VIDEO: Peter Corroon on Education

Read Peter Corroon's plan for Education.

Or, you can read Herbert's "Plan."

The choice is clear who has a better plan. Corroon tells you what he'll do. Herbert says he'll do something.

My vote goes to Peter Corroon.

BREAKING: Corroon Raises More Than Herbert

In the latest campaign finance reports filed today,covering the time from August 27 through October 21, Peter Corroon raised more money than Gary Herbert.

That's right. Corroon raised $765,556.03 compared to Herbert's $748337.30.

Moreover, Corroon reported 2440 individual contributions compared to 425 for Herbert.

That means Corroon's average contribution was $313.75 while Herbert's were $1760.79.

Don't let Gary Herbert's big money donors take this election from you! Vote Peter Corroon for Utah Governor.

-Bob

Peter Corroon on the issues: Natural Gas

Some benefits of Clean Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles vs those that burn gasoline, via the US Department of Energy:

• Reduces carbon monoxide emissions 90%-97%
• Reduces carbon dioxide emissions 25%
• Reduces nitrogen oxide emissions 35%-60%
• Potentially reduces non-methane hydrocarbon emissions 50%-75%
• Emits fewer toxic and carcinogenic pollutants
• Emits little or no particulate matter
• Eliminates evaporative emissions

Also, from the DoE, some CNG vs Diesel info:

In a study of CNG and diesel United Parcel Service (UPS) delivery trucks, CNG trucks produced 75% lower carbon monoxide emissions, 49% lower nitrogen oxides emissions, and 95% lower particulate matter emissions than diesel trucks of similar age.

CNG is awesome. That is why I'm glad that Peter Corroon has included CNG into his Energy Plan:

• Positioning Utah on the cutting edge of new automobile technologies by pushing for further expansion of the availability of CN G-fueled vehicles in Utah.
• Protecting Utahns operating under Utah’s new CNG conversion law from federal EPA interference.
• Converting more of the state passenger fleet to CNG vehicles, reducing particulate and greenhouse gas emissions by 95 percent and significantly lowering the fuel costs borne by the taxpayers.
• Aggressively pursuing incentives to continue expanding CNG fueling stations and infrastructure, while including the support of a temporary state-tax moratorium on all CNG fuel purchases.
• Encouraging development of more efficient natural gas combined cycle power plants. 

• Providing incentives through utility rebates to encourage the sale of higher-efficiency furnaces.

Reducing emissions make the air we breathe cleaner, and therefore making Utahns healthier.

Also, increasing demand in Natural Gas will create more production jobs. That will have a significant impact in places like Uintah County, Utah's largest Natural Gas producer, where unemployment nearly tripled in 2009 compared to 2008.

Improving the lives of Utahns both financially and physically sounds pretty good to me. That is why I'm excited to vote for Peter Corroon for Utah's Governor.

-Bob

New Corroon Ad: It's Like They Read My Mind

I've been ranting and raving to people for weeks about how this ad needed to be made. 90% of what I said is in this ad.

Mitt Romney, Peter Corroon, and Utah's lack of civic participation

At Last Night's Town Hall debate, KSL's Bruce Lindsay pointed out in a question that Utah ranks 48th out of the 50 states in voter turnout (based on percent of citizens over 18 who turn out to vote). Acting Governor Herbert said that the solution to the problem was ethics reform. I missed Mayor Corroon's answer.

However, I think that Mitt Romney hit the nail on the head. From a post on this blog in 2007:

"I just came back from living in a state that was overwhelmingly Republican," Romney told the [Commonwealth] magazine [in July 2002]. "And a single-party system generates problems, in my view. In that state, the more extreme wing of the dominant party begins to have more and more political sway, and that de-energizes the great mainstream of citizens. They get turned off by politics and offended by the politicians and become less engaged in the political process."

Of course, in 2002, Romney was running to be the Republican Governor of an overwhelmingly Democratic state.

Hmmm, sounds familiar.

-Bob

Alton Coal and Gary Herbert

In last night's town hall debate, Acting Governor Gary Herbert said that Mayor Peter Corroon's claims that Herbert got a donation from Alton Coal the same day that officials from Alton Coal met with him and got their permit fast-tracked were false.

Well, it appears, according to the AP (via FOX13) that there is some truth to the matter:

Utah gov. given $10K by coal co. seeking permit
By PAUL FOYAssociated Press Writer
5:25 PM MST, February 3, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - On the same day Gov. Gary Herbert sat down with a coal company that complained regulators were taking too long to issue a strip-mining permit, his campaign aides were cashing a $10,000 check from the company. The donation from Alton Coal Development LLC was revealed in a Jan. 11 filing by Herbert's political-action committee.

Alton's pleas did not go unanswered. At the September meeting, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press, state regulators agreed to fast-track a decision for Alton to operate the mine near Panguitch, despite opposition from residents.

Herbert's office said Wednesday he never ordered regulators to give their approval and didn't know about the company's donation.

A Panguitch shop owner characterized the payment as a blatant effort by the coal developer to influence a decision by the Herbert administration.

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out," said Bobbi Bryant, owner of the gift and coffee shop Bronco Bobbi's, who said she was opposed to the strip mine because the operation would send coal trucks as often as 300 times a day through the small tourist town about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City.

"There's a lot more people down here against it than officials want you to know," she said.

A Utah regulator who was in the meeting with Alton and Herbert has said the governor never instructed him to make any particular decision and instead inquired, 'When do you think you will get it out?'

John Baza, director of the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, said he then decided to hurry things up.

Regulators from the division showed up in Panguitch days later "saying they felt pressure to get some reports or inspections done for the approval," according to Bryant.

Environmental groups are seeking to block the mining, saying the strip mine would raise dust and foul air quality 10 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is known for its magnificent views, pristine air and sparkling night skies. Bryce Canyon's superintendent also has objected.

The decision by regulators is under review by a state board.

"This mine will damage the pristine air and water quality and wildlife of the area, increase dangerous truck traffic and have negative impacts on tourism and the visitor experience at Bryce Canyon National Park," said Clair Jones of the Utah Sierra Club.

A 33-page agency memo said the result of Alton's meeting with the Republican governor was to fast-track a decision by regulators. The memo was written by Priscilla Burton, a chief environmental scientist for the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, who noted regulators had a full year to make a decision.

"However, the applicant had an audience with the Governor on Sept. 17, 2009, with the result that the permitting process will end on October 15, 2009," Burton wrote. The mining approval was issued four days later.

While campaign records indicate Alton made its $10,00 donation on the same day it met with Herbert, the check actually arrived four days earlier and was deposited in a bank on the day of the meeting, Herbert spokeswoman Angie Welling clarified Wednesday.

Welling reiterated that Herbert "did not direct" anyone in the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to "take any particular action with regard to Alton Coal Development's project." Nor was Herbert aware of the donation, and he did not accept the check at the meeting, Welling said.

Herbert "is a longtime supporter of energy development in the state of Utah, particularly coal development and clean coal technology," Welling told the AP in one of a series of e-mails Wednesday. "As such, it should not be surprising that a company such as Alton Coal would choose to support Governor Herbert."

Welling also sought to clarify that neither Herbert nor anybody in the governor's office was aware of a check Alton sent to a campaign office across town.

"Fundraising is entirely a function of the campaign. Those of us who staff and schedule meetings are unaware of who is contributing or how much they've contributed," she said.

James J. Wayland of Naples, Fla., a 50-percent owner of Alton Coal Development LLC, didn't immediately return a phone message Wednesday.

Methinks the Acting Governor doth protest too much......

By Their Fruits you shall know them......

Acting Governor Gary Herbert used the line "by their fruits you shall know them" twice during tonight's debate.

Well, it reminded me of this little video I saw earlier today over on JMBell's blog:



That is the problem, Mr Governor. We know you by your fruits.

I also enjoyed his "The cigarette tax wasn't mine" even though his signature is on the bill. And his lecturing Corroon about having to work with the Legislative Branch, despite Corroon having five times the Executive experience.

Corroon's Business Plan "For All Businesses, Not Just The Well-Connected"

I recently came across this video that was posted back in June. It features the Sargetakis Family which owns Silver State Textile, and their endorsement of Mayor Peter Corroon's plan for businesses.

Given the recent examples of well-connected businesses getting all the advantages, I think this video is timely:



And, read Corroon's Plan for Businesses here.

Ethics Watermelons and Cantaloupes

I was going to use apples and oranges in this post, but they aren't similar enough. Watermelon and Cantaloupe are both melons, but they are still different.

And Holly on the Hill's assertion that Mayor Peter Corroon's one large donation from a company with a County contract is the same as Governor Gary Herbert's three large donations from companies seeking state contracts is as absurd as trying to say that Watermelons and Cantaloupes are the same. Let's review the facts in the case:

On three different occasions, donors who had contributed $50,000 or more got private, sit-down meetings in the Governor's Office with the Governor. In all three of these cases, said donors were seeking to do business with the state, and all three got their wishes. In one of those cases, the bid process was skewed by UDOT to favor the donor, which resulted in a potential lawsuit from a losing bidder. The lawsuit was avoided by the state settling on paying the company $13 Million.

Now, let's goto the accusation from Holly:

Corroon is vocal in his support for ethics UEG style, yet he abuses his office as county mayor, says the governor’s mansion is for sale and that contributions of $50,000 should raise red flags, he himself is – wait for it – taking contributions of $50K from a company doing business with the county.

Kem Gardner’s company – Gateway Associates – developed & owns the Gateway as well as residential, commercial and retail in Salt Lake County. Salt Lake County owns property at the gateway including Clark Planetarium. The county pays Gateway Associates, Kern Gardner pays Corroon’s campaign. Nice.

Well,let's look at some of the facts in the Kem Gardiner case:

Clark Planetarium was opened in April 2003, a full 19 months BEFORE Corroon was elected as Mayor. And, of course, the government contract was signed well before then.

So, you have one case of ONE large-money donor with a County Government contract which was signed more than six years before Peter Corroon probably conceived of even running for Governor versus THREE large-money donors that have gotten government deals in the 13 months Gary Herbert has been Governor.

Hmmm.... I think I'll take the one old deal vs the three brand-new deals, thank you very much.

Culture of Corruption

From my Facebook status update (because it's my blog,and I can do what I want):

While I think it's obscene for politicians to be able to accept $50,000 donations, I have no real problems with it. However, when said donors have contacts or are seeking contracts with the state, that becomes a problem. When said large-money donors seeking government contracts get sit-down meetings in the Governor's Office, there is something wrong. When it happens three times, there's a pattern of corruption...

..when it happens three times, and you've only been in office for 13 months, that's an even bigger problem.

When the state agency giving the contract changes the rules while reviewing the bids, and changes it in favor of the donor, that's dishonorable. When said agency has to pay the losing company $13Million to avoid a lawsuit, that is bad for Utah.

When the best comeback you have when these facts come out is that you opponent is playing dirty, you have a problem. Especially when you threw the first mud. (Look up Herbert's responses to Corroon's education plan.)

Governor Herbert is Inept

Yesterday, Curtis over at Blue in Red Zion asked "Is Governor Herbert Inept or Corrupt?"

I'm going to side with inept.

There were the voting machines he selected when he was Lt Governor and in charge of elections. You know, the ones that the state has to pay Diebold $1.3 Million+ for reprogramming/tech support every time we pull them out of the closet for an election, not to mention the extra training for poll workers. And the extra poll workers.. The ones that a Central Utah County Clerk lost his job over for showing just how easy it is to hack the computer?

And then there was the extended family members (who had previously registered in other parts of the state) of a candidate for County Sheriff in Dagget County that all registered to vote at the same residence. And that residence was a gas station. And the Dagget County Attorney forwarded the complaint to then-LG Herbert's office for further investigation, where it died. Because a dozen people can live in a gas station.

And then there was the "new" web site for looking at financial reporting documents. The one that was twice as complicated as the old one, and didn't work with most web browsers. It was easier to take a UTA Bus with two transfers from my house to the State Capitol Building to get the info than it was to get it online. A system that was easy to fix for LG Bell.

Then, we have Herbert's reaction to Corroon's Education plan. His first reaction was to point out that Peter and Amy Corroon chose to send their kids to private school, totally missing the fact that Gary Herbert supports giving people like the Corroons taxpayer money to send their kids to private school. After this was pointed out (and was accused of playing the religion card), Herbert actually played the religion card by saying that Corroon wanted to take away LDS Seminary. No constructive comments on the merits of the actual plan have come from the Herbert campaign yet. And yet he's making "focusing on the issues" part of his campaign platform.

Then, there is the fact that on three different occasions major campaign donors, right around the time they made their large campaign donations, had private meetings in the Governor's office. And all three times said donors had major business coming before the state. Even though it may not be illegal, it doesn't mean it's right (legally, I can run down State Street in a Speedo, but it definitely isn't right).

But, his reaction to this issue smacks of ineptness. In the press conference, Herbert admitted to not knowing any of these major deals were going on. Including the biggest road project in the history of the state.

So, if Governor Herbert is that out of touch with what's going on in the state, who is running the show?

from Curtis's post:

By being utterly unaware of how his state is handling the largest public works project in history, it shows that Herbert is asleep at the wheel, with no concept of how important the project is to the people of the state of Utah.

Furthermore, if he can’t see how such large donations might look bad around election time, he is showing an astounding amount of stupidity. Finally, if he can’t communicate these facts to his own campaign staff of perhaps 30 or 40, why would we want him running our state?

-Bob

Chicago-style Pay-to-play: Does Greg Bell know what he's talking about?

Does Greg Bell even know what he's talking about? Take this quote from KSL:

Lt. Gov. Greg Bell labeled the concerns raised about Herbert as "entirely a smear campaign based on innuendo" and said voters should reject the negative turn the gubernatorial campaign has taken. "In Chicago politics, they call it ‘pay for play.' But we're not in Chicago and these kinds of tactics ought not to be tolerated by Utah votes."

yes, LG Bell, Pay to Play should not be tolerated here in Utah. However, a "smear" campaign is not the definition of pay to play. In fact, it's far, far from it.

In politics, pay to play refers to a system, akin to payola in the music industry, by which one pays (or must pay) money to become a player.
Typically, the payer (an individual, business, or organization) makes campaign contributions to public officials, party officials, or parties themselves, and receives political or pecuniary benefit such as no-bid government contracts, influence over legislation, political appointments or nominations, special access[6] or other favors. The contributions, less frequently, may be to nonprofit or institutional entities, or may take the form of some benefit to a third party, such as a family member of a governmental official. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_to_Play)

Oops, sounds like exactly what is happening. Companies are donating money to Gov Herbert, and getting Government contracts.

Stop whining that Peter Corroon is saying you are bad at your job. Start trying to show us where he is wrong.

Dear Governor Herbert

Governor Herbert-

You recently said on TV that you are tired of hearing about the gloom and doom of the economy recently.

However, when I talk to my friends, many of whom are Republicans that would probably vote for you, all I hear is gloom and doom.

Tell the teacher of 5 years who recently was laid off by her school district, and can't find a teaching job for next fall that we have turned the corner.

Tell the previously self-employed wedding photographer who had to take a job at Wal*Mart because nobody's getting pictures taken that we're right on target.

Tell my friend who has an increased workload because his employer is not hiring people for his department because of the economy that things are getting better. (His employer is the LDS Church, BTW.)

Tell my neighbor the dentist, or the employees that he has had to let go because business is down 75% the past 18 months, that you are tired of the gloom and doom.

I'm glad that you are showing how out of touch you are with common Utahns. It will help them vote for Corroon in November.

-Bob

Corroon: Herbert's Budget is Fuzzy Math

From the email:

Dear Bob:

The State of Utah at one time received an "A" from Governing Magazine. Now, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, our state has dropped to twelfth worst in the nation for budget gaps. And the incumbent governor recently discovered an additional $150 million dollar deficit in our state budget that he explains as "right on target" and "normal." How did this happen? Simply put, this situation is a result of poor leadership. For this reason and many more, I have developed a plan to get Back to Basics and increase government efficiency in the State of Utah.

Government efficiency is one of the best ways we can enhance government and private sector programs. In my plan, I have pointed out several areas where we can dig deep, cut fat, save money and still improve our quality of life.

As governor, I will:
Reform the budget process by ending gimmicks
Demand results
Cut waste
Require department directors and other top-level employees to sign performance agreements
Conduct a top-to-bottom review of ALL state programs

It's pretty clear we need to take steps RIGHT NOW to make state government better for the 21st Century.

Read my Government Efficiency Plan here

As mayor, I cut Salt Lake County's government by nearly 20% last year and I made our government more honest and transparent. I can do the same for the State of Utah. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. As the next Governor of Utah, I plan to provide true fiscal discipline to our state government.

Please help bring fiscal management to Utah by supporting our campaign at www.votecorroon.com.

Sincerely,

Peter Corroon

Corroon's Twin Blasts Realtors for Buying Governors Mansion

Tribune:

All Utah Realtors, regardless of political affiliation, should be disgusted at the recent news that the Utah Association of Realtors, through its political action committee, has contributed $100,000 to the re-election campaign of Republican Gov. Gary Herbert.

The donation constitutes the largest contribution to date from a single entity to Herbert's campaign. Peter Corroon, the other candidate for the governor's seat who happens to be my brother, hasn't received a dime for his campaign from this statewide membership group. Corroon's response to the UAR gift to Herbert: The Utah governor's mansion should not be "For Sale."

In defending the contribution, UAR past president Chris Sloan only mentions that Herbert was once a Realtor and has seen Utah through difficult economic times. Sloan coincidentally is also chairman of the Tooele County GOP.

The UAR offers no perspective on Corroon, the Salt Lake County mayor who has proven to be an adept, fiscally conservative and bipartisan leader. Corroon, an attorney, property developer and real estate licensee, owns industrial, multifamily and commercial office property in Utah.

Sloan and Lerron Little, current president of UAR, and the PAC's trustees are irresponsible in throwing away $100,000 raised from member contributions. These trustees should be bipartisan and more disciplined in directing member funds, focusing on more appropriate efforts such as state and national legislative issues that impact Realtor practices and real property rights.

Shame on the leadership of the UAR, an organization of which I have long been a member. They now lead the pack of state highway contractors, out-of-state energy companies and other special interest groups trying to curry favor with, and buy their way into, the governor's mansion.

Chris Corroon is a Realtor living in Midway and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon's brother.

Peter Corroon is a Jokester

Democratic consultant Marcie Smith West was getting a picture with Republican Legislator Curt Oda when Salt Lake County Mayor and Democratic Candidate for Governor Peter Corroon jumped into the picture:



(stolen from Facebook)

Corroon campaign video introducing Lt Gov Pick

BREAKING: Corroon Picks Sheryl Allen as Running Mate

Rep. Allen's bio from the Legislative web site:

Education: B.S., Elementary Education, M.S., Educational Administration, University of Utah

Profession: Foundation Director, Davis County School District

Recognitions and Affiliations: 100 Women for 100 Years (co-chair), 1996; recipient of Susa Young Gates Award, 1998; Utah Hotel and Lodging Association Legislator of the Year, 2005; Utah School Board Association Legislator of the Year, 2004; Utah Medical Association Legislator of the Year, 2006; KUED (PBS) Board of Directors; NCSL Economic Development Committee (chair 2004-06); NCSL Standing Committee (vice chair 2007); George Washington University Elliott School of International Business (trade advisory committee); Forum on Democracy and Trade (board member); Colorado Plateau Archeological Project (board member); Hogle Zoo Board of Directors, (former member); Utah Humanities Council Board of Directors, (former member); Davis County Board of Education (past president)

2009-2010 Legislative Assignments: Economic Development and Revenue Appropriations Subcommittee (Co Chair); House Revenue and Taxation Committee; House Judiciary Committee

Legislative Service: July 20, 1994

I think it's a great pick. More later.

Email From Corroon Campaign

Dear bob:

Over the past week, Peter has continued his travels around the state. He visited Grand, Cache, Weber, Davis, Tooele, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Kane, Washington and Iron counties - 10 counties again, in just over a week's time and not a single frequent flier mile!

Peter is sticking to this grueling schedule to meet with as many Utah citizens as possible to describe his vision for Utah's future - a future we can look to with excitement and optimism by electing Peter as the next Governor of Utah. And what is that vision? Well, you've heard it before and you'll hear it again - and over the next several months these sound bites will turn into full-blown policy statements, but the nuts and bolts come down to this:

Build a Strong Economy
A strong state economy is the engine for job growth and prosperity for our citizens. Government affects the economy through policy and, among other things, Peter will work to strengthen the Utah economy and create jobs by supporting Utah's traditional and renewable energy economies.

Fixing Public Education
It may sound like a cliché but that doesn't mean it isn't true - our children are our future. We are short-changing our kids, and it's getting worse with each passing year. This year we will add 11,000 new students in the K-12 public schools with no new funding to support them. This trend must be reversed, for the well-being of our children and our state.

Quality of Life
You may have heard Peter say that he and Amy choose to live and raise their family here. As Utahns, we know there is no greater place to live, but we have to protect and nurture this beautiful place we all call home.

Balance
Whether it's regulation or taxes, the individual or community, business or labor, Peter understands the need for balance. For six years, Peter has governed Salt Lake County from his heart and from his conscience, balancing different interests, reaching across party lines, and understanding that "no" should not end the discussion. Leaders need to seek alternative solutions in order to best serve the people.

Ethical, Common Sense Government
Peter is a stalwart supporter of ethics and campaign finance reform, and has always believed in bringing honesty and common sense back to government.

So far we've raised nearly $800,000 in this campaign from over 1,200 donors. Our goal is to reach 2,010 donors by May 8th. Our 2,010th donor will be given a VIP seat at the Democratic State Convention when Peter accepts the nomination for governor.

We can and we will win this race, but we need your support. Please give $5, $15, $25, or more today. You can donate by check or online at www.votecorroon.com.

Want to volunteer? Call us at (801) 953-0572.

Thank you!

Josh Kanter
Co-Chair, Corroon for Governor Finance Committee

Delegate Email: Peter Corroon Endorses Jim Matheson

April 20, 2010
Dear Utah Democratic Delegate:
Our party has a lot on the line this year. We need to build on the progress our candidates have made at the local and county level by returning Jim Matheson to Congress, supporting our Democratic legislative candidates, keeping our Salt Lake County Council majority and taking back the Utah governor’s office.
Ever since Jim Matheson was first elected, he has been an asset to our state and a champion for our values. Just to name a few of Jim’s accomplishments:
• Jim has blocked the development and testing of new nuclear weapons.
• Jim forced the Department of Energy to safely clean up the radioactive waste on the banks of the Colorado River.
• Jim stood up to EnergySolutions bringing in the world’s nuclear garbage.
• Jim backed fair wage and labor standards.
• Jim has fought against poverty.
• Jim has helped expand mass transit to clean the air.
Over the past 10 years, Jim Matheson has done more for our party than simply win his Congressional races. He has put money into party organization. His field planning and get-out-the-vote efforts have bolstered Democratic candidates throughout the 2nd CD. And he has persuaded key independent and moderate Republican voters to abandon straight-party ticket voting in favor of crossing over to support Democrats.
I urge you to stand with me in support of Jim Matheson at the State Convention on May 8th. This is about representing Utah values and furthering the progress we have made as Democrats in a place where Republicans have called the shots for way too long.
Let’s unite behind Jim Matheson and give every Utah Democrat the best possible chance to win in November.
Sincerely,
Peter Corroon