"No other country in the world takes another country's radioactive waste, I don't think we should either."
Friday, January 29, 2010
Who said it?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Corroon sets new mark for ethics reform
In a press conference earier today, Mayor Corroon gave his proposal for what meaningful ethics reform looks like in Utah.
“I’m here today as we begin this legislative session, because I want to see Utah set a high water mark. A mark the voters in Utah can look back on through the session and afterwards to see if this legislature has fulfilled their commitment to pass meaningful ethics reform and that the Governor has signed it,” stated Mayor Corroon.
The Mayor’s Proposal included:
- Immediately limit the amount an individual or entity can give to a state-wide candidate to $10,000 and $5,000 for a legislative race, and prohibit state contractors (people who financially benefit from state contracts) from donating to state wide candidates and legislative candidates.
- Immediately ban all gifts to statewide elected officials and legislators.
- Immediately end of the personal use of campaign funds.
- Stop the revolving door by giving legislators a cooling off period of 2 years before they can lobby their former colleagues.
- Create an independent ethics commission to address ethical violations by legislators and state wide elected officials.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
From Sam Granato's "Us" Camapign Blog: What a great day!
I met with several legislators, delegates and Congressman Jim Matheson in the morning. Made calls and met DNC Chairman Tim Kaine...
Photo of Sam Granato, DNC Chair Tim Kaine, and Rob Miller by Wayne Holland
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Press Release: Utah Democratic Party Statement on Republican Leader Killpack
“Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack’s circumstances are tragic – for him and his family, his constituents and colleagues, and for the public who he may have endangered.
We ask all Utahns to honor the principle that he is to be presumed innocent of the charge of driving under the influence until proven guilty. However, his decision to refuse to comply with the investigating police officer’s request for breath test shows that he did not deal with this in a responsible, forthright manner.
As a public figure, he knows that he will be held to a high standard. We expect that there will be consequences for his leadership position and his position as Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Peter Corroon Announces Candidacy for Utah Governor - Video
Peter Corroon Announces Candidacy for Utah Governor from Donald Lewin Nelson on Vimeo.
Video by Don Lewin Nelson
Monday, January 11, 2010
Utah House Democrats announce top issues survey for Utah residents
The survey, which includes questions about Utah's state budget, proposed changes to Utah Employees retirement plans, Ethics reform, and other issues, was posted online today at the Utah House Democratic Caucus website at www.utahhousedemocrats.org.
House Democratic Caucus Communications Coordinator, Emily Bingham Hollingshead, explained that the survey is open to all Utah residents, even if they are not represented by a Democratic legislator. "We wanted to get a broader sampling of what may be going on in the minds of the constituents," she said. "By allowing residents from across the state to participate, we can better understand what people want to see from their state legislature, regardless of political affiliation."
The survey will be online through the end of February.
From Utah Democrats News: SLCo Mayor Corroon announces for Governor
Dear Democrats,
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon will formally announce his plans to run for Governor of the State of Utah on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 9:30 AM on the South City Campus of Salt Lake Community College. The announcement will kick off a two-day statewide tour of Utah during which Mayor Corroon will travel to Ogden, St. George and Provo to discuss with Utahns his vision for Utah’s future.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
9:30 a.m. Provo City Library
During Tuesday’s announcement, Mayor Corroon will detail his plans as Governor and highlight how he believes he can help move Utah forward with a smaller, more efficient government focused on educating Utah children, creating jobs by fostering locally owned businesses, bringing new companies to Utah, and making Utah a leader in renewable energy while protecting our unique values and quality of life.
Peter Corroon was elected Salt Lake County Mayor in November 2004, taking on the concerns of over one million constituents, a budget of roughly $750 million, and a county infrastructure of 36 agencies and over seven thousand employees. His "planning, not politics" policies have made him both a well liked and respected public official. He is a champion of small business, and his economic development efforts continue to improve lives throughout the county. During his tenure, Mayor Corroon has consistently prioritized quality government through fiscally responsible policies that reflect his goal of an open, honest, and ethical government. He was overwhelming re-elected in 2008, with 66 percent of the vote.
This is exciting news for the Democratic Party and the State of Utah! At the Utah Democratic Party, we have been working diligently throughout the past year to get ready, but ultimately we will fall short if our people here in Utah are not with us. We depend on everyday citizens, people like you, to get involved and help achieve our common goals.
Here is what you can do over the next few days to help:
1) We encourage you to attend one of Mayor Corroon’s kick-off events in Salt Lake, Ogden, St George or Provo that are listed below, if you can.
2) Encourage your friends and family to come meet him.
4) Your generosity and commitment this early in the election cycle will help grow our grassroots network across the state, mobilizing the networks and enabling us to start talking to voters about the issues now.
5) Keep up to date with Corroon for Governor by registering your e-mail address at http://www.votecorroon.com.
The Republicans have spent the last year gearing up for the 2010 elections. The choice is ours — sit this one out and concede to midterm trends to the Party of “No” and Republican dirty politics, or organize, organize, and organize to turn out our voters and win on Election Day? Don’t let dirty politics work —it has been a very long time since we have had such a good opportunity to elect a Governor and a proven vote-getter like Mayor Peter Corroon. Utah is ready for a change in leadership, and Mayor Corroon is the one to deliver it.
Respectfully,
Wayne Holland, Chair
Utah Democratic Party
The announcement is open to the public and Mayor Corroon will be on hand following his remarks to answer questions from the media.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
9:30 a.m. Salt Lake Community College
12:30 p.m. Ogden Municipal Building
6:30 p.m. Ancestor Square
12:30 p.m. Ogden Municipal Building
6:30 p.m. Ancestor Square
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
9:30 a.m. Provo City Library
Friday, January 08, 2010
News Release: Party Deputy Director to become Executive Director for local non-profit
Craig Axford to lead Citizens Education Project
Over the course of Axford’s time with the State Party he has organized state conventions and caucus meetings, worked with local county parties and traveled much of the state for county conventions and other events.
“We are sorry to see Craig go,” said Chair Wayne Holland. “We wish Craig all the best in his new job and are confident he will do a great job.”
CEP co-founder and board member Steve Erickson welcomed Axford as the organization’s new executive director saying, “Craig will bring new energy, a new perspective and focus, and a strong set of skills and experience to the organization and its mission. Craig’s leadership can take CEP to a new level, marshal new resources, and engage younger people.”
The CEP has been in existence since 1997 operating as a grassroots volunteer organization. Since its founding it has worked on water resource issues, fought the possible resumption of nuclear testing during the George W. Bush administration, and blocked prison privatization in Utah.
“The Citizens Education Project has done phenomenal work over the years” says Craig Axford. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful board and activists that have brought the CEP so far. We look forward to building the CEP into a stronger organization that will provide a progressive policy alternative to the Sutherland Institute that is needed in Utah and the region.”
For questions regarding the Citizens Education Project (CEP), please contact Craig Axford at 801/634-7319.
For questions regarding the Utah State Democratic Committee, please call Party Executive Director Todd Taylor at 801/328-1212 ext. 202.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Davis County Clipper: Utah Democrats face challenges
BOUNTIFUL — It may not be easy being the minority party, but that’s still no reason to give up.
That was the message Utah Democratic Party State Chair Wayne Holland, Jr. brought to the Bountiful Rotary during their meeting last week. Holland, who is also the Western Chair for the Democratic National Party Committee, talked about the state party’s efforts to make sure their voices are heard in a state that’s viewed as being dominantly Republican.
“American politics is about two parties – the marketplace of society,” he said. “In Utah, it’s a bit of a challenge.”
A challenge, perhaps, but not an impossible one. Holland explained that, across the decades, the western United States has traditionally swung back and forth when it comes to political party affiliation. Though he admitted that Utah and Idaho regularly lag behind when it comes to movement toward the left, he points to the increase in Democrats in public office over the last several years as a sign that changes can be made.
“Candidates such as (U.S. Rep.) Jim Matheson and (Salt Lake County Mayor) Peter Corroon allows us to go in front of voters who were traditionally Republican and give them an opportunity for change,” said Holland.
Of course, change sometimes needs a little help. As part of their efforts to get some Democratic representation from Utah into the White House, Holland and the state party encouraged candidates in some rural area races that hadn’t seen competition from the Democratic party in nearly 50 years.
“We knew it would be kind of futile,” he said. “But if we wanted candidates such as Matheson to have a chance, we knew we would have to build a statewide party.”
He also noted some of the difference between the Utah Democratic Party and the national group, including the fact that what is defined as “left” in Utah is much closer to the middle in other parts of the country.
“There’s a real regionalness,” said Holland. “For example, Mitt Romney – a Republican – knew he had no chance of being elected governor of Massachusetts without taking positions to the left of many Democrats in Utah.”
Some Rotary members complained that all elected officials, Democrats and Republicans alike, go too far to the right or left after being put into office. Holland responded by saying that extremism is a natural side effect of the people who get involved in politics.
“It’s the grass roots people (the ones who feel strongly about particular issues) who attend caucus meetings and get involved,” he said. “Most people are more mainstream, but because of that it’s difficult to get them involved in the party apparatus.
“Candidates know they need to keep the people who are involved on their side if they want to become successful.”
jwardell@davisclipper.com
Photo: DEMOCRATIC PARTY State Chair Wayne Holland, Jr. (front) addressing the Bountiful Rotary.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
PARTY LINES: What does the recent terrorist attack say about U.S. security? By Rob Miller - Utah Democrat
Because of this incident the Clipper has asked the following: What does this foiled attack indicate about our national security? Has the government become lax on terrorism? Do security measures need to be beefed up or is this just an example that every threat cannot be stopped? And, who is responsible and what should be done next?
On Dec. 29, 2009, President Obama said that preliminary information has surfaced that raises some concerns, with one of those concerns being that the father of the suspect warned U.S. officials in Africa about his son’s extremist views but that that warning was not effectively distributed to get the suspect’s name on the no-fly list.
President Obama also stated that there were other deficiencies as well, that even without the report from the suspect’s father warning there were bits of information available that could have and should have been pieced together. President Obama went on to state that had this critical [information] been shared it could have been compiled with other intelligence and a fuller, clearer picture of the suspect would have emerged. “The warning signs would have triggered red flags, and the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America.”
I don’t believe that our government has become lax on terrorism as it is obvious that we have come along way since the 9-11 attacks. Approximately a dozen acts of terrorism have been made this last year that were foiled due to the security measures our government has put into place.
Let’s also point out that our president immediately ordered the following actions to ensure the safety of travelers.
First, he made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. He immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international. He added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States.
Second, he ordered two important reviews because it’s absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism. The first review involves the watch list system to identify known and suspected terrorists to prevent their entry into the United States by strengthening how information is shared between agencies. The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to travel.
President Obama also said, “We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle, and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us.”
As to who is to blame, well, we don’t blame crime on the police and ultimately it is the individuals involved in organizing terrorist attacks against our citizenry who must bear this cross of accountability.
No matter what precautions we take there are those who want to destroy our nation, but as President Obama said, “The American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident.” And, we should be grateful for the women and men who work daily to keep us safe.
PARTY LINES: What does the recent terrorist attack say about U.S. security? By Todd Weiler - Republican
While most of us were enjoying the Christmas holidays with our families, Umar Farouk Abdulmutall was attempting to blow up Flight 253. Fortunately for everyone involved, his attempt was foiled. But preliminary indications suggest that the 23-year-old Nigerian has connections with a Yemen-based al Qaeda faction.Obama, who already faced criticism for his plan to close Gitmo and transfer some of the prisoners to Yemen, was caught vacationing in Hawaii as events unfolded. Some are upset that he waited three days, went to the gym and played tennis before issuing a statement. On Monday, speaking from a clubhouse, Obama said: “The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your family safe and secure during this busy holiday season.” He then headed to the course to play a game of golf.
During the 2008 campaign, Obama promised preemptive strikes against terrorists, to escalate the Afghan war, pump massive funds into counterinsurgency campaigns, and to keep Bush’s anti-terrorism surveillance methods mostly intact. But a year later, Joe Lieberman blames Obama for lax security, terrorist watch breach, and faulty al Qaeda intelligence.
I think that this early criticism is a bit harsh. Just as presidents should not take credit for everything good that happens, they cannot be automatically blamed for everything bad. Although I am not convinced this attack is Obama’s fault, some in Congress contend that he has shut them out of intelligence briefings and ignored their requests for updates.
Last month, Rudy Giuliani called Obama soft on terrorism for deciding to try Khalid Shaikh Mohammed on U.S. soil, and said it would increase the security risk to the city. “What the Obama administration is telling us loud and clear is that both in substance and reality the war on terror from their point of view is over,” Giuliani said. “This seems to be an overconcern with the rights of terrorists and a lack of concern for the rights of the public.”
This week, Dick Cheney accused Obama of being in denial: “It is clear once again that President Obama is trying to pretend we are not at war. He seems to think if he has a low-key response to an attempt to blow up an airliner and kill hundreds of people, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if he gives terrorists the rights of Americans, lets them lawyer up and reads them their Miranda rights, we won’t be at war. He seems to think if we bring the mastermind of Sept. 11 to New York, give him a lawyer and trial in civilian court, we won’t be at war. . . . President Obama’s first object and his highest responsibility must be to defend us against an enemy that knows we are at war.”
Although there is no evidence that we are less safe today than a year ago, I hope that Obama will answer last week’s wake up call and make appropriate adjustments.
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