From Deseret News archives:
Open-space advocates take petition to high court
They hope review of signatures will put issue before voters
Proponents of a proposed $150 million bond measure to preserve open space on Tuesday petitioned the Supreme Court to review their signature-gathering results and ultimately allow Utahns to vote on the issue Nov. 4.
"This petition process has shown that Utahns care about protecting their clean drinking water, air quality and the many natural places that make our state unique," said Amanda Smith, president of Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth. "We are confident the Supreme Court will review the results and verify that the required number of Utahns signed petitions . . . giving all of us the right to vote on this incredibly important issue."
On July 6, state elections officials declared the petition insufficient to place the open-space proposal on the ballot even though proponents collected more than 95,000 signatures, well above the minimum threshold to qualify for placement on the ballot.
Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth spent the past few days reviewing the signature-gathering results and believe they have met all the requirements to place the measure on the ballot. The group is now asking the Utah Supreme Court to review and verify the success of the signature-gathering effort. A ruling is expected sometime before July 30.
There have been numerous challenges to Utah's initiative process. They prompted the Utah Legislature last year to change the law that critics say is still too stringent, making it nearly impossible for issues to get on the ballot.
But backers are simply asking the Supreme Court to review the results, uphold the law and put the issue to voters.
"Clean rivers and streams, working family farms and ranches, community parks and open spaces, this is the core of what makes Utah a great place to live," said Budd Scruggs, vice president of Leucadia National and one of the original sponsors of the initiative petition. "In November, we will have a chance to ensure this core remains intact and healthy for our children and grandchildren."
If passed in November, the Utah Clean Water, Quality Growth and Open-Space Initiative will allow the state to bond for $150 million to fund projects throughout the state that protect water, air, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, and community parks and trails. The bond will be funded through a 0.05 percent sales tax increase for approximately 10 years, costing the average Utah family roughly $14 per year.
E-mail: donna@desnews.com
Comments
- Study says basketball refs biased 1:13 p.m.
- Sanford faces 37 ethics charges 1:03 p.m.
- Woman killed in fall identified 1:00 p.m.
- October sales gains lift hopes 12:58 p.m.
- Home and garden news and notes 12:58 p.m.
- Ungrateful teen in your house? 12:54 p.m.
- Every Mon. Matters: Be neighborly 12:52 p.m.
- New offerings from past winners 12:50 p.m.
- Make a pilgrim to celebrate season 12:46 p.m.
- Mauer is American League MVP 12:38 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
212 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
206 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A survey by Accountemps says that this year, fewer people plan to shop...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
If you are going back 8 years then the record is the Utes winning five out of...
It's people like you that give BYU a bad name. Do you realize that BYU is...
I love the very first comment on this article: "They are gonna lose and...
Think about it | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 23, 2009 What tax is considered to be...
I'm amazed that you lefties can say that Palin is unqualified. How about the...
Fitting that these two are players of the week...they'll hook up numerous...
If I were a BYU fan I would be "really" hoping for a win this year...
Boise State, especially Kellen Moore, is so overrated it's ridiculous. Top...
you be MVP if you didn't play the whole season?
A little bird told me the parade will be on Tuesday the 24th (tomorrow) at...


You can be the first to comment on this story.