Mia Love's Non-denial Denial

In this TV ad, Mia Love claims that the rumors about her education plan are false.

You know the plan.  The one that would get rid on the Department of Education?  Well, that was her plan in 2012, even though she claims it wasn't ever her plan (which means she's either lying in 2012 or 2014).

However, she is allowed to change her plan.  This plan issues the "truth" about her plan, but doesn't actually present anything about her plan (other than saying the rumors are false).It does, present some problems that would very easily be fixed by eliminating the Department of Education.

Mia Love has no plan, other than not the plan she had in 2012, because that was never the plan.

Sounds like Mitt Romney, version 2012.

Mayor Love's Current Department of Education Plan Doesn't Add Up

Mia Love's current education plan includes bringing the Department of Education's salaries in line with Utah teacher's salaries.  It said so on a TV ad I saw tonight.  It says so on her web site.  She even said so to the Salt Lake Tribune, as captured in this video:



It sounds nice, doesn't it?  However, the reality is going to be difficult.  First, let's look at how much an employee at DoEd makes.  According to Politifact, the average DoEd salary is somewhere in the neighborhood of $103,000.  How does that compare to the average Utah Teacher Salary?  According to the Daily Herald, the average Utah Teacher salary comes in at just under $50,000.

However, a dollar in Utah gets you further than a dollar in Washing DC, where those DoEd workers live.  According to this Cost of Living Calculator for CNN Money, Someone making $50,000 in Salt Lake City Would have to make $73,578 to have the same level of living in Washington DC.

And, I won't even touch worrying about education requirements or anything else at this point.  Nor will I talk about the logistics of cutting someone's salary by half or even a quarter.

However, if Mayor Love wants to look at some expensive salaries, one need look no further than right here in Utah  (all of these salaries include benefits):

The Assistant City Manager in Saratoga Springs makes $118,000.  He is the 6th-highest paid person on Saratoga Spring's payroll. (source)

The State Superintendent for public schools is costing the state of Utah $250,000 (or over 2 DoEd employees or 5 Utah teachers) (source)

UTA's Rail Service General manager is costing us $511,000 (or 5 DoEd employees or 10 Utah Teachers). (source)

And, let's remember that, should she win next week, Mayor Love's salary will be $174,000.  Significantly higher than that of a typical DoEd staffer.  And over 3 times the salary of a Utah teacher.

Maybe we should bring Congressional salaries in line with Utah teacher's salaries.

Jim Matheson: It's Official(ly over)

Dear Congressman Matheson:

I received your email today asking me to donate to your campaign, since Mia Love just announced she is going to run against you again next year.

With all due respect, Congressman, I'm starting to think that maybe having Mia be our congresswoman wouldn't be so bad, because on my number one issue, you and Mia have the exact same opinion.

On Thursday, you sent me an email saying that you once again voted for the repeal of ObamaCare.  In fact, you said that you have always voted for the repeal of ObamaCare.  You said that ObamaCare is a flawed bill.

On that, I agree.  However, ObamaCare is an improvement over what we would have if the numerous attempts to repeal the bill were successful.

Furthermore, YOU have the ability to fix ObamaCare.  So far, I have seen exactly ZERO proposals from you to fix ObamaCare.  Well, other than just repeal.

Yes, you are only one of 435 Congressmen.  However, one of the glories of Congress is that ANY Congressman can propose a bill.

Yet, you don't.

You have seniority.  You've been in Congress since 2001.  That's longer than any other current Representative from Utah.  In fact, only 119 Congresspeople have been there longer than you.  That means you have more seniority than 73% of Congress.

So, where's your proposal?  How are you going to fix the problem?

Congressman Matheson, I want to like you.  I'm a moderate Democrat.  I voted for you in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010.  In fact, in 2010, I voted for you 3 times -- at convention, in a primary, and in the general election.  In 2012, I was redistricted out of your district, but I told every friend I could that lived in your district why they should vote for you instead of Mia Love.  My voting for you predates my being a Democrat.  I've thrown money your way several times.  I've defended you.  I've overlooked some of your other votes.  I've overlooked your refusal to hold real town halls and talk to your constituents.

But, that's over.  Until you step up, show some leadership, and propose a solution, we're officially over.  No money, no volunteering, no defending you to my more liberal (or conservative) friends.

In fact, when friends in the Fourth District ask me if they should vote for in next year's congressional race, my answer will be simple:

It doesn't really matter, because my health and well being doesn't really matter to either candidate.

-Bob