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News Highlights

The voucher issue is likely to play a big role in the District 8 race between Sen. Carlene Walker and Rep. Karen Morgan (Deseret News).

Sustainable living advocates are crusading to make backyard chickens legal in Utah’s urban areas (Salt Lake Tribune).

Quote of the Day

"One flavor of ice cream may be nice. But it doesn't take Baskin-Robbins to know that when it comes to flavors, colors and tastes, the more the merrier."

-- Deseret News editorial welcoming increased ethnic diversity in Utah, resulting from burgeoning minority populations.

Monday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates

The Week Ahead

The Olympics and the war in Georgia are dominating the headlines, and politics continues to be slow in Utah as we reach mid-August. On the national level, the presidential campaign is heating up as the two national conventions get closer. This week a couple of legislative meetings are scheduled, including a day-long field trip by the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee, which will tour facilities and see programs in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The tour will see programs and facilities related to invasive species, Jordan River water adjudication, This is the Place Heritage Park, fire suppression, geologic hazards, endangered species, Sage Grouse, and the proposed Utah Lake causeway. See the agenda and the legislative calendar http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/cal.asp. For all the week's political events, see the UtahPolicy.com calendar

Oil Shale Projects Underway

Debate is raging over oil shale -- whether it can be a reliable source of energy, whether it can be extracted without severely damaging the environment, and how soon large-scale production can start. The answer to these questions will come soon enough, as a number of pilot projects are underway using different technologies to extract oil from the rock. A little patience is needed to see if breakthroughs can occur.

Even using old technologies, we know that oil can be extracted. The question is at what cost. Some new extraction methods have been developed that use little water and much less energy, with far less environmental damage. The pilot projects will tell us what works and what doesn't. In the meantime, Congress should repeal the moratorium on leasing federal land for oil shale development.

Regional Politics

Big Role for West in Election
Arizona Republic: "Long viewed as safely in the Republican fold, the eight states just east of the Pacific Coast states are expected to play their biggest role yet in a modern presidential election. Republicans and Democrats are targeting this Western region for a simple reason: Republicans want to keep as many of the states as they can while Democrats want to pick up as many as possible."

Today in Political History

Aug. 11, 1984: Pres. Ronald Reagan jokes during a voice test for a paid political radio address that he had "signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes."

Aug. 11, 2000: Pat Buchanan wins the Reform Party presidential nomination in a victory bitterly disputed by party founder Ross Perot's supporters, who choose their own nominee in a rival convention. (Source: NY Times)

Wise Words

As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Families. John Adams 1814 (Source: Patriot Post)

Leadership Tip

Tips for Hands-On Leadership
1. Be there. A successful organization can slip when an owner is not there at least part of every day, keeping in touch with how things are going.

2. Set an example for working hard. One wholesale bakery owner sometimes sleeps on the couch in his office so he can be there when the early shift comes in at 4 a.m.

3. Don't confuse hands-on managing with micro-management. Set objectives and offer guidance, but don't make employees do every little thing your way. Gauge what they do by the results.

4. Understand your organization down to the last detail. The founder of a toy-store chain visits the stores and spends time doing each job (selling, clerking, etc.) and observing customers' reactions.

5. Stay in touch with "stakeholders." That category includes customers, employees, and suppliers. (Source: Business Week)

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .
-- The Hill: "Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and top evangelical leaders will join forces next week to amplify issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and stem-cell research in the race for the White House. [The evangelical leaders] plan to hold a news conference Friday calling on Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to spend more time talking about issues that matter to evangelical voters."

-- The Observer: Columnist Michael Crowley: "[A] growing number of Democrats suspect that relentless attacks by McCain and the Republican party may be taking a toll on Obama. Indeed, despite the political tailwinds at Obama's back, and the smooth execution of his vaunted overseas tour last month, he maintains a conspicuously modest lead over his Republican rival. And even as the Obama brand underperforms, the McCain brand is overperforming: The Arizona senator is faring much better than one would reasonably expect of a determined Iraq war supporter and faithful ally of George Bush in the ugly sunset of the post-9/11 Republican era. When Obama and McCain head to their parties' conventions this month, Obama must find a way to change that dynamic, or risk seeing his fragile lead slip away."

-- Chicago Sun-Times: Columnist Carol Martin explains "why polls aren't worrying Obama's team."

-- Financial Times: "Joe Lieberman, the former Democratic vice-presidential nominee who has endorsed John McCain, is being vetted as a potential running mate for the Republican presidential hopeful, according to an adviser to Mr McCain's campaign."

Blog Watch

-- Scott Hinrichs comments on Gov. Jon Huntsman's accomplishments in office, referring to a Standard Examiner story reporting on its August 7 editorial board meeting with Bob Springmeyer, the Democratic candidate for governor.

Lighter Side

I had to voice my concern when a co-worker said she found dates on the Internet. "Don't worry about me," she said. "I always insist we meet at a miniature golf course."

"Why there?" I asked.

"First, it's a public place," she said. "Second, it's in broad daylight. And, third, I have a club in my hand." (Linda Akins, in Reader's Digest)

 

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Monday
August 11, 2008

Utah in the National News

NPR interviews Utah state worker Carolyn Dennis about how Utah's new four-day workweek "has affected her family, and what she'll do with the time off."

Arizona Daily Star: Tucson-area columnist Ann Brown sings the praises of Envision Utah's regional-visioning process, noting: "We cannot overlay the fine work of another community onto ours and expect success. But we should look at the leadership and consensus models of Envision Utah. ... Application of the Envision Utah principles and robust strategies could help move that conversation forward and help bring together puzzle-piece elements into an overall picture of our regional community's future."

Denver Post: Columnist Neal Peirce interviews Gov. Huntsman about the challenges posed by exploding population growth in the Intermountain West.

Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Rolly: Is 10-hour workday a huge oops?

- Q&A session suddenly enters comic, personal gray area for Corroon

- Activist is taking on climate change

- Editorial: John and Jane Does should govern resort town

- Editorial: Kids trading photos should not face felony charge

Activists want to make backyard chickens legal in urban areas

Standard-Examiner

- Editorial: Penalties should be paid

KCPW

- Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Wraps Up Today at Salt Palace

- The American Mall Producers Urge State to Improve Film Incentive

Deseret News

- Vouchers likely to play big role in District 8

- Zoo officials seek change to bond proposal

- LDS Church suited for green push

- John Florez: Parents/taxpayers should hold schools accountable

- Op-ed: A new mix 'n' match Utah

Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com


- Aug 12: Groundbreaking event for the FrontRunner South commuter rail line, 1 p.m., at the future Lehi FrontRunner Station, 3100 North Garden Drive near Thanksgiving Point.

- Aug 15: Cricket Wireless welcomes the Declaration of Independence to Salt Lake City, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Utah State Capitol. Free viewing to the public.
- Aug 15: GenX GOP networking group summer lunch, 12 p.m., Hires, 400 S 700 E, Salt Lake City. For more info email mike.winder@winderfarms.com.

- Aug 16: Cricket Wireless welcomes the Declaration of Independence to Salt Lake City, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Utah State Capitol. Free viewing to the public.

- Aug 16: Peace Garden Festival, 12 to 5 p.m., The Peace Garden, Jordan River Park, 900 West 1000 South, Salt Lake City. Free to the public. Each nationality in the Garden will put on a 20 minute program.

- Aug 18: Candidate Forum sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Foundation Utah Priorities Project, 12 to 1 p.m., Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber, 175 East University Blvd. (400 South), Suite 600, Salt Lake City. Forum includes Senate District 23 candidates Richard Watson vs. Dan Liljenquist or Ron Mortensen.

- Aug 19: Lt. Governor Herbert to visit Red Leaf's operations in the Uinta Basin.

- Aug 20: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day. See Legislative calendar for details.
- Aug 21: Health System Reform Task Force Meeting, 8 a.m., room W020.

- Aug 21: Education Interim Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., room C445.

- Aug 21: UTOPIA Citizens Advisory Network Interim Meeting, 7 p.m., Taylorsville Library, 4870 South 2700 West, Taylorsville. This is an interim meeting of U-CAN for residents of Salt Lake County.All others are welcome to attend.

- Aug 23: UTOPIA Citizens Advisory Network Meeting, 12 p.m., Davis County Library Central Branch, 155 N. Wasatch Dr., Layton. This is the regular monthly meeting of U-CAN. Anyone who would like to learn more about UTOPIA or contribute ideas on how to improve it is welcome to attend.

- Aug 23: Fundraising Dinner for Montana A.G. Candidate Tim Fox, hosted by A.G. Mark Shurtleff, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Downtown Hilton Hotel, 255 S. West Temple. Single seat $250 or table for six $1000. Click here for seat reservations or email Jessica.

- Aug 25-27: Lt. Governor Herbert to participate in the Governor's Rural Trip visiting locations throughout rural Utah.
- Aug 25-28: Democratic National Convention, Denver

- Aug 27: Immigration Interim Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Ecker Hill International Middle School Auditorium.

- Aug 28: ChamberWest Business Before Lunch networking event, 11 a.m., The E Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive. For chamber members. Please call 801-977-8755 to reserve table space.

- Aug 28: ChamberWest General Membership Meeting, 11:45 a.m., The E Center Centennial Room, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive. Presenter is Sen. Bob Bennett. Cost is $15, RSVP required by calling 801-977-8755. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will also be presenting Sen. Bennett the 'Spirit of Enterprise' award as part of this event.

- Aug 28: Libertarian Party Monthly Social, 6 to 9 p.m., Mo's Neighborhood Grill, 358 S. West Temple. Come and bring a friend, for food, drink, politics and good company.
- Sept 1-4: Republican National Convention, Minneapolis, MN

- Sept 1: Labor Day

- Sept 1: Mayor Peter Corroon’s Open Door Meeting, 4 to 5 p.m., Mayor’s Office, N-2100 (Second floor, North building), Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 South State Street. Each meeting will run approximately 10 minutes. No appointment is needed. Residents are invited to bring concerns or issues to the Mayor’s attention.
- Sept 2: State office, legislative office, state school board and local school board candidate financial disclosure report due.

- Sept 3: Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, 1 p.m., room C445.

- Sept 8: 2nd Annual what's IN OUT back! Economic Summit and Golf Tournament, Zermatt and Homestead Resorts. Designed to showcase new and standing developments, issues and concerns that are happening in Wasatch County. Following the summit will be a classic 4-person scramble golf tournament. Attend the economic summit, the golf tournament, or both. For more info or to register click here.

- Sept 8: Salt Lake County Local of the Green Party of Utah Meeting, 7 p.m., The Coffee Club, 4879 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month. For more info contact Eileen at 801-201-0219 or leenaree@xmission.com
- Sept 15: Utah Senate Majority Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. registration with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., Eaglewood Golf Course, Bountiful. For more info click here or contact Laura Barlow, 435-881-2588.

- Sept 15: Candidate Forum sponsored by the Salt Lake Chamber and the Utah Foundation Utah Priorities Project, 12 to 1 p.m., Board Room, Salt Lake Chamber, 175 East University Blvd. (400 South), Suite 600, Salt Lake City. Forum includes County Council 6 candidates Max Burdick vs. Roger Harding.

- Sept 17: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day. See Legislative calendar for details.

- Sept 18: Health System Reform Task Force Meeting, 8 a.m., room W020.

- Sept 18: Education Interim Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., room C445.

- Sept 18: 5th Annual Shotgun Blast with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, 4 to 9 p.m., Browning Headquarters, 6175 Cottonwood Canyon Road, Mountain Green. $5,000; $10,000; and $20,000 team sponsorships (3 person teams). Click here to RSVP.

- See the entire calendar