It is absolutely the responsibility of the attorney general to enforce the state's minimal election laws

By Jean Welch Hill
Candidate for Utah Attorney General

It is time to end Utah's appallingly lax enforcement of what few campaign ethics laws it has.

The latest example of our fair state's laissez faire attitude toward campaign finance and disclosure is the recent Salt Lake Tribune article noting that heavy hitting, sophisticated corporate donors failed to file the required financial contribution reports with the Lieutenant Governor's office.

Despite these clear violations of state law, the response of our top law enforcement officer, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, was "that's not my responsibility."

It is absolutely the responsibility of the attorney general to enforce the state's minimal election laws. Given that $147,910 of the money contributed by corporations without proper disclosure went to the Attorney General, the least he could do is provide his generous benefactors with a reminder letter that the corporations do need to file a disclosure statement.

The attitude of Utah's current Attorney General toward ongoing violations of state election law is one of many reasons Utah's Republican dominated government continually fails to heed voter demands for ethics reform. Poll after poll shows that Utahns want comprehensive reporting of all lobbyist activities, yet the Legislature consistently refuses to even discuss the many bills brought forward by Democratic legislators. With an attorney general who is more than willing to ignore the violations of his own donors, there is little hope for reform.

Which is one more reason the state needs a Democratic attorney general with extensive experience prosecuting ethical violations. As a Democrat, I have little interest in maintaining the status quo of limited, and often untimely, lobbyist disclosure statements. As a prosecutor of educators who violate their professional ethical standards, I recognize the value of high standards for public employees and will advocate to raise the bar on elected officials to at least the level currently maintained by public school educators.

Violations of law are the responsibility of the state's Attorney General. To state otherwise shows a lack of respect for the state's Constitution and an unwillingness to fulfill the duties of the office.

DONATE TO JEAN'S CAMPAIGN

Come on Rep. Dave Clark and Utah GOP leaders, take the grade!

Recently Utah's GOP legislature took credit for having the "Best Managed State" in the nation based on Governing Magazine's 2008 Grading the States: a Management Report Card.

Rumors have it that Utah's GOP will be using this report as the basis for a multi-million dollar fund raising campaign this election cycle.

What I'm wondering if the same GOP leaders will take credit, or responsibility for Utah receiving an F in child abuse policies as reported in today's Deseret News.

It seem like the "Right" thing to do.

AG Shurtleff says it's not his resonsibility to enforce the law

State passes buck on corporations that break laws
By Sheena McFarland
The Salt Lake Tribune

Posted: 8:51 PM- Attorney General Mark Shurtleff last year received nearly $1.4 million in campaign contributions.

While the state's top attorney dutifully reported those donations, about 20 corporations giving more than one of every 10 dollars of that money - $147,910 - failed to file the required disclosures.

Violation of the disclosure law is a class B misdemeanor, which can carry a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.

But while Shurtleff is in charge of enforcing that law, he says it is up to the Lieutenant Governor's Office to notify him of any wrongdoing.

"There's no way for me to know if a corporation has filed other than the Lieutenant Governor notices if there's a problem," Shurtleff said. "I know what my rules are as an elected official, like when I need to file, but I don't know that for corporations. That's not my responsibility."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., whose political action committee last year reported receiving $254,985 from about 60 companies that have no corresponding disclosures on file, has a similar take.

"Obviously the candidates need to do all that they need to do as well, but it's tough to tie together that candidates are responsible for their own filing and corporations' filings," said Lisa Roskelley, the governor's spokeswoman. "The candidates need to be responsible."

Joe Demma, chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, says a lax attitude pervades the reporting system for political action committees and corporations.

"If they don't file, it's expected they get a slap on wrist and a 'Hey, do better next time,' " Demma said. "We don't necessarily agree or disagree, but it's clearly an issue that needs to be addressed."

But Demma says the staff he oversees is too overloaded to pursue each infringement.

"We only have so many eyes. We can only look so hard. But we absolutely go after it. If we don't know about it, amongst all the other things we're doing, it takes a little time to get to," Demma said. "I'd say for every one that we don't catch, there are five that we do."

But others say the financial disclosure law enforcement is too weak.

"We do have disclosures, but there are very few penalties attached to anyone who does not abide by any regulations," said Cassie Dippo, past legislative chairwoman of the government watchdog group Common Cause.

Demma argues that the fact that the candidates have disclosed the contributions provides the transparency the law is trying to provide, but Dippo said that "both parties disclosing is a checks and balance. I don't think that because you're a corporation you're exempt from Utah laws."

Thom Roberts, the assistant attorney general who handles individual reporting cases, says the law "raises the joke about putting corporations in jail."

But he said that when he or the Lieutenant Governor's Office hears of corporations not disclosing, they contact them and make sure the proper paperwork is filed.

Shurtleff says the donations already are disclosed by candidates, "so it's double disclosure, but [corporations] still need to disclose."

Sandy Peck, executive director of the League of Women Voters, said voters would like to know which corporations make donations.

"It really makes it hard for voters to find out what's happening with corporations, and it's especially important that corporations report since there are no limits to how much they can give," Peck said. "Usually everyone says, 'We need disclosure.' That's the first step, but if they're going to make it that difficult to find, it's not too helpful for us."

Frank Pignanelli, who lobbies for several corporations, including the Woodbury Group, which didn't file in 2007, said he wishes there was more information given to corporations making donations.

"Usually people just assume, 'I'll make a contribution, but it's up to the candidates to file.' But you have businesses that are new to the political arena," Pignanelli said.

The Woodbury Group now has filed its proper paperwork.

But not all businesses who fail to report their contributions are new to the game. Sinclair Oil donates thousands of dollars to candidates each year, but neglected to file a $15,000 in-kind donation for letting Huntsman use the Sinclair-owned Grand America Hotel.

"It was an internal accounting mistake," said Clint Ensign, senior vice president of the Sinclair Companies. "We watch very closely our cash contributions, but we just made a mistake with the in-kind donation."

He immediately filed an amended report disclosing the contribution.

But Demma says it's "incumbent upon corporations to know what they're doing."

He said the vast majority of corporations who have questions call the Lieutenant Governor's Office and get the information they need to file properly.

"For a corporation to say 'I had no idea,' that's just ludicrous. But for us to notify each corporation - that would be every corporation essentially in the world needing notification - to say, 'Here's what you have to do,' " Demma says. "It would be a financial nightmare for our office."

smcfarland@sltrib.com

Sandy 's Secret Stinkhole

Sandy City criticized for employee bonus program
Richard Piatt reporting

Bonuses are a perk if you work for Sandy City, but is the system fair and does it work?

Sandy City officials agree that its cash-bonus program is unique among cities. Until now, the exact amounts of those bonuses were a secret, but a newspaper's public information request revealed that those with the top salaries are also getting the biggest bonuses.

The way it works is a lot like a business: good work is rewarded with a bonus. But some people are asking: Does a city have any business running itself that way?

Sandy City officials say their employees are happier when compared to the employees of other cities. They also say taxpayers are more satisfied with city services because Sandy is run like a business, not a bureaucracy.

"We felt it's been very successful in attracting and retaining employees," explained Trina Duerksen, spokeswoman for Sandy City.

Duerksen talked to Eyewitness News about the bonuses because she said Mayor Tom Dolan was in meetings. But city records indicate the mayor took about a $1,000 bonus every year since 1997, an unusual government perk. Those same records also show that city administrator Byron Jorgenson got more than $50,000 in bonuses over the last five years.

The records also show the city has budgeted more than $94,000 for bonuses so far this fiscal year. The top 13 people on the mayor's staff get about 20 percent of that money.

Tricia Beck, a longtime Mayor Dolan critic and political opponent, thinks the system is wrong. "Municipalities are not businesses. This is an example of greed, arrogance and entitlement which should not be used in public service," she said.

The specifics of the bonus program were not made public until the Salt Lake Tribune pushed the issue repeatedly, all the way to the Utah Supreme Court. The court ordered Sandy to release the information and pay more than $30,000 in legal fees.

So, is the amount of the bonus supposed to be a secret? "It's not anything that would be considered secret. It was considered private information," Duerksen said.

The incentive and bonus program has existed for more than 20 years in Sandy. It's part of the city budget, a benefit to good employees. Until now, though, no one knew exactly how big that benefit was.

The city's bonus system benefits every city employee who performs well, but to varying degrees. Last year, city council members turned down their bonuses.

E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com

VIDEO LINK HERE!

Let’s put the passion and energy back in Utah politics!

Fellow Democrats,

I am in the fight of my life as I run for National Committeeman. I have some very entrenched Democratic opponents that I genuinely respect for their past accomplishments and contributions to Utah Democratic politics. Equally we have had some very effective past National Committeemen. But now more than ever Utah Democrats need a new energetic leader that will change the face of Utah Democratic strategy and that will work twice as hard to bring balance back to Utah. The Republicans have been wrong for too long and now is the time to elect new leadership that can make a difference in Utah politics.

In the past we have had leaders that have unsuccessfully pursued this National Committeemen position simply as another metaphorical Democratic trophy to throw on their shelves. Equally, after the election of some past National Committeemen it was rare that you ever heard from your leader again right up through the next Presidential election year as they represent you as a Utah Super delegate. As I run for National Committeeman I commit to you and all Utah Democrats, if elected I will not lean on my laurels and coast for the next four years. I will work full force for the next four years to listen to your concerns, shape a new Utah Democratic policy & platform as well as bring more Democrat speakers to Utah than ever before. I have had years of experience that overwhelmingly qualifies me for this position. As your next youthful energetic leader I commit to you now that I will bring more national leaders to Utah like I did before when I brought Governor Richardson to speak at the 2007 Utah Democratic Party Jefferson Jackson dinner. In commemoration of this past event I have put together a DVD of Richardson's keynote speech and pictures that is a behind the scenes glimpse of the VIP reception and JJ event.

So make the decision now to pledge your support for me as your next young energetic National Committeeman for Utah Democrats by making a contribution and by voting for me at State Convention on May 9th and 10th. Take a stand and tell your friends, caucus members and fellow Democrats that this is the most important race of our generation and that Aaron Thompson is the only Young Democratic candidate that will work tirelessly for a better Democratic Utah. You can learn more details of my run for National Delegate and National Committeeman at my website below. Every donation whether it be $15, $30, $50, $100, $500 no matter how large or small matters! In appreciation of your donation you will receive a commemorative 2007 Utah Democratic Party Jefferson Jackson dinner DVD. You will find more information on my run for National Committeeman and National Delegate at the website below. Make your contribution today to the Committee to Elect Aaron Thompson. Your vote counts, your vote matters, so make the difference by providing me your vote for National Committeeman at the State Convention.

Democratically yours,

Aaron Thompson
Candidate for National Delegate & National Committeeman
http://www.electaaronthompson.com/
Dipl0mac03@yahoo.com
Facebook.com
801-381-4077

Contributions can be sent to:
Committee to Elect Aaron Thompson
7119 West 8050 South
West Jordan, UT 84088

Utah for Obama Announces Vote for Change

Utah for Obama announces Vote for Change, part of an unprecedented 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive, in which we will bring thousands of new people into the political process.

On May 10th, there will be voter registration events in all 50 states.

Misty Fowler, Chair of Utah for Obama writes on her blog:

The really great thing about this is that on one of the planning conference calls for this event, I got to hear the Deputy Campaign Manager talk about why the Obama campaign is doing this. They still have the last few straggler states to get votes in, so why worry about the General Election this early? Well, it’s because Obama isn’t trying to win the office of President. He’s got much grander plans than that, and it involves you and me, and every level of the Democratic Party across the country. He’s very serious about making sure that Democrats win every seat and office available to them in the nation, because that will help us to accomplish our goals. Registering voters is just a first step in that.

Thank you to Wayne Holland for allowing us to stage this voter registration drive at Utah's Democratic State Convention. (Since they happen to occur on the same day!)

Check out this video detailing Obama's work with Project Vote...



This campaign has never been about one person, but about all of us working together for a new kind of politics, a stronger democracy, and a better future for our country. It is premised on the idea that we are all better off when we take a stake in each other's lives.

Recent voter registration drives have registered more than 200,000 new Democrats in Pennsylvania, more than 115,000 new Democrats in North Carolina, and more than 150,000 new Democrats in Indiana. Those numbers just scratch the surface of what's possible.

Sign up to volunteer for the Vote for Change drive in Utah.

If you have any questions, please contact Nikki Norton at nikkinorton23@hotmail.com.

Hey Mayor Dolan, it's called "Public Service" for a reason

Greed, Arrogance, and Entitlement

It's bad enough that Sandy City paid "secret" bonuses to the Mayor Tom Dolan's top cronies, but even worse is that Sandy taxpayers will now be paying the legal tab because their public servants refused to be honest and transparent about these bonuses with the Sandy residents who pay their salaries.

Byron Jorgensen and other city officials argued that bonuses, " were a valuable tool for rewarding workers, but best kept secret to avoid creating bad feelings among those who received the extra cash and those who didn't. "

Maybe that's fine in the private sector Bryon, but this is public business. When Mayor Dolan was elected he was elected as a public steward.

If these bonuses were indeed used as "incentives" for reaching goals shouldn't those incentives have transparent guidelines and expectations available so that all the employee of Sandy might understand that their hard work might bring additional economic opportunities?

But that's not what this is about, it's about entitlement, and it's another example of public stewards arrogantly abusing the public trust.

It's called "public service" for a reason Mayor Dolan, and the public's business should never be done in secret as 3rd District Judge Robert Faust ruled when he rejected your argument and ordered Sandy City to release your records and pay the Tribune's legal fees. Arrogance

You may be unapologetic now out in the open, but I bet you'll feel differently in secret if you choose to run for public office once again.


Bonusgate? Sandy's mayor, city administrator raking in the dough
By Matt Canham, Matthew D. LaPlante, and Rosemary Winters

SANDY -- Pressed for details about bonuses given to Sandy employees in 2004, City Administrator Byron Jorgenson refused.

Bonuses, he and other city officials argued, were a valuable tool for rewarding workers, but best kept secret to avoid creating bad feelings among those who received the extra cash and those who didn't.

But an analysis of Sandy's pay records - finally made public last month under court order - reveals a decades-old system that disproportionately benefits the city's highest-paid employees, including the mayor, administrators, department heads and their top aides.

And Jorgenson is the biggest winner of all. In the past five years, he has pocketed $50,500 in bonus pay.

So far this year, Jorgenson has netted $12,500 in after-tax money. That's the equivalent of more than a month's salary for a man who already earns more than $151,000 a year, making him one of Utah's highest-paid public employees.

The lucky 13: The way Sandy doles out bonus cash may be unusual for government, but city leaders say their program is modeled after the private sector and isn't intended to be an across-the-board "thank you" but rather an incentive for top performers.

Year to year and department to department, the bonus checks vary widely. It's not uncommon for rank-and-file employees to receive hundreds of dollars one year and nothing the next.

Likewise, in some years most of the city's 1,000-plus employees get a bonus - usually no more than a couple hundred bucks - while in other years much smaller numbers of employees do.

But Sandy's program does have one constant: In good economic times and bad, the folks responsible for divvying up the incentive cash always score the biggest bonuses. The city's core leadership team - a 13-member group that includes Mayor Tom Dolan, Jorgenson and department directors - makes up less than 2 percent of the city's staff but consistently receives about 20 percent of the bonus pot. So far this fiscal year, which ends in June, those executives have shared more than $94,500 in after-tax bonuses.

Although that money is billed as "performance-based pay," not once has an administrator failed to bank a bonus or received a reduced amount.

Dolan says there is a good reason for that. The executives in his inner circle - many of whom have been around for his 14 years as mayor - always fulfill his expectations.

"If they weren't meeting their goals and if they were not performing in their jobs, they would not be receiving their bonus," says Dolan, who reasons that any manager not earning the extra money should be fired.

Dolan approves Jorgenson's incentive and helps the city administrator determine the bonuses of the department directors, who in turn decide upon the bonuses of their top assistants. The rest of the money trickles down from there. All, that is, except for about $1,000, which is set aside for the mayor himself - a rare perk for an elected official.

The battle for secrecy: Dolan and his administrators fought to keep city pay records secret, beginning with their 2004 denial of a Salt Lake Tribune request for the names and salaries of police officers and firefighters.

After being rebuffed by the State Records Committee, which tries to resolve public-record disputes, the city provided compensation figures but refused to hand over bonus and overtime information. In a second hearing before the panel, Sandy officials argued that releasing those records might jeopardize city morale.

The committee again sided with the newspaper.

In response, Sandy sued to keep the records from the public eye, ensuring the bonus program would remain tucked away - at least while the matter played out in the courts.

The case concluded with a Dec. 6 summary judgment by 3rd District Judge Robert Faust, who rejected the city's arguments. He ordered Sandy to release the records and told the city to pay The Tribune's legal tab of more than $32,000. After pondering an appeal, the city turned over the records in March.

It's unclear how much Sandy spent overall in the legal tussle. City officials say compiling records of the hours attorneys spent on the case would be time-consuming and costly.

One amount, however, was easy to calculate: During the years in which the city's 12-member legal staff fought to keep the records secret, their share in the bonus program nearly doubled: from $21,000 in 2004 to $38,000 last year.

City Attorney Walter Miller, who led Sandy's court fight, has been paid $7,500 in bonuses so far this year.

The ranks react: It didn't take a court order for Sandy employees to know that their bosses were getting fat incentive checks.

"We've been hearing rumors about big bonuses for years," says Chris Thomas, president of the Sandy police officers' union.

As such, Thomas says, he didn't find much angst among the ranks when they learned that Police Chief Steve Chapman has raked in $7,000 each of the past two years and $6,000 in the three years before that - a time period during which about half his officers got bonuses, most worth $250 or less.

"Nobody is surprised," Thomas says. Chapman's department isn't unusual. Under Sandy's program, managers enjoy wide-ranging discretion to set annual goals for their employees and determine if an incentive check is warranted.

Across most city agencies, bonuses are as regular as paychecks for those at the top, but far less certain for rank-and-file workers.

In the city's Parks and Recreation Department, which has more part-time and seasonal employees than other departments, about three-quarters of workers were left out of the bonus pool last year. The average bonus was $335. The department's director, Nancy Shay, received $7,000 - more than three times the amount of her closest lieutenant.

One longtime Public Works employee says the workers who keep Sandy's streets clean typically can expect a few hundred dollars in bonuses. But his boss, Rick Smith, snagged $7,000 each of the past two years.

"I don't think it's fair," says the employee, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution by city leaders. "The office guys get paid bigger pay anyway."

Sandy City Councilman Scott Cowdell doesn't think that so much of the bonus money should go to the top. "I disagree with that a lot," he says.

Cowdell, a retired Jordan School District custodian and former union boss, is one of few outspoken voices on a council not known for boat rocking. But even he defends the generous compensation packages given to administrators, arguing they help Sandy avoid losing top managers to other cities or the private sector.

"What does the CEO of a private company make?" Cowdell asks. "They make upward of seven figures."

Sandy resident Natalie Jones doesn't agree with that logic.

"This isn't corporate America," she argues. "It's far from that. They should be serving the community, not themselves."

An unusual program: Along the Wasatch Front, only a few cities employ bonus programs.

David Patton argues there should be more of them, but the director of the University of Utah's Center for Public Policy describes an ideal system far different from Sandy's.

He suggests cities spell out clear criteria for their programs. Bonuses shouldn't be a regular occurrence - becoming a de facto part of salaries - but something special to reward outstanding work or a cost savings for taxpayers. And leaders should be hesitant to give big payouts to appointed employees, since they typically earn more.

The incentive program used by Salt Lake County, which for years had a reputation for shoddy financial controls and overly generous employee perks, looks a lot like the model Patton describes. County administrators aren't barred from receiving bonuses or incentive pay, but Human Resources Director John Mathews says it's not commonplace.

"It mostly goes to the rank and file," Mathews says.

Among the county's biggest bonus winners last year were workers, such as George Bell, a solid-waste heavy-equipment operator, and Bruce Henderson, a section manager in the division of Parks and Recreation.

Mathews says the program is designed to reward employees who make a difference daily and for whom an extra $1,000 - the usual maximum - represents a meaningful show of gratitude from a grateful employer.

On the rare occasion when county leaders hand out bonuses, like those Sandy administrators regularly enjoy, county rules dictate the check must come with documentation of the savings or benefit achieved by the recipient.

Last year, for example, when county employee Tim Whalen implemented a new drug-offender-treatment program, administrators predicted the initiative would save the county more than $3 million in incarceration costs over three years. Whalen, who spent a year organizing the program in addition to his other duties - and without extra compensation - got a check for $6,500.

Salt Lake City takes a similar tack. By rule, the capital's incentives are intended for distribution on a "relatively infrequent" basis. In the past five years, just three employees have received a bonus more than once. While the city's program does include executives - its top six bonus earners, all of whom got $7,000 or more last year, were directors or deputy directors in various city agencies - its department heads aren't awarded incentives.

In Cottonwood Heights, City Administrator Liane Stillman, a former Holladay mayor, says she has granted bonuses to a manager only twice. Both times, she notes, the recipient had been doing the work of two or three employees during a period of growth in the young city.

"It's much more often given to the hourly employees," Stillman says. "It's a pat on the back - it buys us some good will."

In defense of exec extras: Sandy Finance Director Arthur Hunter argues that giving bigger bonuses to employees who move up the ranks to top-tier positions is typical of private enterprise.

"To do it in government sometimes rubs people the wrong way," he says, but "it happens very effectively in businesses."

Hunter, who has reaped $32,000 in bonuses since 2004, says the incentives help Sandy obtain and retain the best work force around. "Instead of average employees, you get above-average employees because they want their bonus or they want a higher bonus."

Brenda Hancock, a former Salt Lake City human-resources director, says Sandy's program is similar to corporate pay structures in which managers often capture big bonuses. But she never has heard of a program, private or public, in which the same employees get nearly the same bonuses year after year.

"It would be hard for me to imagine that it would motivate you if it comes every year," says Hancock, who now works as a consultant with cities across the Wasatch Front.

But Jorgenson sticks by Sandy's plan. "We don't apologize for it."
He says the top-heavy program makes sense because city leaders are not eligible for overtime.

"Jobs such as these require such enormous efforts," he says, noting that the bonuses are a benefit to managers who, in lean times, cannot count on plump pay raises.

But that wasn't the case the past two years, when Sandy's top managers received raises worth 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively, and took home bonuses ranging from $7,000 to $12,500. In most cases, the bonuses alone were equal to about a month's pay.

By contrast, hundreds of Sandy employees saw no bonus last year. Many who were rewarded didn't get enough to pay for a dinner date. Two workers got $15 bonus checks. And the majority who did receive extra cash got less than $300. For most, that amounted to a few days' pay.

Says one police officer: "That's a nice thank you - if you don't know about what your boss is getting."

mcanham@sltrib.com
mlaplante@sltrib.com
rwinters@sltrib.com

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon at the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention

Video by Nikki Norton

What the?!

Funny!
You spelled usury wrong, but we still get the point.

“We must do better” protecting Utah, says Democratic candidate for governor

SALT LAKE CITY – As week long activities to commemorate Earth Day 2008 begin, the Democratic candidate for governor says “we must do better” at keeping Utah’s air and water safe for ourselves and our children.

Bob Springmeyer, a business-development consultant and long-time civic leader, today challenged incumbent Jon Huntsman Jr. to join other Democrats – including 2nd District Congressman Jim Matheson – in fighting to keep even low-level radioactive waste generated overseas out of Utah.

“After watching as a generation of fellow Utahns suffers the downwind effects of nuclear experimentation, the governor’s lack of leadership in stopping the EnergySolutions plan is nothing if not remarkable,” said Springmeyer. “The governor’s ‘Life Elevated’ market-tested slogan rings hallow if it includes radioactive waste 80 miles west of where I stand right now.”

Springmeyer said that as governor he would use the full power of his office to stop the politically powerful Salt Lake City-based company. “I join Congressman Matheson who has said for a long time that Utah should not be the world’s dumping ground for nuclear waste.”

Springmeyer mentioned that under the federal Low Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act, states are responsible for regulating access to low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. And in March, the Utah Radiation Control Board adopted a resolution urging federal regulators to deny the EnergySolutions application.

“It’s clearly a state function that the governor apparently wants to sidestep for purely political reasons,” said Springmeyer.

According to The Associated Press, EnergySolutions’ political action committee, executives and investors poured nearly $400,000 into congressional campaigns since 2005, up from about $40,000 in the four previous years, Federal Election Commission reports show.

EnergySolutions increased lobbyist spending from $680,000 in 2006 to more than $1 million last year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group.

In addition, the company has poured tens of thousands into community-based public relations projects, including purchase of naming rights for the former Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City.

Gov. Huntsman has indicated his political ambitions extend beyond Utah, and he has been mentioned as a possible choice for vice president or other high-ranking official in a John McCain presidential administration.

Springmeyer said the governor’s dodge fits a pattern typified by a philosophy of governance by task force and a reluctance to challenge prominent members of his Utah Republican Party. “The governor and his Legislature seem to excel in governance by task force – on mine safety, on health care reform, on identifying renewable energy sources. But all too often ‘blue-ribbon’ panels merely forecast the death of good ideas. Real policy at the Capitol is decided behind closed doors … with the governor often missing in action.”

Springmeyer listed numerous issues in which the governor has preferred to stay in the background: Magna homeowners endangered because of negligent state oversight at Kennecott’s tailings pond, a possible nuclear power plant sited on the Green River that would require an enormous amount of water siphoned from the Colorado River watershed, uranium mining and its impact on miners’ health in the Four Corners area, reclamation of new and old mines across Utah, and the burning of uranium-contaminated waste in Layton.

“People often ask me why I would take on our popular governor,” Springmeyer said. “Well, I say, ‘Gov. Huntsman is a fine man from a family I admire greatly, but through several generations my family has witnessed the tragic consequences of failing to protect our air, our water, our jobs, and our schools.’

“I just say, ‘We must do better.’ ”

Mayor Becker to Speak at Grand Opening of Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce

Salt Lake City – Mayor Ralph Becker will speak at an event tomorrow night, Tuesday April 22, 2008 to celebrate the creation of Utah’s first Native American Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the event is to raise public awareness about the establishment of the Native American Chamber and encourage business owners to join the group.

“As Mayor of Salt Lake City, I welcome and encourage Native American business owners to bring their brilliant ideas, exceptional services and products to our community. Small businesses are a valuable contribution to the economic vitality of our city and I applaud the new Chamber’s efforts,” remarked Becker.

The mission of the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce is to advocate for self- reliance and self-sufficiency within the Native American business community, both on and off reservation. For more information visit www.utahnativeamericanchamber.com or call Cal Nez, President of the Utah Native American Chamber of Commerce at 801-533-9503.

The event is be held at the Zions Bank Building located at One South Main Street on the 18th floor at 6:30 p.m.

Earth Day: Mayor Becker to Share Environmental Action Tips with West High School Students Tomorrow

Salt Lake City – To commemorate Earth Day, Mayor Ralph Becker will visit a group of West High School students who are part of an Earth Systems class that has been studying global warming. The visit will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a class lab and include remarks by Mayor Becker at 10:30 a.m. Mayor Becker will share his personal tips for helping the environment with the students. He will also hear from students about their ideas for helping create a greener city.

WHO: Mayor Ralph Becker and West High School Students

WHAT: Earth Day Visit and Remarks by Mayor Becker

WHERE: West High School, 241 North 300 West

T203 (Tech Wing – Main Floor)

Ms. Alisa Schofield’s Earth Systems Class

WHEN: Tuesday, March 18, 2008

10:00 a.m. Mayor Becker attends class lab with students

10:30 a.m. Remarks and Q&A with students

Uncle Don Miller's report on the Washington County GOP Convention

To live and learn at a Washington County GOP Convention

By Uncle Don Miller

Congressman Jim Matheson is in the grips of environmental extremists, according to Merrill Cook.

Boy scouts are never welcome at Democratic Party events along with the God word.

They have a small photo showing that Senator Obama not only won't say the pledge of allegiance, but turns his back when others are saluting the flag.

The Washington County Sheriff color guard was responsible for the GOP convention not starting as scheduled with the pledge of allegiance, not Dean Cox the County Chair.

Lin Alder's father supports Alan Gardner as the incumbent running for the County Commission [Wow! Lin's dad was at the Washington County Democratic Convention proudly passing out fliers for his son]. Gardner was the major supporter of the Vision Dixie planning process.

These were among the GOP truths put forth Saturday at the 2008 Washington County Convention held at Dixie State College. Ironically, DSC recently lost the stellar leadership of President Lee Caldwell in part because the local GOP office holding monopoly didn't like Caldwell discussing educational funding shortcomings in public.

With the old guard incumbents firmly entrenched and with 446 delegates present, Dean Cox kicked off the show by reading an aggrandizing fictional help wanted ad listing the many huge sacrifices that his bosses make while serving as public officials.

The rest of the show was also mostly predicable. All of the challengers to the old guard went down to blazing defeat. Carmen Snow got the highest losing share at 28 percent. Our old friend Greg Aldred who ran as a Democrat two years ago, was sadly packing up his booth all by himself when I left and he begged me to take some bottled water to ease his packing burden.

The old guard, Clark and Urquhart especially, have honed their stump speeches -- Utah is rated as the best managed state only because the GOP has been in control for the last two decades.

In the past three years "new" funding for public education has increased by $1 billion and no other state has increased school funding by 40 percent. By calling it new funding they are trying to imply all of the increase has been on top of usual school spending apparently to obscure the fact that much of the increase stems from increases in the student population so that Utah still is dead last in per pupil spending.

Taxes have been cut by $400 billion. They don't offer a breakdown of this figure to point out that like Bush tax cuts, the lion's share of these have gone to the super rich and to businesses. They also don't mention the tax system in Idaho is progressive and Idaho spends $1,000 more per pupil than Utah, while Utah has a regressive tax system. Also, the current economic downturn will likely make those tax cuts for the rich look ill-advised in the very near future.

Utah is the most business friendly state in the US -- see above tax cuts. Procter and Gamble is for the first time in 40 years building a new plant in the US, namely in Box Elder County. Don't ask about the tax incentives that Utah has promised to P&G to facilitate this venture.

DSC got more "new'' funds this year than the U of U. They seem to be shy about mentioning what the new figure for DSC is, suggesting it could be very small, if the U of U was basically shut out of any new funds this year.

They have made progress on illegal immigration, but more needs to be done. But don't suggest fining or jailing employers.

They got St. George a $42 million airport bridge loan. But don't dare ask why the city decided it was a good idea to sell the airport property at least 4 years before they needed to and during a property value slump. And don't mention that a client of a GOP leader in the state legislature benefited from the property being sold early as well as the client not being required to pay for the property for at least 4 years, hence the need for the bridge loan in the first place.

Only Merrill Cook has the name recognition and only he has backing in Salt Lake County needed to defeat Congressman Matheson. Cook has never lost an election in Salt Lake County and even Matheson told Cook in his first bid for office that he was lucky to not have to run initially against Cook. Matheson voted against Bush tax cuts and wants to repeal them so he favors a $60 billion tax increase. Moreover, Matheson got an F- from an unnamed anti illegal immigration group, and Matheson supports federal land grabs. Cook otherwise plans to renew Newt Gingrich's contract with America.

Bill Dew, the other possibly serious challenger to Matheson, with his wife Jolene by his side sharing his short speaking time, emphasized that they were willing to spend $500,000 of their own money to defeat Matheson. The Dews will also support economic development and freeing up public lands while also clamping down on illegal immigration. The Dews' theme is back to common sense.

When I left, Rep. Mike Noel was screaming about some evil environmental organization, backed by a possibly Islamic foreign billionaire, who won't open his books so the GOP can prove his intent is to slowly terrorize and destroy the state of Utah.

And so it went on a beautiful spring day-- Don Miller

Meet Laura Black for House District 45

Born in Salt Lake City, Laura spent her early years in Ely, Nevada, graduating from White Pine High School. She returned to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, moving to Salt Lake City after her freshman year, where she has resided for the past 30 years.

Upon graduation from the University of Utah, Laura began her teaching career at Bingham High School in the Jordan School District. She is currently employed as a labor relations specialist for teachers in the Jordan School District, serving on numerous district committees that promote teacher quality, performance and retention.

Laura has been actively involved in local politics and community organizations. She serves on the Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity Board, and has been a long-time member of the Midvale Kiwanis Club.

Laura enjoys gardening, cooking, painting and travel.

Baskin-Robbins 31Cent Scoop Night

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins®
on Wednesday April 30th from 5 PM to 10 PM
and help us honor America’s firefighters.
Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice
cream scoops to 31 cents.* At some locations, you
may also have an opportunity to make a donation
to your local fire charities.

Learn more!

Bow Ties For Bob!

Bow Ties for Bob is a grassroots organization that supports the candidacy of Bob Springmeyer for Utah Governor.

Tired of the career politicians? Invite your friends to join in the revolution of the new face of Utah politics. This will not be a campaign of politics as usual. The secret is in the Bow Tie. Change is on the way!

We encourage you to dig through your tie collection and show your enthusiastic support of Bob Springmeyer for Governor by wearing a Bow Tie to the Salt Lake County Convention this Saturday.

This will be a fun show of support for a party stalwart running for Governor. Please spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to all your democrat friends attending the Salt Lake County convention. If you don't know how to tie a bow tie or do not have one contact Aaron Thompson.

Click here to learn how to tie a bow tie!

Aaron Thompson

801-381-4077
dipl0mac03@yahoo.com

Coming soon: Utah Democratic County Conventions Update

I have been traveling around the state with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Springmeyer and attorney general candidate Jean Welch Hill. I can't wait to post, but I do have a few tasks I need to deal with first. I will fill you all in soon.

With every best wish,

The Utah Amicus

I am a Liberal and I am proud of it

By Joe Dulin
Candidate for Utah State Senate District 25

I am a Liberal and I am proud of it.

One of the first lessons I learned as a child was that to overcome a bully you had to stand up to him and knock him on his butt. It is time the donkey kicked some elephant behind. Liberals are responsible for many of the things that have made this country great and Liberals can make this country great again.

In 1960, JFK defined his brand of Liberal when he said: “A ‘Liberal’ is someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without ridged reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people – their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights and their civil liberties – someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies aboard. I am proud to say I am a ‘Liberal’.”

Running away from the label of Liberal has the effect of transforming one into a tangential observer in the fight to defeat the malevolence of conservative America. That is why I embrace the label and other Liberals should proudly do the same. We cannot let conservatives dictate to us what we should call ourselves, to discredit our heritage and our belief system.

Who are Liberals? Look around you, they are everywhere. They are all the people who are currently collecting social security checks. They are the people who enacted and benefited from civil rights legislation. They are the people who thought the Viet Nam war was wrong and know the Iraq fiasco is even worse. They are the people who believe that the separation of church and state is critical to preserving the right to practice religion freely. They are all the people who have ever benefited from any public assistance program (including farm programs). They are the people sitting next to you on Sunday and praying for a better life for their children. At some level, all of you are Liberals or have benefited from Liberal programs.

Liberal’s recognize that the concentration of power and wealth into the hands of a few can lead to evil. Liberals believe that government should be a force for good in the lives of all people with special attention paid to those with minority status. Tolerance, generosity and sacrifice are central cultural values to a Liberal. Liberals believe that public institutions should not be agents for private enterprise. Liberals believe that the government should enhance your opportunities to pursue your dreams. Liberals believe that as a society, we owe our citizens the right to equal access to jobs, sustenance, education and health care. Liberals believe that individuals do not exist for the protection of the government, but rather, that the government exists for the protection of individual liberty. Regardless of religious ideology, Liberals believe that everyone is endowed with some rights that are so obvious and inherent to the human condition that they are beyond reproach—even if the majority does not agree. The founders of this country spelled out these inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Liberals believe that as a society and in any potential afterlife, we will be judged on how we treat the least fortunate. Liberals don’t care one iota about the nonsense spewing from corporate America on how they are being harmed by taxation. Corporate America and the wealthiest among us should be anteing up to pay down the huge federal debt and to fund Social Security—and they should be happy to do it. Corporate America and those who have reaped huge profits have done so because they are lucky enough to live in the United States of America. American laws as they relate to free enterprise and capitalism enable a select few to accumulate and concentrate vast sums of wealth. The price for admission to this game should be taxes that improve the quality of lives of those who are less fortunate, less talented or less well-connected. The people of this nation need affordable health care far more than the rich need multi-million dollar condos in St. Croix, Hummers, or luxurious mega yachts.

There is no dignity in being poor or living from paycheck to paycheck. It is a struggle. A single medical catastrophe can financially ruin a family. While the poor struggle, the rich are getting richer in the name of supporting family values and security. This is offensive and I wish conservatives would end the deceit. Liberals do not disdain the concept of holding wealth. What Liberals find galling about conservatives is their penchant for greedily accumulating wealth without exercising social responsibility and giving back to the country that permitted them to amass their fortunes.

Perhaps the citizens of Utah can reflect upon the teachings of their faith and reconcile them with what it truly means to be a Liberal. Maybe you will conclude that being a Liberal is consistent with your faith. Maybe you will conclude that the conservatives that you have traditionally supported do not practice the values that are central to your personal belief system. Perhaps you will conclude that Liberal ideology is more congruent with your faith and that you should be supporting Liberals at election time. Perhaps you will find that you too are proud to be a Liberal.

Debate Reviews: ABC News Fails

In Pa. Debate, The Clear Loser Is ABC

For the first 52 minutes of the two-hour, commercial-crammed show, Gibson and Stephanopoulos dwelled entirely on specious and gossipy trivia that already has been hashed and rehashed, in the hope of getting the candidates to claw at one another over disputes that are no longer news. Some were barely news to begin with.

Issues take back seat at debate

Questions about heady issues such as the war in Iraq, the crumbling economy and skyrocketing gas prices took a backseat during the debate to the petty issues that have defined the five-week battle between Clinton and Obama in Pennsylvania.

ABC anchors Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos spent the first half of the less-than-two-hour debate peppering Clinton and Obama with questions about sermons from Obama’s former pastor, Clinton’s faulty recollections of a 1996 trip to Bosnia and Obama’s ballyhooed “bitter” comment about some of this state’s voters.

The ABC News "Freak Show"

This debate was disgusting.

A Political Rerun

How exhausted is the debate format? ABC's producers were so desperate for new ideas that they resorted to quoting sections of the Constitution after every commercial break.

ABC Host Heckled After Debate

Reflecting what seemed to be the main consensus of the night - that ABC botched this debate, big time - Charlie Gibson tells the crowd there will be one more, superfluous commercial break of the night and is subsequently jeered.

"OH..." he declares, hands raised in defense. "The crowd is turning on me, the crowd is turning on me."

A Shameful Night for the U.S. Media

In perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate in years, ABC News hosts Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous focused mainly on trivial issues as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in Philadelphia. They, and their network, should hang their collective heads in shame.

Phonebank for Barack

Change can’t happen without you!

Please join Utah for Obama for Get Out The Vote phonebanking sessions this weekend. We will be calling Pennsylvania.

*Bring your own CELL PHONE* Use your free weekend minutes. We will provide call lists from the campaign.

On Saturday, April 19th, we will be at Pete Ashdown's and, his wife, Robin Ballard's "Pleasure Palace" from 1-4PM:

780 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Please RSVP for this event on April 19th

On Sunday, April 20th, we will be in the Student Union building at the University of Utah from 1-4PM:

A. Ray Olpin University Union
200 Central Campus Dr. Building Number: 0053 Room 323AB
Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Please RSVP for this event on April 20th.

If you live too far away to attend, and would like help hosting your own phone banking party, please contact Nikki Norton at (435) 513-2606.

Bob Springmeyer's Education Survey...

If you would like to participate in Bob's survey please send Bob your e-mail address at bobspring@bonnevilleresearch.com

Thanks!

Bob Springmeyer's Education Survey

EDUCATION

Utah spends over 33% of the state budget on K-12 education and an additional 11% on higher education.

From early education to higher education, your governor plays a key role in ensuring the availability of and expanding access to, quality programs so that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed.

* Today's global marketplace demands that all Utah students acquire the highest level of intellectual, technical and social skills.

*Ninety percent of jobs providing a wage sufficient to sustain a family of four require vocational training, an associate degree or higher after high school.

*More than two thirds of new jobs require post-season education.

Those who are poorly educated will have low-end jobs and have a higher likelihood of being dependent on government programs to sustain themselves and their families.

We Must Do Better!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate in our Critical Issues for Utah survey.

Your opinions are critical to my campaign.

Click here to to participate in Bob's survey

Bob Springmeyer
Utah Democrat for Governor
BobforGov.org

Chair of Utah Democratic Party endorses Obama for president

SALT LAKE CITY — The chair of the Utah Democratic Party announced Thursday he is endorsing the candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States. Wayne Holland cites Obama’s strong statewide appeal and his ability to bring the American people together after eight years of Bush administration mismanagement.

“Sen. Obama has helped to energize our State Party,” said Holland. “While we are blessed at having two exceptional candidates, Obama was clearly the choice of Utah Democrats on Feb. 5 and is the choice of the majority of Utah Democratic candidates to head the ticket in November.

“While it is not only important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate whom I believe will help unite the many voices of our “big tent” Utah Party and help us build for the future.”

Holland said Obama demonstrated his commitment to Utah by aggressively campaigning here. Holland recalled how the Obama campaign rearranged the senator’s schedule in August to address a spontaneous rally of several hundred grass-roots supporters outside of Park City.

“That Kimball Junction event showed me that he gets it. He’s interested in building a strong Democratic Party in Utah and throughout the western United States,” said Holland. “As a result of that small consideration many of those who attended the rally voted for him in the primary, told their friends and neighbors to vote for him, and will be knocking on doors for him (and us) this summer and fall.”

Holland said the senator also demonstrated a rare sensitivity to Utah values when he canceled a Salt Lake City rally scheduled on the day of LDS Church President Gordon Hinckley’s funeral and then his wife, Michelle, visited church leaders several days later to discuss family-related issues.

Sen. Obama shares Utahns’ concern for building strong communities and re-building our economy ravaged by Republican policies – across the country as well as Utah. “The headlines yesterday said ‘Utah bankruptcies up 44% from a year ago.’ This alone should be a wake-up call for every Utahn. We need a president with a ground-level view of the everyday struggles of Americans, and Obama’s experience as a community activist and lawmaker fits that requirement.”

Holland said Sen. Obama offers our country its best chance at healing the divisions caused by years of war, deficits, and partisan bickering. “Obama has built his campaign on an appeal to the deep-seated goodness of America – the goodness that somehow all Americans understand,” said Holland. “I would encourage all Utahns to take a close look at what the senator offers our state and country.”

Meet Bennion Spencer, candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District

On March 17, 2008...
Bennion L. Spencer filed to run for Congress in Utah's 3rd District. He will be running on the Democratic ticket, and is very excited to have the opportunity to run for Congress. Bennion will be bringing some fresh, new ideas to the table. With a Master Degree in Political Science and International Relations, Bennion has a grasp of the issues facing our great country. He will support our next president in restoring peace in the world and making our country a more prosperous and better place to live . He is very passionate about the economy and also about immigration.

About Bennion...

Bennion Spencer grew up in Layton, Utah. He received his Bachelor Degree in Broadcast Communications from Weber State University and his Master of Science in International Relations from Utah State University. He has an extensive background in political violence and revolution, or what today is called terrorism. He also served an LDS mission in England and Wales. Bennion has spent the past 25 years in journalism working as a reporter, producer, news director and general manager at stations in Texas and Utah. As a television journalist, he has interviewed many dignitaries, including presidential hopefuls and corporate presidents, but his favorite all time interview was with the Civil Rights heroine, Rosa Parks. Bennion has taught college courses at several universities across th e valley. While teaching at Salt Lake Community College, Bennion developed a broadcasting program for Spanish-speaking students. In addition to this, Bennion was a faculty advisor for Operation Smile at Utah Valley State College. In 2000 and 2002, Bennion took a break from television to run for the Utah State Senate. In both campaigns, he focused on improving public education and removing the sales tax from food. He also served as the advisor for the Riverton Youth Council. In 2007, he helped his long time friend and associate Dick Nourse establish the Dick Nourse Center for Mass Communications and Journalism at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. Bennion and his wife Malinda, live in Riverton, Utah; they have four children, and five grandchildren.

Why I'm Running?
I'm running for congress because we as Americans are feeling the problems of the last eight years and what I consider the worst stewardship of the American economy. During the 2000 presidential campaign, then Governor Bush and Vice President Gore debated on how to spend an anticipated 2.2 trillion dollar surplus. This campaign will not be about the misrepresentation of the past, but about the future and about what we as Democrats can do differently. I would love to hear your ideas, please feel free to contact me. I would also love your support and help with my campaign.

Thanks! Bennion
bennionspencer@comcast.net

Uncle Don Miller on Utah's Flat Tax

Sanity
By Uncle Don Miller

The Salt Lake Tribune's recent story about Utahns being shaken by the new flat income tax relates to the crucial idea that the first step back to sanity is admitting our insanity. The insanity here is that virtually all Utah politicians embraced this flat tax scheme despite the fact that Utah was and is still dead last in public school per pupil spending, and when this $115 million tax cut was debated, a large majority of citizens wanted the money to be used to bolster public schools. Instead, political leaders opted to unfairly provide regressive Bush-like tax cuts of about $115 million designed to go almost exclusively this year to the wealthiest top 4 percent. The latter affront to social justice vis-a-vis tax fairness was obscured by much talk suggesting that the dual flat rate test might serve some beneficial purpose beyond just cutting taxes for the top 4 percent. It didn't.

The first step back to sanity is to publicly acknowledge how social justice is constantly eroded via the regressive unfairness of Utah's tax code. Remember, the Roman Empire crumbled internally when it accepted the fiction that flat income taxes are fair.

Don L. Miller


Flat-tax rate a big jump for many Utahns
By Sheena McFarland
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/02/2008 01:27:40 AM MDT

When Claire Geddes prepared her taxes, she was taken aback at the amount she'd have to pay using this year's new flat-tax system.

Instead of owing $400, she would have had to pay $1,700 to the state.

"It was pretty startling," said Geddes, 61, who lives in Cottonwood Heights with her husband on a fixed income from Social Security and her husband's pension. "Having them do that to seniors is horrendous. I don't know how they expect people to get along."

Geddes, like other Utahns, faces a choice this year. She can go with the new flat tax or stick with the old version. All but a small number of taxpayers would pay more under the flat-tax option. But none of the policy makers responsible for the change or those administering it have done much to advise the public of that.

The dual-track system was developed in 2006 as a stepping stone toward everyone paying a flat tax, but was heavily criticized by many. Next year, all Utahns will pay a flat tax of 5 percent with a few credits for mortgage payments or charitable donations among others.

But for this year, the Utah Tax Commission recognizes most taxpayers could pay significantly more using the flat tax. However, they never issued any warning letting Utahns know that.

"We didn't do anything along those lines because we just collect the taxes and distribute them," said Charlie Roberts, tax commission spokesman.

Lisa Roskelley, spokeswoman for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said no state agency alerted taxpayers they would pay more under the flat tax.

"It's not fair to say they will be [negatively affected]. They could say, 'I would rather pay more taxes,' and choose the flat tax this year," she said. "The reason it's optional is they can choose which is best for them."

Phil Dean, a policy analyst at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, pointed to two briefing papers detailing the dual system this year. He also provided a fact sheet, but it never warned taxpayers they likely would pay more with this year's flat tax. Those reports are available online at www.le.state.ut.us, but are not widely distributed.

"This year, we estimate about 4 percent of people will benefit from the flat tax, but next year it should be 90 percent of people," he said, adding those benefiting most would be in higher-income levels.

Those filing this year must pay only the lesser of the two amounts. Tax commission leaders assure Utahns that next year's system will not see such dramatic increases.

"We're telling folks not to compare their returns because they don't know what type of deductions and credits they'll get next year," Roberts said.
Most people will get a taxpayer tax credit or a retiree tax credit among others, he said.

However, that doesn't stop people from having to fork over more money this year if they choose to use the new flat-rate system.

"I haven't done one of the 210 tax returns I've prepared that would have been better off this year using the new system," said Vearl Jensen, a tax preparer in Midvale.

He also said the tax preparation software he used was not up-to-date and was producing incorrect numbers. Other programs, such as TurboTax, use the old bracketed system. Anyone preparing their own taxes should double-check their state returns if numbers look significantly different from past years.

But even with the concerns this year, he is happier about next year's numbers that he figured out using an online tax calculator.

"When I run it through the calculator, it's only off by about $20 one way or the other," he said.

Geddes, who worked for government watchdog group Utah Legislative Watch among others, is happy she calculated her taxes under both systems before filing. But she's frustrated the flat-tax calculation was so high. She's talked with several retired friends who faced the same jump if they used this year's new system.

"When you take advantage of the most vulnerable part of society by tripling taxes to give [the rich] a break, it's offensive," she said.
smcfarland@sltrib.com

The Omnibus Bill

By Bob Van Velkinburgh

They called Senate Bill # 2 the omnibus bill and rightly so. It was a collection of twelve bills related to education. They should have called it "Utah Leadership do it to the People Again" bill. This bill was grossly unfair and represents arrogant public policy. It sets a precedent for future policymakers. All you have to do is bundle all the garbage bills together, put them in a vital appropriation package and say "one vote passes all."

There were some good bills in this $2.5 billion package and there were some stinkers. The point is that the citizens have the right to expect each bill to be debated and to stand or fall on its own merits. Several of the bills had already been voted down in the House.

Senator Howard Stephenson, sponsor of SB # 2, is quoted as saying,… "it was the best way to pass many education reforms in a coordinated way as the end of the session approached." Senator, I see no educational reforms in this Omnibus Bill unless you consider giving taxpayer's money to help fund charter schools and funding software programs to home schooled students. Where are the "many" educational reforms, Senator?

Governor Huntsman Jr. should never have signed this bill but instead should have vetoed it. Then he could have called a special session and told the Legislative body to debate the twelve bills one at a time.

Utahans, where is your public rage? Where are the letters? Let these lawmakers know your feelings!

Robert Van Velkinburgh

Brian King for House District 28 Website Link and Message

My name is Brian King. I’m running for House District 28. Let me start by saying “Roz, thank you for your service to this District.” For years Representative McGee has been a stalwart for us in the House of Representatives. We owe her a debt of gratitude.

My wife Alison and I have lived in the district for 22 years. We’ve raised and continue to raise our four daughters here. They attend Bonneville Elementary, Clayton Middle School, East High School and the University of Utah. Between them, we’ve got all the bases covered on public education! We love living in this community.

We have a chance to make progress in moving this state a little more toward the core
principles of the democratic party. Things such as:

1) providing a better education and environment for our children;
2) working together to make sure Utah’s economy stays strong;
3) ensure Utah citizens have access to affordable health care and housing;
4) reform our legislative ethics to reduce improper influence and back room deals


There has been a time in my life when we’ve had greater hope for meaningful, fundamental change in how we think and talk about these important issues. We can no longer carry out business as usual in either national or state politics. It’s amazing to me that Republicans have had a lock on Utah state government for over 20 years.

Can you imagine what we could have accomplished as a state if there had been in place in the last two decades strong Democratic leadership in the legislature and governor’s mansion? There has never been a time when we’ve had a greater opportunity to make a positive change. I’d like to be a part of the movement that is energizing Democrats across this country. It would be a privilege to represent this exceptional district in the Utah state legislature.


I look forward to talking to you more in the coming weeks and months about your hopes and our efforts to make sure District 28 stays in Democratic hands. I’m Brian King. I’m running for the Utah House of Representatives for District 28.

Sincerely,

Brian S. King

Nikki Norton wants Utah Democrats to hear this message

She tells me it's the follow up to, "Don't be a sucker!"

SALT LAKE CITY MAYOR, DNCC CEO HOST COMMUNITY FORUM HIGHLIGHTING IMPORTANCE OF THE WEST IN LEAD-UP TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

At Salt Lake Event, Mayor Becker, Convention CEO Leah Daughtry Answer Questions, Offer Information for Utahns Interested in Getting Involved in Historic Regional Opportunities in 2008

SALT LAKE CITY - Just five months before the 2008 Democratic National Convention in neighboring Colorado, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker joined Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) CEO Leah D. Daughtry today for the sixth in a series of DNCC community forums focused on engaging citizens throughout the Rocky Mountain West in the Convention experience. Mayor Becker and Daughtry, along with Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, answered questions and offered information to Utahns about the historic regional opportunities presented by hosting a Convention in the Rocky Mountain West.

"Our Party is poised to make history in Denver come August, and we're here today to ensure that the people of Utah have a voice in shaping the story we tell from our Convention stage," said Daughtry. "I am so pleased Mayors Becker and Corroon could join us, as they are emblematic of the new kind of leadership our Party is putting forward here in the West. The Convention presents a tremendous opportunity to showcase our Party's leaders and the importance of the West and Western issues - all on an international stage. Forums like this help us with our homework in putting that program together."

In his remarks, Mayor Becker extolled the virtues of the west. "I believe the west represents a land of stewardship, leadership and opportunity," he declared. "The more the people of Salt Lake engage in this Convention, the more those virtues will shine in August when the country and many others around the world tune in for this historic event." Becker explained how western cities such as Salt Lake City and Denver are leading the way by modeling sustainability practices for the rest of the country.

Today's event marks the second time the DNCC has traveled outside of Colorado for a Convention forum. The series - "Convention Conversations: A Traveling Forum Sponsored by the DNCC" - launched in Denver in September and traveled to Pueblo, Boulder, and Lakewood, Colo. and Las Vegas, Nevada in recent months. The community forums are designed to provide residents in the region with opportunities for direct communication with top Convention organizers and a venue to ask questions, share ideas and find out how they can get involved in the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Daughtry outlined several ways Utahns can get involved in the Convention process, including running for delegate and becoming a regular visitor to www.DemConvention.com. The site now provides visitors with the ability to sign up for regular updates on Convention news, events and other developments.

Attendees were also invited to participate in the DNCC's citizen photo journalism initiative. The photo project invites Utah residents and others throughout the region to post pictures of people and places in their community representing the spirit of the West at www.DemConvention.com. The photos will be posted to the DNCC's website as a means to introduce delegates and other visitors to the West as they plan their trips to the Convention in August. Convention organizers are also working on plans to showcase the photos in Denver during Convention week.

In keeping with the goal to engage different types of audiences in new and creative ways, DNCC videographers recorded interviews with Utahns attending the forum asking what having a Convention in the Rocky Mountain West means to them. Organizers will work to incorporate those ideas and vision in their planning during the coming months. Interviews from the event will be posted to www.DemConvention.com under the video section in the coming weeks.

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

From Jean Hill: Utah needs an attorney general who will focus on people, not politics and do something to curb usuary

By Jean Welch Hill

Democratic Candidate for Attorney General

As an educator and a first time candidate for a statewide office, I find the campaign process to be a fascinating learning opportunity—one that should be shared for future aspirants to public service. As a part of a shared learning process, I will try to at least occasionally post some observations from the campaign trail.

While on the trail this week, I have been inundated with voice and emails of support. The kind words of so many friends and colleagues have been inspiring, and much needed as a face the, at times daunting, task of both raising $1,000,000.00 (so many, many zeros) and doing research on issues.

Thus far, the research portion of campaigning is my favorite part. Case in point: yesterday, a typical spring day that kept teasing me with moments of worth amidst gray skies, I walked to Crossroads Urban Center to meet with its director. In an hour of great import, I filled in several gaps in my knowledge about pay day lenders and the effect these extremely profitable businesses have on their far less prosperous clientele. Imagine paying anyone 10% PER WEEK interest on a loan. Times that by 52 weeks in a year, and you pay a whopping 520% interest in one year. Remember those early lessons in credit card debt that showed it would take the rest of your life to get out of credit card debt at 17% if you just made the minimum payment? Yet somehow a pay day loan at 520% is supposed to be a benefit to low income individuals.

What is less well understood, but potentially more costly to society at large, is the pay day lenders commitment to getting paid. A court in one city indicated to Crossroads that it had to hire three full-time employees just to handle the pay day lender collection cases; cases which make up 87% of the court’s cases. Those three employees are paid by taxpayers, as is at least one judge whose time is spent hearing pay day loan cases.

My meeting at Crossroads addressed other issues as well, and convinced me again of the very real need for an attorney general who will focus on people, not politics and do something to curb usury (charging outrageous interest rates on loans) in Utah (one of very few states that does not regulate pay day lenders in any substantive manner).

Stop Pay Day Loans Usury in Utah!