From Deseret News archives:
'Average Joe' fights the Real juggernaut
Sponsor of referendum at center of debate
The 50-year-old South Dakota native took on the monumental task of collecting nearly 92,000 signatures of residents, statewide, who opposed the state-backed Real Salt Lake stadium funding plan.
Strict requirements gave Swedlund and supporters of his group Get Real Utah a little more than 30 days to collect those signatures from at least 15 counties. They are due Monday the same day Real finally begins construction on its $110 million stadium in Sandy.
"I do realize it's a long shot, but I'll be happy if it's just 3,000 signatures. I know we've made a political change," said Swedlund, a Salt Lake resident who has lived in Utah for 22 years. "I hope it sends a message, even if it's halfway successful."
What originally started out as water cooler talk has blossomed into a grass-roots effort involving local activists, and a handful of political leaders. (Swedlund keeps mum on names.)
Most have expressed the same shock Swedlund did after watching dozens of Utah's power-players step up to Real's aid after Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon denied public funding for the soccer stadium.
Corroon's decision was based on months of financial studies and public scrutiny, Swedlund notes. The state's, however, was made in a matter of days.
"I find that many many more people think the government is kind of broken right now and I'm not alone in that," he said. "People are disenchanted with government."
Wayne Holland, chairman of the Utah Democratic Party, agrees. The state party sent out a notice to members last week, encouraging people to sign both the Real petition and the school vouchers petition, another voter referendum that has also been circulating since the legislative session ended.
"We have felt for quite some time that we have a Legislature that is too arrogant and has been there too long," Holland said. "It's time for the people of the state to remind the Legislature that the constitution gives them a co-equal role."
Comments
- NASA sets Monday shuttle launch 11:53 a.m.
- WVC robberies investigated 11:41 a.m.
- Funeral today for Utah soldier 11:16 a.m.
- Vaccination clinic set in St. George 11:15 a.m.
- $47B in suspect Medicare claims 11:11 a.m.
- 3 dead in Reno helicopter crash 11:02 a.m.
- Galaxy headed to MLS Cup 10:45 a.m.
- Veteran climber dies in Himalayas 10:36 a.m.
- Slovakia beats U.S. 1-0 10:30 a.m.
- Suicide attack kills 11 in Pakistan 10:28 a.m.
- Attack meant to kill apostle
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- D-Will home for daughter
- Trial begins in toddler death
- Born of water and the spirit
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
351 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
162 - Will state consider gay rights law?
145 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
117 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
103
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
AMERICANS have two plans from which to choose. The DEMOCRAT plan or ...
If Science is prostituted, what makes these people tick?. Is this also called...
An 80 year old getting chemotherapy... The basis for a patient qualifing...
I really don`t expect to win at Cleveland,but lets go in and give em all...
I have first hand witnessed kids in my neighborhood teasing my dogs when I...
With all the money "Brother Alamo" I can not remember his original name...
Tanner hinds is a stud running back and a great kid! My daughter is a...
My wife and I knew Cory while he was at BYU. From the moment you met him you...
Governor Herbert says he's going to gut state programs. I hope this isn't one...
Good job, now there will be a medical marijuana dispensary that will not have...


You can be the first to comment on this story.