From Deseret News archives:
Walker opposes open space initiative
"I have grave concerns," the governor told reporters, warning the $150 million bond proposal could jeopardize Utah's AAA bond rating the highest possible and force the state to pay what amounts to property tax to local governments.
While the governor may oppose the measure, a recent Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll shows the majority of Utahns support the initiative, which increases sales tax by .05 of a cent, or roughly $14 more a year for a family of four.
Backers of the initiative, sponsored by Utahns for Clean Water, Clean Air & Quality Growth, expressed disappointment in the governor's opposition at their own news conference. Amanda Smith, head of the sponsor group, said the proposal could enhance Walker's own watershed preservation project.
Walker, however, said her qualms about the initiative were not about preservation but rather about funding details.
"The initiative touts open space and other admirable concepts," Walker said, "but do citizens realize that $30 million of the $150 million will be used for such things as convention centers, fairgrounds and local government buildings?"
The governor said it makes as much sense as having communities across the state pay for the renovations under way at the Capitol.
Smith said she disagreed with each of Walker's doubts about the initiative and attributed many of them to misconceptions about funding.
"We're not sure that Governor Walker understands," Smith said. "We respectfully question her facts."
The $30 million allocated for convention centers and community projects, she said, is not required to be used for recreation centers or city buildings but is simply the maximum amount of funding available to such projects. Cities that apply for community building funds will still have to compete with conservation projects for that $30 million.
"That money is certainly not mandated or earmarked for these things," she said. "Make no mistake, this is a conservation bond."
Former U.S. Sen. Jake Garn backs the bond and weighed in with his opinion after Walker's announcement, saying the community fund is "one of the measure's greatest strengths" because it gives options to cities with varying needs.
Comments
- Boyle hopes debut album 'delivers' 4:17 p.m.
- Fans greet returning Real Salt Lake 4:16 p.m.
- RSL protects 11 players from draft 4:00 p.m.
- Man allegedly fired at motorist 4:00 p.m.
- Doctor faces voyeurism charges 3:57 p.m.
- Payson, chamber seek medical firm 2:49 p.m.
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple 2:47 p.m.
- Palin's book tour hits Fort Bragg 2:42 p.m.
- Matheson unsure about health bill 2:40 p.m.
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded 2:38 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
214 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
212 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
189 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
131 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
110 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Utah's only Pottery Barn at Trolley Square, 600 S. 700 East, has...
Question: Bart Stupak is a congressman from Michigan and an ace...
There is an ongoing effort to eliminate the diversity of the religious...
To "Anonymous | 3:14 p.m. " other than liberals saying that they will feel...
I didn't say that the medical profession, whether privately funded or...
Congratulation RSL! Job well done...
It's just sad how pathetic the GOP has become. From the unbelievable lies...
I love it when people start criticizing BYU for being "isolated". BYU is...
Your kidding Protest a Temple near my home. The value of our home went up...
Apparently you do. If you don't care then why read the article and comment. I...
This article doesn't say a thing about members complaining.



You can be the first to comment on this story.