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

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Rocky says Buhler would be a 'disaster'

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Camille Cook | 9:56 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

This is just one more reason to vote for Dave Buhler and certainly a reason not to vote for the candidate endorsed by Ross Anderson.

BlueShirt | 9:57 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I'm surprised that Rocky would make such an obvious political misstep. By casting Buhler as the LDS candidate, he's sure to galvanize support from many voters who might have otherwise voted for someone else (see JGolden's comments, for example).
I have to add, however, that while some LDS church leaders give lip service to being politically independent (necessary to keep their tax-free status), it's clear that they campaign through issues and by proxy. I feel a little sorry for those who are LDS and resent decisions such as to invite VP Dick Cheney to BYU. That said, the LDS Church properties downtown are impeccable, and add a lot of character to the city.

Rocky blah...blah...blah | 9:57 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I don't know why so many discussions in this state have to be so polarizing, and bend back to the LDS faith. I was raised in the LDS faith, and haven't attended church for close to 25 years. No one has castigated me, I don't have church authorities breathing down my neck and all of my family members and friends, many of whom hold leadership positions in their respective wards, are still my good friends and family members. Rocky needs to go because he is a bad leader, and someone that does not represent the people of Salt Lake very well. However, I do agree that we all need to be better objective voters, and really vote on the issues. Voting for someone that Rocky doesn't like doesn't sound like a reasonable approach either (although I must admit it crossed my mind also). 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.

Comments continue below

DustBowl | 9:59 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

It's obvious that a majority of the anti-Rocky comments are coming from those who do not live in SLC. Otherwise Rocky wouldn't have had as long of a political career as he has. People outside of SLC hate Rocky because he doesn't kneel before the LDS presidency like they feel a good politician should.

Douglas | 10:04 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I will miss you Rocky. Best Mayor ever.

Gordo | 10:17 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky the Fleeing Squirrel.

Did you really think the egomaniac was going to leave the park without once more peeing in the pool?

Like Curtis Allgier, Rocky's partisan prejudices are written all over his (to him) handsome face.

To the detriment of the city he supposedly loves and represents Rocky has tried shamelessly to use his platform as mayor to catapult himself into national prominence among the slithering, similarly-skinned, reptiles near the Potomac.

Rocky, may your flight be safe and your landing a soft one. You deserve each other and Dems da facts.

Roscoe | 10:16 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

What a bunch of LSD whiners. Rocky has integrity and guts. Seems like all of you sheep that complain about Rocky just want some nice yes-man for mayor. Kind of like Roberto G.

Rocky the former BLOWHARD | 10:24 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky...go back to brown nosing Jon Huntsman Sr...BTW...Does anyone remember when Rocky wanted to pack the City Council with Gays and Lesbians???

Let's talk about agenda here.

I think President Hillary oughta consider Rocky as Ambassador to Iraq....

Rocky blah...blah...blah... | 10:25 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Dustbowl,
So you have figured it all out and it bowls down to one thing..."People outside of SLC hate Rocky because he doesn't kneel before the LDS presidency like they feel a good politician should".

Sounds like you kneel before the alter of bigotry.

Yep | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I see that religious bigotry is alive and well in SLC--at least in the current mayoral office. Sen. Harry Reid has opposing views to Sen. Orrin Hatch's views. And they are both LDS in good standing. LDS people obviously vote different ways and have been shown to represent their constituents well.

Libs like Rocky, on the other hand, vote the same. It's a no-brainer that their actions are dictated by environmentalists, pro-abortionists, anti-war (anti-America winning the war) protesters, same-sex marriage promoters, and anti-Judeo-Christian agendas.

The true meaning of "liberal" is generosity, progress, and more good. Getting the Legacy Highway built would definitely be progress. Beautifying downtown SLC, as the LDS Church has always done and continues to do, (despite the reactionary fights that Rocky and the ACLU put up), is generous progress. I'd say that LDS people are the true liberals in the true definition.

Grade | 10:32 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I will not miss you, Ross. Worst Mayor ever. Always looking out for number 1.

cturner | 10:31 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I really do not care who replaces Rocky. I do not live in Salt Lake, but worked downtown. Rocky has done some great things for the city area and I totally agree with his agenda to try to keep businesses downtown and to keep that area thriving in any way possible. Cities that thrive have people working and living in the downtown areas. More people living downtown will only help. So the new City Creek development will be great for downtown, and Rocky knows it, so now supports it.

Having said this, Rocky is too polarizing. He has no problem starting and finishing a fight. The City needs less of this right now, so I hope Rocky leaves office gracefully. Sadly, that is not his temperament.

Jimmy | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

After Mayor McCheese, 2nd Best Mayor Ever!

Anonymous | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Hilary what?

Look in any dictionary and find the definition of integrity. You will not find anything that Rocky has done deals with integrity. You must have mistook integrity to mean agenda if that is the case I would agree with your comment. Here are a few other words that Rocky should not be called. honorable, law abiding, trustworthy. Having known Dave Buhler for over 17 years he is all of these and more. thank you Rocky for giving us the oppertunity to compair Dave to you. My vote is for Dave!

Crocky Anderson | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Goodbye and good riddance, Crocky Anderson!

Ralph Wiggums | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Rocky makes Mayor Quimby look pious.

LongLive S.L. | 10:40 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

What is funny is Rocky wanted to revitalize the downtown area. Gateway brought people for a few months but Salt Lake is still a ghost town. He missed one important piece of the puzzle. Housing. Without a huge population living in the area to keep businesses open everyday the city will remain stagnant. In a few years I will be willing to go downtown instead of shopping close to home because there will actually be something going on. It took the LDS church to come in and save the day. I'm glad they waited until he left so he can't take the credit. One more thing, Jenny, let go of the "tool belt" of your father.

LibMan | 10:42 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

It's too much to ask Rocky to leave gracefully (nothing he's done has had even a hint of grace about it), and we all know it's too much to ask him to leave quietly. Rocky, JUST LEAVE.

Dude | 10:44 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Typical Rocky -- he blames others for his own faults and can't even see his hypocrisy. Of course he's trying to boost Christensen, and he's getting desperate now. Those of you who think he's the best mayor ever are sorely delusional. You let your animosity toward Utah blind your judgment and you think anyone who is a vocal critic of Utah is cool.

Can't stand him | 10:49 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Hilary- you think Rocky has integrity? Have you ever listened to him? He is childish and throws temper tantrums. He has flip flopped (ex. see Floyd's comments), he's abnoxious, he abuses his office and spends more time trying to push personal agendas than helping the city. In fact, I can't think of anything good he's done here. In the article it mentioned his bar agenda as a way to make Salt Lake more appealing to tourists. There are lots of bars here and they aren't hard to find- most of my friends are not LDS and have no trouble finding a place to drink and party. There are other ways to make a place tourist friendly! He didn't really care about that- he just wanted to make it less "Mormon-friendly". Grow up, Rocky! I have lived in Salt Lake during his reign of embarrassment. I agree with the comment that its obvious our city is not "ruled" by the LDS church because Rocky has been voted into office twice and he has an irrational hatred for the church. Of course the church has an influence here- it originally built the city and has a huge population here. That's true in any city with a large population of a certain religion. I've met Rocky. He's a truly unpleasant, self-centered person. I have also met several other political leaders in the state and never once discussed religion. I am a Democrat and a Mormon. To Rocky I say, Good Riddance.

avidreader | 10:49 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Gotta love the controversy that Rocky has stirred up- it's his favorite thing to do!! He is a narcissist who can bear to think of letting go of his bully pulpit. He doesn't care about SLC, he's spent all of his time in office trying to become as famous (rather INFAMOUS) as possible!! I will be happy to vote for Buhler because he will be a breath of fresh air for SLC- a mayor that actually cares about running the city, instead of inflating his ego!!

SLC Resident | 10:58 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Many of the responses to this article prove you are mindless sheep.

Qweenmum | 10:59 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Wow! This is remarkable! With Dave, we'd have a mayor how actually STAYS in Salt Lake? Geez. We can't have that now can we? Or what about cleaning up Pioneer park? there are those of us who cringe when we see what has happened to the city our ancestors built out of the desert. I know it's hard to understand, but there are a lot of Mormon's here. Get over it. If the new mayor is an active Mormon, works for me. Rocky by the way, was raised LDS. Guess that left turn was a tad too left?

tf | 11:01 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

that is the best endorsement of Buhler that i can think of.

Anonymous | 11:06 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

How convenient for Buhler to blame the mayor on theses items when the city council has as much responsibility in helping to keep businesses in the city. I'v noticed that Buhler takes credit for keeping the zoo in the city when in actuallity it seemed that the sentate President (al mansell) was really the factor of why they stayed.

Big Dave | 11:12 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I've spent a great deal of my professional life outside of Utah and in all my news-watching and reading in other communities I have NEVER seen or heard of any community--large or small--that has had a mayor that has been more of an embarassment to their city than Rocky has--short of those that have stolen money, solicited the services of a prostitute, had an elicit affair.....

His apparent belief that his position as mayor makes him some sort of official spokesman for some cause or that by saying that he is our mayor lends some credibility to his causes or represents the entire population of Salt Lake is disingenuous and self-serving.

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.

I'm not saying that some of what Rocky has done as mayor hasn't been of worth, but there has been so much that he has done that has been embarassing, bombastic, disrespectful, and just plain mean, it's hard to see through those clouds to any of what he's done that's good. If you doubt me, just ask his former staff members.

I know Dave Buhler personally and have NEVER had occasion to question his integrity or motives. He has been responsive as my representitive on the City Council. He's always had my vote and will yet again.

I just wish that Rocky's swan song could have been to have some class. Saddly, it's no surprise that it won't be.

GO DAVE!!

Flatrabbit | 11:13 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I would recommend checking the IP addresses of these pro-Buhler comments. I would bet many "different" supporters were in fact the same people. also, If you dont live in the city, stay out of it. I dont get involved in local Provo politics, I leave that to them. I only ask the same of my city. Im the one paying taxes here.

Blake | 11:17 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

How could a city ever elect a mayor who shows so much discrimination. So he doesn't think that a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can think as an individual. Well, I can say the same thing about an ACLU lawyer (ie the mayor). An ACLU lawyer can only think in "Political Correctness(PC)". This binds that person to ensure he/she doesn't offend anyone whether right or wrong. I misspeak. The ACLU can offend an individual. One that can look past PC and what is right or wrong. If you don't agree with me, there is the example where the ACLU defended a women in Mascow, Idaho using cocaine while pregnant. But, even with that example, I can look past some of my misgivings and agree with some of the cases defended by the ACLU (ie the recent case about the missionary losing his scholarship). Can you, not soon enough, ex mayor?

Flatrabbit | 11:18 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Funny how my comments for pro Rocky points of view aren't published here. Not surprising for the Desert News. What was I thinking?

wm | 11:26 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Great. Here it is the 21st century, in the world's most advanced country when it comes to civil liberties, and we have an elected official openly disparaging a legitimate candidate for office, . . . based on his religion??? This is not 1930's Germany. How easy it is to slip back into the ways of ignornt bigotry with hate-filled demagogues like Rocky at the podium. Herr Rocky, take your anti-Mormon Mein Kampf, and hit the road. Go back to suing the state over prisoners who don't get the right color tooth brush. Vent your spleen on prison wardens, rather than on Mormon candidates for office.

Not-a-Campaigner | 11:31 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

How many of these comments have been posted by Buhler's campaign people, I wonder?

This is just another example of Buhler throwing down his own anti-Rocky rhetoric in an effort to appease those anti-Rockites in SLC. Don't get me wrong, I think Rocky is arrogant, self-important, and too polarizing at times to be a great mayor. But for Buhler to come in, point at Rocky and simply say "See?! I'm not that bad!" in no way should qualify him to be mayor. I'm sick of voting for a lesser of two evils. Until Buhler comes out and gives me a platform other than "anti-Rocky" or "Dave's a Nice Guy," my vote's with someone, anyone, who can tell me what good and great things they're going to do in their first term as mayor of SLC.

For once in my life, I'm going to agree with Rocky. Buhler's just pointing a finger and taking advantage of the backlash.

Chris | 11:32 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

This morning, as I sat in southbound traffic barely moving at 15 mph, I heard on the radio that Rocky thinks Dave Buhler would be a "disaster" as a mayor.

Disaster? Really? This coming from the guy who sued the state to restrict construction of new transportation arteries into his city? This coming from the man who delayed a much needed, and inevitable highway for more than four years? This coming from a guy who publicly states that my driving into his city is stinking up his air and making him sick?

I sit here in stalled traffic, pumping wasted emissions into the atmosphere while going nowhere, looking in the distance at highway construction that's years behind schedule, and I hear that Rocky thinks a candidate who doesn't follow his agenda would be a "disaster." That's too funny.

And that's just one issue. We could mention Rocky's track record of consistently hindering the largest tourist attraction in the state from spending money on beautifying downtown (without taxpayer dollars). Or we could talk about businesses like NAC who have left town under his nose (maybe their employees didn't want to stink up the air in Salt Lake and make Rocky sick). Or we could bring up the point that he believes a Mormon couldn't be a successful mayor in Salt Lake City (while trying to justify that under the guise of "equality" and "tolerance"). Oh, but he was successful in getting plastic water bottles off of city employee's desks.

Rocky, you've been great entertainment, but we'll very glad to see you go. Bring in a better "disaster."

James | 11:34 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

It looks like Rocky has struck a delicate nerve with a specific vocal group of SLC residents.

As an outsider, I wonder how and why this man was elected twice to be your major if he were such a horrible administrator. A person would, judging from the majority of these comments, assume that the majority of SLC citizens are idiots.

It seems this group that are so outraged with this man do not appreciate a person that walks his talk.

I find it refreshing to see a political person speak his mind in such an adverse (hateful) environment that disrespects courageous integrity of character.

This does not speak well of the prevailing religious leaders to teach its church's membership its principles of love, charity, respect and forgiveness.

Craig | 11:42 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Wow, if Rocky can't stand him, then I know exactly who we should vote for!!

SomeGuy | 11:50 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

It's ridiculous to say that Mormons act like "mindless sheep" when people who vote opposite on everything should be considered the same "mindless sheep". The guy who hates conservatives and religion and always votes thusly can be argued as not being able to think for himself too. So, let's let that line of (un)reasoning go. Thanks.

Qweenmum | 11:53 a.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Even if you don't live in SLC, you do pay taxes here, if you visit for any reason (work, pleasure, random protests). Go to McDonalds here? There's a city tax on that big mac your putting on your hips. What about riding Trax around? City tax there too. So what Rocky does in our Capitol, effects everyone in the state. SLC is not the sole ownership of the handfulls who live there, but everyone on the state. Wheenver I travel, I am sometimes questioned "What's up with that kooky mayor of yours?" My only response is that the we sometimes have stupid attacks and vote in a guy for entertainment purposes only (such as Rocky). Show's over, now it's time to put the city back on track. Go Dave.

stu | 12:07 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Like it or not, SLC is the headquarters of the LDS Church and therefore important to Mormons everywhere. The Church is the largest employer and largest investment vehicle in the city. It is home to their Temple Square, Church History, Conference Center and more. The new mayor must work with this organization not against it. Rocky was a divider not a unifier. I hope we can elect a centrist that brings people together for the common good instead of polarizing groups because of personal agendas. Ross Anderson, please go away. Good luck to the next candidate fixing the mess that is SLC.

anti-James | 12:23 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Wow James- you are pathetic. I feel sorry for you. First you disparage the mormons and spout predicatable innacuracies, and then you have the gall to tell them about what their leaders teach them? I have many friends who are mormon. Some of them are democrats and some are republicans. They love to have heated debates about politics, but they are always able to respect each others' (and my) opinions. So for those of you who think they are mindless sheep- try spending time with some of them- you'll see you're mistaken...its ok though, the mormons know you're just blindly following the anti-mormon crowd (who are the sheep?)... As far as I can see they ARE loving, charitable, respectful, and offer forgiveness frequently. What about you, James? Nothing you have said is even remotely Respectful. That goes for Rocky too. What talk is he walking? He hasn't done much good for our city and he spends too much time outside the city to make any lasting changes inside. Grow up James. Rocky has struck many nerves with both the mormons and those of us who aren't. New blood (whoever wins) will be good for this city.

NICK | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I don't understand how there could be a worse mayor than who SLC already has.

Steve Galley | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Thanks for the advice Rocky! I now know everything I need to know about Mr. Buhler. If I could vote for him I would. Rocky . . . you were a huge disaster and an embarrassment to SLC and our state. Please be on your way . . .

Thomas | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

I'm seriously curious here: Can anyone name one LDS officeholder who was ever excommunicated for taking a political position the Church didn't like? Maybe there is such a case, but I can't think of one. (BYU professors are another story, but that's not what we're talking about here.)

Rocky Anderson would be considered an extreme liberal even as a mayor of San Francisco. He is certainly farther to the hard left than any of his opponents are to the right.

Killo-Watt | 12:39 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Hillary

Since when did the Clinton's take an interest in Utah politics?

Dave Buhler | 12:44 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

We can't be get any worse then Rocky Anderson. The only way now is up.

In the Valley | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Thomas, Harry Reid... O wait never mind.

Yep | 12:51 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

To flatrabbit and others who complain about the des news not publishing their comments: obviously quite a spectrum of opinions get published here, even when they are bordering on abusive or even off topic. Perhaps the reason your comment didn't get published is because you didn't click on "add your comment" right, or exited the page too quickly immediately after clicking "add your comment." It has happened to me. Also, don't get down on the rest of the Wasatch front, the entire state, or out-of-staters for voicing their opinions about Anderson. His actions affect the rest of us and sadly, we had no vote in the matter.

Judy | 12:56 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

New to Salt Lake City. Researched candidates. Met some of them personally. Dave Buhler is my man. What I have seen of Rocky is unbelievable. Can hardly wait to vote (as I always do) after much deliberation. Am LDS and so proud of that fact because I have been taught by my faith to vote, study and decide for myself. No pressure in 30+ years of membership. Let's work together to make the city better.

Derek Roney | 1:06 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Now I know who to vote for. Buhler has my vote. If Rocky is that much against the guy than he has to be the one to vote for.

Rocky has been a cancer and I for one am glad to see his term come to an end.

I think that there should be a bill passed that lets the all citizens of the State of Utah vote on the Mayor of the capitol of the state. Being the capitol, the mayors decision affects all citizens of the state.

Bye bye Rocky, hello Dave Buhler. We know that Dave Buhler will represent the values of this great state. Rocky never did. I would even bet that Dave Buhler will be invited to be at the United States Presidents events the next time The President visits our state.

Go Buhler,

Derek Roney

Derek Roney

SLC Resident | 1:06 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

No pressure to vote one way or another from the LDS faithful? What a joke. If all you read is the Deseret News and listen to the Right Wing propaganda radio (that would be KSL) and talk to your friends at the ward.........you wouldn't even realize there is another legitimate point of view.

Floyd | 1:25 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

Salt Lake Resident or for that matter anyone who believes that the LDS church dictates or influences people vote.

Can you show me any proof of your allegations? Not hearsay or ineuendo's but actual proof?

There is none!

The problem lives in that the majority of people in Utah (LDS and other religions) are conservative by nature. They don't go off the deep end like some mayor we all know.

One thing before you crack on me about LDS and blinded like a sheep. I was not always LDS. My family was not LDS and I lived in a 98 precent mormon communuity and add to that my dad was a bartender!

So I have seen both sides.

Fred Vader | 1:26 p.m. Aug. 30, 2007

To Big Mayor Boss Ross:

(To paraphrase Motley Crue) "Boss Ross, don't go away mad...just go away!!"

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