Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: We predict the political haze isn't going anywhere

Some Utahns are calling for reforms to the caucus/convention candidate nomination system to engage more citizens in the process. Will state legislators tackle that issue in 2013? Probably not, because they must face delegates in caucuses and conventions in 2014. But it's surprising how much support is building for reform in every sector of Utah society, including among many legislators. They just don't want to be in front of it.

The transportation and business lobby wants lawmakers to increase the motor fuel tax this year because the tax has lost 40 percent of its purchasing power since it was last raised. The tax pays mostly for highway and road maintenance, and reduced purchasing power results in deteriorating roads. Is this the year for a gas tax increase? We predict it will be a tough proposal to sell. Legislators just don't like raising taxes. But perhaps a compromise is possible, such as allowing a local-option gas tax, or indexing the tax so it at least keeps up with inflation.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as minority leader. His spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a state tax commissioner. Email: frankp@xmission.com.