[Davis County Watch: Announcements] The Blog that wouldn't post

I've discovered a defect in my little hack to post topically on DCW (that's short for Davis County Watch). If I save a draft of my post, or the blog automatically saves a draft, then it doesn't get put up on the parent blog. So, I'm ditching this scheme, and I'm going to try the Blogger Beta. Give me a week or so to work up the guts to take the plunge, and we'll be back, and better than ever.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Announcements at 10/30/2006 10:11:00 AM

[Davis County Watch: Election] Question the Candidates

I have been asked to post the following Q&A's on several of our County and State Candidates. The submitter asked that I keep them anonymous, and I'll respect that. For those of you, my readers, that have an insight into whom this might be, please keep it to yourselves.

I've modified the format, slightly, for stylistic purposes.

Candidates, feel free to offer corrections, and additions in the comments. If I were subject to the same rules as the MSM, I would, probably, not post the comments from candidates that came unanswered by the opposition, but I am not subject to those rules. Therefore, one Commission Candidate(Miller) gets a free ride. I invite his opponent(Millburn) to respond, as is his right. Anyway, I've covered a lot on Millburn, and Miller on this blog, so I don't feel terrible about this post. As it stands, this late in the game, it's a little unfair to expect an immediate response from anyone, if we also expect the candidates to be hitting the pavement, and knocking on doors. A week before the election, all good candidates should be very hard to reach, open-door policies notwithstanding.

Submitted by: Anonymous

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Questions

Taxes

1. There will be quite a bit of pressure from many groups regarding projects/programs which would require tax monies. How, as commissioner, would you do to determine when to place a proposition on the ballot vs. when to tell the group to go out to the community to either collect the funds necessary themselves or gather the requisite signatures to place the initiative on the ballot themselves? Feelings on a RAP tax?

2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

3. When should tax increases be considered? What criteria would you use to cut spending/programs? Are there any you would cut now?

4. How would you address the senior center/flood control issues?

Identity Theft (this also, somewhat, ties into illegal immigration)

5. Would you support requiring the county to verify (using free Federal Programs) the SSN of new hires as well as requiring those to whom the county contracts to?

STATE HOUSE: Questions

Taxes

1. What would you propose to do with a tax surplus?

2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

Immigration

3. What do you propose to do regarding granting of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants?

4. What do you propose to do regarding granting of driver privilege cards?

ID Theft

5. Would you support requiring the State/Businesses to verify the SSN of those they hire (using free Federal programs)?

Schools

6. What are your attitudes regarding the funding of public education and tuition tax credits/vouchers?

Gas Prices

7. Do you feel price gouging is occurring? Why/Why not?

Guns

8. What are you feelings regarding concealed weapons permit issues (in schools etc etc)

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Bret Millburn (Seat A – Republican)

***Unable to reach. Bad luck on my part (whenever I called, no one was home!)?***

Rob Miller (Seat A – Democrat)

Q1. There will be quite a bit of pressure from many groups regarding projects/programs which would require tax monies. How, as commissioner, would you do to determine when to place a proposition on the ballot vs. when to tell the group to go out to the community to either collect the funds necessary themselves or gather the requisite signatures to place the initiative on the ballot themselves? Feelings on a RAP tax?

A1. There is an established procedure for ballot issues. Not sure of details but current commission follows it. However, if it is an issue with strong support it is worth studying. RAP tax isn't necessary but is a quality of life issue and would support placing it on the ballot. Emphasized that he doesn't want to raise taxes but taxes are needed for certain issues. Doesn't believe taxes are the answer to everything. Noted that he went into a business that was losing $40K/month – he cut the waste and turned it into a profitable operation. Would bring that same mentality to the commission. Trim fat first before looking at taxes.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. Flood control, infrastructure, roads, Dept of Health, corridor preservation. Shouldn't legislate morality nor be anti-business. Some social services are appropriate: meth is a growing problem and treatment would be cheaper and more effective than simply housing a prisoner (noted SL Co. found it cost $10/day? in a recovery program rather than $80/day? in prison. Obviously not all meth users etc would qualify for recovery – certain criteria would have to be met.

Q3. When should tax increases be considered? What criteria would you use to cut spending/programs? Are there any you would cut now?

A3. Doesn't believe in protecting people from themselves – RAP is Ok if people are happy with it and willing to pay. Go back East to see how high property taxes can be. Pledged that he would NOT vote for new property taxes during his 4 year term.

Q4. How would you address the senior center/flood control issues?

A4. ***My bad – I forgot to ask him about the flood control/senior issues – Sorry!!!***

Q5. Would you support requiring the county to verify (using free Federal Programs) the SSN of new hires as well as requiring those to whom the county contracts to?

A5. Fully supports requiring county and contractor SSN verification.

Louenda Downs (Seat B – Republican)

Q1. There will be quite a bit of pressure from many groups regarding projects/programs which would require tax monies. How, as commissioner, would you do to determine when to place a proposition on the ballot vs. when to tell the group to go out to the community to either collect the funds necessary themselves or gather the requisite signatures to place the initiative on the ballot themselves? Feelings on a RAP tax?

A1. [Specifically addressed RAP tax as an example]. First ask, do citizens want it and is great interest expressed – if so support placing on ballot, but would understand that commission must be willing to 'take heat' for doing so. Wouldn't support placing every request on a ballot. Also, proposals must demonstrate that they wouldn't over-burden taxpayers.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. State/Fed constitutions define to a point. Essentially represent the people and provide services necessary spelled out by policy/statute. Stated RAP wouldn't fit her definition but depends on how it is pursued (some could argue it relates to tourism), nevertheless after defining 'core functions', she may have to reconsider RAP and it must be more clearly defined as to how it would meet these criteria.

Q3. When should tax increases be considered? What criteria would you use to cut spending/programs? Are there any you would cut now?

A3. Taxes should be a last resort. There are many ways to take care of services rather than immediately turning to taxes. Every option should be explored first. Commissioners must remember they represent the people including their pocketbooks. Taxes are crushing to many. Better planning is needed as the commission appeared to avoid addressing cost increases leading to the large tax increase proposal. People should initially be brought together to find an alternative solution to taxation. Worthy to look at cutting programs and fat in programs, although this can be limited by statutory requirements (eg. mandated funding levels etc).

Q4. How would you address the senior center/flood control issues?

A4. Bring a group together that understands the problem and is tied to the community. Initially look for sources of alternative funding. Wonders why plan for flood control infrastructure wasn't addressed until now. Believes grants could help as well as pursuing other funding options other than taxes.

Q5. Would you support requiring the county to verify (using free Federal Programs) the SSN of new hires as well as requiring those to whom the county contracts to?

A5. Feels inclined to support, but hasn't heard enough about the programs etc and would like to garner more information prior to taking a strong stance on SSN verification.

Chris Martinez (Seat B – Democrat)

Q1. There will be quite a bit of pressure from many groups regarding projects/programs which would require tax monies. How, as commissioner, would you do to determine when to place a proposition on the ballot vs. when to tell the group to go out to the community to either collect the funds necessary themselves or gather the requisite signatures to place the initiative on the ballot themselves? Feelings on a RAP tax?

A1. Initiate a complete study of the project/program. Meet with citizens for their opinion remembering it is your money we're dealing with. Felt it is fine for the commission to place a RAP tax on the ballot.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. Wouldn't include 'nice to haves'. Conference Center likely shouldn't be considered a core function but we're not really paying for it. Senior's don't need a 'nice to have building' but should have something they can freely move around in. A RAP tax would be ok assuming the moneys were used for their defined purpose and not siphoned off to other areas of government – then again, RAP would be mostly city administered rather than county.

Q3. When should tax increases be considered? What criteria would you use to cut spending/programs? Are there any you would cut now?

A3. Study the project first and invite citizens to comment upon it. Should cut spending by first conducting a wage study as the Commissioner's salaries appear very high. Cut COLAs for the commissioners. Conduct a wage study for the entire county. Include a study on current spending – doesn't feel that we have full fiscal accountability in all county depts (ie waste). We should have a surplus, but don't.

Q4. How would you address the senior center/flood control issues?

A4. Supports senior center and flood controls but believes that available state/fed/other grants could fund the projects. Wonders why the county hadn't planned for the eventual maintenance/repairs of the flood controls.

Q5. Would you support requiring the county to verify (using free Federal Programs) the SSN of new hires as well as requiring those to whom the county contracts to?

A5. Issue is mostly federal but runs to lowest level. Wouldn't allow false SSNs to be used – favors the proposal to verify SSNs prior to employment etc.

STATE HOUSE

Beth Holbrook (Democrat)

Q1. What would you propose to do with a tax surplus?

A1. Should look at better funding for education. Doesn't believe their needs are adequately funded. Should also look at funding for transportation to give people as many options as possible. Also consider a 'rainy day fund'.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. Basic functions such as police functions etc. Obviously we shouldn't throw money at everything. Some gray areas such as the $2 mil Emergency Medicaid Fund shortfall that was covered by private individuals last session may be in government's interest. RAP/Open space could also be a gray area depending on circumstances – need to look at it in a long term perspective, if we only have 50 acres left, do we allow them to be developed or maintain them as an open space?

Q3. What do you propose to do regarding granting of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants?

A3. Attended UofU President's event. Only 27 students are using the benefit and working to citizenship. So far there is no comprehensive national solution. At least we could create citizens who are a value to society.

Q4. What do you propose to do regarding granting of driver privilege cards?

A4. Shouldn't issue the licenses. People from other states are coming here for them. Fraud seems to be rampant as the current system stands and it needs to be fixed.

Q5. Would you support requiring the State/Businesses to verify the SSN of those they hire (using free Federal programs)?

A5. ID theft/fraud is rampant. There is easy availability via computer programs/thefts etc. Hasn't heard much about the SSN verification systems and would have to look into it further. Grey area of government intervention. Employers should be allowed to run businesses as they wish but they do have repercussions and affect others by their practices. SSN verification is something that should be studied.

Q6. What are your attitudes regarding the funding of public education and tuition tax credits/vouchers?

A6. Touchy subject. Many feel their children aren't getting the education they should and want control. However, public ed. Is funded by society as a whole and allow government scrutiny (sometimes too much). Concerned private wouldn't have the same scrutiny as public ed schools thereby not allowing a good comparison. Theoretically, we could pay for Johnny to learn to paint a fence (NOTE: she, strongly, specified that she doesn't believe that actually occurs). Worth looking at certain aspects of education, but taking $2200 out no wouldn't be helpful.

Q7. Do you feel price gouging is occurring? Why/Why not?

A7. Believes some sort of investigation is in order. Large corps making huge profits may need more scrutiny to avoid any more ENRON-type issues. Ultimately, a gray area where government intervention could be overbearing, but oil is a limited market dealing with a commodity everyone depends on (affects every part of our lives). If investigation reveals prices are simple supply and demand, then let the subject go.

Q8. What are you feelings regarding concealed weapons permit issues (in schools etc etc)

A8. Supports with the current guidelines in place. Doesn't feel well informed about the issue. Possibly schools could ban them. [Asked for more info. - specifically if there are any legal/vigilante issues with concealed permit holders and if I, as a parent would be comfortable with a teacher having a firearm. I noted that permit holders have much lower crime rates than the general population and have regular background checks run on them by the regulating agency. Personally know several permit holders and you would never know it unless they told you. Also noted that I do have a child in school and that I would feel much more comfortable if they had something to defend my child with should a lock down occur and an assailant attempt to harm anyone in their class]. She noted that my comments eased her concern and that my armed teacher point did make sense. Additionally noted that an armed teacher may also aid in avoiding any confrontation whatsoever as most criminals etc prefer to be unopposed (ie initially keeping them away or resulting in their withdrawal from the venue prior to any conflict.

Robert Moultrie (Constitution)

Q1. What would you propose to do with a tax surplus?

A1. Return the surplus to the tax payers.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. Core functions mean bare bones – public safety, protection of freedom of expression, religion. Laws framed to protect and maintain property rights etc. If it's not in the UT constitution it is not necessary. Programs would have to be looked at in a case-by-case basis.

Q3. What do you propose to do regarding granting of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants?

A3. End the in-state tuition program for illegal immigrants.

Q4. What do you propose to do regarding granting of driver privilege cards?

A4. End the driver privilege card program.

Q5. Would you support requiring the State/Businesses to verify the SSN of those they hire (using free Federal programs)?

A5. Fully supports SSN verification

Q6. What are your attitudes regarding the funding of public education and tuition tax credits/vouchers?

A6. Initially, vouchers may be good (short term). However, is concerned that private schools could become dependent upon them and, over the long term, the government would begin to attach strings to the vouchers thereby creating a new class of public schools under government control. Would prefer ending public education system altogether, but that is unlikely to occur.

Q7. Do you feel price gouging is occurring? Why/Why not?

A7. Support the free market but thinks it worthy of an investigation. If investigation indicates it is free market at work, then so be it. Believes that consumers have responsibility in where they purchase fuel from however also feels that long established oil companies may be suppressing competition (and full free market effects). Cited example that many of these oil companies are the largest/chief funding sources of environmental groups. The environmental groups lobby/sue etc to create stricter controls and more red tape for startup oil companies making it virtually impossible to build new refineries etc resulting in a hindrance to free market forces. [note: he never cast the impression that this was some kind of 'conspiracy' and should not be taken as such. Essentially, he was stating a potential tactic used by the established oil companies to suppress startups from entering the market].

Q8. What are you feelings regarding concealed weapons permit issues (in schools etc etc)

A8. Fully supports permit holder's rights to carry. Fully supports the 2nd Amendment.

Paul Neuenschwander (Republican)

Q1. What would you propose to do with a tax surplus?

A1. There is a spending limit of $80 million with the exception of Education and Transportation. It would require the legislature to raise the cap or exempt other areas of the cap. With surpluses, we should consider all opportunities first. It might be wise to look at a 0.25% tax increase for transportation corridors. Favors returning as much as possible to taxpayers – taking into consideration what government can do with it.

Q2. What do you consider/define “core functions of government”?

A2. Public safety, public education, constitutionally defined items, assistance with drug/alcohol abuse – would like to see more programs as he believes they assist in public safety. [Asked if RAP/open space tax proposals would fall in as a core function]. Is it government responsibility? No. But he has supported both and will continue to do so – will also consider how they might affect his district.

Q3. What do you propose to do regarding granting of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants?

A3. Feels opposed to in-state tuition but under a hundred people are using it right now (attended a UofU President's event on the matter). UofU event argued that we put them through high school – do we continue to improve their way of life?

Q4. What do you propose to do regarding granting of driver privilege cards?

A4. Opposed driver privilege cards – it entices them and others to the state.

Q5. Would you support requiring the State/Businesses to verify the SSN of those they hire (using free Federal programs)?

A5. May be hard for small business – why place burden on them [I noted the programs were free and returned results in short time frames – oftentimes minutes, depending on the program]. Understands how it could help but what do we do if they don't verify? Fine them? Businesses shouldn't have to do it but supports the idea/goal.

Q6. What are your attitudes regarding the funding of public education and tuition tax credits/vouchers?

A6. Hasn't accepted money form the UEA or tax credit/voucher folks. Education has been given a $245 mil. Increase last year and 300% increase over the last 10 years. What should we expect for that money? Not willing to commit to either side until he can study issue/proposals and get further answers to questions.

Q7. Do you feel price gouging is occurring? Why/Why not?

A7. Believes the free market system is at work. Noted that there is some recent interest in opening a refinery in Vernal. Government shouldn't come along and ask businesses regarding their costs and products as may open up their trade secrets.

Q8. What are you feelings regarding concealed weapons permit issues (in schools etc etc)

A8. Supports the 2nd Amendment, but believes some restrictions are appropriate – such as a ban firearms (including concealed weapons permit holders) in schools and churches.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Election at 10/30/2006 08:33:00 AM

A Letter to the Editor...

Posted by: Allie

Editor:

A recent news story about Rob Miller, a Democratic candidate for the Davis County Commission mentioned my endorsement of his candidacy. Since then, our County Clerk, Mr. Steve Rawlings, has asserted to various and sundry folks, based on that endorsement, that I am not really a Republican. I’m not aware that the County Clerk determines who is or isn’t a Republican, but I believe his concern about that story to be symptomatic of a larger and more serious problem which afflicts Davis County government.

It was not so long ago that our County Commission proposed an unnecessary 138 percent property tax increase, for which the head cheerleader was (and still is) – Steve Rawlings, the County Clerk. I lent my name to Rob Miller’s campaign, because that proposed 138 percent property tax increase was the product of three things: arrogance, hubris, and too many years of one-party government. That tax increase was reduced, but I note a 45 percent county tax increase announced for this year.

Most Utahns – and most Davis County voters – vote a split ticket now and then. I was a Republican legislator in the 1970s, which was a different political age. It was an age of bi-partisanship and cross-party political cordiality, and I think Utah was better-served by that mutual respect than it has been by the hard-edged, personalized, one-party variety of politics that has come to replace it. One of the Cal Rampton Democrats, whose political cordiality I valued, was Michael Miller – Rob Miller’s father. By a twist of family destiny, Rob’s grandparents were two memorably prominent Republicans – Vernon and Helen Romney.

The Republican Party for which I was the Davis County Chairman (in the Jurassic Age) stood for limited government, balanced budgets, and efficiency. That Republican Party would have been mortified at a single year’s 138 property tax increase. It would have been embarrassed at the disparity between the growth rate of commissioners’ salaries (now at $96,000 and a $7,000 vehicle allowance) and the disappearance rate of unincorporated area within the County to virtually zero.

Perhaps adding one Democrat to the County Commission would make it easier for city mayors to reach some meaningful agreements with the County Commission on elimination of duplicative services. It might invite a new assessment of the way necessary county services are provided, and it might even make the commission more concerned about whether all sides of an issue have been sufficiently worked through to assure a balanced and sensible policy decision. Certainly, the sky would not fall, and we might just get better government.

Neither political party has a monopoly on either virtue, vice, or wise policies. Decades of single-party domination tend to produce stagnation and hubris. And 138 percent tax increases.

David R. Irvine

Bountiful

[Davis County Watch: Guest Bloggers] Kim Burningham

Posted by Natalie

As you may know, I am very passionate about public education. I believe that our democracy is strengthened when we have an educated populace. And, so, I advocate for a quality public education for every child.

On my education policy blog, Education in Utah, I am endorsing Kim Burningham for the State School Board in district 5 (South Davis County). I have received an email from Mr Burningham answering many of the concerns that are raised by Christopher Barden on the website Tyler has linked. I have posted it on the blog. Feel free to check it out.

Thanks!

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Posted by NatGo to Davis County Watch: Guest Bloggers at 10/23/2006 09:28:00 PM

[Davis County Watch: Election] Vote R. Christopher Barden

I met Dr. Barden's wife the other day and was impressed enough, that I've decided to endorse Dr. Barden for the State Board of Education.

His credentials are impeccable. He's often introduced, when he speaks as the "only licensed psychologist and licensed attorney in America to receive two national research awards in psychology and a law degree with honors from Harvard Law School." He took it upon himself to single-handedly debunk the junk science of 'repressed memories'. As a psychologist, and an attorney, he was able to successfully present cases across the country, simultaneously.

Now, he wants to serve on the State Board of Education without monetary compensation (that means without pay). I support him for the following reasons.

• Pay for Performance: He wants teachers pay to be merit based. I, Tyler, work in the private sector, and my pay is, in part, dependant upon my performance. Teachers will excel where they are given the proper motivation to succeed.
• Reward Successful Schools: He will apply performance based rewards across the spectrum. (to faculty, administrators, schools, districts).
• Transparency: He will apply the principle of transparency to tax-dollars spent for education.
• Recruitment: He is suggesting a scholarship program that will incentivize the best university students to teach in Public Schools.

Dr. R. Chris Barden

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Election at 10/18/2006 09:31:00 AM

An Online Poll:Do you steal lawn signs?

I thought I'd try my hand at an online poll. I know, those who know me are going to think this is ironic. I mean, I'm the guy that hacked the Clipper poll. Well, just so you know, you're free to hack this one if you want. I won't be offended. And, we aren't going to put this in any of the 'Standard Works' of the County.

[Davis County Watch: Spending and Waste] NSL Name Change: Not gonna happen

The city council has decided to not go ahead with a name change. So, we're seeing a return to sanity.
The Clipper article, also, has a bunch of useless factoids, and conclusions, about the amount of education that NSL residents have received.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Spending and Waste at 10/13/2006 08:18:00 AM

[Davis County Watch: Spending and Waste] Senate Finance implicates Five Non-profits

I don't usually focus on national issues, but since I've both referenced some of the Non-Profit groups in this report, and link to one of them(Citizens Against Government Waste), I thought I should, at least, make mention of them.

The Washington Post reported earlier today, that the Senate Finance Commitee, of which Orrin Hatch is a member, has come out with a report implicating five Non-Profit organizations as being on the payroll of lobbyist, turned jail-bird, Jack Abramoff.

The report is over 600 pages long, so I'll only give my first impressions.

1. Chuck Grassley, who Chairs the Finance Commitee, was featured as CAGW's Porker of the Month in May, 2005. Does he have an axe to grind?
2. CAGW seems to have been implicate via circumstantial evidence alone. There appears to be no record of direct communication with Abramoff to indicate that they were 'bribed'. Note: CAGW was founded in response to a request by Ronald Reagan.
3. Grover Norquist, a common target, seems to have been caught seeking donations for one or more of his organizations.

More will come from this as the individual parties make there rebuttals. I'd imagine that the IRS would love to see actual charges for these groups.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Spending and Waste at 10/12/2006 04:02:00 PM

[Davis County Watch: Election] Blogging Politics: An act of will

To those who have noticed the chasm between posts on this blog I apologize! I've been a little sick of politics this election cycle. To go easy on myself I have been looking for non-partisan politics in which to delve. I have to say that the least partisan of issues, this time around the track, 'appears' to be education. For example, it appears that nobody really wants the tax-cut we got, just the one we didn't, which is what happens when our personal prosperity is pitted against the prosperity of the children. In particular, non-partisanship is found in the list of candidates for the Davis School Board. A view from outer space shows us a list of candidates that are, entirely, 'Non-Partisan'. However, a closer inspection of any one of these candidates should show some bias. So, it should be clear that because a person is non-partisan, it does not always follow that they are objective. In fact, looking beyond Party, we should notice a growing list of groups, known as the PAC, or Political Action Commitee. These are groups that lobby, not one party alone, but throw their money across all political divides. They promote one candidate over another, just as Parties do. A PAC can be Non-Partisan, yet can also be so destructive. Ah, so my illness, of late, has not been the result of too much partisanship. Perhaps it has been too much divisiveness?

Divisive can be defined as the attribute of one who cuts through the crap so as to add more to the pile. This time around the track, I have seen the crap-pile grow exponentially. I would like to create a list of divisive activities that I've encountered, yet I don't want to add fuel to the fire. If I were to, say, accuse another of such an act then, I too, may be found guilty of it.

So, cut the crap--or don't.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Election at 10/10/2006 03:37:00 PM

[Davis County Watch: Announcements] October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You may have noticed the blog is pink again. This time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, go to Pink for October.

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Posted by Tyler Farrer to Davis County Watch: Announcements at 10/01/2006 06:19:00 PM