From Deseret News archives:
Initiative on open space is on ballot
Monday, the state Elections Office received the final signatures needed from Cache County and certified the initiative petition sponsored by Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth as sufficient.
Amanda Smith, the head of the group, said this will be the first time Utahns will have the opportunity to vote on a statewide conservation initiative. Voters will be asked to approve a $150 million bond funded through a .05-cent increase in sales taxes.
"Clean water, good air quality and beautiful natural places are important to all of us and they are critical to our state's future," Smith said. "We have succeeded today because people realize the need to invest now to protect that makes Utah a great place to live."
Both Cache and Utah counties had originally reported that not enough valid signatures were collected during the petition drive. But the petition sponsor appealed to the Utah Supreme Court, and the counties were ordered to recheck the rejected names.
To qualify for the ballot, petitioners must collect a number of signatures equal to 10 percent of the votes cast statewide in the most recent gubernatorial election, and the same 10 percent count in 26 of the state's 29 Senate districts.
Utah County turned in the additional signatures needed from its disputed Senate district on Friday, but Cache County mailed their list. State Elections Director Amy Naccarato said the signatures needed from the Cache County district were received Monday morning.
That gives the state more than a week to meet the Sept. 3 deadline for finalizing the November ballot. "We're fine," Naccarato said. "This is plenty of time."
E-mail: lisa@desnews.com
Comments
- 2 more in GOP may challenge Bennett 4:04 p.m.
- Miles, Saban back SEC officials 3:46 p.m.
- Baby sitter charged in infant death 3:45 p.m.
- Hockey HOF class gets its rings 3:03 p.m.
- Phelps to test old suits at World Cup 3:03 p.m.
- Flyers get QB back for semifinal tilt 3:02 p.m.
- Former DPS head pleads guilty 2:46 p.m.
- Hasan's lawyer to meet with him 2:45 p.m.
- Hatch empathizes with Muslims 2:42 p.m.
- Two arrested in $3 robbery 2:41 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
258 - House passes health care bill
217 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
159 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
109 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
107 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Dixie will beat Springville. Mark my words. The northern fans once again...
No depth at quarterback for BYU? Your post shows just how out of touch...
Don't matter none, Bennett will win since has the LDS backing. If ya'll want...
That makes sense. So your offense caused PC to put that many points on the...
Poor PG fans can't handle the truth, now that they are done. Thanks for...
You might learn how to read before commenting on things. I provided a simple...
that an appeal is finally in favor of the player. We had an incident happen...
i hear that the number 8 kid is the best on the team
If you like those stadiums, move to Texas. And don't try to minimize the...
Semper Fi: now we have a Marine in charge, now we can get something done.


You can be the first to comment on this story.