posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:00 AM
3 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:36 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:34 AM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:54 PM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:42 PM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
7:20 PM
1 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:53 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:28 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:11 PM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
5:19 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
4:12 PM
2 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:55 PM
1 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:08 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:05 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:08 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:54 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:31 PM
2 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:09 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:47 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:33 PM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Senate Site at
12:27 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:23 PM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
10:54 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
10:52 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
10:51 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Senate Site at
10:00 AM
2 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:48 AM
2 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:31 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:30 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:51 AM
1 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:09 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:08 AM
0 Comments
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
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:01 AM
1 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:29 AM
0 Comments
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.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
10:00 PM
0 Comments
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.".
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:42 PM
0 Comments
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 are already doing this. In the city's Master Plan, the light rail corridor, specifically the 400 S. corridor, is zoned for high density residential along the light rail route. Other cities, should consider this as light rail expands in the valley. I also think that RDA's should be used to redevelop urban areas along light rail and bus routes as opposed to continuing to develop open spaces that are only
accessible by car.
A safe and comprehensive network of bike trails and dedicated bike lanes would help give people the ability to commute via bike.
Bottom line is we need to be bold and creative and work together to start modifying peoples' behavior and our living arrangements in order to balance our growing populations and the need to protect our health, environment and scares resources.
Scott McCoy
Utah State Senate, District 2
Logan is facing serious environment and air quality issues as well and I would support a good solution. I do feel some concern when we talk about becoming more "green."
I don't want the state to become too controlling with what are - or should be - mostly local issues. I believe that we have given local authorities the power to make the rules that work best for their areas in these policy areas. One rule would not work for the each area of the state. Also, the political will to raise taxes for any reason is rare, by either the Republicans or the Democrats.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senate, District 25
Another question on the same topic:
I appreciate your comment, Sara, but I still think Utah's energy policy takes a very balanced approach toward energy development and environmental sensitivity. It takes into consideration development of all of Utah's energy resources, including renewable energy, conventional sources (oil, gas, coal) and unconventional (oil shale, tar sands).
Responsible development of all these energy resources is needed to meet our nation's future energy needs and to create energy independence.
Roger Barrus
Utah State Representative, District 18
Thank you for your question. I'm Rep. Fred R Hunsaker from Logan. The Legislature has passed several bills dealing with air quality but we have much more to do.
In the 2005 session, I successfully sponsored a bill to reauthorize a tax incentive for purchasing new natural gas vehicles or converting used cars to natural gas. In the 2006 session, I sponsored a bill requiring all state agencies and institutions of higher education to develop plans to reduce the energy being used to heat and air condition the buildings. It passed, and plans have been developed with significant energy savings being realized. The state fleet was my focus in the 2007 session. We passed a bill requiring every state fleet manager to develop an appropriate plan for their needs to reduce the fuel consumption.
The purpose with the last two bills was for the state to take a leadership role by getting its own house in order. Much more needs to be done but we have made a good start.
Sincerely,
Fred R. Hunsaker
Utah State Representative, District 4
The single item impacting AIR QUALITY this summer (and almost every summer) are fires. Let me make the following points:
1. The fires this summer undoubtedly put more CO2 in the air than all the coal fired plants in Utah have during the whole last year.
2. Many of the particulates on the Wasatch Front originated south of that area and the winds from the south blow them to the front. Recent fires in Garfield County had strong impact on their economy due to a drop in visitation to Bryce Canyon due to smoke.
3. Five people died directly from the fires. Traffic was greatly interupted on I-15. Hundreds of cattle have burned to death. Wildlife in the state have been greatly disrupted. Some will die because of the lack of forage this winter
4. As I was driving home from the site visit, the wind was blowing huge dust storms into the air around Fillmore and Kanosh
5. I co-chair the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee. Last year we appropriated $8.5 million in supplemental (in addition to the $3 million plus which was already appropriated). Wild fire costs are increasing every year and will go up substantially again this year. Wildfire costs Utah Taxpayers alot of money. Think how much better it would be to put this money to human services programs such as education.
6. The fires this year will result in terrible degradation of water quality in the future.
What can we do about the fires? Is there a way to reduce their severity? You better believe it. We need to manage our lands. We need to use the land management tools: grazing, logging, controlled burns, chaining, and other proven techniques to remove more of the fuel to control wildfire.
This country is one of the few in the world that does not intensively manage our forests. I have lived in Europe for a total of 4 years and believe me they clean up every tree which falls and put it to good use.
These fires are controllable. Some of the side effects of controlling them are clean air, better water quality, safety for our citizens, and lower cost to Utah Taxpayers.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Actually, Dr. Moench and the Utah Doctors for Clean Air have asked me to run some very reasonable and logical legislation on the issue of clean air. I am currently in the process of doing that and have met with LRGC and others.
In board meetings with the Salt Lake Chamber, United Way, etc. I like to bring up the importance of clean air to economic development in Utah and to the health of our citizens. Environmental issues and, specifically, clean air are quickly emerging as some of the top issues that citizens want addressed right away. I'm hearing more and more of these concerns expressed in the public opinion research that I am involved with in my "other" job.
Patricia Jones
Utah State Senator, District 4
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
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 are already doing this. In the city's Master Plan, the light rail corridor, specifically the 400 S. corridor, is zoned for high density residential along the light rail route. Other cities, should consider this as light rail expands in the valley. I also think that RDA's should be used to redevelop urban areas along light rail and bus routes as opposed to continuing to develop open spaces that are only
accessible by car.
A safe and comprehensive network of bike trails and dedicated bike lanes would help give people the ability to commute via bike.
Bottom line is we need to be bold and creative and work together to start modifying peoples' behavior and our living arrangements in order to balance our growing populations and the need to protect our health, environment and scares resources.
Scott McCoy
Utah State Senate, District 2
Logan is facing serious environment and air quality issues as well and I would support a good solution. I do feel some concern when we talk about becoming more "green."I don't want the state to become too controlling with what are - or should be - mostly local issues. I believe that we have given local authorities the power to make the rules that work best for their areas in these policy areas. One rule would not work for the each area of the state. Also, the political will to raise taxes for any reason is rare, by either the Republicans or the Democrats.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senate, District 25
Another question on the same topic:
Utah has a serious air quality problem. Meanwhile, new coal fired power plants are being proposed and built without any real air quality oversight other than rubber stamping.
We are basically a rural/agrarian/national park state, and for Utah to destroy its air quality to produce electricity for export so a few millionaires can become billionaires, is not representing the best interests of the majority of the people of this state.
It's always the same old complaint... that legislators represent the few wealthy, rather than the majority of residents who don't make large donations to campaign funds. While many residents are not really aware of the selling of their clean air to enrich the few, as more children are born with health problems, or develop health problems from air pollution, parents will wake up and there will be consequences.
Meanwhile, Colorado and Texas and other states have begun to invest in clean, non polluting energy production that is bringing some real economic growth and prosperity to formerly destitute rural counties. Looking at the Utah Dept of Workforce Services website... I notice that Utah counties depending on black energy production are either stagnant or experiencing negative economic growth.
So far... no workers have been killed by any wind turbines. Coal, otoh, continues to take its toll on the working people of this state.
Gov. Huntsman seems to understand about air pollution and embracing clean technology. I suggest you support his progressive ideas. People are waking up and becoming more active in the political system of their communities, and the impact of their discontent will be apparent in upcoming elections.
Shape up, or voters will ship you out.
Sara Straw
Sevier County
I appreciate your comment, Sara, but I still think Utah's energy policy takes a very balanced approach toward energy development and environmental sensitivity. It takes into consideration development of all of Utah's energy resources, including renewable energy, conventional sources (oil, gas, coal) and unconventional (oil shale, tar sands).Responsible development of all these energy resources is needed to meet our nation's future energy needs and to create energy independence.
Roger Barrus
Utah State Representative, District 18
Thank you for your question. I'm Rep. Fred R Hunsaker from Logan. The Legislature has passed several bills dealing with air quality but we have much more to do.In the 2005 session, I successfully sponsored a bill to reauthorize a tax incentive for purchasing new natural gas vehicles or converting used cars to natural gas. In the 2006 session, I sponsored a bill requiring all state agencies and institutions of higher education to develop plans to reduce the energy being used to heat and air condition the buildings. It passed, and plans have been developed with significant energy savings being realized. The state fleet was my focus in the 2007 session. We passed a bill requiring every state fleet manager to develop an appropriate plan for their needs to reduce the fuel consumption.
The purpose with the last two bills was for the state to take a leadership role by getting its own house in order. Much more needs to be done but we have made a good start.
Sincerely,
Fred R. Hunsaker
Utah State Representative, District 4
The single item impacting AIR QUALITY this summer (and almost every summer) are fires. Let me make the following points:1. The fires this summer undoubtedly put more CO2 in the air than all the coal fired plants in Utah have during the whole last year.
2. Many of the particulates on the Wasatch Front originated south of that area and the winds from the south blow them to the front. Recent fires in Garfield County had strong impact on their economy due to a drop in visitation to Bryce Canyon due to smoke.
3. Five people died directly from the fires. Traffic was greatly interupted on I-15. Hundreds of cattle have burned to death. Wildlife in the state have been greatly disrupted. Some will die because of the lack of forage this winter
4. As I was driving home from the site visit, the wind was blowing huge dust storms into the air around Fillmore and Kanosh
5. I co-chair the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee. Last year we appropriated $8.5 million in supplemental (in addition to the $3 million plus which was already appropriated). Wild fire costs are increasing every year and will go up substantially again this year. Wildfire costs Utah Taxpayers alot of money. Think how much better it would be to put this money to human services programs such as education.
6. The fires this year will result in terrible degradation of water quality in the future.
What can we do about the fires? Is there a way to reduce their severity? You better believe it. We need to manage our lands. We need to use the land management tools: grazing, logging, controlled burns, chaining, and other proven techniques to remove more of the fuel to control wildfire.
This country is one of the few in the world that does not intensively manage our forests. I have lived in Europe for a total of 4 years and believe me they clean up every tree which falls and put it to good use.
These fires are controllable. Some of the side effects of controlling them are clean air, better water quality, safety for our citizens, and lower cost to Utah Taxpayers.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Actually, Dr. Moench and the Utah Doctors for Clean Air have asked me to run some very reasonable and logical legislation on the issue of clean air. I am currently in the process of doing that and have met with LRGC and others.In board meetings with the Salt Lake Chamber, United Way, etc. I like to bring up the importance of clean air to economic development in Utah and to the health of our citizens. Environmental issues and, specifically, clean air are quickly emerging as some of the top issues that citizens want addressed right away. I'm hearing more and more of these concerns expressed in the public opinion research that I am involved with in my "other" job.
Patricia Jones
Utah State Senator, District 4
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:03 PM
3 Comments
Salt Lake Bias?
The Legislature often seems to be biased against Salt Lake City, and likewise Salt Lake County but somewhat less often than the City. Why is that?
Like it or not, the majority of the state's population lives in this county. It looks like the "cowboy caucus" and Utah County carry more weight than their population would ordinarily give them.
Remember that there are more people here who are more diverse than most of the state.
By the way, I lived and worked in three different rural cities for about 13 years and know about rural issues - also grew up in a rural farming community in another state.
Ann Cheves
Retired
Salt Lake City
While it is true that Salt Lake County has more people than any other county, its population does not constitute a majority of the state's population. Quick facts: Salt Lake County comprises about 38% of the state population. The population of Salt Lake City is about 7% of the state population.
In a representative form of government, the makeup of the legislature generally mirrors the views of the population that elects them.
Interestingly, Utah County Legislators sometimes hear the same complaints. We complain that Salt Lake residents believe the state's southern border is the Point of the Mountain. Then we hear folks south of Utah County claiming we think the state stops at the "Payson Dixon" line!
My 7 years in the Senate has taught me that a lot of this is more perception than fact.
Curtis S. Bramble
Utah State Senator, District 16
Majority Leader
I quickly learned when I first came to the Legislature that the state consists of three areas: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and the rest of the world.
I sense that because of their numbers, Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County generally get what they want while the "rest of the world" has to give them some flack (before counting the votes as they lose). The other cities and counties are usually united so they are not the target. Also, the news media can highlight controversy to the point it creates an impression that the controversy is greater than it actually is.
Another factor could be that the Salt Lake area, because of its diversity, tends to have more turn over with its legislators, and new legislators are not as experienced in handling more controversial issues.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Very interesting question. This is masters thesis material. I can share a few brief thoughts: It is a mis-impression that all outside legislators hold a bias against Salt Lake City. We recently funded, for example, a number of projects in Salt Lake City including the Salt Palace expansion and the major railroad crossing on the west side. Salt Lake is the economic, cultural, and population epicenter of the state and we expect to help meet many of the needs here. Legislative power ebbs and flows. When Al Mansell was President of the Senate, both of his Majority Leaders were from Salt Lake. The Current Speaker of the House and House Budget Chair are both from Salt Lake County, as is a very capable coalition of legislators currently serving.
John Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Great question. Mayor Anderson's suit against UDOT, which delayed Legacy Highway construction created some animosity between the Legislature's Republican majority and the Mayor. The City certainly got painted with the same brush.
Moreover, the political reality is that Salt Lake City has elected only Democratic legislators. Democrats are a minority in both houses (20 of 75 in the House and 8 of 29 in the Senate). Most of the important decisions in the Legislature are guided, if not made, at the committee chair and majority leadership levels. Democrats hold none of these positions and thus have less influence than a Republican representative, especially one who serves as a committee chair or in majority leadership. This is no different than the dramatic power shift we saw occur in Washington in favor of the Democrats at the last Congressional election. The majority party controls the machinery which sets the agenda and ultimately makes the decisions for the entire body. Finally, no one can control the votes on the floor of the House and Senate. While you will see a lot of consensus votes in the Legislature on many bills, NO ONE has the power to tell any Representative or Senator how to vote. Thus, on a party line issue, which occurs from time to time, Salt Lake's being represented by the minority party puts it at a distinct disadvantage.
Please understand that I say all of this with the greatest esteem for my Democratic colleagues and mean no disrespect whatsoever to them or Salt Lake City. In my memory the Legislature was controlled by the Democrats. The worm may turn again someday. I simply speak frankly about the political realities inherent in our state and national systems--one now controlled by the Democratic Party and one by the Republican.
Best regards,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senator, District 22
Like it or not, the majority of the state's population lives in this county. It looks like the "cowboy caucus" and Utah County carry more weight than their population would ordinarily give them.
Remember that there are more people here who are more diverse than most of the state.
By the way, I lived and worked in three different rural cities for about 13 years and know about rural issues - also grew up in a rural farming community in another state.
Ann Cheves
Retired
Salt Lake City
While it is true that Salt Lake County has more people than any other county, its population does not constitute a majority of the state's population. Quick facts: Salt Lake County comprises about 38% of the state population. The population of Salt Lake City is about 7% of the state population.In a representative form of government, the makeup of the legislature generally mirrors the views of the population that elects them.
Interestingly, Utah County Legislators sometimes hear the same complaints. We complain that Salt Lake residents believe the state's southern border is the Point of the Mountain. Then we hear folks south of Utah County claiming we think the state stops at the "Payson Dixon" line!
My 7 years in the Senate has taught me that a lot of this is more perception than fact.
Curtis S. Bramble
Utah State Senator, District 16
Majority Leader
I quickly learned when I first came to the Legislature that the state consists of three areas: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and the rest of the world.I sense that because of their numbers, Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County generally get what they want while the "rest of the world" has to give them some flack (before counting the votes as they lose). The other cities and counties are usually united so they are not the target. Also, the news media can highlight controversy to the point it creates an impression that the controversy is greater than it actually is.
Another factor could be that the Salt Lake area, because of its diversity, tends to have more turn over with its legislators, and new legislators are not as experienced in handling more controversial issues.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Very interesting question. This is masters thesis material. I can share a few brief thoughts: It is a mis-impression that all outside legislators hold a bias against Salt Lake City. We recently funded, for example, a number of projects in Salt Lake City including the Salt Palace expansion and the major railroad crossing on the west side. Salt Lake is the economic, cultural, and population epicenter of the state and we expect to help meet many of the needs here. Legislative power ebbs and flows. When Al Mansell was President of the Senate, both of his Majority Leaders were from Salt Lake. The Current Speaker of the House and House Budget Chair are both from Salt Lake County, as is a very capable coalition of legislators currently serving.John Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Great question. Mayor Anderson's suit against UDOT, which delayed Legacy Highway construction created some animosity between the Legislature's Republican majority and the Mayor. The City certainly got painted with the same brush.Moreover, the political reality is that Salt Lake City has elected only Democratic legislators. Democrats are a minority in both houses (20 of 75 in the House and 8 of 29 in the Senate). Most of the important decisions in the Legislature are guided, if not made, at the committee chair and majority leadership levels. Democrats hold none of these positions and thus have less influence than a Republican representative, especially one who serves as a committee chair or in majority leadership. This is no different than the dramatic power shift we saw occur in Washington in favor of the Democrats at the last Congressional election. The majority party controls the machinery which sets the agenda and ultimately makes the decisions for the entire body. Finally, no one can control the votes on the floor of the House and Senate. While you will see a lot of consensus votes in the Legislature on many bills, NO ONE has the power to tell any Representative or Senator how to vote. Thus, on a party line issue, which occurs from time to time, Salt Lake's being represented by the minority party puts it at a distinct disadvantage.
Please understand that I say all of this with the greatest esteem for my Democratic colleagues and mean no disrespect whatsoever to them or Salt Lake City. In my memory the Legislature was controlled by the Democrats. The worm may turn again someday. I simply speak frankly about the political realities inherent in our state and national systems--one now controlled by the Democratic Party and one by the Republican.
Best regards,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senator, District 22
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
5:36 PM
0 Comments
HPV Shot
Why don't you fund giving all girls the HPV prevention shot? Why do you punish people for being female? If this were a disease that only affected males, you know you'd have funded it long ago. Have the guts to be fair and protect all girls from this preventable cancer!!!
Connie Blaine
Holladay
I'm sure I cannot answer that to your satisfaction. With more time, we could discuss the issue. Here are some preliminary thoughts posted on the run.
1. We did fund an education program.
2. We do not pay for other preventive tests such as newborn tests. They are required but the state does not foot the bill.
3. We don't pay for prostate testing.
Carlene Walker
Utah State Senate, District 8
Connie Blaine
Holladay
I'm sure I cannot answer that to your satisfaction. With more time, we could discuss the issue. Here are some preliminary thoughts posted on the run.1. We did fund an education program.
2. We do not pay for other preventive tests such as newborn tests. They are required but the state does not foot the bill.
3. We don't pay for prostate testing.
Carlene Walker
Utah State Senate, District 8
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
5:13 PM
0 Comments
Distribution of Sales Tax
It can be difficult to strike a balance between a community's desire to be "bedroom" and the financial pressures that come from not having a large retail tax base. The difficulty is exacerbated as neighboring cities attract and build large retail shopping centers where our citizens will now go instead of shopping locally.
What is being done to provide a healthier distribution of the sales tax that comes back to municipalities (weighting the distribution of point-of-sale versus population, etc.)?
Chris Snell
Kaysville City Council
You have asked a question that has divided cities and taxing entities for decades. The sales tax distribution formula has changed several times in the last 20 years. In the 2006 and 2007 sessions, the legislature modified the archaic hold harmless formula to phase it out. With that change, a more fair distribution of sales tax revenues is now in place.
As to the more emotional question, there have been significant discussions as to going towards distribution based on population. Some cities and counties strongly support that, while others fervently oppose changing the formula.
Until the city and county associations come to an agreement on principles, I doubt the legislature will make statutory changes. The cities will continue to compete as they do now.
Wayne Harper
Utah State Representative, District 43
What is being done to provide a healthier distribution of the sales tax that comes back to municipalities (weighting the distribution of point-of-sale versus population, etc.)?
Chris Snell
Kaysville City Council
You have asked a question that has divided cities and taxing entities for decades. The sales tax distribution formula has changed several times in the last 20 years. In the 2006 and 2007 sessions, the legislature modified the archaic hold harmless formula to phase it out. With that change, a more fair distribution of sales tax revenues is now in place.As to the more emotional question, there have been significant discussions as to going towards distribution based on population. Some cities and counties strongly support that, while others fervently oppose changing the formula.
Until the city and county associations come to an agreement on principles, I doubt the legislature will make statutory changes. The cities will continue to compete as they do now.
Wayne Harper
Utah State Representative, District 43
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
5:02 PM
0 Comments
Fireworks Ban
This question was phoned in:
I would support a state-wide ban on personal fireworks displays. I have concerns about the fire risks and the personal injuries that result from personal fireworks. A close friend of mine lost an eye to a bottle rocket when we were freshman in college. It was tragic. I believe that professional displays can be controlled and regulated to be safe and think that those are appropriate. So, generally, I am with Governor Huntsman and Ms. Eframo in supporting a fireworks ban.
Scott D. McCoy
Utah State Senator, District 2
We may be able to provide safety by being more restrictive but I would need more information before voting to ban all fireworks.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Great question, Alexandra, especially in a year like this one.
I would support a state law that upholds the right of a local community to ban all fireworks within their community. Some places - such as those bordering foothills and highly flammable areas - need the ability to protect people and property.
The tradition of celebrating our county's independence with fireworks ("great lights, bonfires and tumultuous noise" says John Adams) goes back to the days of our founders. Let's make certain it is used in a safe and appropriate manner. I would like to see stronger enforcement of illegal fireworks and fireworks used in inappropriate areas, but I'm not ready to impose a statewide ban. Let local people and communities govern themselves appropriately.
John Valentine
Utah State Senator, District 14
President of the Utah Senate
The State has already banned the type of fireworks that cause most of the fires. Bottle rockets and mortar fireworks pose the greatest risk. I am a firm believer in local controls. If a city or county feels that fireworks pose a fire risk, they can ban fireworks. The state should pass as few mandates as possible to local governments, and local governments know best as to what policies are necessary for public safety.
Paul Ray
Utah State Representative, District 13
Would legislators be willing to support a total ban on fireworks, with the exception of stadium controlled fireworks displays? Concerns: Utah is the 2nd driest state in the nation, fireworks have started fires and contribute to pollution, and other safety issues.
Alexandra Eframo
I would support a state-wide ban on personal fireworks displays. I have concerns about the fire risks and the personal injuries that result from personal fireworks. A close friend of mine lost an eye to a bottle rocket when we were freshman in college. It was tragic. I believe that professional displays can be controlled and regulated to be safe and think that those are appropriate. So, generally, I am with Governor Huntsman and Ms. Eframo in supporting a fireworks ban.Scott D. McCoy
Utah State Senator, District 2
We may be able to provide safety by being more restrictive but I would need more information before voting to ban all fireworks.Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Great question, Alexandra, especially in a year like this one.I would support a state law that upholds the right of a local community to ban all fireworks within their community. Some places - such as those bordering foothills and highly flammable areas - need the ability to protect people and property.
The tradition of celebrating our county's independence with fireworks ("great lights, bonfires and tumultuous noise" says John Adams) goes back to the days of our founders. Let's make certain it is used in a safe and appropriate manner. I would like to see stronger enforcement of illegal fireworks and fireworks used in inappropriate areas, but I'm not ready to impose a statewide ban. Let local people and communities govern themselves appropriately.
John Valentine
Utah State Senator, District 14
President of the Utah Senate
The State has already banned the type of fireworks that cause most of the fires. Bottle rockets and mortar fireworks pose the greatest risk. I am a firm believer in local controls. If a city or county feels that fireworks pose a fire risk, they can ban fireworks. The state should pass as few mandates as possible to local governments, and local governments know best as to what policies are necessary for public safety. Paul Ray
Utah State Representative, District 13
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
4:43 PM
0 Comments
Voucher Question
My question concerns the voucher bill. How can lawmakers justify diverting taxpayer money to private schools if these private institutions are not held to the same performance and assessment standards as public schools under federal No Child Left Behind guidelines?
Susan
Salt Lake County
Rather than make private schools adopt the performance criteria of public schools, a much better thing for our students would be if the public schools adopted private school accountability measures. But the public schools would never allow that to happen.
Currently, any family that has the money to do so, can send their children to private schools. If they don't think the school is doing a good job, they can go elsewhere. If, however, a child from a family of limited means falls through the cracks in our public system (think, for example, of a child that is constantly bullied), private school typically is not an option -- unless the parents work 2 or 3 jobs. The voucher program is intended to provide a little assistance to anyone who determines a private school might better meet the needs of their child. The amount of assistance ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on a family's income. As I have discussed at www.steveu.com, the program saves the state a lot of money -- that then can be distributed to meet the needs of children remaining in the public system.
In establishing the voucher program, criteria was set up that private schools must meet to receive voucher money. As you correctly note, private and public schools have differing operational models and, thus, differing requirements. You mentioned No Child Left Behind requirements.
Part of the reason that some parents are attracted to private schools is that the teachers and schools ultimately are much more accountable than public schools. In private schools, teacher pay and continued employment often is based on results. They perform well, and they get paid. The perform poorly, and they are shown the door. Some one can correct me if I'm wrong. But I don't believe merit pay or at-will contracts for teachers with any degree of experience are found in any of the districts in Utah. As a result, teacher performance is not as critical in the public schools for continued employment. Sad, but all too true. To match their children with teachers who are paid to get results, many parents are willing to pay twice (once to the public schools through their taxes and once to the private schools through tuition).
I would agree with you, if you believe that public schools have too many hoops to jump through. However, agreement on a principle and a feasible remedy are two different things. Clear and accurate accountability exists through merit pay and at-will contracting. If public education will not allow such a straight forward system, then something has to be devised. Though it is a poor substitute, elaborate (but weak) performance and assessment measures are utilized in the public schools. I'd love to do away with them, in place of straight-forward performance based pay, but the education establishment is too strong to give parents and students that reward.
Without better accountability in the public schools -- and pay based on performance -- we will continue to lose too many potentially excellent teachers. If the excellent ones get paid the same as the worst ones, the excellent ones become discouraged. And, as many voucher opponents understand, without direct accountability in the public system, parents likewise become discouraged and seek other options directed toward good results.
Stephen Urquhart
Utah State Representative, District 75
Chairman of the House Rules Committee
Susan
Salt Lake County
Rather than make private schools adopt the performance criteria of public schools, a much better thing for our students would be if the public schools adopted private school accountability measures. But the public schools would never allow that to happen.Currently, any family that has the money to do so, can send their children to private schools. If they don't think the school is doing a good job, they can go elsewhere. If, however, a child from a family of limited means falls through the cracks in our public system (think, for example, of a child that is constantly bullied), private school typically is not an option -- unless the parents work 2 or 3 jobs. The voucher program is intended to provide a little assistance to anyone who determines a private school might better meet the needs of their child. The amount of assistance ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on a family's income. As I have discussed at www.steveu.com, the program saves the state a lot of money -- that then can be distributed to meet the needs of children remaining in the public system.
In establishing the voucher program, criteria was set up that private schools must meet to receive voucher money. As you correctly note, private and public schools have differing operational models and, thus, differing requirements. You mentioned No Child Left Behind requirements.
Part of the reason that some parents are attracted to private schools is that the teachers and schools ultimately are much more accountable than public schools. In private schools, teacher pay and continued employment often is based on results. They perform well, and they get paid. The perform poorly, and they are shown the door. Some one can correct me if I'm wrong. But I don't believe merit pay or at-will contracts for teachers with any degree of experience are found in any of the districts in Utah. As a result, teacher performance is not as critical in the public schools for continued employment. Sad, but all too true. To match their children with teachers who are paid to get results, many parents are willing to pay twice (once to the public schools through their taxes and once to the private schools through tuition).
I would agree with you, if you believe that public schools have too many hoops to jump through. However, agreement on a principle and a feasible remedy are two different things. Clear and accurate accountability exists through merit pay and at-will contracting. If public education will not allow such a straight forward system, then something has to be devised. Though it is a poor substitute, elaborate (but weak) performance and assessment measures are utilized in the public schools. I'd love to do away with them, in place of straight-forward performance based pay, but the education establishment is too strong to give parents and students that reward.
Without better accountability in the public schools -- and pay based on performance -- we will continue to lose too many potentially excellent teachers. If the excellent ones get paid the same as the worst ones, the excellent ones become discouraged. And, as many voucher opponents understand, without direct accountability in the public system, parents likewise become discouraged and seek other options directed toward good results.
Stephen Urquhart
Utah State Representative, District 75
Chairman of the House Rules Committee
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
4:21 PM
2 Comments
Tired of the Sagebrush Rebellion
Stop catering to the sagebrush rebellion nuts and protect the land for our children. I always vote.
Connie Blaine
Holladay
Connie Blaine
Holladay
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:59 PM
0 Comments
The South West Corner of the Valley
With the explosive growth taking place in the South West corner of the Salt Lake Valley, how big of a priority is it to the Legislature to fund a new West Bench stretch of freeway without resorting to the toll road temptation -- which, as you know, is evil?
How about the funding of new Trax lines throughout the valley? Are they coming sooner than later?
Thank you very much!
A.W.
Salt Lake Valley
Funding the Mountain View Corridor is critical to many of us. We took a big step forward last session by approving 2 bonds that will allow UDOT to buy the right of way and plan for the construction of the first phase. We also passed a bill that reallocates existing revenue sources to fund the highway.
We are also looking at options to work with UTA to plan for light rail and other mass transit on the MV highway and other places.
Wayne Harper
Utah State Representative, District 43
Note: Other legislator responses are in the works. We will add them here as they become available.
How about the funding of new Trax lines throughout the valley? Are they coming sooner than later?
Thank you very much!
A.W.
Salt Lake Valley
Funding the Mountain View Corridor is critical to many of us. We took a big step forward last session by approving 2 bonds that will allow UDOT to buy the right of way and plan for the construction of the first phase. We also passed a bill that reallocates existing revenue sources to fund the highway.We are also looking at options to work with UTA to plan for light rail and other mass transit on the MV highway and other places.
Wayne Harper
Utah State Representative, District 43
Note: Other legislator responses are in the works. We will add them here as they become available.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:46 PM
0 Comments
Judicial Retention Elections
To Senator Buttars: You've been expressing dismay with our judicial retention elections for more than a year, so I assume that you have something specific in mind. What changes to the process do you anticipate proposing in the upcoming legislative session?
Voice of Utah
Salt Lake County
This is Representative Oda responding. I work with Chris Buttars as the co-chair of the Task Force from the House.
Senator Buttars' concern is that the current voter information booklet is useless to the average voter. It is confusing and poorly designed. Voters should have access to the best information available in order to vote responsibly. How often do we hear voters say that they simply vote "no" on every judge because they don't know enough about them? Our mission is to improve the information given to voters in the packet while preserving the ability to keep good judges. We are also looking at the process by which the information is gathered.
Thanks for your inquiry,
Curt Oda
Utah State Representative, District 14
Voice of Utah
Salt Lake County
This is Representative Oda responding. I work with Chris Buttars as the co-chair of the Task Force from the House.Senator Buttars' concern is that the current voter information booklet is useless to the average voter. It is confusing and poorly designed. Voters should have access to the best information available in order to vote responsibly. How often do we hear voters say that they simply vote "no" on every judge because they don't know enough about them? Our mission is to improve the information given to voters in the packet while preserving the ability to keep good judges. We are also looking at the process by which the information is gathered.
Thanks for your inquiry,
Curt Oda
Utah State Representative, District 14
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:45 PM
0 Comments
International Trade Issues
What should we do about the Security and Prosperity Partnership or SPP? I delivered, with about 20 citizens, records to President Valentine a few months ago. Several states have sponsored legislation or resolutions demanding congressional oversight.
What should we do about identity theft and the cost of illegal immigration in our schools, social services, crime and exploding illegal gang influence in Utah?
What do you think of this youtube video?
Finally, Should Utah continue to be a magnet state for the invasion and a possible haven for OTM pretending to be Mexicans and Salt Lake become a Sanctuary City?
Norman Davis
International Corp Mng
Salt Lake City
Utah has recently established an International Trade Commission (UITC). Of more concern than the SPP are trade agreements that are empowered by international courts that can require a country, after the court process, to pay large monetary or trade compensations. Trade agreements can usurp state and local authority.
Members of the Utah Legislature do not support anything resembling a North American union. However, trade agreements have the potential to have more problems than the SPP. We encourage you to study these issues, as we are, and share your recommendations. Particularly study the investor provisions and requirements that federal, state, and local regulations are no more burdensome than necessary.
We support international trade. It is important to Utah. But trade agreements should be scrutinized and state, local, and individual rights should be protected. Keep paying attention.
Sheryl Allen
Utah State Representative, District 19
What should we do about identity theft and the cost of illegal immigration in our schools, social services, crime and exploding illegal gang influence in Utah?
What do you think of this youtube video?
Finally, Should Utah continue to be a magnet state for the invasion and a possible haven for OTM pretending to be Mexicans and Salt Lake become a Sanctuary City?
Norman Davis
International Corp Mng
Salt Lake City
Utah has recently established an International Trade Commission (UITC). Of more concern than the SPP are trade agreements that are empowered by international courts that can require a country, after the court process, to pay large monetary or trade compensations. Trade agreements can usurp state and local authority.Members of the Utah Legislature do not support anything resembling a North American union. However, trade agreements have the potential to have more problems than the SPP. We encourage you to study these issues, as we are, and share your recommendations. Particularly study the investor provisions and requirements that federal, state, and local regulations are no more burdensome than necessary.
We support international trade. It is important to Utah. But trade agreements should be scrutinized and state, local, and individual rights should be protected. Keep paying attention.
Sheryl Allen
Utah State Representative, District 19
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:16 PM
0 Comments
Small Business Owners
I work for a small business. Why doesn't the Legislature consider small business employers to participate in State Health Insurance Coverage? This is a huge issue with small business owners bottom line. Governor Huntsman should take a serious look at what he can do to help this situation.
Melanie Asher
Davis County
I agree. We have been meeting with members of the business community and Department of Health and Human Services to find a solution that includes small businesses.
As you know, this is a difficult issue that has tremendous costs so we would welcome any suggestions.
David Clark
House Majority Leader
Melanie Asher
Davis County
I agree. We have been meeting with members of the business community and Department of Health and Human Services to find a solution that includes small businesses.As you know, this is a difficult issue that has tremendous costs so we would welcome any suggestions.
David Clark
House Majority Leader
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:05 PM
0 Comments
Corridor Preservation
If the legacy north road is not to be built for 20 to 30 years how can the state prevent a land owner from selling their land for development? The actual place of the road is not set. It is only proposed. With what happened with the current segment, the legacy alignment will very well be changed. Because of the proposed alignment Layton city will not let development on that part of the property. Thus a lesser value for the property.
Donald Neville
Retired
Kaysville
The question really hits a key problem with road expansion. The sooner we can establish the road alignment, the better everyone is. The state can buy the roadway and the landowner can move on with their plans. Sometimes the state can buy the land and then resell it if the roadway is later changed. We have set money aside in this year's budget for right of way acquisition to help reduce this problem and avoid the rising costs of the land that comes with natural growth and improvement.
Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Co-Chair of Executive Appropriations
Corridor preservation and right of way acquisition continues to be a significant challenge for the state. Because of all of the federal environmental requirements and other planning issues, knowing the exact alignment of a roadway that is planned for the future is almost impossible. Utah State DOT along with the counties, cities, and planning organizations, work together to create long range plans. The local governments use those plans and maps to preserve corridors for the future.
The greatest challenge lies in our ability as government entities to balance the rights of the landowners and developers with those of the taxpayers. Appropriate and justified compensation for landowners is a must. But the taxpayers should not be expected to pay excessive amounts for needed infrastructure that benefits the society as a whole. The importance of long range planning cannot be understated. These plans put all parties on notice concerning the future.
The worst scenario is one where the taxpayers must buy multiple homes and/or businesses, which causes personal upheaval for many families, because long range plans were not in place or followed by local governments. This issue will be an ongoing challenge as we tackle the infrastructure needs in Utah.
Rebecca Lockhart
Utah State Representative, District 64
House Vice Chair of Executive Appropriations
Mr. Neville, excellent question about which we have spent a lot of time and effort. You're exactly right. While the corridor is generally known, a city has no authority to deny development applications on private ground which may ultimately be the site of Legacy North. Thus, we have voted in Davis County for some set-aside money through auto registration fees to be used for corridor preservation. Moreover, we are seeking additional monies from the state to acquire a corridor. This is problematic, however, because UDOT can't spend money on roads which are not on the Wasatch Front's 2030 plan. So we are working to get Legacy North on that plan. Because UDOT has recently identified a new alignment for the junction of Legacy North with I-15 in Farmington, this will entail the acquisition of property now under development or under application for development.
It's these kind of conflicts that foresightful planning, as you envision, will avoid.
Best,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senate, District 22
Let me just add that neither the state nor UDOT can prevent the sale or development of property based on the potential of a future right-of-way issue. If a landowner is kept from doing this, the government must purchase the land under a law referred to as "inverse condemnation."
Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
Donald Neville
Retired
Kaysville
The question really hits a key problem with road expansion. The sooner we can establish the road alignment, the better everyone is. The state can buy the roadway and the landowner can move on with their plans. Sometimes the state can buy the land and then resell it if the roadway is later changed. We have set money aside in this year's budget for right of way acquisition to help reduce this problem and avoid the rising costs of the land that comes with natural growth and improvement.Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25
Co-Chair of Executive Appropriations
Corridor preservation and right of way acquisition continues to be a significant challenge for the state. Because of all of the federal environmental requirements and other planning issues, knowing the exact alignment of a roadway that is planned for the future is almost impossible. Utah State DOT along with the counties, cities, and planning organizations, work together to create long range plans. The local governments use those plans and maps to preserve corridors for the future.The greatest challenge lies in our ability as government entities to balance the rights of the landowners and developers with those of the taxpayers. Appropriate and justified compensation for landowners is a must. But the taxpayers should not be expected to pay excessive amounts for needed infrastructure that benefits the society as a whole. The importance of long range planning cannot be understated. These plans put all parties on notice concerning the future.
The worst scenario is one where the taxpayers must buy multiple homes and/or businesses, which causes personal upheaval for many families, because long range plans were not in place or followed by local governments. This issue will be an ongoing challenge as we tackle the infrastructure needs in Utah.
Rebecca Lockhart
Utah State Representative, District 64
House Vice Chair of Executive Appropriations
Mr. Neville, excellent question about which we have spent a lot of time and effort. You're exactly right. While the corridor is generally known, a city has no authority to deny development applications on private ground which may ultimately be the site of Legacy North. Thus, we have voted in Davis County for some set-aside money through auto registration fees to be used for corridor preservation. Moreover, we are seeking additional monies from the state to acquire a corridor. This is problematic, however, because UDOT can't spend money on roads which are not on the Wasatch Front's 2030 plan. So we are working to get Legacy North on that plan. Because UDOT has recently identified a new alignment for the junction of Legacy North with I-15 in Farmington, this will entail the acquisition of property now under development or under application for development.It's these kind of conflicts that foresightful planning, as you envision, will avoid.
Best,
Greg Bell
Utah State Senate, District 22
Let me just add that neither the state nor UDOT can prevent the sale or development of property based on the potential of a future right-of-way issue. If a landowner is kept from doing this, the government must purchase the land under a law referred to as "inverse condemnation."Dan Eastman
Senate Majority Whip
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:44 PM
0 Comments
North Salt Lake Ideas
There is frustration in my community that we continue to have our taxes increased for transportation, rec centers and now a proposed theater all located north of NSL.We are negatively impacted by the refineries who have avoided local taxation by being in Davis County.With their profits being so high, and with the reality of global warming, isn't it time for all levels of government to come together to address our baren community?
Centennial farms is located just west of the major refiners. They have considerable land that surounds ther facilities. Trees are the single best resource to reduce the impact of their own emmissions and those of the surrounding freeways. Could you develop a way to have Chevron and flying J to allow centennial farms to plant fruit producing trees and farms on there land to green up this are and increase farming locally? Boston just recieved 15 million dollars from the national forest service to do a similar project in Boston.
Also the I-15- I-215 interchange is ranked the 98th worst interchange in the country. The trafffic congestion is unreal. Can you help to move this up on the list of priorities?
Thank you for providing this forum.
Linda Fox
Real Estate Developer
North Salt Lake
You wrote "trees are the single best resource to reduce the impact of ... the surrounding freeways." Participants in the recent trip to China observed thousands of trees being planted along the freeways in China. Senator Dmitrich and I have talked about running a bill in 2008 to do that in Utah. Because of the runoff from the asphalt, there is extra moisture along the freeway. If you have information about how successful that kind of effort would be I would love to see it. Thank you for your thoughts.
Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
Centennial farms is located just west of the major refiners. They have considerable land that surounds ther facilities. Trees are the single best resource to reduce the impact of their own emmissions and those of the surrounding freeways. Could you develop a way to have Chevron and flying J to allow centennial farms to plant fruit producing trees and farms on there land to green up this are and increase farming locally? Boston just recieved 15 million dollars from the national forest service to do a similar project in Boston.
Also the I-15- I-215 interchange is ranked the 98th worst interchange in the country. The trafffic congestion is unreal. Can you help to move this up on the list of priorities?
Thank you for providing this forum.
Linda Fox
Real Estate Developer
North Salt Lake
You wrote "trees are the single best resource to reduce the impact of ... the surrounding freeways." Participants in the recent trip to China observed thousands of trees being planted along the freeways in China. Senator Dmitrich and I have talked about running a bill in 2008 to do that in Utah. Because of the runoff from the asphalt, there is extra moisture along the freeway. If you have information about how successful that kind of effort would be I would love to see it. Thank you for your thoughts.Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:43 PM
0 Comments
Statement on Constitutional Issues
Ms. Jean called in and asked us to post the following statement verbatim:
Please read 9 & 10 of the U.S. Bill of Rights because every state legislature and every state has a right and an obligation to challenge Congress, those elected to Congress, and the President of the United States if they are unconstitutional or commit unconstitutional acts, which they have.
Why can't our state legislature be constitutional enough to impeach Bush and Cheney? Every state is a principal and the federal government is an agent. We are not supposed to be a democracy, we are a republic. Why can't our high schools have a permanent ongoing class on the subject of the Constitution, where every student has to pass a test on the Constitution. Same with Hispanics. All Hispanics would have to pass a test on the Constitution to become citizens.
Ms. Jean
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:43 PM
0 Comments
Individual Advancement vs. Community Responsibility
I was very disappointed at the 2007 Legislature's narrow passage of legislation enabling school vouchers. I am most concerned at the underlying principle the legislation supports, which appears to abandon community responsibility for the sake of individual advancement. Rather than seeing the aim of public funding of education as to provide excellent education for all students, vouchers support a me first principle that says to parents, "You find the best possible education for your child, and forget the rest." I would like to hear legislators' responses this concern.
Kathryn Fitzgerald
I am a parent whose children attended public Salt Lake City schools throughout their education.
Salt Lake City
Kathryn Fitzgerald
I am a parent whose children attended public Salt Lake City schools throughout their education.
Salt Lake City
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:21 PM
0 Comments
HPV Vaccination
There is now a vaccination that is available, which helps prevent the spread of the HPV virus that is the cause some types of cervical cancer. My question is, wouldn't it be in the best interest of the State to insure that this treatment is available to all girls?
Susan Atkin
Salt Lake County
Susan Atkin
Salt Lake County
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
2:07 PM
0 Comments
Senior Fun Pass
Several years ago when the State was in financial difficulty the Senior Fun Pass was eliminated saying the State did not have funds & indications were made that it would be restored when funding permitted. Although considered in the last session it was not enacted. Many Seniors have have paid over the years to establish, improve and maintain the parks. Now various things including increased fixed incomes, high travel expenses and entrance fees have made it more and more difficult for Seniors to participate in the legacy of State Parks they helped to establish.
WILL CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO RESTORING THE SENIOR PASS TO STATE PARKS?
It is wonderful when people can get out of the developed city areas and visit the State Parks around the State. I think it should be one of the priorities to keep the promise that was made now that the State is more financially sound.
L A Peterson
Senior
WILL CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO RESTORING THE SENIOR PASS TO STATE PARKS?
It is wonderful when people can get out of the developed city areas and visit the State Parks around the State. I think it should be one of the priorities to keep the promise that was made now that the State is more financially sound.
L A Peterson
Senior
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:49 PM
0 Comments
Climate Change
I support the Governor's initiative to positively impact climate change. How is the leadership of the legislature prepared to address our health-harming air pollution (at times, the 5th worst in the nation!)? We all want Utah to be a safe and friendly place to live. I would urge the legislators to financially incentivize steps to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Some ideas: reducing the speed limit on high pollution days, no idling, improving traffic flow through more cloverleafs, roundabouts etc and fewer lights, better structured new developments where people are within walking/biking distance from the essentials like groceries, investing in renewable energies, (not to include "clean coal"), avoiding any new coal plants, incentivizing high mileage cars through tax breaks, etc.
Thank you for taking the issue of our air pollution and the health of our citizens into consideration.
You have received the following at 08/15/2007 01:36 PM
Karin Lee
Physician and member of Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment
& Utah Moms for clean air
East Liberty Park
Some ideas: reducing the speed limit on high pollution days, no idling, improving traffic flow through more cloverleafs, roundabouts etc and fewer lights, better structured new developments where people are within walking/biking distance from the essentials like groceries, investing in renewable energies, (not to include "clean coal"), avoiding any new coal plants, incentivizing high mileage cars through tax breaks, etc.
Thank you for taking the issue of our air pollution and the health of our citizens into consideration.
You have received the following at 08/15/2007 01:36 PM
Karin Lee
Physician and member of Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment
& Utah Moms for clean air
East Liberty Park
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:36 PM
0 Comments
Budget Issues
I would like to know why the state legislature always gives most of the surplus tax money to schools (administrators). I don't think we should have to pay for illegal immigrant children's education.... Now is the time to put the excess toward fixing our overpasses and bridges that are crumbling in the state.
Melanie Asher
Davis County
Appreciate your comments, Melanie. The Legislature tries to balance all of the competing needs in the state. This last session we gave our public education system a huge increase, the largest in the history of the state. In addition, we gave our teachers a $2,500 ongoing bonus and a $1,000 onetime bonus.
In addition, we gave a significant increase to our state's transportation needs including overpasses and bridges.
Although there has been a lot of money flowing into state coffers the last few years, thanks to this wonderful economy and the hard work of our citizens, we continue to pass responsible budgets that address these pressing needs and lower taxes on our citizens.
Greg Curtis
Speaker of the Utah State House of Representatives
Great question. Perhaps you are aware of the recent audit indicating that Utah spends approximately $85 million educating illegal immigrants. The audit does not include children born here to parents of illegal immigrants. Because of failed federal immigration policy the state is having to absorb these costs. We are sending a letter to the federal government with the audit, asking that they reimburse the state for costs we have absorbed. No one is saying we should not be educating children. If the federal government has caused the problem, however, they should be liable.
Margaret Dayton
Utah State Senator, District 15
Melanie Asher
Davis County
Appreciate your comments, Melanie. The Legislature tries to balance all of the competing needs in the state. This last session we gave our public education system a huge increase, the largest in the history of the state. In addition, we gave our teachers a $2,500 ongoing bonus and a $1,000 onetime bonus.In addition, we gave a significant increase to our state's transportation needs including overpasses and bridges.
Although there has been a lot of money flowing into state coffers the last few years, thanks to this wonderful economy and the hard work of our citizens, we continue to pass responsible budgets that address these pressing needs and lower taxes on our citizens.
Greg Curtis
Speaker of the Utah State House of Representatives
Great question. Perhaps you are aware of the recent audit indicating that Utah spends approximately $85 million educating illegal immigrants. The audit does not include children born here to parents of illegal immigrants. Because of failed federal immigration policy the state is having to absorb these costs. We are sending a letter to the federal government with the audit, asking that they reimburse the state for costs we have absorbed. No one is saying we should not be educating children. If the federal government has caused the problem, however, they should be liable. Margaret Dayton
Utah State Senator, District 15
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:26 PM
1 Comments
Low Income Housing
There is a chronic need for low income affordable housing. Do you support a substantial one time appropriation of $25 million to the Walker Housing Trust Fund?
Tim Funk
Administrator,
Salt lake
Tim Funk
Administrator,
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:00 PM
0 Comments
Thank You
Just a comment: Thanks for coming to see us in Davis and Salt Lake Counties. Although I now work for the Salt Lake Chamber, I lived in Bountiful for all of my college years. My father still lives there. I love both communities and together they provide the largest economic base in the state.
Robin Riggs
Salt Lake and Davis Counties
Robin - Thank you for rolling out the welcome mat. We appreciate the hard work and support of the Chamber of Commerce.
John Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
Robin Riggs
Salt Lake and Davis Counties
Robin - Thank you for rolling out the welcome mat. We appreciate the hard work and support of the Chamber of Commerce.John Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:28 PM
0 Comments
Air Quality
Why don't you get serious about air quality in this state? I'm considering moving away for this very reason, and I don't want to. Please, please, PLEASE do something!
Here are some ideas: Impose vehicle taxation, registration and inspection fees based on the weight of the vehicle. Offer incentives to purchasers of automobiles that get 30 or more MPG. Use transportation money on PUBLIC transportation that is accessible and inexpensive, not primarily on road construction. Impose tolls on any new highways. Help communities to fund separate, functional bike lanes and pedestrian paths throughout the Wasatch Front in order to encourage people to get out of their cars. Impose greater taxes on recreational vehicles, boats and ATVs, and the trailers that carry them.
Want some more ideas? Call me.
Elsie Cobb
Pilot
South Salt Lake
Thanks Elsie. I share your frustration with air quality problems. We at the state level have placed barriers to stricter standards and measures. Your thoughts are similar to mine. With the majority of our air pollution coming from vehicles, we need to invest more in public transportation and reduce vehicular emissions. Our health, children's health, and economic and social well being depend on addressing air quality, including our carbon footprint. State and local officials need to hear from you if we are going to make the changes in policy to accomplish what needs to be done. You may also want to join others working to push for necessary changes like Moms4CleanAir. It is difficult to write a response to some of your detailed suggestions on my Blackberry, but I appreciate many of your ideas. There are many actions at all levels of government and we as individuals should do to improve air quality.
Ralph Becker
Utah State Representative, District 24
(and House Minority Leader)
Here are some ideas: Impose vehicle taxation, registration and inspection fees based on the weight of the vehicle. Offer incentives to purchasers of automobiles that get 30 or more MPG. Use transportation money on PUBLIC transportation that is accessible and inexpensive, not primarily on road construction. Impose tolls on any new highways. Help communities to fund separate, functional bike lanes and pedestrian paths throughout the Wasatch Front in order to encourage people to get out of their cars. Impose greater taxes on recreational vehicles, boats and ATVs, and the trailers that carry them.
Want some more ideas? Call me.
Elsie Cobb
Pilot
South Salt Lake
Thanks Elsie. I share your frustration with air quality problems. We at the state level have placed barriers to stricter standards and measures. Your thoughts are similar to mine. With the majority of our air pollution coming from vehicles, we need to invest more in public transportation and reduce vehicular emissions. Our health, children's health, and economic and social well being depend on addressing air quality, including our carbon footprint. State and local officials need to hear from you if we are going to make the changes in policy to accomplish what needs to be done. You may also want to join others working to push for necessary changes like Moms4CleanAir. It is difficult to write a response to some of your detailed suggestions on my Blackberry, but I appreciate many of your ideas. There are many actions at all levels of government and we as individuals should do to improve air quality.Ralph Becker
Utah State Representative, District 24
(and House Minority Leader)
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:10 PM
0 Comments
Rising Property Taxes
Many of the Davis County residents have been hit with enormous property tax increases this year. We are concerned enough to consider a Proposition 13-type solution if local officials do not respond to homeowners' concerns. What is the process for getting such a proposition on the ballot and how much support for it is there in the State Legislature?
Stephen L. Goalen
Retired Banker
North Salt Lake
Thank you for your concern about property tax; I’m hearing many people express similar sentiments. The Legislature is fairly attuned to this problem. The Utah Constitution empowers the People to create law through the initiative process. This requires the gathering of signatures to get the proposed change in the law on the ballot, much like we have recently seen in the highly publicized referendum process.
Apart from what a group of citizens may choose to do, I believe there will be many different proposals on property tax reform in the 2008 General Session of the Legislature.
I do think that there are better options than a Proposition 13-type solution. Proposition 13 and others like it discriminate against new home buyers and other people who may need to move because of a job or other personal situations. It places a disproportionate share of the tax burden on these people, many of whom are our children and grandchildren.
The real problem is government’s insatiable appetite for revenue, which sometimes may be legitimate and desirable. Property tax is a local tax. Traditionally, it has been the source of revenue for schools and local governments. Over time, these entities have been able to supplement property taxes with state-enabled income and sales tax. I think a better option for property tax control is to require governments to put property tax increases to the vote of the people. This way, legitimate increases can be considered and passed if the people agree. Otherwise, taxes will remain the same. This will effectively control property tax revenue without hurting certain taxpayers disproportionately.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator
District 9
Dear Steve,
With the recent assessment of property taxes we have had some additional focus on the issue and the question of what is a taxpayer's fair share. In Utah we have a citizen legislature and the specific process of how laws are made is part of the Constitution (plus laws that have been passed since the Constitution was accepted). Answering this on a hand-held phone is a little difficult; I would be happy to contact you with more specific provisions on how to make a new law.
Paul Neuenschwander
Utah State Representative
District 20
Note from the Moderator: What follows is additional technical information provided by our staff in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
Depending on the language of the proposed initiative, a law could be enacted in the following way(s):
1. Through the regular legislative law process (for example, the Legislature might be able to pass a law capping the tax rate); or
2. The public might be able initiate the same law through the initiative process, which, in short, would require the following:
Stephen L. Goalen
Retired Banker
North Salt Lake
Thank you for your concern about property tax; I’m hearing many people express similar sentiments. The Legislature is fairly attuned to this problem. The Utah Constitution empowers the People to create law through the initiative process. This requires the gathering of signatures to get the proposed change in the law on the ballot, much like we have recently seen in the highly publicized referendum process.Apart from what a group of citizens may choose to do, I believe there will be many different proposals on property tax reform in the 2008 General Session of the Legislature.
I do think that there are better options than a Proposition 13-type solution. Proposition 13 and others like it discriminate against new home buyers and other people who may need to move because of a job or other personal situations. It places a disproportionate share of the tax burden on these people, many of whom are our children and grandchildren.
The real problem is government’s insatiable appetite for revenue, which sometimes may be legitimate and desirable. Property tax is a local tax. Traditionally, it has been the source of revenue for schools and local governments. Over time, these entities have been able to supplement property taxes with state-enabled income and sales tax. I think a better option for property tax control is to require governments to put property tax increases to the vote of the people. This way, legitimate increases can be considered and passed if the people agree. Otherwise, taxes will remain the same. This will effectively control property tax revenue without hurting certain taxpayers disproportionately.
Wayne Niederhauser
Utah State Senator
District 9
Dear Steve,With the recent assessment of property taxes we have had some additional focus on the issue and the question of what is a taxpayer's fair share. In Utah we have a citizen legislature and the specific process of how laws are made is part of the Constitution (plus laws that have been passed since the Constitution was accepted). Answering this on a hand-held phone is a little difficult; I would be happy to contact you with more specific provisions on how to make a new law.
Paul Neuenschwander
Utah State Representative
District 20
Note from the Moderator: What follows is additional technical information provided by our staff in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
Depending on the language of the proposed initiative, a law could be enacted in the following way(s):
1. Through the regular legislative law process (for example, the Legislature might be able to pass a law capping the tax rate); or
2. The public might be able initiate the same law through the initiative process, which, in short, would require the following:
a. Supporters would need to draft a law and make an application with the Lt. Governor to start the initiative.However, If the proposed initiative largely mirrored Proposition 13, it would most likely require a constitutional amendment. There is no provision for popular revision of the Utah Constitution so a bill would need to pass the Legislature and then be approved by the voters. The Utah Constitution requires that all property be assessed at fair market value, but also allows the Legislature to exempt up to 45 percent of the value of a primary residence from the property tax. Therefore, a primary residence is only taxed at 55 percent of value while commercial and business properties are taxed at 100 percent of value.
b. The supporters would need to gather registered voters' signatures equal to 10% of the number of people who last voted for the office of governor in the prior election and assure that the total also includes 10% of the those that voted for governor in each of at least 26 of the State Senate Districts.
c. Initiatives can only be heard at a regular general election (November, even years), so the signatures would need to be collected and submitted to the Lt. Governor before June 15, 2008
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
11:45 AM
1 Comments
Light Rail in Davis County
I voted for a tax increase to open up options for mass transit in Davis County. As a resident of an area between Bountiful and North Salt Lake I feel cheated that Draper and West Valley are higher on UTA’s priority list than the much closer and much more congested Bountiful area. What is the state legislature doing about encouraging UTA to bring light rail to Bountiful?
Rod Mortensen
Architect and Father
Unincorporated Davis County
Thanks for your question Rod. Many residents feel that a broad brush stroke was used in describing the benefits Davis and Weber County residents would receive as a result of the sales tax increase several years ago.
The primary purpose of the tax increase was to provide Commuter Rail to Northern Utah which is making significant progress and is slated to open early next year.
Light Rail into Southern Davis County is still in the plans but as like all things related to construction, the annual double digit cost increases prevent UTA from moving faster. There are also a lot of variables relating to Federal Funding which weighs particular lines against other rail lines Nationally. We fared well on lines with larger populations in the State which reduced the State's share of construction substantially.
The Legislature has made attempts to create weighting criteria for all new critical transportation projects so we mitigate congestion the most effective and cost efficient way possible and we will continue to forge in that direction.
Next year will be a great year for Davis County with the opening of Commuter Rail and the first phase of Legacy Highway. All of Davis County will benefit from these two projects. Good question, Rod. Thanks again.
Senator Sheldon Killpack
Assistant Majority Whip
Senate District 21
Rod - congratulations on being the first online town meeting question.
As I understand the local option sales taxes for transit/UTA, the Davis County voter-approved tax is being used for transit improvements in Davis County, primarily for Frontrunner, the commuter rail line. Salt Lake passed an additional local option transit tax last year and is moving towards rail and road improvements with that additional funding. (The new SLC transit improvements will be complete after the Davis County commuter rail line is operating.) I have heard that Davis County is considering an additional light rail line that would have to be authorized by the Legislature and approved by Davis County.
As a proponent of transit, I hope you will push your elected officials to invest more in a balanced transportation system that includes more rail and transit.
The site visit is going well so far. We will be driving soon on the new Legacy Parkway (still under construction).
Regards,
Ralph Becker
Utah State Representative
House Minority Leader
Rod Mortensen
Architect and Father
Unincorporated Davis County
Thanks for your question Rod. Many residents feel that a broad brush stroke was used in describing the benefits Davis and Weber County residents would receive as a result of the sales tax increase several years ago.The primary purpose of the tax increase was to provide Commuter Rail to Northern Utah which is making significant progress and is slated to open early next year.
Light Rail into Southern Davis County is still in the plans but as like all things related to construction, the annual double digit cost increases prevent UTA from moving faster. There are also a lot of variables relating to Federal Funding which weighs particular lines against other rail lines Nationally. We fared well on lines with larger populations in the State which reduced the State's share of construction substantially.
The Legislature has made attempts to create weighting criteria for all new critical transportation projects so we mitigate congestion the most effective and cost efficient way possible and we will continue to forge in that direction.
Next year will be a great year for Davis County with the opening of Commuter Rail and the first phase of Legacy Highway. All of Davis County will benefit from these two projects. Good question, Rod. Thanks again.
Senator Sheldon Killpack
Assistant Majority Whip
Senate District 21
Rod - congratulations on being the first online town meeting question.As I understand the local option sales taxes for transit/UTA, the Davis County voter-approved tax is being used for transit improvements in Davis County, primarily for Frontrunner, the commuter rail line. Salt Lake passed an additional local option transit tax last year and is moving towards rail and road improvements with that additional funding. (The new SLC transit improvements will be complete after the Davis County commuter rail line is operating.) I have heard that Davis County is considering an additional light rail line that would have to be authorized by the Legislature and approved by Davis County.
As a proponent of transit, I hope you will push your elected officials to invest more in a balanced transportation system that includes more rail and transit.
The site visit is going well so far. We will be driving soon on the new Legacy Parkway (still under construction).
Regards,
Ralph Becker
Utah State Representative
House Minority Leader
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:55 AM
0 Comments
So . . . It Begins.
Welcome to the Utah State Legislature’s first-ever on-line town meeting. This meeting begins now and will run until Friday morning at 9:00 a.m., in conjunction with the legislative site visit to Salt Lake and Davis counties.
Submit your questions or comments for the legislature by filling out the on-line form. We will invite one or more of our colleagues to respond. You can continue the discussion in the comments section below each entry, should you desire. Please keep in mind that legislators are involved in a series of fairly intense site visit meetings and will be responding when they have a moment between conversations. It may take just a little time to answer.
Thank you for your interest. In the final analysis, you are responsible for the well-being of the state in which you live. We appreciate everything you do to stay informed and engaged.
John L. Valentine
President of the Utah Senate
Greg J. Curtis
Speaker of the Utah State House of Representatives
Submit your questions or comments for the legislature by filling out the on-line form. We will invite one or more of our colleagues to respond. You can continue the discussion in the comments section below each entry, should you desire. Please keep in mind that legislators are involved in a series of fairly intense site visit meetings and will be responding when they have a moment between conversations. It may take just a little time to answer.
Thank you for your interest. In the final analysis, you are responsible for the well-being of the state in which you live. We appreciate everything you do to stay informed and engaged.
John L. Valentine
President of the Utah Senate
Greg J. Curtis
Speaker of the Utah State House of Representatives
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:59 AM
2 Comments
Questions about China
(1) What is the final, actual (vs. estimated/budgeted) cost of the recent trip to China by selected legislators?
(2) Will we Utah taxpayers be expected to reciprocate by contributing toward a visit by Chinese legislators?
Ed Partridge
Retired
Murray
The total amount we spent on the legislative visit to Liaoning was $34,892.74. That includes airline tickets ($24K), lodging ($9K), gifts we brought for our hosts ($300), luggage tags, and miscellaneous expenses.
The answer to your second question is most likely yes. When delegations visit Utah from around the globe I anticipate we will be good hosts. The world economy is changing and some historic limitations are fading. Some people recommend the ostrich approach to global change. Others, including many professionals in the international business community recommend we do our part to engage. I agree with the latter approach, and if we are going to engage, we need to do it right.
Curt Bramble
Senate Majority Leader
9/15/07
(2) Will we Utah taxpayers be expected to reciprocate by contributing toward a visit by Chinese legislators?
Ed Partridge
Retired
Murray
The total amount we spent on the legislative visit to Liaoning was $34,892.74. That includes airline tickets ($24K), lodging ($9K), gifts we brought for our hosts ($300), luggage tags, and miscellaneous expenses.The answer to your second question is most likely yes. When delegations visit Utah from around the globe I anticipate we will be good hosts. The world economy is changing and some historic limitations are fading. Some people recommend the ostrich approach to global change. Others, including many professionals in the international business community recommend we do our part to engage. I agree with the latter approach, and if we are going to engage, we need to do it right.
Curt Bramble
Senate Majority Leader
9/15/07
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
8:52 AM
0 Comments
Issues of Fairness
How can the Utah State Legislature mandate fairness in representation for the citizens in Salt Lake County?
Fairness in relation to east-side/west-side issues; money allocated for development of parks, recreation, education, transportation and various other investments made in communities? I've noticed that Davis County has a great reputation for education they can be proud of, and that the eastside of the Wasatch Front has invested heavily in bike trails, skateparks for kids, city sidewalks, etc., but our town seems gets the "dog bones" that occasionally get thrown our way. We have a dilapidated main street (for over 40 years, now that I've lived there) and it is only half-finished.
We have a promise from our county officials for a "snap-together skatepark" (unlike the permanent professional cement kind in every other town) for kids in our area, to be placed directly in the park located on the shady side of town -- a dead body was just found there a few weeks ago; we have the highest rates of health issues (mental and physical) and ever increasing high school drop-out rates.
As a citizen, I am concerned that our area does not receive the same "perks" as other areas represented by the majority. How can a citizen like myself, make a difference to have better representation for the people -- instead of representation for large, powerful corporations that put their own interests before the citizens? How can a balance of power be maintained to give voice to our citizens. As I see it, the leadership in our community are all part of the problem. My question is how can the Utah State Legislature mandate and monitor fairness for equitable distribution of legislative dollars to all citizens and communities? I sincerely appreciate your suggestions and feedback.
Sincerely,
Deena Ely
Contract Analyst
Magna
Fairness in relation to east-side/west-side issues; money allocated for development of parks, recreation, education, transportation and various other investments made in communities? I've noticed that Davis County has a great reputation for education they can be proud of, and that the eastside of the Wasatch Front has invested heavily in bike trails, skateparks for kids, city sidewalks, etc., but our town seems gets the "dog bones" that occasionally get thrown our way. We have a dilapidated main street (for over 40 years, now that I've lived there) and it is only half-finished.
We have a promise from our county officials for a "snap-together skatepark" (unlike the permanent professional cement kind in every other town) for kids in our area, to be placed directly in the park located on the shady side of town -- a dead body was just found there a few weeks ago; we have the highest rates of health issues (mental and physical) and ever increasing high school drop-out rates.
As a citizen, I am concerned that our area does not receive the same "perks" as other areas represented by the majority. How can a citizen like myself, make a difference to have better representation for the people -- instead of representation for large, powerful corporations that put their own interests before the citizens? How can a balance of power be maintained to give voice to our citizens. As I see it, the leadership in our community are all part of the problem. My question is how can the Utah State Legislature mandate and monitor fairness for equitable distribution of legislative dollars to all citizens and communities? I sincerely appreciate your suggestions and feedback.
Sincerely,
Deena Ely
Contract Analyst
Magna
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:44 AM
0 Comments
Public Transportation in North Salt Lake
I live on the west side of I-15 in North Salt Lake and I have been dismayed at the lack of public transportation options available to me. I have not found any bus routes that are within reasonable walking distance of my home, and commuter rail is still not available. Is there any chance that some bus routes may be added to the west side, especially considering all of the new housing developments going in out there?
Erika Fontana
Social Worker
North Salt Lake
Erika Fontana
Social Worker
North Salt Lake
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:28 AM
0 Comments
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Davis County Kickoff
Warning to legislators! Over the next two days, prepare for information overload! Davis County is delighted to lead off this year’s Utah Legislature two-day site tour, giving lawmakers the opportunity to better understand Davis issues.We have done all we can with the schedule to keep things moving. It’ll be fast-paced and will mostly deal with relevant legislative issues. One of the cutting-edge industries you’ll get a look at will be “composite manufacturing,” which is now being taught at Davis Applied Technology Center in Kaysville. It’s already being utilized at Hill Air Force Base as well as ATK in the aerospace industry. At all three facilities, you’ll get an in-depth look at how composites are a great economic driver for the entire state.
All the sites you’ll be visiting tie into either the theme of education, transportation, energy or economic development. The Chevron refinery is a natural follow-up to last year’s site tour in eastern Utah, where we viewed the oil production industry. Davis legislators hope that as your buses travel northbound, you’ll take special note of “Rocky’s Road”… the traffic congestion from the commuters going into SLC. This creates a natural lead-in to your first look at Davis County’s highest profile project… Legacy Parkway.
UDOT will guide you along the rapidly developing route of the Legacy construction site. You’ll end at Park Lane in Farmington, where I-15, Hwy. 89, commuter rail, and Legacy Parkway will all eventually converge.
There’s no break at lunchtime, by the way! Even while eating your lunch at the Davis Conference Center, you’ll have more info to digest… so please leave some room. While one day is not really enough to showcase everything about Davis County, we’re going to do our best to accomplish it anyway. (There will be a quiz at day’s end, so pay attention!)
This blog site evolved after a long discussion on how best to hold a town meeting between the site tours of both Salt Lake and Davis Counties. Please join in legislators and citizens and we’ll try to keep you informed and make this fun as we go along.
Sincerely,
Julie Fisher
Utah State Representative, District 17
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
10:48 PM
0 Comments
Welcome to the Utah State Legislature's first-ever On-Line Town Meeting
Click here to submit a comment or question.
If you had attended the town meeting in Vernal in 2006, or in Logan in 2005 you would have witnessed a roomful of people and listened to legislators field questions for an hour or so. You might have written a question or two on a 3X5 card and passed them to the front. The Speaker and the President then assigned the questions to the legislator or legislators best able to answer.
For several reasons, such as a packed itinerary, a plethora of diverse communities, etc., the traditional "brick and mortar" town meeting was impractical this year. We decided to take to the web.
The on-line town meeting replaces 3X5 cards with E-mail, replaces the brick and mortar of an auditorium with whatever surrounds your computer, shrinks geography and tosses the clock out the window.
Welcome to the Town Meeting. We will be here for the duration of the site visit. Maybe a few of us will stay and chat afterwards.
The Process:
We hope so, but this is new ground. We would love to have the benefit of your suggestions and perspective.
If you had attended the town meeting in Vernal in 2006, or in Logan in 2005 you would have witnessed a roomful of people and listened to legislators field questions for an hour or so. You might have written a question or two on a 3X5 card and passed them to the front. The Speaker and the President then assigned the questions to the legislator or legislators best able to answer.
For several reasons, such as a packed itinerary, a plethora of diverse communities, etc., the traditional "brick and mortar" town meeting was impractical this year. We decided to take to the web.
The on-line town meeting replaces 3X5 cards with E-mail, replaces the brick and mortar of an auditorium with whatever surrounds your computer, shrinks geography and tosses the clock out the window.
Welcome to the Town Meeting. We will be here for the duration of the site visit. Maybe a few of us will stay and chat afterwards.
The Process:
- You send us your questions and comments. Questions that are specific to site visit communities will be higher priority than questions of a general nature. Partisan hand grenades will not be prioritized at all.
- Leadership will assign the question to the appropriate legislators, or maybe even the legislature as a whole.
- Legislators, scattered across two counties, can use their BlackBerries to E-mail a brief response. If we get crazy, we may even respond by podcast.
- The entire community can read the response right here on the Site Visit Site, and continue the discussion in the comments section below each entry.
We hope so, but this is new ground. We would love to have the benefit of your suggestions and perspective.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
3:42 PM
4 Comments
Demonstration Question
This is a test. This is only a test. If this were a real question, you would soon find more information here at the On-Line Town Meeting, or you could go to the senatesite.com for the real truth about the Utah Legislature.
John L. Valentine
President of the Utah Senate
Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Cedar Hills
Great question! Yes, the senatesite.com is a terrific place to get the facts about the legislature. Thank you Ric Cantrell, Greg Johnson, Mark Allred and others for your hard work.John Valentine
President of the Utah State Senate
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
1:57 PM
0 Comments
This Site Is Under Construction
Pay no attention to broken links and incomplete HTML. This site is a working draft. If the town meeting were taking place in a brick and mortar world, we would still be setting up chairs, hanging signs, and planting friends with softball questions in the audience.
The on-line town meeting will begin Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Your comments are welcome. Even Mike Jerman's. And JM's.
[Update:] We'll work on improving the site here and there, but we're probably beyond 'Under Construction.' Suggestions still welcome.
The on-line town meeting will begin Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Your comments are welcome. Even Mike Jerman's. And JM's.
[Update:] We'll work on improving the site here and there, but we're probably beyond 'Under Construction.' Suggestions still welcome.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
12:17 AM
4 Comments
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Recommend a Link
On the side-bar to your right, you'll see a list of links to significant community information and resources.
You know your community.
What other websites should be on that list?
Please send an E-mail message or post a comment, below.
You know your community.
What other websites should be on that list?
Please send an E-mail message or post a comment, below.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
9:01 AM
1 Comments
Friday, August 10, 2007
Site Visit Reports
Salt Lake and Davis Counties, 2007
■ Site Visit 2007, Senators Waddoups & Walker, 7/31/07
■ Legislators Not Going Far, Deseret Morning News, 8/1/07
■ Hefty Price Tag, KCPW, 8/8/07
■ State should pay for Legislature's tours, DNews, 8/10/07
■ Lawmakers Go Virtual, KCPW, 8/14/07
■ Lawmakers plan 'virtual town meeting', Trib, 8/15/07
■ Legislator Tour Starts Today, Deseret Morning News, 8/15/07
■ Davis Tour is Eye-Opening, Deseret Morning News, 8/16/07
■ Legislative pistoleros told they can't pack heat on refinery tour, Trib, 8/16/07
■ Utah legislators 'inspect' Davis County, Davis County Clipper, 8/16/07
■ Gun-toting lawmakers lock up pistols during refinery tour, AP, 8/17/07
■ Lawmakers take Salt Lake County Tour, Deseret Morning News, 8/17/07
■ Bishop Burton extols quality of City Creek Center, Deseret News, 8/17/07
■ The Thumb: Log on, sound off, Tribune Editorial, 8/19/07
Uintah Basin, 2006
■ Lawmakers hear from energy industry leaders, Daily Herald, 8/8/06
■ The 2006 Visit in Pictures, The Senate Site, 8/7/06
■ Site Visit Recap, Lyle Hillyard, 8/19/06
Cache & Box Elder Counties, 2005
■ Mobile Statehouse, Herald Journal, 8/3/05
■ Utah Legislature to Visit Northern Utah, Press Release, 8/05
■ Hello From Northern Utah, Steve Urquhart, 8/1/05
■ Legislative Site Visit, Lyle Hillyard Blog, 8/5/05
We'll update this page as the visit progresses.
■ Site Visit 2007, Senators Waddoups & Walker, 7/31/07
■ Legislators Not Going Far, Deseret Morning News, 8/1/07
■ Hefty Price Tag, KCPW, 8/8/07
■ State should pay for Legislature's tours, DNews, 8/10/07
■ Lawmakers Go Virtual, KCPW, 8/14/07
■ Lawmakers plan 'virtual town meeting', Trib, 8/15/07
■ Legislator Tour Starts Today, Deseret Morning News, 8/15/07
■ Davis Tour is Eye-Opening, Deseret Morning News, 8/16/07
■ Legislative pistoleros told they can't pack heat on refinery tour, Trib, 8/16/07
■ Utah legislators 'inspect' Davis County, Davis County Clipper, 8/16/07
■ Gun-toting lawmakers lock up pistols during refinery tour, AP, 8/17/07
■ Lawmakers take Salt Lake County Tour, Deseret Morning News, 8/17/07
■ Bishop Burton extols quality of City Creek Center, Deseret News, 8/17/07
■ The Thumb: Log on, sound off, Tribune Editorial, 8/19/07
Uintah Basin, 2006
■ Lawmakers hear from energy industry leaders, Daily Herald, 8/8/06
■ The 2006 Visit in Pictures, The Senate Site, 8/7/06
■ Site Visit Recap, Lyle Hillyard, 8/19/06
Cache & Box Elder Counties, 2005
■ Mobile Statehouse, Herald Journal, 8/3/05
■ Utah Legislature to Visit Northern Utah, Press Release, 8/05
■ Hello From Northern Utah, Steve Urquhart, 8/1/05
■ Legislative Site Visit, Lyle Hillyard Blog, 8/5/05
We'll update this page as the visit progresses.
posted by The Utah State Legislature at
6:13 PM
1 Comments
Welcome to the Legislature's On-Line Town Meeting.
Post your question or comment on-line or call us at 801-326-1677.
Site Visit Information
- Site Visit Home
- What is a Legislative Site Visit?
- A Town Meeting On-line?
- Agenda
- How To Submit a Question
- Media Coverage
Site Visit Itinerary
Recent Town Meeting Posts
- Meeting Adjourned
- Mountain View Corridor & I-15
- Need closer scrutiny on appropriated $$
- Site Visit Day 2: Salt Lake County
- Approaching Adjournment
- Henry's Law
- Embarrassing Moment?
- Property Tax? Shift to Income and Sales Tax
- Clean Air Questions
- Don't Increase the Tobacco Tax
Links to the Community
- Davis Chamber of Commerce
- Davis County Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Salt Lake Chamber
- The Utah Bloghive
- Add a link to this list
Legislative Sites
- Official Legislative Site
- House Roster
- Senate Roster
- House Majority Blog
- Senate Majority Blog
- House Minority Blog
- Senate Minority Blog
Archives
Site Visit Site Feed
