These are classic discussions published back in April 2010
Who’s Watching the Watchers?
Arizona philosopher H. I. McDunnough once observed, “I tried to stand up and fly straight, but it wasn’t easy with that sumbitch Reagan in the White House.” Similarly, Utah ethicists Kim Burningham and David Irvine claim that they would have been open and honest with Utahns, but it wasn’t easy with that sumbitch Legislature in session.
Former lawmaker/lobbyist David Irvine and former legislator/state school board member Kim Burningham are calling for more honesty, openness and responsibility on the part of elected lawmakers. Bravo! Honesty, openness, and responsibility in lawmaking are essential; hence, my efforts at SteveU.com.
In their “campaign for honest, open and responsible government,” the Utah ethicists publicly represented that a deadline of April 15th existed to collect signatures for their initiative drive. Now, though, they’ve changed their story. Despite their prior representations to the contrary, they say they’ve believed for some time that the actual deadline is August 12th.
Surely, these ethicists must have a reason... (read more)
Exciting Times in Utah Politics
Yesterday was the deadline for 2 petition drives to submit enough signatures to place initiatives on the ballot. It seems that a drive to move redistricting from the legislature to a commission failed. And, it will take a while to determine whether a drive to establish a non-legislative ethics commission obtained enough signatures. Meanwhile, on the latter initiative (ethics), a federal judge issued a temporary order against releasing the names of signers.
As I’ve stated previously, these kinds of drives excite me – even when I disagree with the specifics. They show that people are paying attention, and that they believe in the process enough to work for change.
A brief word on these initiatives:
Redistricting: If we are to have accountability, redistricting should be done by elected officials. Commissions, like Legislatures, are peopled by people. An appointment, versus an election, does not purify a decision-maker; it just makes the decision-maker immune from public accountability. Accountability means that a very bright light should... (read more)
Will ObamaCare Break California?
A key aspect of ObamaCare is the expansion of Medicaid. Because states pick up part of the tab for Medicaid, states’ budgets will be impacted by ObamaCare. Utah’s tab for ObamaCare will require an extra $200,000,000/year. That’s very serious money for us. To put it in opportunity-cost terms, that would force a 10% cut to public education. (Of course, monies would be taken from other budget items too). And, that’s just for starters. If the federal government ever gets serious about balancing its budget (I know, bear with me), states would pay more for ObamaCare – as the federal matching rates of the “introductory offer” would be decreased. (Or, better stated, “When our creditors determine that Congress is not serious about balancing its budget, . . ..”).
Utah will need to make serious decisions, when it comes to Medicaid and the ramped up costs. Already, Medicaid is the fastest growing item in... (read more)
Utah Senate Race