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The Rocky years — Anderson ends 8 eventful, contentious years as Salt Lake's mayor
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WVC Boy | 1:06 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Enough about Ross Anderson, already. Please, let's close this unfortunate
chapter and "move on" (to quote his socialist friends).
Mark | 1:25 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Hallelujiah, the contentious (to say the least) mayor is out! Hopefully Mayor
Becker can help to restore Salt Lake City's good name, along with some
civility to the political process and key issues on the city's agenda.
Anderson beats out Romney | 1:36 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Top Story in the DN , Anderson not Romney. Got to Love it, when you can not
build someone up because it it easier to beat someone down. I thought this was
not excepable in ALL Reglious people.
Comments continue below
Rocky Hater | 2:46 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
He is a narcissist who didn't know how to work with people and most of what
he did was for his own ego. You don't effect positive change by pissing
off the majority, even when your objective is just.
Nigeria | 4:05 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
As a Davisite Underline CONTENTIOUS. We were so ahamed by his actions. Remember
how he apposed Legacy which we had to come up with more taxes to pay for it,
when he didn't even have to drive it. Oh and I don't believe we
brought any more sickness into SLC. He didn't represent the majority of
Utahns but he was thrust upon us. Hope Becker will truly represent Utah since
SLC is thought of as Utah. I hope you will post this D News.
Utah majority | 5:05 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Don't let the door hit you on the way out....
JM | 5:31 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Interesting photo of Rocky by Tom Smart. It captures the lines and wear and
tear on a guy that comes from years of contentious bickering. It makes me
think, the sun is setting on a little angry man, a man who lusts after adulation
and power. The great thing about America, is in the end, when it's time to
pack up all the trinkets and trappings and vacate the office for the next one,
each ruler really appears too small for his suit, just another guy who puts his
pants on one leg at at time like the rest of us. The sands of the hour glass
are fast emptying out Rocky's fantasy ride of self-assumed importance.
Good bye.
See ya! | 9:46 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Don't let the door hit you on your way out!
Ray Miles | 9:54 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Happy to see you go.......You have embarrassed our city with your comments
regarding our President. I believe that had we been able to see into the future
and how you would use your position to voice your political agenda rather than
concern yourself with Salt Lake City, you would not have been elected.
Not a Rocky Fan | 10:01 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Good riddance, we don�t need anymore of his decisive and
contentious leadership.
Voice of Reason | 10:01 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
What a complete demagogue. This is true because of his extreme fringe politics,
to be sure, but independent of his politics, his is a terrible tyrant. I used
to work for the City of Salt Lake, and nobody, and I mean nobody, wanted to
work for that monster.
Good riddance to the most divisive, embarrassing, and tragically misinformed politician in Utah history. I hope we forget he ever sat in that office as soon as possible.
Good riddance to the most divisive, embarrassing, and tragically misinformed politician in Utah history. I hope we forget he ever sat in that office as soon as possible.
Elite Sec Prog | 10:19 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky leaves a mixed record of success and failure. He has failed miserably in
his effort to impeach George Bush and to put Cheney and Rumsfeld in jail.
On the plus side he has solved the global warming problem. Just look outside for proof.
Overall we progressives are very proud of the manner in which he conducted himself throughout his terms in office. We'll miss you Rocky!
On the plus side he has solved the global warming problem. Just look outside for proof.
Overall we progressives are very proud of the manner in which he conducted himself throughout his terms in office. We'll miss you Rocky!
SJ Bobkins | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Where in the country can this man go and find others of the same ilk? Because of
his bullying and threats, he became bigger than life. I have studied politics
completing my masters in PolSc and never ran across a politician as liberal as
was Rocky, yet he was reelected. What did he accomplish, how about a new Denver
or Phoenix style airport in place of SLC's threadbare 1960's model,
NOPE nothing changed, or how about putting the zoo where there is enough room so
no animal has to suffer on a cement floor with chain-link fencing, a very tiny
enclosure, he had to have fixed the Zoo, right, No Wrong.
OK he had to have made SLC a great traveling city by insisting that the light rail go between the airport and downtown RIGHT, Nope he let the poorly used downtown to U of U go instead. He wasn't a leader, he didn't solve SLC's problems he simply used his position to travel and spew his hateful messages.
OK he had to have made SLC a great traveling city by insisting that the light rail go between the airport and downtown RIGHT, Nope he let the poorly used downtown to U of U go instead. He wasn't a leader, he didn't solve SLC's problems he simply used his position to travel and spew his hateful messages.
Duhverl | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I was going to write something ornery, but most of you guys did it for me.
Thanks!
Thanks!
hate Rocky | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Good riddance dude....you ARE THE SINGLE WORST MAYOR IN AMERICAN HISTORY...HANDS
DOWN!!
rocky fan | 10:35 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Big shout out for the mayor. I don't agree with him on everything, but I do
on most. I mostly admire dedication and hard work on issues that are important
to the people of Salt Lake. Things like clean air and equality in the work
place, and little things like habeus corpus, just to name a few. I feel bad that
he has been the target of such irrational rage. I'm sure that many many of
us Salt Lakers feel the same. It's been a great 8 years. Thanks Mr.
Anderson.
Bob | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I think I get it. It's the Al Gore/Michael Moore syndrome. Rocky has taken
everything the Neocons can throw at him and emerged with national respect and is
more popular than ever with his base. He also continues to be correct. As with
Mr. Gore and Mr. Moore, this drives conservatives crazy. Thank you, Rocky. And
as Bush and Cheney continue to be exposed, we will continue to thank you.
Division | 10:39 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The major accomplishment of Rocky has been to divide the city and state even
further.
Josh | 10:47 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
No more Rocky, and soon no more Bush. Things are looking up!
Linus | 10:50 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
It is the Sabbath, and my attempt to emulate the Savior prevents the expression
of our Davis County frustrations with Rocky Anderson.
Instead, I will just say, "May God forgive Rocky Anderson."
Instead, I will just say, "May God forgive Rocky Anderson."
Sam | 10:54 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Let's all just relax, smile and take comfort in knowing the Rocky Anderson
years have come to an end and that Salt Lake City once again can return to real
leadership in the Mayor's Office.
Bad Rubbish | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky Anderson..hummm? The art of tooting your horn without blowing it.
Cmon Friends | 11:11 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Arent you going to miss your favorite target?
Worst mayor in American history? I am sorry did Rocky get caught with crack and hookers and I missed it?
He was abraisive, for sure, but I can honestly say SLC has improved as a city over the last 8 years. Not all of it is Rocky's doing, but cmon, if he was the worst mayor in US history, and truly evil and incompotent, why do I live downtown without bars on my windows?
Worst mayor in American history? I am sorry did Rocky get caught with crack and hookers and I missed it?
He was abraisive, for sure, but I can honestly say SLC has improved as a city over the last 8 years. Not all of it is Rocky's doing, but cmon, if he was the worst mayor in US history, and truly evil and incompotent, why do I live downtown without bars on my windows?
kwt | 11:24 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I have lived in the valley for over 20 years and never in my life have I been
more embarrassed with a mayor than with Rocky Anderson. Never have I seen more
divisive behavior than his. When the LDS church offered to pay all those
millions of dollars to help beautify downtown, you'd think he would be
appreciative, but no. All he does is slam the LDS church. Can you imagine
trying to figure out where HE would have got the money to do that if the church
hadn't done that. My hat is off to the church for recognizing how
important the downtown area is to the community. Sorry Rocky. You blew it big
time with most people. I don't know how you won election, but I know that
the surrounding communities think you were an utter failure. It amazed me that
when some of the leading leaders in our country would come to Salt Lake City,
Rocky would put together protests. Please show some respect for those other
Americans who are trying to serve our country. I only hope that the new Mayor
will be able to pick up all the broken pieces left behind to him.
Gary S. | 11:43 a.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky, I'll put this in a language you can understand better:
Voici votre chapeau. Quelle est votre h�te?
(For those who don't speak Socialist, that's "Here's your hat. What's your hurry?")
Voici votre chapeau. Quelle est votre h�te?
(For those who don't speak Socialist, that's "Here's your hat. What's your hurry?")
Anonymous | 12:22 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
My problems with Rocky were mainly over style.
Like any politician he's welcome to his opinion and the approaches he takes to problems and opportunities. Just as I'm welcome to disagree and oppose.
But politics is the art of the possible and Rocky never seemed able to leave behind his combatative defense attorney style to become a politician of the possible.
For that reason I won't miss him
Like any politician he's welcome to his opinion and the approaches he takes to problems and opportunities. Just as I'm welcome to disagree and oppose.
But politics is the art of the possible and Rocky never seemed able to leave behind his combatative defense attorney style to become a politician of the possible.
For that reason I won't miss him
Anonymous | 12:27 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Of course, if it weren't for Rocky, people outside of Utah wouldn't
even pay attention to SLC anymore outside of the state. If you ask the average
American to name a single person from Salt Lake City today, the only name they
might have a chance at answering is Karl Malone, John Stockton, or Rocky
Anderson.
Thanks Rocky. | 12:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky was the best thing to happen to Salt Lake since, well since Mitt lost
Iowa!
Ken Baguley | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Why do we have to go through this diatribe again?...The man is self serving,
contentious and without principle.
SLC Native | 12:47 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky was Mayor of SLC, people. Not Riverton, West Jordan, Bluffdale,
Springville or Spanish Fork. He represented and was voted in, TWICE, BY THE
RESIDENTS OF SLC! Like it or not, SLC is very different from the rest of the
state--more diverse, less LDS, more liberal, and more forward-thinking. From
the nasty, infantile comments on this and other boards concerning Rocky,
I'd say Rocky's greatest achievement is ticking off all the yokels in
Utah's backwaters!
Dave | 1:00 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Good riddance.
JM again | 1:02 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Wow, alot of piling on the guy, for sure. He is a human being. I feel sorry
for the guy. Ross Anderson suffered from an emotional disorder that plagues so
many who have a seething hatred for their former lifestyle, or spouse, or in
this case religion. It's the turmoil and neurosis that comes from the
innner conflict one feels when one turns on their past, their roots, in this
case his religious and cultural heritage. It racks a guy in the long run.
It's that hatred for his former religion that's at the root of 95% of
how Rocky conducted himself.
matt | 1:03 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The article seems to praise Rocky for sticking to his beliefs no matter how
unpopular they may be. Hmmm, sounds a little like good old George Dubyu. I bet
Rocky would be really pleased that he resembles such a great person, and great
president.
To SLC Native | 1:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
If your argument had any validity, then the rest of Utah would be ticked off
with Ralph Becker as well. Mayor Becker represents the majority of SLC
citizens, too, you know, but most of Utah is just fine with Becker. Why?
Because Becker is a well-mannered, well ordered, emoionally stable human being.
Thus your point is without merit, SLC Native. It's not about the difference
between more liberal, less liberal, etc., as you assert. It's about the
difference between being respectful member of the human race and a crazed
lunatic ready to bite off the head of the next guy who crosses your path.
Consider this, SLC Native: All those city officials and employees whom Rocky
drove away? Most of them were liberal and Non-LDS too, who got in the
lunatic's path and suffered for it.
Sad Memories | 1:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Remember those funny cone shaped things that lined Main Street during the
Olympics? On closer inspection one day, I realized Rocky put them there as
snickering jab at the Salt Lake Temple. Those cones were shaped just like the
top-most part of the six spires atop the Temple. Rocky probably couldn't
stand the thought of Olympics goers from around the world coming to Salt Lake
and per chance admiring the Temple, as so many tens of thousands do each year.
So he had to spoof its architecture with those weird cones plastered with all
sorts of pedestrian messages and images. That's one weird memory of Rocky
that I recall.
Another related one: I think Rocky purposefully made the new City Library/cultural building warped shaped and skewing sideways instead of straight up and down, as a purposeful oppositional statement to the straight up and down lines of the Salt Lake Temple. It stands as a purposeful monument by Rocky to secularism - in sharp intentional contrast to the straight uplifing architectural lines of the Temple. Not saying he didn't have a right to so express himself. I'm just pointing out it's no accidednt, that skewed shape.
Another related one: I think Rocky purposefully made the new City Library/cultural building warped shaped and skewing sideways instead of straight up and down, as a purposeful oppositional statement to the straight up and down lines of the Salt Lake Temple. It stands as a purposeful monument by Rocky to secularism - in sharp intentional contrast to the straight uplifing architectural lines of the Temple. Not saying he didn't have a right to so express himself. I'm just pointing out it's no accidednt, that skewed shape.
Judy | 1:37 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Let me state that Rocky Anderson was no Dennis Kucenich, When Kucenich finished
being Mayor of the City Of Cleveland in the sevenities the city was in
bankruptcy.At least be thankful Rocky didn,t leave the city owing it's
creditors.
JimBob | 1:45 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
So long to Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson. he will not be missed.
planb | 1:50 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
More than 40% of Salt Lake voters did not vote for Anderson either time. Now
opinion poll say more than 70% did not want him to run again. Therfore to those
who argue that Rocky represnted Salt lake not Riverton, I woud add that he only
represented a shrill and intolerant portion of Salt Lake. Several of supporters
here also higlight the fact that many of the mindless Rockettes are, like Rocky,
motivated by hate.
Anonymous | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Kudos to J Page for a fairly well written piece. There is possibly? more insight
on the subject of Rocky's pathology in the Rebecca Wallace Trib column this
morning. Build a mannequin with a huge mouth, small ears and a small
self-absorbed heart. Then add a motor - a whining 2 cycle engine - and a bright
cerebral implant. Then build a stage, only room for Rocky on this one. Wind or
fuel up the "beast" and watch him dance and fly. Dual personalities?
Maybe a constellation of styles like multiple shooting stars. Gracious and
keenly passionate one moment and maniacal and insecure the next? Politician,
activist or simply human that walks to beat of his own daunting drummer?
It's been a party for the press, but dear, to have to have worked with this fellow, been a neighbor or taken another view than his honor's; the party crashes too often and the damage is felt by many on the inside. Rocky, a complex fellow, I salute his passion, but wish he'd been born with a heart that cared, more about others. Another fiery and imperfect soul steps off the city stage onto to what? Rocky still relevant, next week?
It's been a party for the press, but dear, to have to have worked with this fellow, been a neighbor or taken another view than his honor's; the party crashes too often and the damage is felt by many on the inside. Rocky, a complex fellow, I salute his passion, but wish he'd been born with a heart that cared, more about others. Another fiery and imperfect soul steps off the city stage onto to what? Rocky still relevant, next week?
J Barton | 2:21 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Having lived outside Utah for the past zillion years, I am going to miss the
contention reports, the passionate words and quotes as I read the DN. I think
I might not like to read it nearly as often... I hope that there will be enough
passion at city hall for the average citizen to even KNOW what the city
needs,wants and desires are. If Rocky did nothing else than to fire up interest
in city management among its citizens then I think he must have been a success.
Never have I read more passionate pleas about city government than when he has
been in office! I don't know much about the city in which I live... but I
do know about SLC. Rocky was great copy because reporters had a great subject.
I rarely agreed with his view point - but at least he got people thinking and
talking!
Good Ridence | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way out... or whatever.
russ | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I know nothing about the former mayor except what I have read here. Sounds like
a few very vitrolic people really hate him. Such hatred. Sounds like a few
people, though, felt he was elected to office twice and therefore must have
represented the majority of the people living in the city of salt.
Would I invite him to my house party? Of course. He sounds like a man, not a whimp. Good for discussions and reality checks.
Would I invite him to my house party? Of course. He sounds like a man, not a whimp. Good for discussions and reality checks.
fake | 2:32 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Say what you want about Little Ricky, but please don't cite his
environmental "awards" as any evidence of success. These are simply
trophies that his staff applied for, he paid for, and resulted in him getting a
free trip. Its really quite pathetic. Like this moms entering their kids into
beauty pagents where everyone comes away a winner.
Never reads.. | 2:42 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Don't worry about hurting Rocky's feelings with all these negative
comments. He never reads the Deseret News.
Sally | 2:56 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Rocky Andersen is a LEGEND in his own mine.
Steve | 3:16 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Good Riddance
Good Riddance | 3:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
nothing more to say
Fernando | 3:20 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Do you think Hollywood would be interested in Rocky playing a power-hungry spy
executive in the next Bourne movie, "Bourne Infinity?" His face
reminds me of one of the bad dudes in "Bourne Ultimatum." It might be
fun to watch Matt Damon take him on.
Anonymous | 3:26 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I never liked Rocky personally, but I did agree with much of what he did as
mayor.... at least in the local arena. He was right-on about the Legacy
Highway. The money should have been put into mass transit. I think on a
national level, he embarrassed the entire state with his opposition to Pres.
Bush. He should have kept his personal feelings personal until he left office.
On this issue, he did not represent the city or state.
DH | 3:32 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Had Rocky ever had the ability to listen to any ideas other than his own he
could have been a great success. As the article stated, Rocky knew what he
believed in and was undeniable in his beliefs. But to be successful as a
politician you have to be able to listen and learn. This was Rocky's great
failure.
The time will soon come that we will have someone else to complain about and Rocky will be a distant memory.
The time will soon come that we will have someone else to complain about and Rocky will be a distant memory.
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"I love this city," says outgoing Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. Anderson has been a polarizing figure in Utah politics.
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