele said that he wrote his book Right Now before he became chairman. The problem is, the book itself doesn't read like it could have possibly been written before January 2009 -- it was clearly written in late 2009, either in November or December, and is based entirely on current events up to that point.

[...]

The book is full of references to current events in 2009: The stimulus bill, the health care debate, foreign policy, ACORN, the party switch of Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Tea Parties and the 9/12 March on Washington, etc.

On page 38, Steele uses a partial quote from Barney Frank, which was spoken on the Ed Schultz show on October 26, 2009. Steele also takes the quote amazingly out of context, as a Nexis search would demonstrate, to give the misleading impression that Frank was openly admitting that Democrats want to control every last area of the economy -- but that's another story.

On page 61, Steele says of Obama: "He champions bipartisanship, but he supports a process where Nancy rams a 2,000-page healthcare bill through the House of Representatives on a Saturday night with just a single Republican vote." That vote occurred on November 7, 2009.

In his chapter, "Take Back National Security," Steele discusses the Iranian elections, the Honduran political crisis, and the Fort Hood shooting, among many other hot topics of this past year.

[...]

But even those are mixed in with current events. For example, the chapter on previous Republican failures also includes, on pages 27-29, a discussion of the November 2009 elections. He refers to the gubernatorial victories of Chris Christie (R-NJ) and Bob McDonnell (R-VA), and the three-way roller-coaster ride in NY-23 of Democrat Bill Owens, moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman.

And finally, Steele refers to himself on pages 14, 28, and 73, as being the chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Senator Dayton and Rep Daw Push-Polling

Rolly:

Two Utah County legislators have collaborated on a survey sent to their constituents that raises the concept of push-polling to new heights.
The survey -- at least on a couple of questions -- is worded to get the response obviously favored by lawmakers sending the questionnaire.

Sen. Margaret Dayton and Rep. Brad Daw, both Orem Republicans, sent the 13-question survey to get constituents' views on issues facing the Legislature. Each question is followed by a list of responses constituents can choose from that best fits their views.

But the 13th question, which focuses on the ethics reform petition most legislators hate, does not include a response that allows constituents to say they favor it.
Respondents can check a box if they prefer to have laws made through the legislative process rather than by initiative; if they are aware that the Ethics Commission has no accountability to anyone and has lifetime appointments; if they are dumb enough to sign the 21-page petition without reading it; and if they would prefer laws that create more transparency in lobbyist activities and that would cap campaign contributions. Constituents are reminded such a law would prevent lower income candidates from running for office.

Question 12 is about the initiative to create an independent commission to make recommendations on redistricting. It asks, "As a taxpayer would you prefer to see redistricting done by recommendations by an unelected redistricting commission (most expensive), regional public meetings (fairly expensive) or by legislators who communicate with their local constituents (least expensive)?"

It seems they have already answered that one for you, doesn't it?

Confirmed -- Corroon is in

ABC4:

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon has confirmed that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Utah governor.

Corroon told The Associated Press his plans on Friday.

The moderate Democrat is widely seen as his party's best chance to unseat Republican Gov. Gary Herbert, who took office in August after Jon Huntsman resigned to become U.S. ambassador to China.

Herbert spokeswoman Angie Welling could not immediately be reached for comment.

A Democrat has not served as governor in Utah since Scott Matheson left office in 1985, but Democrats believe Herbert is vulnerable.

Huntsman's record-setting approval ratings have not transferred to Herbert, and the former real estate agent is still relatively unknown around the state.

Church-Owned Deseret News needs to read Church Style Guide

AG, BCS, and Budget Cuts

So, this year's legislative session is starting to gear up, and it's going to be ugly. Most departments are looking to cut budgets, and a tax increase is looming. I have several friends employed by the state that are nervous that they may be drawing unemployment come Summertime.

So, you'd think that leaders of some departments would be showing how fiscally sound they've been.

Which is why it flabbergasts me as to why Mark Shurtleff would think this would be a good time to prove his limited-government street cred by getting the government involved in college sports:

Antitrust laws require free and fare competition and that applies to businesses. Shurtleff said,” The Supreme Court of the United States has already ruled that those laws apply to NCAA College sports. Isn't that what college sports is supposed to be about, fairness.”

But, some say college football is about money and power. Shurtleff knows he'll face a strong opponent in court. The BCS recently added a former White House Press Secretary to their team. Shurtleff said,” I mean they just hired Ari Fleischer for crying out loud. I'm sure they paid him a ton of money. The lobbying money to congress is huge.”

BCS Administrator Bill Hancock is ready for the fight he says. " The real fact is that those conferences who complain are receiving more money from postseason football than ever before, far more than they've received before , because of the BCS."

Nevertheless, Shurtleff says no matter how tough the competition is there will be a lawsuit. How confident is he that he’ll come out a winner? Shurtleff said,” Very Confident.”

Shurtleff says if Utah has to go it alone, they will. However, he says he's trying to get help from the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice. No word on when the lawsuit will actually be filed.

What's next? Getting the Government involved in religious rites such as marriage? Oh, wait, I forgot. Crap.....

Anyway, looks like I know one department that could use some budget trimming, if the AG's office has this kind of money to kick around.....

Deseret News Hires Me To SpellCheck Front Page

I realize that I'm a pot, and I'm calling the Deseret News a kettle (or something), but this is too much fun:



It's m-o-r-e and O-b-a-m-a. Thank-you.

Church Statement on White Horse Prophesy

In the LDS Church, there are several cases where the members tell stories that are what I like to call "extra doctrinal" because they have been passed down from person to person and are either not true, or the "accepted" truth is far from reality.

One of these is that Joseph Smith (or Brigham Young or Bruce R McConkie) said that if a man has been home from his mission a year (or turns 25 or turns 27) he is a menace to society.

Another is that Joseph Smith said that the constitution would one day hang by a thread, and that someone from Zion would ride in on a White Horse and save it.

This "White Horse Prophesy" has been getting some media attention lately, especially from Idaho, because a candidate for Governor there has been hosting meetings where he only wants LDS Priesthood holders attending so he can discuss this prophecy. Well, that has led the church to issue the following statement:

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is politically neutral and does not endorse or promote any candidate, party or platform. Accordingly, we hope that the campaign practices of political candidates would not suggest that their candidacy is supported by or connected to the church.

"The so-called 'White Horse Prophecy' is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine."

Holly Mullen is officially running for County Council

From Facebook tonight:

Holly Mullen I looked. I leaped. I am officially a 2010 Democratic candidate for the Salt Lake County Council at-large seat. I have a web site under development and a new Twitter account: Hollyforcouncil Steady on!

I spoke recently to someone very in the know about this race who said that the Mullen/Burridge race could be a very interesting battle for delegates.

Please put health care negotions on CSPAN, like you said you would

Because, really, what came out of the Senate was not reform -- it was a Christmas gift to insurance companies.

So,please, I want to know who is standing on the side of insurance companies and who is standing on the side of Americans who will be hurt by ReidCare.

So, let CSPAN into the room.

The evils of socialized health care

We keep hearing about how horrible "socialized medicine" is, even when the health care plans being discussed are far from socialized medicine. However, we get warned about how bad things are in countries like England and Canada.



As this chart from National Geographic show us, They spend much less money on health care than we do. And they have a higher life expectancy than we do. That sucks. I'd hate to live longer while spending less per person on health care.

-Bob

Stuck at the airport? No problem....

So, if I'm ever stuck in the airport on security lockdown, and can't go anywhere, I hope I'm by someone who has a guitar:

More GOP Congresscritters are retiring than Dem COngresscritters

I keep hearing that the Democrats in DC have a flood of people retiring from Congress this year.

Must be Republicans spreading that rumor, because reality paints a different story:

With news that Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC) will not seek re-election, we noted Republicans now have 14 open House seats to defend this year while Democrats have just 10 open seats so far.

The Fix: "While much of the focus for the last month (or so) has been on Democrats' retirement problems -- set off by a quartet of announcements in swing and Republican-leaning districts over the last month -- a broad look at the open seat playing field suggests more parity in terms of the two parties' opportunities and vulnerabilities than conventional wisdom suggests."

Oops.

-Bob