Sandy leaders are not worried that the referendum efforts will throw a wrench into stadium plans. While standing behind the Legislature's action, Mower said, the governor "recognizes and respects" citizens' right to participate in the referendum process.

Sponsors of the petition drive have set up a Web site, www.getrealutah.org, where instructions are provided for those who want to sign a petition. If the group garners enough certified signatures, the governor decides when the vote takes place. That election could either be at the next regular election (Nov. 4, 2008) or at a special election on June 26, 2007, Nov. 6, 2007 or June 24, 2008.

If enough people sign the petition, the money will not be given to Real until the vote.

The measure directing the $35 million to the stadium project will not take effect until April 30, which is days after the April 24 deadline when the state reports whether enough signatures have been gathered for a referendum.

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com