Friday, August 17, 2007
Mountain View Corridor & I-15
The Utah Department of Transportation has announced its preferred route for connecting the proposed Mountain View Corridor highway into I-15, and I believe it is ill-conceived and will permanently damage my neighborhood and further dissect Lehi, which is already divided by I-15.
I know that building a bridge to connect into I-15 at the county line would be more expensive, but I'm sure it would cost less, all individual costs considered.
I feel powerless about this decision. What can be done to reverse the UDOT position?
Stephen K. Thomas
Banker
Lehi
Thank you for your question and concern regarding the best alignment for the connection with I-15 in Lehi.
Recent discussions have suggested that a bridge at 4800 North may actually cost significantly less and have much less impact on the environment as well as the community, while at the same time, being more efficient in addressing traffic flow and congestion.
We recently went on a site visit to the proposed 2100 North / 4800 North area by legislative leadership, Lehi City leaders, and the Chair of the Transportation Commission. After the visit, we asked UDOT and the Transportation Commission to re-visit the proposed alignment decision to address the concerns and alternatives suggested by many, many Lehi residents.
Stay tuned, and stay involved.
No decision has been made, but many in the legislature are now aware of this issue and are looking into it.
Sincerely,
Curt Bramble
Senate Majority Leader
I know that building a bridge to connect into I-15 at the county line would be more expensive, but I'm sure it would cost less, all individual costs considered.
I feel powerless about this decision. What can be done to reverse the UDOT position?
Stephen K. Thomas
Banker
Lehi
Thank you for your question and concern regarding the best alignment for the connection with I-15 in Lehi.Recent discussions have suggested that a bridge at 4800 North may actually cost significantly less and have much less impact on the environment as well as the community, while at the same time, being more efficient in addressing traffic flow and congestion.
We recently went on a site visit to the proposed 2100 North / 4800 North area by legislative leadership, Lehi City leaders, and the Chair of the Transportation Commission. After the visit, we asked UDOT and the Transportation Commission to re-visit the proposed alignment decision to address the concerns and alternatives suggested by many, many Lehi residents.
Stay tuned, and stay involved.
No decision has been made, but many in the legislature are now aware of this issue and are looking into it.
Sincerely,
Curt Bramble
Senate Majority Leader
Need closer scrutiny on appropriated $$
Why is there not closer scrutiny on appropriated $$$. For example, money to districts for increasing teacher's salaries in at least one district NEVER got to TEACHERS. Administrators use it to multiply administrative positions. With the only type of accountability being submission of paper reports it's easy to obfuscate and do what you want. The more layers of bureaucracy, the easier it is, i.e. the federal government.
In our state, we hear persiflage and bombast from too many of those so-called leaders. It would be easy to go on, but is there any use?
Jerry
Fielding
In our state, we hear persiflage and bombast from too many of those so-called leaders. It would be easy to go on, but is there any use?
Jerry
Fielding
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Site Visit Day 2: Salt Lake County
Participating in the Electronic Town meeting! President Valentine, Representatives Carl Wimmer, Curt Oda, and David Clark all using their Blackberry powers for good.
On the Bus: Lane Beattie, President of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, guides a tour of the Valley.
The Oquirrh Mountains from the bus
A stop on the way; the budding Daybreak community
LDS Temple under construction near Daybreak.
Former Governor of Utah, Norm Bangerter, speaks to the group about the future of the far-western third of the Salt Lake Valley.
Lane Beattie, Senators Dmitrich, Goodfellow and VanTassel.
Tom Dolan, Mayor of the City of Sandy, addresses the group.
ReAL Salt Lake stadium under construction in Sandy.
Happy Birthday Senator Goodfellow!
City Creek Development - Downtown Salt Lake.
Toy trucks.
Viewing the work going on downtown.
Its a bird, its a plane....
Take a last look. This building will disappear Saturday Morning at 6:45 a.m.
This ZCMI structure will be carefully removed and restored. When the downtown construction is nearing completion it will be placed on the new building.
The Historic Utah Theater on Main Street in Downtown Salt Lake.
Utah Theater's Tiffany Skylight.
The once and future balcony of the theater.
A look inside the Frontrunner commuter rail. It was air-conditioned so the afternoon group took refuge inside.
Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, discussing the future of downtown Salt Lake City.
View from the U. Beautiful sunset tonight, but the photo didn't catch it.
Approaching Adjournment
We have arrived at the moment in every town meeting when the moderator weighs the pile of 3x5 cards in his or her hand, gauges the weariness of the participants, glances at the clock and realizes there will not be time to answer all the questions before it's time to go home.
This is not that kind of meeting.
We'll post the questions on which we are still gathering answers. We'll post the statements and the diatribes. As more legislator responses arrive we'll post those too.
Salt Lake and Davis County residents (or anyone else, for that matter) can continue to read - and will continue to freely discuss the issues by clicking the time stamp at the end of each section. Legislators or legislative staffers may continue to add information.
The On-line Town Meeting will adjourn on Friday at 9:00 a.m., but how, exactly, do you define adjournment in a gathering of this nature? We certainly appreciate you for your concern for the state & community and for joining this on-line experiment.
This is not that kind of meeting.
We'll post the questions on which we are still gathering answers. We'll post the statements and the diatribes. As more legislator responses arrive we'll post those too.
Salt Lake and Davis County residents (or anyone else, for that matter) can continue to read - and will continue to freely discuss the issues by clicking the time stamp at the end of each section. Legislators or legislative staffers may continue to add information.
The On-line Town Meeting will adjourn on Friday at 9:00 a.m., but how, exactly, do you define adjournment in a gathering of this nature? We certainly appreciate you for your concern for the state & community and for joining this on-line experiment.
Henry's Law
I first want to thank all of you who have the compassion & sense to support Henrys Law. Utah is one in only 7 states that does not make animal torture & cruelty a crime. As the horrific details of the Vick case unfolded, I could not help but think our Utah Representatives have to do all possible to pass this law. These (dogs) innocent living beings deserve to live a life free of torture and abuse.
Utah is too great not to have animal cruelty charged as a felony crime. As it stands, Utah has a welcome mat out to all "dog fighting" betting rings. The money that is made from these sadistic events, far outweigh any misdemeanor charge, if caught. Please pass this very important bill. We as humans have to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Because we can. King, Mathis, Gibson & Clark need to wise up.
D'marie
Realtor
Cottonwood Heights
Note: This question was at least partially addressed in an earlier post.
Utah is too great not to have animal cruelty charged as a felony crime. As it stands, Utah has a welcome mat out to all "dog fighting" betting rings. The money that is made from these sadistic events, far outweigh any misdemeanor charge, if caught. Please pass this very important bill. We as humans have to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Because we can. King, Mathis, Gibson & Clark need to wise up.
D'marie
Realtor
Cottonwood Heights
Note: This question was at least partially addressed in an earlier post.
Embarrassing Moment?
All the questions have been so serious. What was your most embarrassing moment as a legislator?
Abbie Evenson
Centerville
In one of my first general session meetings, I raised my right arm to the square instead of placing my right hand over my heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. What makes this more embarrassing is the fact that I sit on the front row. It must have been freshman jitters.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9
That's a loaded question. The answer is: when I answered this exact same question in a public meeting!
Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
One of my personal "moments" occurred during a floor debate on a tough bill I was sponsoring. We had debated for over an hour and it was going to be a close vote. After finishing summation, I sat down for the vote count. Many Senators were explaining their vote, so it was taking a long time. I was called away from the floor by a Legislative Staff member for "just a moment" . . . And I missed the vote on my own Bill! Luckily, it passed without my vote and the body let me cast a late affirmative vote on my Bill (after a sound ribbing...).
John L. Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Abbie Evenson
Centerville
In one of my first general session meetings, I raised my right arm to the square instead of placing my right hand over my heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. What makes this more embarrassing is the fact that I sit on the front row. It must have been freshman jitters.Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9
That's a loaded question. The answer is: when I answered this exact same question in a public meeting!Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
One of my personal "moments" occurred during a floor debate on a tough bill I was sponsoring. We had debated for over an hour and it was going to be a close vote. After finishing summation, I sat down for the vote count. Many Senators were explaining their vote, so it was taking a long time. I was called away from the floor by a Legislative Staff member for "just a moment" . . . And I missed the vote on my own Bill! Luckily, it passed without my vote and the body let me cast a late affirmative vote on my Bill (after a sound ribbing...).John L. Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Property Tax? Shift to Income and Sales Tax
With the property evaluations going through the roof in Davis and other counties raising the property tax several hundred dollars placing a great financial burden on "fixed income" Utah citizens, is it not time the legislature reduced or, even better, eliminated the most unfair tax placed on those least able to pay?
I keep reading where some of you and our present governor are spending time trying to enact a flat tax on income which is already a flat tax on about 90% of the population because the brackets are about 40 years behind income. Property tax could be replaced by simply following the IRS and have "real brackets in a "graduated" income tax placing the tax burden on those that can best afford it not on retired who have worked a lifetime just to obtain a home.
The fairest tax of all is sales tax. We choose what we buy. If we feel the tax is to high we can choose not to buy or postpone till we have enough money to buy. Even with food we can choose less expensive items or watch for sales. We have control over both income and sales tax by our choices. You as legislatures choose what we pay for property tax by giving that authority to agencies to turn on their adding machines telling us to pay whatever figure they come up with or lose the home we spent a lifetime paying for.
Please listen to your own conscience and do what is right by capping or eliminating property tax and allowing income and sales tax to cover the cost to run the schools and state. Thank you!
Ray Jones
Retired
St. George
I live in Iron County. During 2006 appraised values increased on the average 51% (some raw lands went up as much as 1000%). This caused considerable frustration to landowners since those whose value went up above average saw huge property tax increases while others saw their property taxes drop.
The property tax is the most hated tax because it is not predictable and because it is generally paid in a lump sum. There are 22 states who have addressed this problem. A few like California limit the amount of increase a homeowner can see any given year. This results in great inequities. Most states who have addressed the problem allow for a deferral of payment of increases in taxes until the property sells, at which time the taxes become payable and the taxpayer has the money to pay them. Representative Froerer and myself ran a bill last year to allow seniors to have this option; however, it did not pass. We are planning to try it again in the 2008 session. If you are interested in looking at this option, please E-mail us.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
I keep reading where some of you and our present governor are spending time trying to enact a flat tax on income which is already a flat tax on about 90% of the population because the brackets are about 40 years behind income. Property tax could be replaced by simply following the IRS and have "real brackets in a "graduated" income tax placing the tax burden on those that can best afford it not on retired who have worked a lifetime just to obtain a home.
The fairest tax of all is sales tax. We choose what we buy. If we feel the tax is to high we can choose not to buy or postpone till we have enough money to buy. Even with food we can choose less expensive items or watch for sales. We have control over both income and sales tax by our choices. You as legislatures choose what we pay for property tax by giving that authority to agencies to turn on their adding machines telling us to pay whatever figure they come up with or lose the home we spent a lifetime paying for.
Please listen to your own conscience and do what is right by capping or eliminating property tax and allowing income and sales tax to cover the cost to run the schools and state. Thank you!
Ray Jones
Retired
St. George
I live in Iron County. During 2006 appraised values increased on the average 51% (some raw lands went up as much as 1000%). This caused considerable frustration to landowners since those whose value went up above average saw huge property tax increases while others saw their property taxes drop.The property tax is the most hated tax because it is not predictable and because it is generally paid in a lump sum. There are 22 states who have addressed this problem. A few like California limit the amount of increase a homeowner can see any given year. This results in great inequities. Most states who have addressed the problem allow for a deferral of payment of increases in taxes until the property sells, at which time the taxes become payable and the taxpayer has the money to pay them. Representative Froerer and myself ran a bill last year to allow seniors to have this option; however, it did not pass. We are planning to try it again in the 2008 session. If you are interested in looking at this option, please E-mail us.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Clean Air Questions
The citizens of the State of Utah have become more concerned as of late regarding the quality of our air and environment in general. Rather than supporting the construction of new coal fired power plants in Utah could the legislature invest some money in Utah companies that are developing renewable solar and geothermal technologies?The investment capital market has not paid attention to this market, and they could use some seed money to make them viable.
Also, are we going to oppose the construction of the proposed Nevada power plants that will place the Wasatch front directly downwind from the particle, and mercury emissions that they will release. The emissions from these plants will worsen the air quality along the Wasatch front and contribute to a mercury problem that is already at a critical level.
Cris G. Cowley, M.D.
Physician
Salt Lake City
Also, are we going to oppose the construction of the proposed Nevada power plants that will place the Wasatch front directly downwind from the particle, and mercury emissions that they will release. The emissions from these plants will worsen the air quality along the Wasatch front and contribute to a mercury problem that is already at a critical level.
Cris G. Cowley, M.D.
Physician
Salt Lake City
Don't Increase the Tobacco Tax
Mr. Rush Hamrick, carpenter, Sandy resident, called the Town Meeting Hotline with the following comment:
Mr. Hamrick called to express his opposition to another increase on tobacco. If the proposed increase is successful, it would mean that the price of cigarettes will have increased 156% since the year 2000. He opposes the increase and says it is unfair to raise the price that much in such a short time. He pointed out that his wages have not increased that much. The proposed increase for tobacco is unjust.
Mr. Hamrick called to express his opposition to another increase on tobacco. If the proposed increase is successful, it would mean that the price of cigarettes will have increased 156% since the year 2000. He opposes the increase and says it is unfair to raise the price that much in such a short time. He pointed out that his wages have not increased that much. The proposed increase for tobacco is unjust.
Special Session on Wednesday
Greg Hartley just stopped by our office and dropped off a mighty official-looking document with a golden seal and the following text:
WHEREAS, since the adjournment of the 2007 General Session of the Fifty-Seventh Legislature of the State of Utah, matters have arisen that require immediate legislative attention; and,
WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Utah provides that the Governor may, by proclamation, convene the Legislature into Special Session;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Utah, do by this Proclamation call the Fifty-Seventh Legislature of the State of Utah into a First Special Session at the State Capitol Complex, in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the 22nd day of August 2007, at 10 a.m., for the following purposes:
Yeah!
Carlene Walker
Utah State Senator
District 8
WHEREAS, since the adjournment of the 2007 General Session of the Fifty-Seventh Legislature of the State of Utah, matters have arisen that require immediate legislative attention; and,
WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Utah provides that the Governor may, by proclamation, convene the Legislature into Special Session;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Utah, do by this Proclamation call the Fifty-Seventh Legislature of the State of Utah into a First Special Session at the State Capitol Complex, in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the 22nd day of August 2007, at 10 a.m., for the following purposes:
1. To consider legislation modifying provisions related to the creation of a new school district;IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand . . . yada, yada, yada.
2. To consider legislation regarding equalization of funding for school district capital outlay in counties of the first class;
3. To consider legislation providing for enhanced penalties for animal cruelty: and,
4. To consider a resolution approving Garfield County expansion of correctional facilities.
Yeah!
Carlene Walker
Utah State Senator
District 8
Education's Role in Building Community
If it is done right, one of the merits of a public school education is its emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of everyone in our community; that all of our citizens belong, that we are obliged to make reasonable room for each other, that regardless of differences of opinion or background, we are fundamentally one community.
My question is: Are there provisions in the school voucher bill(s) that ensure that public funds aren't used to support teaching children divisive (or even anti-American) ideologies?
Ross A. Collier
Salt Lake County
My question is: Are there provisions in the school voucher bill(s) that ensure that public funds aren't used to support teaching children divisive (or even anti-American) ideologies?
Ross A. Collier
Salt Lake County
Teacher Morale
Considering all the press concerning the recent teacher shortage, I am amazed that rarely is teacher morale addressed when discussing possible solutions. Yet, it seems obvious to me that teachers encouraging other teachers would be a number one resource in recruiting good teachers to the profession. Therefore, how do you plan to make teachers feel respected and appreciated in Utah so that they will come here and/or stay?
Kristy Johansen
School Teacher
West Jordan
That is a very thought-provoking question. First, the state is not the employer of teachers. Hiring and all other labor-related issues rest with the local school boards. The state sets general guidelines - usually after hearing from parents, teachers, and boards. We also give money with emphasis on funding priorities, but we do not negotiate contracts. Each district is different.
So, the first place to address your concerns is with the local school boards. Don't let them pass the buck. No one wants the state, either the Legislature or the State Board, to run each local school. Second, most occupations are facing shortages in the future because our children are losing their willingness to take the necessary education needed to qualify to fill the positions. We, as parents, are giving our children what they want so they don't tend to worry about the future. We need to awaken our people to the price of what not caring brings. I'm out of time, but would be willing to discuss this in more detail later.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
I think we are very concerned about our teachers' morale as they have our future and our economy in their classrooms. Although the ultimate responsibility and authority lies with the local school boards, the Utah State Legislature tries to augment the WPU every year. This year we became so concerned with the salary situation that we funded a raise and bonus pay plan for our teachers with strings attached that would make it very difficult for districts to not pass the extra "morale" pay on to teachers working in the trenches. We also funded public education at unprecedented levels and most of us hope that will continue.
Senator Michael Waddoups
Representing Taylorsville & West Jordan
Audio response from the back of the Site Visit Bus.
I think you hit the problem right on the head. Our teachers will never be happy until their morale improves. Years ago I worked for Martin Marrietta Corporation in Oregon in a management position and soon learned that until you could create good morale among the workers, there was a large turnover. Certainly money is a factor in a teacher's morale but there are also many other things needed to create morale. I am interested to hear from our teachers what some of those other factors are. Please E-mail me.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Kristy Johansen
School Teacher
West Jordan
That is a very thought-provoking question. First, the state is not the employer of teachers. Hiring and all other labor-related issues rest with the local school boards. The state sets general guidelines - usually after hearing from parents, teachers, and boards. We also give money with emphasis on funding priorities, but we do not negotiate contracts. Each district is different.So, the first place to address your concerns is with the local school boards. Don't let them pass the buck. No one wants the state, either the Legislature or the State Board, to run each local school. Second, most occupations are facing shortages in the future because our children are losing their willingness to take the necessary education needed to qualify to fill the positions. We, as parents, are giving our children what they want so they don't tend to worry about the future. We need to awaken our people to the price of what not caring brings. I'm out of time, but would be willing to discuss this in more detail later.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
I think we are very concerned about our teachers' morale as they have our future and our economy in their classrooms. Although the ultimate responsibility and authority lies with the local school boards, the Utah State Legislature tries to augment the WPU every year. This year we became so concerned with the salary situation that we funded a raise and bonus pay plan for our teachers with strings attached that would make it very difficult for districts to not pass the extra "morale" pay on to teachers working in the trenches. We also funded public education at unprecedented levels and most of us hope that will continue.Senator Michael Waddoups
Representing Taylorsville & West Jordan
Audio response from the back of the Site Visit Bus.
I think you hit the problem right on the head. Our teachers will never be happy until their morale improves. Years ago I worked for Martin Marrietta Corporation in Oregon in a management position and soon learned that until you could create good morale among the workers, there was a large turnover. Certainly money is a factor in a teacher's morale but there are also many other things needed to create morale. I am interested to hear from our teachers what some of those other factors are. Please E-mail me.Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Prop. 13
A Calif. Prop. 13 type initiative has been suggested as an appropriate solution to the continuing pressure on County residential property tax. Here is a slightly different perspective:
Since the State legislature has several more sources of revenue than the County, why doesn't the State pay it's "fair share" of County expenses? Here are only two examples:
Robert Hood
Retired
Davis County
Since the State legislature has several more sources of revenue than the County, why doesn't the State pay it's "fair share" of County expenses? Here are only two examples:
1) jail remuneration...current statute says the State is obligated to pay only 70% of the expense of a State prisoner in a County jail. That means residential property tax pays what the State doesn't... As anyone watching knows, when the appropriated fund for remuneration is exhausted, the State stops paying jail remuneration for the rest of that year.My question: Will the State step up to its "fair share" before a Prop. 13 type initiative is pressed by the over-burdened residential taxpayer?
2) Court Bailiff: County budget is only compensated for time in court (not training, vacation, etc.) even though the Bailiff may be assigned full time to the Court. One could also discuss examples from other County services.
Robert Hood
Retired
Davis County
Payday Lending
Why won't the Legislature consider reforms on payday lending businesses? Utah is one of the friendliest states to these predatory lenders, and it shows. The Deseret News reported that Utah has more payday lenders than McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, and 7-Elevens--combined. At interest rates of around 500%, these places can devastate a family's fragile finances. Utah doesn't need more bankruptcies. Why not consider some intelligent regulations?
Tim
Salt Lake City
Payday lending is a lucrative business. The Legislature has been concerned with its usury-like pricing. However, it is also one of the least-complained about consumer industries. Customers seem quite satisfied with the service it provides. We will continue to study its practices and regulate as needed.
Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
Tim
Salt Lake City
Payday lending is a lucrative business. The Legislature has been concerned with its usury-like pricing. However, it is also one of the least-complained about consumer industries. Customers seem quite satisfied with the service it provides. We will continue to study its practices and regulate as needed.Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
Litter Control
I'm committed to having a world that works for everyone. Westpointe is probably one of the most diverse (religiously, ethnically, etc.) districts in the state. Because many of our residents are new to this country, they (or their parents and grandparents) weren't around when Lady Bird Johnson did her "Keep America Beautiful Campaign". So, we're doing a mini-version in our area. It's called, "Lift us Up, Don't Throw it Down, Put Litter in its Place".
It's a saturation campaign, with yard signs, posters in the schools and businesses, additional garbage cans on Redwood Road and stickers on private garbage cans saying, "Thanks for your litter, For lifting us Up." Rep Neuenschwander gave me the contacts, before he left on vacation, to make much of this possible. And I want to tell him that the Rose Park Stake and the Rose Park North Stake will "Adopt a Highway" and will handle the litter clean-up of Redwood Road on a monthly basis. Thank you, Paul.
Leslie Reynolds-Benns
Author, Educator, Ordained Minister
Westpointe (Salt Lake - but Davis in the Legislature)
Thanks for your post, Leslie. It's refreshing to hear a success story. Thank you for sharing this with us, and thank you Paul for your efforts.
John L. Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
It's a saturation campaign, with yard signs, posters in the schools and businesses, additional garbage cans on Redwood Road and stickers on private garbage cans saying, "Thanks for your litter, For lifting us Up." Rep Neuenschwander gave me the contacts, before he left on vacation, to make much of this possible. And I want to tell him that the Rose Park Stake and the Rose Park North Stake will "Adopt a Highway" and will handle the litter clean-up of Redwood Road on a monthly basis. Thank you, Paul.
Leslie Reynolds-Benns
Author, Educator, Ordained Minister
Westpointe (Salt Lake - but Davis in the Legislature)
Thanks for your post, Leslie. It's refreshing to hear a success story. Thank you for sharing this with us, and thank you Paul for your efforts.John L. Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Unfunded Mandates
I'm concerned with the number of "unfunded mandates" that come down from the Legislature, impacting our taxes on the local level. In a similar vein, the legislature often promises matching funds, for things like "corridor preservation", which entices counties to raise taxes/fees that would otherwise remain low.
These policy decisions allow local, as well as state officials to be "little Pilate's" as they shift blame for taxes and fees imposed upon citizens.
What is the proper role of the legislature in offering incentives and mandates for how local governments prioritize spending?
Tyler Farrer
Technical Support
North Salt Lake
Dear Tyler,
You make a good point. Un-funded mandates pose a major problem for local government officials across the state as well as the nation. As state leaders we have sent a strong message to the Federal Government: “no more un-funded mandates.” The Utah State Legislature has made real efforts in the past few years to stop the practice of passing un-funded mandates along to county or city governments. Over a third of the members of the House and Senate have had extensive experience in local government, many serving as mayors and city council persons as well as city and county administrators. These legislators know first hand the problems with mandates of any kind. Many of us ask the question before we vote for any legislation, “how will this affect local government?” We will continue our efforts to stay out of the business of telling local government what to do and how to do it.
When it comes to the transportation problems our state will face in the coming years, we believe that both state and local government must develop partnerships in seeking solutions. The corridor preservation efforts over the past two years is a perfect example which will benefit everyone in Utah. Experience shows that when local governments have a stake in the problem as well as the solution, all our citizens are winners. We can no longer ignore the need for transportation corridors throughout Utah. The Corridor Preservation fund as well as other transportation partnerships will save billions of tax payer dollars over the next few decades while at the same time sustaining the lifeblood of our state's economy.
We believe the proper role of the Legislature is to involve our city and county officials in the process of providing better more cost effective government. The people deserve it, and our system of government demands it.
Brad Dee
Utah State Representative, Assistant Majority Whip, District 11
These policy decisions allow local, as well as state officials to be "little Pilate's" as they shift blame for taxes and fees imposed upon citizens.
What is the proper role of the legislature in offering incentives and mandates for how local governments prioritize spending?
Tyler Farrer
Technical Support
North Salt Lake
Dear Tyler,You make a good point. Un-funded mandates pose a major problem for local government officials across the state as well as the nation. As state leaders we have sent a strong message to the Federal Government: “no more un-funded mandates.” The Utah State Legislature has made real efforts in the past few years to stop the practice of passing un-funded mandates along to county or city governments. Over a third of the members of the House and Senate have had extensive experience in local government, many serving as mayors and city council persons as well as city and county administrators. These legislators know first hand the problems with mandates of any kind. Many of us ask the question before we vote for any legislation, “how will this affect local government?” We will continue our efforts to stay out of the business of telling local government what to do and how to do it.
When it comes to the transportation problems our state will face in the coming years, we believe that both state and local government must develop partnerships in seeking solutions. The corridor preservation efforts over the past two years is a perfect example which will benefit everyone in Utah. Experience shows that when local governments have a stake in the problem as well as the solution, all our citizens are winners. We can no longer ignore the need for transportation corridors throughout Utah. The Corridor Preservation fund as well as other transportation partnerships will save billions of tax payer dollars over the next few decades while at the same time sustaining the lifeblood of our state's economy.
We believe the proper role of the Legislature is to involve our city and county officials in the process of providing better more cost effective government. The people deserve it, and our system of government demands it.
Brad Dee
Utah State Representative, Assistant Majority Whip, District 11
Bike Lanes
This question was called in to the Town Meeting Hotline:
Mr. Pashley, thanks for your participation and your interest in the topic of biking as a part of commuting. As you may know the Legacy Parkway has an exceptional trail for both bikers and pedestrians, which will link up with the bike paths along the Jordan River. However, that will not help commuters from the east side of Davis County to get to downtown. Getting through the Beck Street area is, as you surely know, very difficult. I will pass your concern on to UDOT, and in the long term, as I-15 is rebuilt in several years I will push to see that this will be addressed.
In the short term, I will ask UDOT what they suggest, but my guess is there is no funding for this and even identifying a safe route will be difficult. I suggest that you have any biking organizations contact me so we can arrange a meeting with UDOT to discuss what routes and safety protections are necessary to protect biking commuters and bikers generally along this corridor. It will be necessary to show that there are sufficient numbers to justify the expense.
Best,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senate, District 22
Note: we received this E-mail from UDOT (thanks for the quick response!):
>>> Carlos Braceras 8/16/2007 11:22 AM >>>
Senator Bell and Ric, we are actually under construction of a bike lane on Beck street that should be completed this summer. The Cities are also working to tie their east-west trails into the Legacy trail system, so the future looks bright for bikers. The web site (UDOT.utah.gov), if you go to the "public" tab, has additional information on biking.
Can the Legislature look into creating safe, designated bike lanes for commuters to ride their bikes to and from work safely between Davis County and Salt Lake County?
Alex Pashley
Bountiful
Mr. Pashley, thanks for your participation and your interest in the topic of biking as a part of commuting. As you may know the Legacy Parkway has an exceptional trail for both bikers and pedestrians, which will link up with the bike paths along the Jordan River. However, that will not help commuters from the east side of Davis County to get to downtown. Getting through the Beck Street area is, as you surely know, very difficult. I will pass your concern on to UDOT, and in the long term, as I-15 is rebuilt in several years I will push to see that this will be addressed.In the short term, I will ask UDOT what they suggest, but my guess is there is no funding for this and even identifying a safe route will be difficult. I suggest that you have any biking organizations contact me so we can arrange a meeting with UDOT to discuss what routes and safety protections are necessary to protect biking commuters and bikers generally along this corridor. It will be necessary to show that there are sufficient numbers to justify the expense.
Best,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senate, District 22
Note: we received this E-mail from UDOT (thanks for the quick response!):
>>> Carlos Braceras 8/16/2007 11:22 AM >>>
Senator Bell and Ric, we are actually under construction of a bike lane on Beck street that should be completed this summer. The Cities are also working to tie their east-west trails into the Legacy trail system, so the future looks bright for bikers. The web site (UDOT.utah.gov), if you go to the "public" tab, has additional information on biking.
Air Quality, Sex Offenders and Utah's Children
Why can Utah not have the same air quality standards as California or another state in which they are activiley trying to clean up their air? They have done all the work why not copy what they are doing. I too am planning to move and have convinced my extnded family to move because of the air and the lack of concern by the citizens in this state. A state that allows a medical incinerator to be less then a mile from a neighborhood or wants to build more coal plants is just frustrating and maddening to me. There is a reason why we have a high rate of Autism and asthma in this state. I am scared to have anymore children here.
Another maddening and unbelievable problem in Utah is that we allow SEX OFFENDERS to live anywhere they want!!!!! They can live right next to a school!!! How assinine is that!! I was told when I moved here that this was a state that loved children. I have only seen the opposite here, i.e. bad air, sex offenders, lack of parks, bad healthcare. So my question is this, WHY DO WE ALLOW SEX OFFENDERS TO LIVE NEXT TO SCHOOLS? WHY ARE WE GIVING THEM ACCESS TO OUR CHILDREN? WE ARE FEEDING OUR CHILDREN TO THE LIONS! We have more sex offenders then 27 other states. More then VEGAS(sin city) They come here because we are a nieve state. Please protect my children. I feel like to be a good mom I need to move to somewhere, where I feel like they care about the well being of the people. Please Utah WAKE UP!!
Becky Laroza
Mother
West Jordan
Another maddening and unbelievable problem in Utah is that we allow SEX OFFENDERS to live anywhere they want!!!!! They can live right next to a school!!! How assinine is that!! I was told when I moved here that this was a state that loved children. I have only seen the opposite here, i.e. bad air, sex offenders, lack of parks, bad healthcare. So my question is this, WHY DO WE ALLOW SEX OFFENDERS TO LIVE NEXT TO SCHOOLS? WHY ARE WE GIVING THEM ACCESS TO OUR CHILDREN? WE ARE FEEDING OUR CHILDREN TO THE LIONS! We have more sex offenders then 27 other states. More then VEGAS(sin city) They come here because we are a nieve state. Please protect my children. I feel like to be a good mom I need to move to somewhere, where I feel like they care about the well being of the people. Please Utah WAKE UP!!
Becky Laroza
Mother
West Jordan
Preserving Open Space
In the rush to pave over Utah and feed land sales greed, insufficient consideration is given to preserving natural open space.
Like Southern California, the people who profit from sprawl will be long gone in time. The mass development is like a swarm of locusts who feed on the crop and leave the damage in their wake. I'm sure Watts, California was a wonderful place to live once. The future of Salt Lake Valley deserves more.
A prime example is the soccer field complex that will take over the one-time state park and migratory bird area in Rose Park. Rather than preserve some of the last natural open space for generations and wildlife, another cookie cutter field will take its place.
When I was in my birth state of California, a man at a golf course I visited couldn't visualize the surrounding hills as open space whatsoever, nor the golf course as a place I hiked in my youth.
We need to preserve parts of the state so generations to come will see what land looks like without man's heavy handed stamp. I have little hope anyone will care about my words, with the exception of Ralph Becker, whom I thank for his years of dedication and forward vision.
Lucy Knorr
Paralegal / Photographer
Salt Lake City, Avenues
Ms. Knorr, Rep. Becker has been strongly committed to open space preservation. There are others on the Republican side as well. Republicans sponsored the Quality Growth Commission and the LeRay McCallister Critical Land Conservation Fund. We funded $3M for this budget year for the acquisition of critical lands in the state. That is a significant commitment, but clearly not enough to buy/preserve all the critical lands we would like to...even though the Fund leverages by combining with municipalities and private preservation groups as well as state agencies and landowners who want to preserve open space, habitat, watershed and other critical lands.
There continues to be a vigorous debate in the Legislature about the proper policy for preserving open space in a state which is owned almost 80% by government entities, principally the federal government, on which lands development is severely limited. Moreover, the majority in the Legislature has taken the tack that preservation is more of a local than a state issue. Park City and Draper, for instance have passed bonds to acquire and preserve open space for their communities.
Greg Bell
Utah State Senator, District 22
Like Southern California, the people who profit from sprawl will be long gone in time. The mass development is like a swarm of locusts who feed on the crop and leave the damage in their wake. I'm sure Watts, California was a wonderful place to live once. The future of Salt Lake Valley deserves more.
A prime example is the soccer field complex that will take over the one-time state park and migratory bird area in Rose Park. Rather than preserve some of the last natural open space for generations and wildlife, another cookie cutter field will take its place.
When I was in my birth state of California, a man at a golf course I visited couldn't visualize the surrounding hills as open space whatsoever, nor the golf course as a place I hiked in my youth.
We need to preserve parts of the state so generations to come will see what land looks like without man's heavy handed stamp. I have little hope anyone will care about my words, with the exception of Ralph Becker, whom I thank for his years of dedication and forward vision.
Lucy Knorr
Paralegal / Photographer
Salt Lake City, Avenues
Ms. Knorr, Rep. Becker has been strongly committed to open space preservation. There are others on the Republican side as well. Republicans sponsored the Quality Growth Commission and the LeRay McCallister Critical Land Conservation Fund. We funded $3M for this budget year for the acquisition of critical lands in the state. That is a significant commitment, but clearly not enough to buy/preserve all the critical lands we would like to...even though the Fund leverages by combining with municipalities and private preservation groups as well as state agencies and landowners who want to preserve open space, habitat, watershed and other critical lands.There continues to be a vigorous debate in the Legislature about the proper policy for preserving open space in a state which is owned almost 80% by government entities, principally the federal government, on which lands development is severely limited. Moreover, the majority in the Legislature has taken the tack that preservation is more of a local than a state issue. Park City and Draper, for instance have passed bonds to acquire and preserve open space for their communities.
Greg Bell
Utah State Senator, District 22
Bear Lake
Apparently some Bear Lake fans have joined the town meeting. We received these three comments.
Bear Lake is in my district so I'll answer this one. I believe the marina was improved 5 or more years ago but is now on both the Governor's and Division of State Park's list for the next session's top priority. The plan is to build a much larger marina adjacent to the present one. We have not done a good job in funding for normal wear and tear to our parks until last year when we gave State Parks an unrestricted $2.0 Million for that purpose.
We actually visited the State Marina at Bear Lake during the site visit two years ago (here's a picture) and we got to see and understand the problems you mentioned first hand (so, see - some good things do come from these site visits). Thank you for your question. If I run into you at the lake this summer I'll treat you to a Raspberry Shake.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator
District 25
This comment arrived 8/20/07:
We need to try and get moving on the marina at Bear Lake. The old one is way too small (waiting lists are years) and too old. One of our boating friends was hurt when the dock arm failed to support his 175lbs. I really would love Utah to keep making more and more money on the use of the marina. It must be a money making profit center for the State.
Marie Phipps
General Contractor
Farmington
Please issue funding to build a Deep Water Marina @ Bear Lake State Park. Due to the dry years the Marina's use is limited. There is a waiting list for slips and Bear Lake to the top Money producer in the State Park System. The current design creates havoc because so many boats travel through the 30 foot wide entrance. The time to act is now.
Jeff Cohen
Park City
In 1996 Bear Lake Marina was reopened and has received inadequate funding to maintain the docks, picnic area and sanitation facilities. The docks on the North side are over 30 years old presenting safety issues. The mouth of the Marina is less than 25 yards wide presenting safety issues with boats crowding, trying to get into the Marina.
I understand that Bear Lake is one of the few State Parks that actually shows a profit and the waiting list for slips ranges up to five years. My two questions are, why has the Park been allowed to deteriorate? 2. What are the plans for the replacement of the North side docks and or a new Marina?
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake and Willard Bay all have received additional funding and their usage is minimal in comparison.
Richard Walsh
Retired/Consultant
Davis
Bear Lake is in my district so I'll answer this one. I believe the marina was improved 5 or more years ago but is now on both the Governor's and Division of State Park's list for the next session's top priority. The plan is to build a much larger marina adjacent to the present one. We have not done a good job in funding for normal wear and tear to our parks until last year when we gave State Parks an unrestricted $2.0 Million for that purpose.We actually visited the State Marina at Bear Lake during the site visit two years ago (here's a picture) and we got to see and understand the problems you mentioned first hand (so, see - some good things do come from these site visits). Thank you for your question. If I run into you at the lake this summer I'll treat you to a Raspberry Shake.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator
District 25
This comment arrived 8/20/07:
Name: Mayor Kenneth Hansen
Community: Town of Garden City
Comments: The expansion of the Bear Lake Marina will be a great addition to the marina. My concern is the already congested highway leading to and from the marina. That state road is not adequate to handle the traffic in that area and the expansion will only add to the congestion. We have had numberous accidents on that road just this summer. If the expansion is approved I request that the state look at lowering the speed limit in that area and widening the road in front of the marina so we don't add to the number of accidents.
What am I missing?
Always encouraging/subsidizing new business to come into Utah only brings the same equivalent of new residents, with the net result being just more people, conjection and complication of social problems that go along with it.
So why are you and the Governor always on that bandwagon?
Warren S. Wright
Retired
St. George
So why are you and the Governor always on that bandwagon?
Warren S. Wright
Retired
St. George
Property Tax Discussion
What can be done to replace the property tax or revise the property tax so people on fixed incomes will not be forced out of their homes. Why are we one of the highest taxed states in the US, when we have natural resources which could provide a substantial severance tax.An hour later Mrs. Raye Kirkman of West Valley City. phoned a similar concern into the Town Meeting Hotline. From our stellar staff on the phone lines:
Crae Carpenter
Retired in Layton
Mrs. Kirkman is a senior citizen. She and her husband are on a minimal fixed income. Her property taxes are $1,400 per year. She asked why the legislature did not adjust senior citizens' property taxes. Many states have capped their property taxes at the rate it was when the individual retired. She questioned why seniors need to keep paying into the Granite School District. Families that have children should pay more taxes. People should pay their fair share and pay their own way. She lives in West Valley and questioned why she is paying taxes for places in Magna. She said that the requirement to make less than $26,000 before being eligible to receive circuit breaker help is ludicrous. Legislators should put constituents before the church. The church should not be the first call they make until they vote.
Thank you for speaking out on the property tax issue. The legislature cannot change much with property tax without changing the constitution. This requires a vote of the people. The system we have today fairly distributes the property tax based on value. I have seriously looked at other ways, but none are as fair and objective as value.In Utah, parents don't pay for a child's education while the child is in school. It takes a lifetime of paying property and income taxes. Today, the state pays $7,500 per year to educate a child. That is almost $100,000 from kindergarten through high school in today's dollars. A little over half of your property taxes go to schools. That would be a little over $700 for you, which would take almost a century and a half to pay for one child with property tax alone. Despite some of the draw backs, the structure of our property tax system is well founded. I do feel that we need to make some reforms by making it harder to raise property taxes. This can be done by requiring a vote of the people before property tax revenues are increased. We also need to adjust the circuit breaker because of recent inflation in property values. Hopefully, these reforms can give you some relief in years to come.
On the child issue, having a young population is good. There are many states and countries struggling to support older populations because they the younger generations are small.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9
Why Concealed?
I read in the papers this morning that several (4) legislators had to surrender their concealed guns before being allowed to tour the Chevron Refinery. What struck me were the comments about their apparent need to protect themselves while on this legislative bus tour.
I do not understand the logic of the concealed weapons law.
Wouldn't people be safer and better protected if all weapons were worn in holsters and in full view for the public to see? No criminal would dare attack a legislator (or his family) if they could see the gun from the outset. No bank robber would dare rob if half the people in line were obviously packin'.
Susan Atkin
Salt Lake County
I do not understand the logic of the concealed weapons law.
Wouldn't people be safer and better protected if all weapons were worn in holsters and in full view for the public to see? No criminal would dare attack a legislator (or his family) if they could see the gun from the outset. No bank robber would dare rob if half the people in line were obviously packin'.
Susan Atkin
Salt Lake County
Smokestack Emissions Statement
I was sitting next to a guy in Farmington who sells nationwide monitors that GE produces that require emissions to be monitored 24/7/365 on computers. He told me that UTAH was the only state in the nation who does not require the remote monitors and we have the pollution to prove it. I have had to purchase these $5000 monitors for insurance companies to regulate humidity/temp/polution on residential water damages. I am small time to the big boys. I think its time we required monitoring on those stacks.
Marie Phipps
General Contractor
Farmington
Marie Phipps
General Contractor
Farmington
Illegal Immigration
With the explosion of illegals in all states why has no one thought to endorse legislation that would make children of illegals also illegal? Wouldn't this seem logical in this day and age? If your children wouldn't become citizens based just on being born here it might just deter some of the migration. If your parents are illegal then so are their children.
Sam Fort
Retired
Ivins
Sam Fort
Retired
Ivins
Air Quality / Animal Rights
The air quality in the valley is so horrible that I am considering moving away. There is no plan in the near future to even address this. Point in fact you took the money we voted for away from mass transit and decided to build more roads. Subsidize UTA and Rail and allow for more routes and times available. If you build it we will use it. The models you have decided to use are outdated and incorrect.
Lastly how about passing a real protection against animal abuse bill . I am tired of seeing individuals who have tortured and killed innocent lives receive little or no punishment. Those who would do these thing have no respect for life and typically go on to abusing children.
John Tella
Pilot
Salt lake
Let me address the last part of your comment, John. In the last legislative session a bill making it a felony to torture an animal was introduced. I personally was opposed to the bill due to the very real possibilities of it being mis-applied and persons who simply made a stupid and/or thoughtless mistake might end up in prison as a felon. I hear from many people on both sides of the issue. Some pushing for stronger punishments and some who think that the animal rights people are crazies who overreact and should not be given any more power to carry on their crusade. I have now come to realize that there is a need for increased punishment for those who are hard-line repeat offenders and really deserve the same treatment they hand out to the animals.
In the next session, and maybe sooner in a special session, I will be introducing a bill essentially the same as last years but making the felony punishment apply only upon a second conviction. This will hopefully prevent the feared unintended consequence of making felons where it was not needed, while still catching those repeat offenders who are on the path of continual abuse of animals and people. Several states have this provision and are happy with its success. My hope is that this compromise will help make our great state an even better place to enjoy life.
Allen Christensen
Utah State Senate, District 19
Lastly how about passing a real protection against animal abuse bill . I am tired of seeing individuals who have tortured and killed innocent lives receive little or no punishment. Those who would do these thing have no respect for life and typically go on to abusing children.
John Tella
Pilot
Salt lake
Let me address the last part of your comment, John. In the last legislative session a bill making it a felony to torture an animal was introduced. I personally was opposed to the bill due to the very real possibilities of it being mis-applied and persons who simply made a stupid and/or thoughtless mistake might end up in prison as a felon. I hear from many people on both sides of the issue. Some pushing for stronger punishments and some who think that the animal rights people are crazies who overreact and should not be given any more power to carry on their crusade. I have now come to realize that there is a need for increased punishment for those who are hard-line repeat offenders and really deserve the same treatment they hand out to the animals.In the next session, and maybe sooner in a special session, I will be introducing a bill essentially the same as last years but making the felony punishment apply only upon a second conviction. This will hopefully prevent the feared unintended consequence of making felons where it was not needed, while still catching those repeat offenders who are on the path of continual abuse of animals and people. Several states have this provision and are happy with its success. My hope is that this compromise will help make our great state an even better place to enjoy life.
Allen Christensen
Utah State Senate, District 19
Tourism / ESL
The money to promote tourism is very well spent, I totally support it.
What direction is Utah going with any legislation to require English -- and if there will be a requirement for this, will you support and fund more English as a Second Language classes/teachers/programs?
Judy Tukuafu
SLC
What direction is Utah going with any legislation to require English -- and if there will be a requirement for this, will you support and fund more English as a Second Language classes/teachers/programs?
Judy Tukuafu
SLC
Affordable Housing
I am the chair of our local homeless committee for the state, and I do home visits for the SE District Health Dept. I am very directly aware of the effect of having very little affordable housing in our area (unfit ancient trailers should not be all that are available to our hard-working service industry employees, and even school teachers and nurses). I realize that I am not in your site visit area, however I don't see many other questions so here it goes: Grand County is working with the City of Moab and our local Housing Authority on a very detailed moderate income housing plan. We expect completion by Dec. '07. While our county is happy to entertain and awe the vast numbers of visitors the state sends our way via aggressive advertising, the jobs generated are extremely low-paying. Our second/recreational home market has driven up our housing costs and our workforce has nowhere to go. Now, we are not necessarily asking for state handouts to deal with this issue, but I foresee that some of the local solutions to this issue may not be available to us due to state law.
How amenable are you to making certain state laws changeable by counties who have very specific demographics, such as certain high percentages of non-residential vs. workforce tax payers, etc? For instance, letting counties who qualify decide whether to be disclosure counties, allow trailer park residents to have right of first refusal, and/or allowing deed restrictions on public housing. I am not an expert, but have been told that these things could help us encourage development of affordable housing, but are not allowed by state law. We don't want to change state law carte blanche, but giving individual counties some control would sure help out, and keep us from having to come to you for dollars for this on-going dilemma. Thank you.
Audrey Rowland Graham
Moab/Grand County Grand County Council, and Health Dept.
Thank you Audrey. Affordable housing has become a problem all over the state because of inflation in land, building materials, and government fees. There are some things that cities and counties can do right now to help. First, areas can be zoned for high density housing including stacked or multi-storied condominiums or rentals. Second, impact and other fees can be reduced or eliminated. Third, there are tax incentives like the low-income housing credit that can be utilized. Any one or a combination of these local options can reduce the cost of housing. In addition, there are communities that are doing some creative things with public/private partnerships.
Thanks again for your question. Hope all is well in Grand County.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9
This problem has certainly hit Southern Utah. If anyone has an idea how to solve this problem using free market principles, I would like to hear from them. Please send me an E-Mail message.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
How amenable are you to making certain state laws changeable by counties who have very specific demographics, such as certain high percentages of non-residential vs. workforce tax payers, etc? For instance, letting counties who qualify decide whether to be disclosure counties, allow trailer park residents to have right of first refusal, and/or allowing deed restrictions on public housing. I am not an expert, but have been told that these things could help us encourage development of affordable housing, but are not allowed by state law. We don't want to change state law carte blanche, but giving individual counties some control would sure help out, and keep us from having to come to you for dollars for this on-going dilemma. Thank you.
Audrey Rowland Graham
Moab/Grand County Grand County Council, and Health Dept.
Thank you Audrey. Affordable housing has become a problem all over the state because of inflation in land, building materials, and government fees. There are some things that cities and counties can do right now to help. First, areas can be zoned for high density housing including stacked or multi-storied condominiums or rentals. Second, impact and other fees can be reduced or eliminated. Third, there are tax incentives like the low-income housing credit that can be utilized. Any one or a combination of these local options can reduce the cost of housing. In addition, there are communities that are doing some creative things with public/private partnerships.Thanks again for your question. Hope all is well in Grand County.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator, District 9
This problem has certainly hit Southern Utah. If anyone has an idea how to solve this problem using free market principles, I would like to hear from them. Please send me an E-Mail message.Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
School District Splits / Reorganization
I am concerned about the legislation passed last year which is fueling the discussion of whether to split-up the Granite and Jordan school districts.
It's not that I either favor or oppose such a move, but rather the financial consequences that are being explored.
It seems to me that if the legislature wants to let population organize school districts for the good of the local children, then it should have provided a means to equalize core capital expenses.
For example, could the state fund and supply the building of a schools. The state would supply a "base model" school that would meet the essentials of education and then the local districts could add on options. For example, Park City, may want to upgrade the interior finishing of a new school built there. This would be funded by the local population because it would be above and beyond. This way, everyone rural and urban in the state would be given at least a common starting point.
What can the state legislature do to help further enable local school district reorganization in light of what we have learned about the Granite and Jordan split proposals?
Steve Catmull
Data Architect
Riverton
It's not that I either favor or oppose such a move, but rather the financial consequences that are being explored.
It seems to me that if the legislature wants to let population organize school districts for the good of the local children, then it should have provided a means to equalize core capital expenses.
For example, could the state fund and supply the building of a schools. The state would supply a "base model" school that would meet the essentials of education and then the local districts could add on options. For example, Park City, may want to upgrade the interior finishing of a new school built there. This would be funded by the local population because it would be above and beyond. This way, everyone rural and urban in the state would be given at least a common starting point.
What can the state legislature do to help further enable local school district reorganization in light of what we have learned about the Granite and Jordan split proposals?
Steve Catmull
Data Architect
Riverton
Gas Tax
There has been a lot of talk about transportation funding shortages. It makes sense that those who use the roadways the most should pay the most for the roadways. One of the best ways to do this is to raise the gas tax. Will the legislature take any action on this matter?
Gary Mower
Taylorsville
Gary Mower
Taylorsville
Clean Up Refinery Air
Residents in southern Davis county have been subjected to some of the worst air quality in the state because of all the refineries and related petroleum industries. The industry will argue they were there first and the homes came later. They also argue that they provide a needed service. But the thousands of people that live there are subjected daily to noise, odors, CO emissions, PM emissions and other dangerous substances. Meanwhile, the refineries and other plants are making record profits.
What are your thoughts on requiring the industry to invest some of their vast profits into cleaning up their operations, reducing odors, eliminating noise and becoming an asset to the community rather than a nuisance and liability?
Randy Farnsworth
11-year resident of Woods Cross
What are your thoughts on requiring the industry to invest some of their vast profits into cleaning up their operations, reducing odors, eliminating noise and becoming an asset to the community rather than a nuisance and liability?
Randy Farnsworth
11-year resident of Woods Cross
School Impact Fees
Why doesn't the legislature consider allowing school impact fees to help pay for new school construction?
Growth should pay its own way. School impact fees could be designed to encourage development in areas with existing schools and to discourage development in areas far from school infrastructure.
Gary Mower
Taylorsville
Growth should pay its own way. School impact fees could be designed to encourage development in areas with existing schools and to discourage development in areas far from school infrastructure.
Gary Mower
Taylorsville
Teaching Sexuality
Today's Salt Lake Tribune, in referring editorially to a University of Utah's human sexuality course, states: The sad reality is that many of Professor Cynthia Christopherson's students are "shamefully uninformed about sexuality, what she rightly calls the foundation of family development. And the shame can be laid at the feet of Utah's Legislature.
It goes on to point out, that "the Utah Health Department reported earlier this year that between 2001 and 2005, Utah recorded the largest increase in rates of sexually transmitted chlamydia and gonorrhea in the nation, mostly in youth age 15 to 24. A health department specialist blamed unprotected sexual activity for the increase."
Later stating: "When teachers explain the mechanics of sexuality, encourage abstinence, treat the emotions of intimacy with respect and outline the danger of casual sex, teens often decide wait until they are ready for the responsibility. Utah's increase in sexually transmitted diseases is evidence that ignoring sexuality doesn't make sex less appealing."
I plead with the legislature to treat our youth fairly by giving them the education that would lead them to make wise choices about their own sexuality. I got my education at Sunday night petting parties after attending LDS Firesides.
It goes on to point out, that "the Utah Health Department reported earlier this year that between 2001 and 2005, Utah recorded the largest increase in rates of sexually transmitted chlamydia and gonorrhea in the nation, mostly in youth age 15 to 24. A health department specialist blamed unprotected sexual activity for the increase."
Later stating: "When teachers explain the mechanics of sexuality, encourage abstinence, treat the emotions of intimacy with respect and outline the danger of casual sex, teens often decide wait until they are ready for the responsibility. Utah's increase in sexually transmitted diseases is evidence that ignoring sexuality doesn't make sex less appealing."
I plead with the legislature to treat our youth fairly by giving them the education that would lead them to make wise choices about their own sexuality. I got my education at Sunday night petting parties after attending LDS Firesides.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Site Visit Day One: Davis County
Thank you for participating in Day One of the On-line Legislative Town Meeting.
No citizen input was discarded or censored, although we edited a few for spelling and punctuation. If your comment or question has not yet appeared don’t lose hope. We are still collecting responses for several very excellent questions. We will also add new comments to current posts as the Meeting progresses.
Legislators were involved in more than thumb typing Town Meeting responses on their BlackBerries. Here is a sampling of the Site Visit to Davis County:
Loading the buses at the Salt Palace.
Mike, from Chevron, gives an intro as we entered the gates.
At the Chevron Refinery in North Salt Lake.
Cruising the Legacy Parkway, now under construction.
Future off-ramp for the new Legacy Parkway.
John Njord, Executive Director of UDOT, narrating the Legacy Parkway Experience
Davis County Commuter Rail! Cutting traffic time on a freeway near you.
DATC, exploring new ways to use composite materials. Senators Niederhauser, Stowell and Dmitrich having a great time. Melissa Niederhauser wonders what she's gotten herself into.
Senator Killpack shows Senator Dmitrich this 15.5 lb bicycle (very light) made of composite material.
Davis County Business Alliance presentation.
Who didn't get the memo to wear a white collared shirt and a black lanyard?
Senator Killpack talks about the Utah Composite Industry.
Hill Air Force Base presentation.
The bus took the scenic route through Hill Air Force Base. The white silos are full of corn.
Final stop . . . ATK Plant. Rockets. Very cool.
No citizen input was discarded or censored, although we edited a few for spelling and punctuation. If your comment or question has not yet appeared don’t lose hope. We are still collecting responses for several very excellent questions. We will also add new comments to current posts as the Meeting progresses.
Legislators were involved in more than thumb typing Town Meeting responses on their BlackBerries. Here is a sampling of the Site Visit to Davis County:
Loading the buses at the Salt Palace.
Mike, from Chevron, gives an intro as we entered the gates.
At the Chevron Refinery in North Salt Lake.
Cruising the Legacy Parkway, now under construction.
Future off-ramp for the new Legacy Parkway.
John Njord, Executive Director of UDOT, narrating the Legacy Parkway Experience
Davis County Commuter Rail! Cutting traffic time on a freeway near you.
DATC, exploring new ways to use composite materials. Senators Niederhauser, Stowell and Dmitrich having a great time. Melissa Niederhauser wonders what she's gotten herself into.
Senator Killpack shows Senator Dmitrich this 15.5 lb bicycle (very light) made of composite material.
Davis County Business Alliance presentation.
Who didn't get the memo to wear a white collared shirt and a black lanyard?
Senator Killpack talks about the Utah Composite Industry.
Hill Air Force Base presentation.
The bus took the scenic route through Hill Air Force Base. The white silos are full of corn.
Final stop . . . ATK Plant. Rockets. Very cool.
Concerning Vouchers
How are vouchers going to be given to parents, as a tax deduction, a payment of sorts or...?
If a tax deduction, how much will the deduction need to be to put the full promised monetary benefit into parents hands? If it is a payment of sorts won't it be taxable income, and again, how much will it need to be to put the full promised monetary benefit into parents hands?
Finally, how is the legislature-i.e. the taxpayer- going to pay for the voucher program? Please, no fuzzy math.
Thank you.
Ross McCollin
Staff Note: Good question. We'll get you a more complete answer. In the meantime, check out Steve Urquhart's post on vouchers. Check out his blog site too. Many of the details of the voucher program will be determined by the State School Board who has rule making authority pending the outcome of the November referendum vote.".
If a tax deduction, how much will the deduction need to be to put the full promised monetary benefit into parents hands? If it is a payment of sorts won't it be taxable income, and again, how much will it need to be to put the full promised monetary benefit into parents hands?
Finally, how is the legislature-i.e. the taxpayer- going to pay for the voucher program? Please, no fuzzy math.
Thank you.
Ross McCollin
Staff Note: Good question. We'll get you a more complete answer. In the meantime, check out Steve Urquhart's post on vouchers. Check out his blog site too. Many of the details of the voucher program will be determined by the State School Board who has rule making authority pending the outcome of the November referendum vote.".
Air Quality Issues
We're going to combine two posts on air quality and let Senator McCoy start the dialogue on both. Others may add comments as the Meeting progresses.
I agree with the Dr. Kanner that we have serious and growing air quality issues in the Salt Lake Valley. We have more and more red alert days each year in both the summer and winter. I personally support efforts to expand and improve access to mass transit. I believe that we need to explore things like increasing the gas tax and congestion pricing to cut down on gridlock and heavy traffic flow that contribute to the air quality issues. Also on red air quality days, I support reducing the speed limit in the valley to 55 mph. This more efficiently burns fuel and reduces harmful emissions. I also would support anti-idling legislation to prevent needless idling of vehicles, especially heavy trucks and buses. I support the expansion of light rail and the commuter rail line as a way to reduce vehicle traffic.
Tax incentives for low emission, high efficiency vehicles is valuable and should be expanded. As for high density zoning, in Salt Lake City, we a
Can the Legislature begin to address important issues related to the air quality problem along the Wasatch Front? We need measures to reduce automobile usage such as tax "rewards" for using bicycles, walking and mass transit. Also, areas around the railroad right of way (no rail line yet) should be zoned for high density housing, business offices and shopping malls so that more people will be encouraged to use mass transit.
Thank you.
Richard E. Kanner, MD
Sugarhouse
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This is a question for ALL the legislators, especially those who don't ordinarily think about these issues: What do you personally plan to do as an individual and as a legislator to improve the deadly air pollution in Utah?
Travis Anna Harvey
Mother and Co-Founder, Utah Moms for Clean Air
Brighton
I agree with the Dr. Kanner that we have serious and growing air quality issues in the Salt Lake Valley. We have more and more red alert days each year in both the summer and winter. I personally support efforts to expand and improve access to mass transit. I believe that we need to explore things like increasing the gas tax and congestion pricing to cut down on gridlock and heavy traffic flow that contribute to the air quality issues. Also on red air quality days, I support reducing the speed limit in the valley to 55 mph. This more efficiently burns fuel and reduces harmful emissions. I also would support anti-idling legislation to prevent needless idling of vehicles, especially heavy trucks and buses. I support the expansion of light rail and the commuter rail line as a way to reduce vehicle traffic.Tax incentives for low emission, high efficiency vehicles is valuable and should be expanded. As for high density zoning, in Salt Lake City, we a