From Deseret News archives:
Many entities on Hill trying to influence legislators
Until the 1990s, the Utah Taxpayers Association (UTA) was viewed as Neanderthal lackeys of corporate sponsors who grunted "no taxes" whenever possible. Then the UTA crawled out of its cave and evolved into a significant player. For example, Initiative 1 was a well-funded, popular effort (to purchase open space with additional sales taxes) predicted to win in 2004. With limited resources, the UTA built a coalition of opponents and grabbed enough media attention with its attacks to defeat the proposal. Further, the UTA enjoys yearly success in defeating a number of local bond referendums.
Under the leadership of Ken Bullock, the Utah League of Cities and Towns has fashioned its 237 member municipalities into an army of zealots that actively participate in political discussions on transportation, tax and development issues. Policymakers rely upon the insightful analysis the league provides (especially from former Tax Commissioner Roger Tew). The league's influence has been bolstered by a continued stream of well-connected city officials who served as president, including mayors Tom Dolan (Sandy) and Bob Linnell (Bountiful). Using a feel-good message of enhancing communities, Bullock and his team are participants in any high-level deliberations regarding future growth in the state. Any doubt regarding the league's preeminence was quashed in 1998. In the midst of the Olympic bribery scandal, the Legislature wanted a representative of the "general public" placed on the Olympic Executive Committee to alleviate constituents' complaints. The lawmakers overwhelmingly chose the executive director of the league.
Comments
- Two American pilots die in Iraq 12:47 a.m.
- Murder suspect is vetran, avid skier 12:47 a.m.
- MLB: Zambrano's mom kidnapped 12:32 a.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 12:25 a.m.
- Philadelphia transit strike ends 12:25 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd 12:24 a.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 12:17 a.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 12:17 a.m.
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated 12:17 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:13 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
201 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
151 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
129 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
101 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
88
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING...
The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.
It's a real shame so many folks have never gotten out and gotten to know the...
It's all talk... you do not have any evidence for your claims. You assume...
Maybe if you could bat .408 in the major leagues, you too would be paid a...
I prefer the “Wizard of Earthsea” quartet by Ursula Le Guin, an...
The bottom line question that no one can possibly answer is; what will be the...
It looks to me like special treatment.
Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...
I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...


You can be the first to comment on this story.