The controversy provides Rocky the perfect platform to poke at the church without incurring charges of anti-Mormon bias because the issue is not based on morals (i.e. alcohol, gambling). The City Council is supportive and so are most voters.

Webb: The skybridge may have some symbolic importance for those concerned about LDS Church power and influence but, beyond that, why would anyone oppose it? There's no reason to oppose it on grounds of aesthetics, beauty, design, mountain views or pedestrian circulation. City voters and candidates support it. It will be a nice downtown feature.

Last week, this newspaper published a poll indicating that almost 60 percent of Utahns will vote in favor of repealing the voucher program. Are voucher supporters headed for a loss?

Pignanelli: In the voucher debate, there are three letters important to remember. It is not UEA, NEA, PCE (Parents for Choice in Education) or GOP. It is the PTA.

The PTA is a nonpolitical organization solely dedicated to helping Utah's children. In other words, it is pure. Longtime opponents of vouchers, current PTA leaders are furious the Legislature ignored their concerns. During the upcoming school year, parents will receive information from fellow parents (and PTA officers) to support the referendum and repeal vouchers. Almost 20 years ago, the referendum to repeal tax increases was assured victory. Then the PTA became engaged and defeated the effort.

The voucher movement boasts competent leaders, quality PR strategists and vast financial resources. Yet, they face considerable challenges because their messages cannot be viewed as attacking teachers and PTA parents. Further, Utahns have little experience with the benefits of private schools. Politicos are skeptical proponents can overcome these tremendous obstacles.

Webb: I proudly and enthusiastically support vouchers, but the pro-voucher forces have a difficult election ahead. They have allowed the anti-voucher zealots to frame the debate as pro-public school vs. anti-public school. If that's how the election is framed, vouchers are doomed, because the vast majority of Utah voters support their local schools.

I support vouchers precisely because I want those public schools to be the very best they can be for the benefit of my grandchildren and all of Utah's children.

I know for an absolute fact that the voucher program established very thoughtfully by the Legislature will leave more money in our public schools for teacher salaries, smaller class sizes and more spending per pupil. That is indisputable. Vouchers will also inject a little healthy competition into the system, which is always good. I want our teachers and principals to feel they need to be innovators and keep improving because parents have a choice.

I hope vouchers win, and I hope a lot of parents with a variety of special needs send their children to private schools. That will mean more per-pupil spending left in the public school system. If you want higher salaries, lower class sizes and better, sharper, public schools, vote for vouchers.

---

Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli, who ran against Rocky Anderson for Salt Lake mayor in 2003, served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.