Reader comments
Demos aim for council majority

Bob G | 3:51 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Beyond popular belief the partisan type of government is not good government. Argument is the best government and is best for all. Why do these people think their ideas are the only good ideas ane what is best for Utah? A single minded puppet government is not good or healthy for the people, we need diversity in thought and actions and how our taxes are spent. Government and representation was not meant to be easy nor should it be easy, it breeds corruption, greed, and misuse of taxes. Government is of the people, not business or for itself interests of those elected to office. I want government hard and debated and scrutinized at every level. It's our protection for the american people. When everyone are puppets to one idea then bad things happen in government and for the people. And we are seeing a lot of nepotism in our cities and states being controlled by a few families which is also not a good idea. We've had enough bad government from their parents, we don't need it perpetuated with their offspring. We need new ideas and new government leaders uninfluenced by previous generations of bad government leaders.

To Bob G (3:51 a.m.) | 7:52 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

It is because the Republicans have instituted pretty much a single party regime in Utah that diversity, like the diversity discussed in this article, is so badly needed. You're right -- pure partisan politics and goverment (like the system the Republicans have put in place here in Utah and which they WANT to put in place throughout the country) breeds corruption, greed and misuse of taxes. We need much more of a balance in local and state politics, with both parties (and independents too) winning and holding office. Hopefully Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County will be the start of the change, and a more equitable political climate can be established in this state.

Go D's | 8:24 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

I hope Democrats take the majority in Salt Lake County Council and hopefully add some seats in the Legislature.

The one party regime (GOP) in Utah has long forgotten who their constituents are and are pretty much "I'll rub your back and you'll rub mine" good ol' boy network.

Comments continue below

Wilkey | 10:04 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

"Beyond popular belief the partisan type of government is not good government."

That really depends. A narrowly divided partisan government is almost always better than one party rule, since the bare majority party wants to hold onto its majority it's not likely to do something that will infuriate the voters. Council Democrats will pay if they enact unpopular ideas like domestic partner benefits.

But what I'd really like to see are more members from outside of Salt Lake. Salt Lake City is now less than 18% of the county's population but make up 44% of the Council dur to the fact that all 3 At Large members hail from there.

The author of this article asked Democrats who they're running. How come he didn't ask if the Republicans have anyone to challenge Horiuchi?

SLC Native | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Bob G and Go D's--Amen to your comments. Utah's One-Party Rule has got to go. Competition is ALWAYS a good thing, especially when it comes to our arrogant GOP in this state.

Non SLC resident | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Salt Lake City is rapidly becoming more and more in line with San Fransisco. Elect a majority od democrats and watch everything from taxes and fees go up and up.Services will be cut and guess what you will have to pay for all of it. Good luck to Salt Lake City and county you will need it to survive the storm that is heading your way.

To Non SLC resident | 10:52 a.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Ummm we've lived under Democratic rule here in the city for decades and we have had nothing but improvement on our life here in the city. The Democratic Mayors have been a nice breath of fresh air for us. You comment on taxes and fees going up and services going down make no sense at all. Stop fooling yourself!

evensteven | 1:40 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

The Dems have had an effective majority for years. Marv Hendrickson has been a RINO on many issues vital to his SE constituency and should not run again. Mark Crockett may be a target but only because he has been effective in promoting Republican positions.

The real issue of this campaign, as alluded to by another post, is that the at-large members really only represent their home town - SLC, throwing sops to the rest of the County to keep us from open rebellion. This Council is so SLC-centric that a move to Dem control would leave the rest of us without balanced representation. Can someone so focused on their own backyard really represent Herrimann? Or Midvale? Or West Valley?

The Dems may smell blood but they have yet to articulate - other than to "keep the peace" - how control of the Council would be better for the County as a whole. Some here have argued that control of the Council would bring balance. I would argue the opposite, a Republican controlled Council will balance a Dem County Mayor and a Dem SLC Mayor. The Legislative branch should check the executive. Keeping Republicans in control does that.

DrLeePC | 1:49 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Whoopie... More stupid government...

Balance in Utah? | 2:15 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Evensteven,
Then let's apply your arguments to the state Legislature. "The legislative branch should check the executive." I hope you will work then to either see a Democratic governor elected or more state legislators who are Dems. If the Republican Party continues to maintain its stranglehold on the state Legislature and state executive branch, then there exist obvious benefits of having another significant government body (SLCO or SLC) made up of Democrats. That is what will help provide a check on party politics -- instead of Republican rule at every level all the time.

2 party system is bad. | 4:55 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

The democratic controlled Congress has done wonders for our country so far, LOL, they are a joke along with the current administration. Both parties just cater to special interest groups and not the American people as a whole. We need alot more independants because the 2 party system is tearing apart our country.

Stewart | 6:43 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

County and city government elections is supposed to be non-partisan, what a joke. When any party takes over and runs the government the people suffer the consequences. (republican and democrats are evil twins on the local level) The problem is they keep everyone else out. Since it is impossible for any independent to be elected perhaps a third or fourth party would be helpful, not only on the county level but the state legislature as well.

CR | 7:49 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

I like Stewart's comment. I just want to add one thing. I wish there was a way to get term limits passed. But who is going to vote themselves out of a job--especially those on the national level? I think more good could be accomplished if a time limit were imposed. And unfortunately, far too many politicians of both major parties play party politics instead of doing what would be best for us the people.

Equalizer | 9:45 p.m. Dec. 31, 2007

Crockett needs to stay because he is the equal of Hatch. Hatch and Crockett are both nuts. Things are going well in SLCo, so why change it. Vote Republican and keep the Demos that are in there.

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