Deseret News | Rocky says Buhler would be a 'disaster'

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Rocky says Buhler would be a 'disaster'

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SLC Commuter | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I don't live in SLC limits, but I now work downtown and have been very disappointed at what is there (not there?). For all of the Rocky supporters that say he is/was so great, please give some reasons. What has he accomplished and what is his legacy?

Looking for serious answers. I am sure some good was done, I am just not sure what and why he was re-elected

I see pan handlers all over (I get hit up 3-4 times each lunch houre), not a whole lot of open shops or restaurants in DT walking area - visitors and tourists walking around looking for places to see or eateries. He seems to have disdain for the LDS church, but Temple Square, Main Street Plaza, and City Creek project are the only real attractions and developments underway. Where would SLC (and Rocky) be w/o these? If Rocky had better plans or a master plan I am unaware of them.

SLC Resident | 1:34 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Not like sheep........yet amazingly 90% of you come to the same conclusions independently. Mind boggling. I would present the statements here as evidence that I'm not just applying heresay or innuendo.

Brett C. | 1:35 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I wonder if Rocky reads these comments. I sure hope he does! Then, maybe he would figure out that he is not liked, not wanted and people would rather see him banished from our midst than lead our city another day. All I have to say is thanks Rocky! If you hate this guy Buhler, than I love him! He has got my support all the way!

Comments continue below

Dane | 1:38 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky has been a disgrace to the city of Salt Lake and the state of Utah. I don't think there are too many candidates that could do a worse job, Democrat or Republican.

SLC Commuter | 1:40 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

The sheep comment is simply stupid (and you know it). Think about it logically, if this was as true as you say then how would Rocky (or any person with a view that may differ from LDS leaders) get elected? The pure percentages would have made almost impossible. Come on now you are just being bigoted and inflammatory.

Anonymous | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Thanks to Rocky, there's no Nordstrom in downtown SLC. There's no longer any shoe repair shops in the downtown area where you can get a pair of shoes refinished on your lunch hour. One of the first things he did as mayor was to swoop in and interfere with nearly-finished negotiations that would have put a branch of the U's U art museum in the Brooks Arcade. The Legislature will continue to retaliate against the city long into the future. Worst Mayor Ever.

WOW | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Everyone has their own opinions and they should be respected. Rocky may leave SLC, however, we have not heard the last of him. I am sure if the Democats win the house, he will be appointed somewhere; this is the reason he has been so outspoken on so many things outside SLC. He wants to be recognized for future job opportunities. That is fine...he will soon not be our mayor. WHOO HOOO!

Doug Barber | 1:50 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the startling turnover rate among top aides to Mayor Anderson during his tenure. To my mind, it's a powerful indication that his personality is unsuited to an executive position. I don't mean to suggest that a good manager never fires anyone - quite the contrary - but a good manager ought to be able to avoid serially antagonizing his most competent assistants.

My vote for funniest comment on this thread: "Rocky blah...blah...blah" at 9:57 a.m.: "I say that we all put our money together, and buy Rocky his own little island that he can live on by himself...we can even build him his own little freeway so he can get around."

My vote for most profound comment: "Big Dave" at 11:12 a.m.: "As with many who come from 'pioneer stock' but who have elected to not follow the precepts of the Church, Rocky seems to want to do everything he can to officially distance himself and, as demonstrated by his words and actions, Salt Lake from the Church, ignoring the fact that so much of what is good in the city is the result of the Church's efforts and history."

SLC Resident | 1:56 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

So if I say anything about the politics of Salt Lake City and Utah and the LDS I'm bigoted and inflammatory, but all the other comments here are fair and balanced. Is that correct? I would agree with your logic about our elections if Salt Lake City was the same as the rest of the state, but as everyone has so eloquently stated above........that's not the case.

Thomas | 1:57 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

SLC --

80% of American Jews vote Democratic. Sheep?

90% of African-Americans vote Democratic. Sheep?

90% of journalists vote Democratic. Sheep?

87% of professors at elite universities vote Democratic. Sheep?

100% of bitter SLC residents with a chip on their shoulders for "the dominant religious culture" vote Democratic. Sheep? (That's a rhetorical question, by the way.)

SomeGuy | 2:01 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Hey SLC resident... Do you realize the huge hipocrosy in your posts? My goodness. Guess what? Mormons vote according to their beliefs and stances, in the same way you vot according to yours!!!! One could make the EXACT SAME argument for left wing libs! All left wing libs vote like mindless sheep for liberal agendas!!! Please stop with the hipocrosy! Wow!

SomeGuy | 2:10 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

SLC resident. I have no problem whatsoever with you disagreeing with mine or anyone elses politics. Just the ignorant and hipocritical accusations are extremely tiresome.

SLC Resident | 2:11 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Now we get to the crux of the matter. It's all about the left wing liberals ruining America.

SLC Commuter | 2:16 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Stating a political viewpoint is not bigoted or inflammatory - directly attacking members of a religion by calling them all sheep is. Just because the majority around the state doesnï¿½t vote the way you do, doesnï¿½t make it some vast LDS conspiracy. I moved here from LA. I was in your same position (out numbered by people I don't politically agree with), but I didn't attack them personally ï¿½ they had differing opinionsï¿½ thatï¿½s it. Your posts indicate an "ax to grind" mentality - not a logical one.

Back to Rocky ï¿½ What has he done that made him a great mayor, leader, representative of SLC, etc. (his anti-war stuff doesnï¿½t count because was self aggrandizement, not SLC focused). I am still looking for this information from a supporter.

The best way to quite or persuade the people you call sheep is to show some facts. So show ï¿½em!s

former SLC resident | 2:19 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Maybe this is a misconception, but I have observed an unwritten "code of ethics" in politics that outgoing political leaders keep their own opinions private in an attempt to not use their position and the accompanying visibility to sway the people's vote in the upcoming election. Rocky, once again, is clearly not afraid to step over the line, revealing his abscence of professionalism.

Jim | 2:20 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

As a former Utah resident (don't live in Utah now) I follow local Utah politics with great interest. I also have worked in city/county government for over 30 years. If you don't know it yet, you will be very fortunate when your current Mayor is out of office. He is a very poor example of what a Mayor of a major U.S. city should be.

SLC Resident | 2:22 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Do you mean the ignorant and hypocritical accusations against Rocky?

Laura | 2:28 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

To Hilary,

Sounds like you were named appropriately. You would probably vote for Hilary Clinton too!

SLC Commuter | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

It seems to me that Rocky simply likes to see his name in print or in lights. He is sunsetting in SLC, hasn't been with Cindy Sheehan for a while, and can't find another pedestrian bridge to protest so he needs to threaten to run again or make a comment on candidates that will replace him to be on the news that night. Sad state of affairs - I can't remember the last time he was on TV/papers with something he is doing for the city, not for himself. Anyone remember ï¿½ maybe the push for more bike racks around the city? (now that all the orange flags are in place)

BTW - Shinny new bike racks being installed in front of blocks and blocks of boarded up businesses seems like an appropriate metaphor for Rockyï¿½s tenure. Focus on pet projects... leave the big stuff for others to deal with.

Laurie | 2:39 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I AM a Salt Lake City resident and am in no way a mindless sheep. If I were, I would have voted for Rocky. Rocky has been nothing except an embarrassement. I, for one, will be THRILLED to see him leave!
As for his views on Buhler...Any enemy of Rocky's has my full confidence in leadership ability!

Jason | 2:45 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky often gets upset when he doesn't get his way, which is a typical liberal trait. Rather than allowing the democratic system to work its course, he tries to overstep his bounds rather than accept the decision of voters, lawmakers, or the city council.

The sky bridge is one issue I can think of. That thing went through the proper channels, and it was eventually approved. However, just like a liberal, he gets upset and tries to usurp his authority to get his way. Let democracy run itï¿½s course rather than try a dictatorial approach. A change in mayor will be very refreshing.

Otis | 2:45 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky's infantile protest of President Bush should establish his credentials as a creditable source of endorsement, or lack thereof.

SLC Commuter | 2:59 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Still no list of accomplishments from Rocky supporters. Anyone have at least one?

Come on, there has to be one. He was in office for what

If not, then why did you/are you supporting him? Anyoneï¿½

Buellerï¿½
Buellerï¿½
Buellerï¿½

(Ferris, not Dave)

SLC Resident | 3:07 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

First off, I'd like to apologize for my contributions to the degeneration of the tone of the conversation.

I do have some accomplishments for the City during Rocky's tenure.

1. SLC led the nation in pedestrian safety initiatives.
2. SLC named one of 10 most liveable cities in the US.
3. Money magazine ranked SLC as "The Best in the West" among the best places to live.
4. Worked out solutions for University light rail line.
5. Successfully budgeted more than 9% of the general fund for capital improvements (for the first time)
6. Construction of Pioneer Police precinct on west side.
7. Fought to improve air quality.
8. Expanded downtown parking.
9. Began construction of intermodal hub.
10. City has seen decrease in violent crime.

Just a few of many accomplishments. I for one, don't feel at all embarrassed by this mayor.

wm | 3:10 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Touche Thomas for blowing SLC Resident's "sheep" diatribe completely out of the water.

Gary S. L. | 3:23 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Here is how it works in Salt Lake City. The people of the city elect forward thinking Democrats as their mayors who accomplish a lot despite their Mormon opponents on the city council. The Mormons of Sandy, West Jordan, Riverton, etc. all complain about Salt Lake City's mayor (and share their insignificant views in the comments section of the Deseret News). When the mayor is at the end of their term the Mormons in Sandy, West Jordan, Riverton etc. hope the Republican candidate will be elected next time, but it won't happen. Jenny Wilson will be a great mayor for the city.

Easier to leave SLC | 3:25 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Well, thanks in large part to Rocky, its much easier to leave work evenings from downtown Salt Lake City (especially during Christmas time) because there are no longer crowds of people other than those who office in businesses downtown to contest with. We can all leave much quicker to shop, dine and entertain ourselves in our suburbs.

Chris | 3:25 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

For cryingoutloud. Rocky tried to sell the air space on Main Street to stop the sky bridge! When the President of the United States came to Salt Lake City, Rocky was holding a sign instead of being a diplomat. Heck,I've met folks I totally disagreed with, shook their hand and made nice. Rocky is a wacky guy and if we did not experience him here, no one would even believe it. I've never been in a Sacrament meeting or any Church meeting where I've been TOLD how to vote. It's not even suggested, unless it is something like same-sex marriage which goes against church teachings. We've had a recent promonent church leader pass away who was a Democrat. Harry Ried is LDS and active. Matteson is LDS and active. Many of the prof's down at the Y are Democrat. So what? I respect their views, they respect mine (I hope). Rocky never respected our city, it's herritage or the folks who call it home.

SLC Resident | 3:33 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

All Thomas did for me was confirm that there are group norms involving voting patterns. Furthermore, the groups mentioned don't live predominantly in one place to create a theocracy. Therefore, we know Buehler would vote exactly as his church expects him to. By the way, the Skybridge hasn't been approved yet. The "Church" hasn't even presented their plans to the City Planning Commission.

Chris | 3:40 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

SLC Resident. Your about the only one, whose not embarrassed. Led the nation in pedestrian safety? The orange flag thing? Oh yea. That's a biggle. And the fact that so many sheep er, Mormons live in SLC/Utah had little to do with SLC being amoung the best places to live? What 'capital improvements'? List them. Have you every walked through Pioneer Park? The police have their work cut out for them. Yea, there was a need for a new police station there, because the crime is out of control. (former west ender). Improved Air Quality? Oh yea, I forgot that he rode his bike around in spandex. Decrease in violent crime? Tell that to the woman just blown away down the street from my home, by an illegal. Try a differnt list. We might believe you then.

Doug Brockbank | 3:41 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

In Rocky's world, people of faith wouldn't be able to hold any public office. Why? Because they are somehow beholden to their faith, and can't see objectively. Well, Rocky is at the other end. He can't consider an issue on it's true merits he disdains the LDS Church so much. I would personally listen to Rocky speak out on his liberal agenda (including denouncing discrimination in all it's forms), if he would recognize that his own discrimination of the Church is where he loses credibility with myself and many others.

Ah | 3:44 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Ahhhhh! Just figured out who SLC Resident really is!! Your Rocky! Caughtya!

Gary S. L. | 3:44 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Floyd asked for examples of how the LDS church dictates or influence votes. The most common way is for the leaders to publish "proclamations to the world", press releases (see the press room on their website), or Ensign articles about their views on current issues. Then the leaders remind the members (often in letters read during the Sacrament meetings) to go out and vote. That is the most common method. However, there are also times when the church leaders have been more aggressive in affecting the vote. One recent example is when church leaders in California were asked to read a letter to ward members encouraging them to volunteer their time, write checks and letters to campaign for an anti-gay marriage initiative on the ballot in the state. Much has been written about how the LDS church influenced that ballot measure and similar ballot measures in Hawaii and Alaska. You can learn more by googling the topic.

Diane W | 3:45 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Thank SLC resident for the list of Rocky's accomplishments. He has also been very supportive of parents during the elementary school closure problem.
As stated before today, the SLC mayor needs to do what is best for SLC, not what is best for the bedroom communities or the financial interests of the Moromon church.
Ferris Buhler WOULD be a better mayor than Dave. Since he isn't running, we should support Ketih Christensen.

SLC Resident | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I'm signing off. We'll just have to agree to disagree. I could have listed thirty items, but space here didn't allow it. It's obvious Rocky is a horrible person. Just read all of the comments above from our loving citizenry. I'll try to keep my comments to a more civilized tone if you can manage the same.

SLaker | 3:48 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Whoa, there. Someone above said Rocky was responsible for No Nordstroms downtown? Oh, REALLY??? And here I thought there was no Nordstrom at Crossrooads because the landowner (you know who) tore it down to build the new City Creek Center (which I'm thrilled about, btw). And there's no Nordstrom at the Gateway because from the very beginning of that project, there were to be no large Department Store Anchors there in order to protect the viability of Main Street. Get the facts and THINK before you make such an erroneous statement. As the poster above put forth, Rocky HAS done many positive things for SLC, and it IS a great place to live. It's unfortunate that there are some far-right extremists in other areas of the Wasatch Front that can't accept there are different kinds of people and viewpoints here in Utah. They have that "you're either with us 100% or you're against us" mentality. And that's the truth.

SLC Resident | 3:49 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Got me Ah...........

SLC Commuter | 4:04 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I appreciate you taking the time to list the things you like about his term. I wish other Rocky supporters (and opponents) thought about accomplishments more before beginning the stereotypical bashing.

Now I canï¿½t say that I necessarily agree with your list, getting more budget for capital improvements seems like a legitimate accomplishment (still depends on what is actually being built with the $$$). But SLC has been on those livability lists for a long time, many of the transportation and air projects you cite have city input, but are more state/federal funded projects. Crime stats down is good, but expanded parking downtown and pedestrian safety initiatives as accomplishmentsï¿½a reach at best. I am not sure what the Pioneer Police precinct is, but I do know that Pioneer Park is still an extremely unfriendly place for anyone other than homeless and drug dealers (a pre-Rocky problem, but he certainly did nothing to help ï¿½ actually made it worse).

Also, the key to a real legacy is not what you proposed but rather what you could lead to passage. A truly great mayor works through the tough issues with the city council ï¿½ no matter how different they are on politics ï¿½ and get things done. Rocky seemed to pride himself in picking a position (often an extreme position by any political measure) and then sticking to ï¿½his principleï¿½ until things fell apart. Then heï¿½d run to the press and say the council was not getting stuff done. He should have looked to someone like Ted Wilson, Bill Clinton, even Ronald Reagan as an example of how to create accomplishments in adverse environmentsï¿½not people like Howard Dean and Jesse Jackson.

Gordo | 4:11 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Roscoe, SLC Resident, et al: Ewe Fools.

Hillary good. Bush ba-a-a-d.
Abortion good. Babies ba-a-a-d.
Government good. Families ba-a-a-d.
Environment good. Man ba-a-a-d.
Man good. God ba-a-a-d.
Welfare good. Enterprise ba-a-a-d.
Regulation good. Freedom ba-a-a-d.
Sensitivity good. Strength ba-a-a-d.
Diversity good. White ba-a-a-d.
Equal outcome good. Equal opportunity ba-a-a-d.
Globalism good. Patriotism ba-a-a-d.
Hedonism good. Conscience ba-a-a-d.
Liberalism good. Liberty ba-a-a-d.
Indulgence good. Consequences ba-a-a-d.
Narcissism good. Love of God ba-a-a-d.
PC good. Freethinking ba-a-a-d.
My SUV good. Your SUV ba-a-a-d.

Lock-step! Ready! Your left, your left, your left, right, left.

SL Resident | 4:18 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I know I said I was done, but I can't help myself. Thanks for all the sterotypes, Gordo. If only life were so black and white. Now repeat after me......,

I will stop listening to Sean Hannity.

I will stop listening to Sean Hannity.

Brian - Utah | 4:19 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky Who? Isn't that the guy who got elected on 4% of those eligible to vote? It's really simple people of SLC. Get out and vote to keep these nut jobs out of public office.

Rocky cost Utah over $400 million in wasted tax payers dollars over the Legacy Highway. If he really cared about SLC and it's residents, he would have done something about all those air polluting oil refineries in North Salt Lake and made sure Trax ran all the way to the airport.

So lets get out and vote. To heck with Rocky Who.

Alternate | 4:23 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I would hope that Dave Buhler and Jenny Wilson both get through the primaries. I would like to hear them talk about the future of Salt Lake City and how they would work to make it a better place to live. I feel bad we had to suffer with Ross Anderson and all the baggage he brought and continues to bring to SLC.

SLC Commuter | 4:32 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Gary S.L. - I have heard the reminders to go out and vote read in church meetings for years around election days (in other countries as well by the way). I also remember hearing that the church supports no specific political party or candidate in the exact same message. Not clear how that is direct influence. Am I missing the secret winks and nods?

Also I haven't read any article in Ensign Magazine with a political viewpoint (other than patriotism, honesty, family, etc.). And proclamations to the world have been issued maybe 2-3 times in the history of the churchï¿½ I am not sure where you are going with that stuff.

The only issue where the church took a stand on directly in recent memory was when a very radical social issue that went directly against the teaching of the church was put on ballots in specific states. They made it clear where the church stands. (So did the Catholics, Evangelicals and others by the way).

BTW ï¿½ I challenge you to treat your Mormon neighbors and collogues like you do your Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and Muslim ones. When making broad generalizations, just put another religion name (or even race/ethnicity) in the same place where you put LDS and then think "would I say that to my Jewish/Catholic/Muslim/Black/Asian friend, without sounding like a total bigot?" Since I have moved here, I am amazed at how many people think they can make blatant offensive, stereotype, usually totally uneducated and unfounded, comments about my LDS religious beliefs ï¿½ to my face. When I ask them if theyï¿½d say the same thing to Jew or a Muslim that they disagree with ï¿½ they usually say, ï¿½Of course not ï¿½ that would offend them.ï¿½

SomeGuy | 4:43 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

SLC Resident... Remember how it's ok to not believe the way you believe? Remember how it's ok for people to have conservative views and that listening to Sean Hannity or being a Mormon doesn't make you a mindless sheep? Remember that? Good. Now, carry on. :)

RangerGordon | 4:45 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I don't know of any "damage" Rocky has done to Salt Lake City. In fact, during his time in office, lots of good things have happened here. Rocky may not be able to take credit for all those things, but those who say Rocky's been a "disaster" are just people who hate Rocky for his abrasive personality--they never point to any actual harm he's done and they ignore the good.

One of the best things about Rocky is the way so many West Jordan forehead veins burst every time he opens his mouth. I love the way he irritates the suburbanites! I'll miss that ...

To all you LDS bashers | 4:51 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Dear Bashers of the LDS,

Why do you bash these good people, they left persecution in other states for a safe haven? They have created a great state and I believe they are kind to people not of their faith for the most part. With out their church SLC wouldn't be as beautiful as it is. They are a kind people. I have watched our SLC mayor for the past few years while living in SLC and never understood why he is so against them, therefore it lead me to not support Anderson. It is time for a change and I will have to do my research, but if they are opposite Anderson they probably are a good candidate.

SLC Resident | 4:57 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Before I go I would like to disabuse all of you out there of the "suburban myth" that Rocky single handedly stopped the Legacy Parkway Project. While I don't like the idea of the State losing money because of this lawsuit, Rocky was simply a signatory of the suit. A judge in Denver made the final decision and he probably didn't like Rocky anymore than you do. Now I'm taking my ball and going somewhere else where I feel more love.

Oh.one more thing.........how does the "Church" justify having Sean Hannity on their radio station? And tell me again about how they don't tell you how to think.

Just a thought | 5:06 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

For those of you telling us who don't live in SLC to stay out of it: Do you really believe that it is only SLC residents that occupy all your buildings, shop at the Gateway/Trolley Square/etc.., eat at your downtown restaurants, visit churches/cathedrals/chapels/buildings of worship, and attend schools in your city? Just because we don't sleep their at night doesn't mean that we aren't apart of SLC. We have about 75% as much right to weigh in on Rocky as you do because many Summit, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Tooele residents make Salt Lake City what it is today. In fact one particular developer from Logan owns several of the downtown buildings. Rocky weighed in on Legacy highway so I feel that the Davis County residents can comment on him. If we didn't all bring our money to your city it would struggle so think before you write. You need us as much as we need you.

Doug Barber | 5:08 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

The idea that Mayor Anderson can take credit for Salt Lake City one of the 10 most liveable cities in the USA, or for Salt Lake City being ranked "best in the west" by money magazine -

shows a lamentable lack of understanding of history and sociology. Those Mormons Mr. Anderson has so many issues with have far better claim to credit for those honors than he has.

It's hard to know where to begin, knocking down such ill-informed posts.

RE: RangerGordon | 5:11 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Question for you: have you heard of the Legacy Highway? One huge disaster was trying to stop it and wasting Utah's tax money. Ross was a big opponent of the Legacy Highway.

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