These are classic discussions published back in October 2008
Lisa Johnson and Rep. Hughes’s October Surprise
Rep. Greg Hughes soundly defeated Lisa Johnson two years ago for a House race in Draper. It would take something like weeks of bad press to close that gap. And that’s just what Rep. Hughes got, when an ethics complaint was filed against him a month before the election. Rep. Hughes was cleared of all charges (most failing 8-0 in the 4 Republican / 4 Democrat ethics committee). But, to understate the matter, it’s a tough task to make up for all the bad press.
Today, Johnson’s attorney revealed that she knew about the potential charges against Rep. Hughes in April. That sheds new light on a little on-line conversation I had in June with “CraigJ”. I pointed out that the 3 complainants against Rep. Mark Walker had all promised vengeance on House Rules Committee members. CraigJ was very animated in the commentary. I knew that Lisa Johnson’s husband was Craig, so I... (read more)
Lake Powell Pipeline Financing
I’ve submitted a commentary to the Tribune’s piece on me regarding the Lake Powell pipeline, describing how — exactly as I stated — the State does contribute to the pipeline. If the Trib doesn’t run it by Tuesday, I’ll publish it here. Since it had no qualms about broadsiding me and the pipeline project with errors (which are so easily checked in this case), I’m curious to see how interested the Trib is in getting correct facts before the public on this important issue. My guess: not very.
In the meantime, I’ve asked the author of the hit piece, to describe where he disagrees with the following Q&A.; Anyone can participate. Here’s the statute that provides the answers.
Who pays to construct the pipeline? (The State).
When is the State reimbursed? (When the District takes the water, not when the project is completed).
When will the District take the water? (In blocks, sometime between project completion and 50 years after).
During that time, who services... (read more)
Properly Vetting Joe the Plumber
In very serious times, I’m pleased to see that the substantive ideas of the 2 candidates’ competing to lead the Nation are being analyzed. Oh, no, wait. It’s Joe the Plumber who is now being vetted. It’s about time!
I don’t mean anything partisan by that. I’m just disappointed that big campaigns continue to be so non-substantive. I had hoped that the Internet might change that. But, so far, I can’t say that it has. It just seems to make the silliness more immediate and wide spread. I’d be pleased, if people would point me to signs suggesting otherwise.
In terms of issues and opinions themselves, however, the Internet, of course, is an unmatchable public forum. That makes it all the more odd to me that the realness of the virtual forum hasn’t made it yet to real campaigns. Why not? I’d have to conclude that people prefer the silliness —... (read more)
Free Speech and Freedom
I’m really enjoying being on the campaign trail with my opponent. As I mentioned previously, I believe we’re giving people some strong differences of opinion on several important issues, while respecting the other’s willingness to participate in the process. That approach invites voters to look more closely at a race, rather than send them running away screaming and holding their ears like many of the federal races seem to do.
In any event, I’m really struck right now by the greatness of our system that allows us to actively contest our differences and determine whose opinion will carry the day. On that note, though, I can’t help but laugh that Sen. McCain’s campaign is arguing that federal encroachments on free speech rights are interfering with dissemination of ideas. Ya. That’s what tends to happen when government abandons first amendment agnosticism in order to pick winners and losers in public discourse.
Of course there are complexities to the... (read more)
Utah and the Economic Downturn
The time to prepare for a storm is before the storm. Same with economic cycles. Once a downturn hits, the thing most governments do is wish they’d done things differently leading up to the downturn.
As Rep. Dave Clark is fond of saying, calm seas don’t make good sailors. Those of us who were around in 2001-02 learned a few lessons. We determinedly plowed money into rainy day funds, citizens’ pockets (through tax cuts), and capital projects (instead of relying exclusively on bonding). And – as I’ve repeatedly said – when the downturn hit, we got in early to match budgets to the economy. Thank you, again, Gov. Huntsman, President Valentine, and Speaker Curtis for leading out. These steps allow us to maintain some of the important gains we’ve made in public education and higher education funding. While other states will have to take jolting actions, like laying off employees and cutting services... (read more)
Campaign Debates
My opponent and I are having several debates. We debated at the Episcopal Church (really we gave speeches there), at the Elks Lodge regarding Veterans issues, and before a group of local estate planners. Here is The Spectrum’s coverage of yesterday’s Homebuilder/Realtors debate.
We will address Leadership Dixie on 10/9; Rotary on 10/13; the St. George Chamber of Commerce on 10/15; the Hurricane Chamber on 10/16; SunRiver on 10/21; and the Association of PUDs and Condos on 10/22. The Spectrum and Utah Public Radio will host a debate at Dixie State College’s Gardner Center on 10/27.
Though I’m a bit biased, I believe our debates are more substantive and, thus, more engaging than the yawners for the presidential contest. I’d bet that’s typically the case for local elections. It’s kind of crazy that local candidates get down to details, while candidates for the leader of the Nation ladle out fluff and sound bites.
A lot of things can... (read more)
Comedians and Politics
I wonder why more comedians don’t rise in politics. Have many tried? Perhaps it’s just that they don’t want to mess with the mess. Maybe they’re too controversial, and lose voters one crack at a time. With our tendency to typecast, maybe people refuse to believe comedians could ever hold non-comedic thoughts.
But, great comedians are some of the smartest, most observant, and most communicative people around. When they get serious, they often say some amazingly spot-on things, with clarity that only the best thinkers and communicators could deliver. Forget the presidential debates. Let Jon Stewart and Dennis Miller go at it. It would be more substantive and more entertaining.
Instead, as I listen to Congress-types excuse themselves from ANY role in the financial mess or explain their blame only in partisan terms, it becomes more apparent that we do tend to elect jokers, just not the funny kind.
Lake Powell Pipeline Financing