'Average Joe' fights the Real juggernaut

Before February, the most controversial topic Brad Swedlund debated was the latest episode of "American Idol." Now lead sponsor of one of the state's most heated voter referendums, this self-described "Average Joe" has been the center of debates around Utah's Major League Soccer team.

The 50-year-old South Dakota native took on the monumental task of collecting nearly 92,000 signatures of residents, statewide, who opposed the state-backed Real Salt Lake stadium funding plan.

Strict requirements gave Swedlund and supporters of his group — Get Real Utah — a little more than 30 days to collect those signatures from at least 15 counties. They are due Monday — the same day Real finally begins construction on its $110 million stadium in Sandy.

"I do realize it's a long shot, but I'll be happy if it's just 3,000 signatures. I know we've made a political change," said Swedlund, a Salt Lake resident who has lived in Utah for 22 years. "I hope it sends a message, even if it's halfway successful."

What originally started out as water cooler talk has blossomed into a grass-roots effort involving local activists, and a handful of political leaders. (Swedlund keeps mum on names.)

Most have expressed the same shock Swedlund did after watching dozens of Utah's power-players step up to Real's aid after Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon denied public funding for the soccer stadium.

Swedlund decided "something had to be done" after Corroon shot down the funds for a third time in February, deeming it a risky investment. Days later, the state leaders pushed through a bill giving Real $35 million in Salt Lake County's hotel-tax dollars for land and infrastructure at the site. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was one of its strongest backers and the bill received bipartisan support from both the House and Senate.

Corroon's decision was based on months of financial studies and public scrutiny, Swedlund notes. The state's, however, was made in a matter of days.

"I find that many many more people think the government is kind of broken right now and I'm not alone in that," he said. "People are disenchanted with government."

Wayne Holland , chairman of the Utah Democratic Party, agrees. The state party sent out a notice to members last week, encouraging people to sign both the Real petition and the school vouchers petition, another voter referendum that has also been circulating since the legislative session ended.

"We have felt for quite some time that we have a Legislature that is too arrogant and has been there too long," Holland said. "It's time for the people of the state to remind the Legislature that the constitution gives them a co-equal role."