To get it, all that is initially required is for counties that want to be part of the action to dedicate a half-cent of sales tax to transit. Weber and Davis counties already do that. Salt Lake County is almost there, at 7/16th cent. Utah County is at 1/4 cent. While I disagree with Frank's flippant characterization of my good friends in Utah County (where I grew up), I do believe Utah County needs to step up with the additional 1/4 cent. Lawmakers don't have to impose it. Put it to a vote of the people.

In addition to the half-cent sales tax, a region-wide vote will be needed in the next few years on a general obligation bond for capital funds.

In this legislative session, no one is asking for an appropriation for transit. No one is asking for any tax increase not approved by voters. So let the people decide. Do we want a state-of-the-art mobility system within 10 years? Let's vote on it.

Pignanelli: Last week at the Capitol, I overheard the following: "The state should construct a large cul-de-sac at the Point of the Mountain to prevent Utah County residents from venturing northward." A participant in the conversation added: "Catapults could be erected in Juab to hurl travelers from southern Utah over the Provo/Orem area into Salt Lake." These remarks were made by conservative Republicans angered that Utah County was frustrating a coordinated state transportation policy. This wrestling match is occurring because of several political dynamics.

First, Utah County and France have much in common. The citizens are zealously proud of a distinctive culture and unique language patterns. Their leaders consistently find ways to assert political independence, to the irritation of allies and friends. For example, Utah County recently withdrew from the Mountainlands Association of Governments (comprising various local entities), and as a result will lose federal funds for its roads. The county refuses to mirror other Wasatch Front counties and impose an additional 1/4-cent sales tax for mass transit, dedicating all tax dollars for roads, and excluding buses and trains (again jeopardizing federal support).

In response to this intransigence, Davis County Sen. Dan Eastman is sponsoring legislation forcing Utah County to assess the appropriate sales tax or lose its ability to participate in the Wasatch Front transit system. "Make them use hand carts and covered wagons," one legislator quipped. (To be fair, there are differences between Utah County and France. The French have much better food, but our fellow Utahns bathe more often.)