
NEWS & EVENTS
Pignanelli and Webb: Marijuana, Kavanaugh & the Reagan Roundtable – Oh my!
As the 2018 election gets closer, everything in the political world becomes more intense. We address some of the issues becoming more contentious as the stakes get higher.
As the 2018 election gets closer, everything in the political world becomes more intense. We address some of the issues becoming more contentious as the stakes get higher.
After strong church opposition and a pledge by Gov. Gary Herbertto enact a more suitable law, support for the medical marijuana ballot proposal is declining a little. Will it still pass?
Pignanelli: “The mere fact of its being on the ballot has elevated and legitimized public discourse about marijuana and marijuana policy in ways I could not have imagined.” — George Soros
One of the few talents I possess is the ability to over-dramatize anything, no matter how trivial or mundane. But flamboyant animation (another skill I frequently flaunt) is needed when describing how the popular backing of the medical marijuana initiative reflects changing demographics, politics and societal norms in the state. Regardless of how one stands on the issue, these elements cannot be dismissed.
Proposition 2 garnered large contributions from entities from out of state, but also collected hundreds of small donations from residents along the Wasatch Front. The initiative was originally supported by 76 percent of polled Utahns. The opposition (religious institutions, government officials, law enforcement and medical organizations) then launched a full-scale effort, dropping the number to 64 percent in a most recent survey. Utahns have affection and respect for these entities, but compassion for friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members is overwhelming. Social media bombards them with real life experiences. Further, the information flood in the internet continually creates opportunities for voters to learn, analyze and judge.
Opponents have yet to develop an effective message with compelling emotion (waving arms while speaking could help). So, Prop 2 likely passes.
Webb: Most Utahns strongly believe, as do I, that legitimate patients should have access to legitimate medicine derived from the marijuana plant. Opponents of Prop. 2 have the burden to convince voters that while Prop. 2 is a slippery slope to recreational marijuana, they support, and will provide access to, legitimate cannabis medicine. If they can make that case, perhaps the initiative can be defeated.
Either way, the Legislature is going to act on this issue and eliminate the “recreational” aspects of the initiative, while dealing with federal law and creating the opportunity for legitimate medical marijuana.
The confirmation hearings of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have created partisan sparks. Utah’s two senators are in the middle of it. Will Kavanaugh become a Supreme Court justice?
Pignanelli: After watching hours of confirmation hearings (yep, I'm a nerd), several observations are worth mentioning. Kavanaugh is a machine who sticks to his talking points, providing few holes for Democrat senators to punch through. Continuing legal education credit should be provided to us who slept through constitutional law and are now caught up, thanks to these televised debates. Hulu program "The Handmaiden’s Tale” is fostering costume ideas for protesters, matching references to HBO's "Game of Thrones." Amidst this confusion and circus, Kavanagh is confirmed.
Webb I watched some of the confirmation hearings and I’ve decided I have a man-crush on Brett Kavanaugh. The guy is brilliant. Had I been there, I would have stood and cheered (and probably been thrown out by the Capitol police) at his response to Sen. Ted Cruz’s question about federalism. It was downright inspiring. Kavanaugh really understands the role of states in the federal system. He’s a veritable legal and constitutional walking encyclopedia, continually referring to the Federalist Papers and his tattered pocket copy of the Constitution.
Kavanaugh handled the Democratic grandstanding with graceful aplomb. They couldn’t touch him. I couldn’t have been prouder of a court nominee. He will be easily confirmed and will be a terrific Supreme Court justice.
Mainstream Republicans have organized the Reagan Roundtable to replace the Elephant Club. Money raised will not go to the Republican Party. Is this another blow to the party?
Pignanelli: The charter founders of this "Reagan Roundtable" are universally respected and admired. Thus, their willingness to openly establish an alternative to the Utah GOP illustrates the death grip the small strident “Gang of 51” has on the entire party and how they are doomed. The extremists do not enjoy broad support or resources and will eventually collapse.
Webb: One of the organizers of the Reagan Roundtable, Lew Cramer, has noted that Ronald Reagan was a strong proponent of the "Big Tent" — he proclaimed that the GOP was big enough to embrace a wide variety of political viewpoints and was open to all that believe in free markets, individual liberty and limited government. The Reagan Roundtable is designed to help elect such broad-based, mainstream conservative candidates.
The far-right GOP activists who control the party’s Central Committee reject Reagan’s Big Tent philosophy, so it makes no sense for traditional GOP donors to support them.
Gov. Herbert is still valiantly trying to bring the party factions together, and is trying to raise money so the party can at least keep the lights on. I wish him luck.
2018 Campaign Management Class
Foxley & Pignanelli is again honored to teach a prestigious Campaign Management class this semester through the renown Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. For over 10 years we have been privileged to provide leading local and national political minds to present to our class.
Foxley & Pignanelli is again honored to teach a prestigious Campaign Management class this semester through the renown Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. For over 10 years we have been privileged to provide leading local and national political minds to present to our class. This year promises even greater opportunities to learn from the professionals. We are flying in at least five (and counting) national experts representing companies from Google to the top data and analytic firms in the country to discuss a variety of hot political and campaign topics including the latest data/ analytical trends, successful strategy concepts, and useful communication techniques.
Below is the tentative schedule we have arranged for the semester. If you are interested in attending any of theses lectures please email our office at FoxPig@fputah.com for more information.
September 4th 3-4 PM Richard Jaussi, Political Consulting
September 11th 2-3 PM Sasha Clark, The Dicio Group
3-4 PM James Rich, Reveal Why Analytics*
September 18th 2-3 PM Justin Lee, Utah Lieutenant Governor's office
September 25th 3-4 PM Chase Clyde, Utah Education Association
October 2nd 2- 3 PM Matt Canham, Salt Lake Tribune
3-4 PM David Wilson, Gather
October 16th* 2-4 PM David Seawright, Deep Root Analytics
October 23rd 4-5PM Lisa Watts Baskin, Petitions
October 30th 2-5 PM Y2 Analytics, Focus Groups
November 13th 3-4 PM Paige Marriot, Fundraising
November 27th* 2-4 PM Steve Johnston, FlexPoint Media
2-4 PM Curt Black, Google
December 4th 2-5 PM Arena Communications
December 11th* 2-4 PM Steve Grand, Wilson*Grand Communications
*National guest speaker
Pignanelli and Webb: A few honest political statements as campaigns gear up
Pignanelli & Webb: Labor Day is the unofficial start of the campaign season. Because of the tumultuous events in the nation's capital and across the country, we detect a desire for greater honesty in politics. Therefore, as a public service we hereby provide truthful slogans and statements for candidates, current officials and other leaders to use in their campaigns, websites, speeches and twitter posts. We are confident they will find our suggestions helpful.
Pignanelli & Webb: Labor Day is the unofficial start of the campaign season. Because of the tumultuous events in the nation's capital and across the country, we detect a desire for greater honesty in politics. Therefore, as a public service we hereby provide truthful slogans and statements for candidates, current officials and other leaders to use in their campaigns, websites, speeches and twitter posts. We are confident they will find our suggestions helpful.
Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz: "My book, ‘The Deep State,’ comes out Sept. 18. It is the best preparation possible for when I become governor and have to deal with the Division of Motor Vehicles."
Utah Republican Party: “Ours is the Big Tent party — with members inside stabbing each other.”
Utah Democratic Party: "Our party is mostly hardcore leftists — but we’re giving Ben McAdams a pass."
Democratic candidates in Republican strongholds: "No donkeys. No Trump bashing. Doing everything I can to hide the fact I’m a Democrat."
Republican candidates in Democratic strongholds: "If elected I can provide a seat at the legislative table for this liberal district. I have no idea what that means, but I was told to say it."
Sen. Mike Lee: "Just keeping an eye on some of those aged denizens of the U.S. Supreme Court. Third time might be the charm."
Sen. Orrin Hatch: “Let’s get these midterms over with so we can focus on the next big thing — my retirement and fundraising for my $40 million Hatch Center library and think tank.”
U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jenny Wilson: “Please protect the environment. Don’t throw away my lawn signs. Recycle them and use biodegradable ink to write ‘County Mayor in 2020.’”
U.S. Senate GOP candidate Mitt Romney: “There is so much to love about this state. It’s easier to spell than Massachusetts. Fry sauce ranks with clam chowder. Everyone is so nice, especially to my wife. She could run for governor. Oops, that would be awkward. She’d have to run against Josh.”
Supporters of the marijuana initiative: "Doctors, cops, religious organizations and most politicians are opposed. But this is your chance to be cool and rebel against the establishment — plus you can move to the country and have your own marijuana grow.”
Opponents of marijuana initiative: “Sure, our campaign was dysfunctional for many months. But now we’re organized and have a message to counter those heart-wrenching stories of sick people being helped by marijuana — just wait and we’ll fix it.”
Supporters of Better Boundaries: "The redistricting commission is just advisory, and the process is extremely complex, and it may not have any real impact — but you'll feel really good voting for this.”
Legislative opponents of Better Boundaries: “We were elected by the people, so we should draw election district boundaries. And we don’t need to gerrymander because Utah is overwhelmingly Republican, anyway. We just protect incumbents of both parties."
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "Just trying to demonstrate the Twittersphere is not entirely dominated by maladjusted presidents and Elon Musk."
Utah football: “Urban who?”
BYU football: “We’ll always have 1984."
University of Utah faculty: "We are strong defenders of the First Amendment. Are there any more amendments after that?"
Attorney Gen. Sean Reyes:” I am bored with chasing bad guys. Time to trade up to governor. Spencer Cox can tweet. But I can rap.”
Congressman Chris Stewart: "Navigating between the Trump base and the rest of my constituents takes some artful flying. Good thing I was an Air Force pilot."
Democratic 2nd Congressional District candidate Shireen Ghorbani: "I have the coolest name of anyone on the ballot, and it has nothing to do with yogurt.”
Salt Lake County Mayor and 4th Congressional District candidate Ben McAdams: "Please enjoy my wonderful advertisement highlighting my beautiful wife and fantastic children. It will give you such a warm glow you’ll forget about Nancy Pelosi and my party affiliation."
Congresswoman Mia Love: "I can outrun, outlift and outbox anyone on the ballot."
Congressman Rob Bishop: “Vote for me. Or don't. Whatever."
Democratic challenger Lee Castillo in the 1st Congressional District: "My campaign website (www.utahisforeverybody.com) has more diversity than the entire congressional district."
Utah Republican Central Committee. “We’ll keep playing with matches. Even if the house burns down.”
Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce CEO Derek Miller: “Perhaps bluster can produce decent trade agreements after all.”
Congressman John Curtis: “At least when I was mayor of Provo City we got things done. Can’t I just go build a bike trail or something?”
Retiring House Speaker Greg Hughes: "If you thought I was intense and driven before, just wait until these legislative shackles are off. I’m going to be the Energizer Bunny."
Gov. Gary Herbert: "You know, being governor is kinda fun, and serving a mission might be boring. 2020 could be tempting.”
Pignanelli & Webb: “We’re glad most Utah politicos have a sense of humor — and that they provide plenty of fodder for this column.
Pignanelli and Webb: Will ‘blue wave’ roll over Utah?
Summer temperatures are cooling a bit as we approach the end of August. But an eastern heat wave is flowing out of Washington, D.C., warming political debates as far away as Utah. We keep our air conditioners on high as we explore the ramifications.
Summer temperatures are cooling a bit as we approach the end of August. But an eastern heat wave is flowing out of Washington, D.C., warming political debates as far away as Utah. We keep our air conditioners on high as we explore the ramifications.
For months, political pundits have dissected whether the much-heralded "blue wave" will sweep across the nation. Now, courtroom revelations about President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager and personal attorney have Washington in a tizzy. Debates are swirling on the impact of these revelations on congressional elections and the future of the president. So, will there be a blue wave in Utah?
Pignanelli: "Many of us were burned in the 2016 elections by prediction models, so I will not predict in 2018 who wins a kite-flying contest in the midst of a hurricane." — Matthew Dowd, ABC News
A tsunami is generated by a massive event, an earthquake or meteorite impact. The same holds true in politics. (Political hacks like me love to over-dramatize boring matters with outlandish descriptions.)
Whether the recent developments, adding to the emotional reactions Trump fostered for 18 months, generate a “wave” of change remains unanswered because traditional electioneering is upended. But history can provide limited guidance to candidates and parties. A strong economy and overreaching opposition distill the effect of presidential scandals voters find abhorrent but irrelevant (1998). Yet economics cannot overcome congressional scandals easily understood combined with a questionable presidential military strategy (2006). Enthused, determined voters expressing disgust with the party in power can drive change (2010).
Most voters made up their mind about Trump. So how the parties craft responses to the controversies and take credit for — or question — a booming economy will determine whether this is a bump or a colossal avalanche (I cannot help myself).
Webb: Midterm elections are, to some degree, a referendum on the incumbent president and the party in power. Voters in Utah’s 4th Congressional District who want to punish Trump may vote for Democrat Ben McAdams over incumbent Congresswoman Mia Love.
But balanced against the Trump factor is the Pelosi factor. A lot of Republicans and independents don’t particularly like Trump, but they really, really don’t want to give the House of Representatives to Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats. They understand that a vote for McAdams is a vote for a Democratic takeover.
Meanwhile, Washington reporters, pundits and Democrats are beating their breasts and exclaiming: “We got Trump! Indict! Impeach!” But the average voter is wondering what’s new. They’re weighing what they already know about Trump against what he has accomplished in 18 months.
They already know Trump is a philanderer, that he paid off mistresses, that he stretches the truth, that he has a big mouth, that he is erratic and egotistical, and so forth.
But they’re comparing all that against a terrific economy, low unemployment, tax cuts, reduced regulation, energy independence, more muscular foreign policy, great judicial appointments, military buildup, tougher stance on terrorism — and possible downsides of trade, immigration and the national debt.
If predicting the demise of Trump was a fatal disease for Washington pundits and politicos, only Trump would still be alive.
A while ago, hundreds of newspapers across the country coordinated editorial attacks against Trump in response to his “fake news” and “enemy of the people” charges against the news media. Will this impact Utah politics?
Pignanelli: Trump is obsessed with daily disparagements of the media, which are consumed by covering his insults and perceived slights against the First Amendment. This battle is now ubiquitous background noise and ignored by Americans.
The more relevant dynamic is Utahns are increasingly getting their news not from television or newspapers, but from native digital sources. So any controversies about newspapers and television do not resonate. Further, successful campaigns continue to move from traditional forms of publicity to sophisticated social media venues. The rock fight between the president and the press has a limited audience.
Webb: Not many normal people pay attention to newspaper editorials (or to columnists like us!). The news media and the political class operate in an echo chamber, talking (and sometimes yelling) at each other while average voters go about their lives. The prevailing opinion among Trump supporters is that the mainstream media hate him anyway, so widespread editorial collusion has no further impact.
What should Utahns expect as Labor Day, the unofficial start of the campaign season, draws closer?
Pignanelli: Larger campaigns are conducting focus groups and polling to ensure advertisement bombardments resonate with voters. Smaller efforts are readying door knockers and mailers in anticipation of September blitzes. Digital ads will soon appear. Also, all such activities will be replicated by supporters of the statewide initiatives. Hopefully, the upcoming three-day holiday will offer some reprieve.
Webb: Preseason training camp is nearly over and it’s time to get serious about the 2018 elections. Candidates and ballot initiatives are rolling out TV spots to define themselves. With early voting beginning in less than two months, there’s no time to lose.
Pignanelli & Webb: The political inferno of wildfires, and other issues
It's hard to escape the sultry weather. It’s also hard to escape a few other ongoing issues. So instead of ignoring them we tackle them head-on.
It's hard to escape the sultry weather. It’s also hard to escape a few other ongoing issues. So instead of ignoring them we tackle them head-on.
Between heat and smoke, we've suffered through one of the ugliest summers in remembrance. Do policymakers share any blame for the raging wildfires? Can anything be done?
Pignanelli: “To paraphrase Woody Guthrie, if this land is our land, then aren’t these fires all our fires, from sea to shining sea?”— Wildfire Magazine
I grew up in a strict household while attending Catholic school taught by very tough nuns, where misconduct was always punished with various physical methods. Thus, I learned creative and clever methods to shift blame for my missteps on entirely innocent individuals and entities (Unsuspecting fellow students, obnoxious siblings, poor animals, acts of God, etc.) Nothing was safe.
So I roll my eyes at these amateurs across the political spectrum hurling ridiculous unconvincing accusations at each other. They blemish the art form at which I excelled. Especially because everyone and no one is to blame for wildfires.
Humans are behaving as they have for thousands of years, pursuing productive activity. For the last century this means driving gas-powered vehicles, using electricity and consuming protein — all which contribute to global warming. Further, housing has encroached on forests. To assign such conduct as wrongful, or in the alternative pretend it was harmless, is silly and fruitless. Our species needs natural resources to survive and flourish, and major readjustments to garner such through sounder ecological means is needed — but without guilt trips.
If solutions are not developed, and finger-pointing continues, I know some Sisters who can administer discipline. No one wants that.
Webb: Liberal politicians quickly point to climate change as responsible for extreme weather and horrendous wildfires. I’m not smart enough to know if that’s true or not. But one thing is clear: If we wait to solve climate change before taking action on fire prevention and forest management, we’ll all be burned up.
The Economist, a respected international magazine, recently surveyed global progress on climate change and concluded: “Mankind … is losing the war.” The U.S. is making reasonable progress, but energy consumption in emerging countries that want to enjoy American-style living standards is exploding — and coal use is rising. Some 80 percent of India’s electricity is produced by coal, and two-thirds in China. Countries worldwide are producing and using more dirty energy. The result is that reversing climate change via lower carbon emissions is decades away.
So, yes, let’s work on climate change. But we can’t wait 30 years for the climate to cool. It’s crucial to take immediate steps to prevent catastrophic fires. That means controlled burns, aggressive thinning of forests and dead timber removal. Much more must be invested in rapid fire response, more firefighters, more planes and helicopters, better fire detection.
All of that is going to be expensive. But it’s not much considering the billions of dollars burned up in property loss, horrendous air pollution and lost productivity.
Operation Rio Grande (ORG), which has been executed at great cost and effort, is observing its one-year anniversary. What progress has been made and has it been worth the expense?
Pignanelli: Rio Grande is expensive, but the results — on so many levels — are valuable. Because the Legislature intervened and demanded returns for state dollars allocated, Speaker Greg Hughes peeled scabs to reveal reality. This prompted him to publicly refuse to accept the status quo. Thus, criminal elements were identified, along with the root cause of their addict customers. This has changed the trajectory to save lives and revitalize the area.
Webb: ORG had a good first year, with much more to do. We’ll never completely eradicate homelessness because it is usually a symptom of deeper problems — mental illness, addiction, family dysfunction, crime and financial calamity. What I like about ORG is that Utah leaders have approached the challenges with eyes wide open, understanding the difficulty of changing human behavior and mixing compassion with tough love. There’s no question that crime has decreased.
Congressman Rob Bishop is disgusted because the House passes a lot of legislation, only to see it die in the Senate. Is it time to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule that effectively requires a supermajority to get laws passed?
Pignanelli: There is no constitutional foundation to this silly nuisance. Aaron Burr suggested the Senate should have different rules to end debates. But the filibuster was not formally adopted until 1917. While some claim it protects smaller states, this vexation has hindered civil rights, balanced budgets, entitlement reform and most commonsense legislation to benefit a majority of Americans. As with powdered wigs, filibustering must be relegated to the dustbins.
Webb: It’s ridiculous that progress for the entire country on a wide range of issues is held hostage for lack of 60 votes in the U.S. Senate. Bishop is right. Dump the filibuster and let the majority rule. Perhaps in more affable days, when Republicans and Democrats could actually work together, 60 votes made sense. But today the minority creates gridlock and dysfunction and crucial progress is stifled.
Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Examining the swirling politics of the inland port
Local political pundits appreciate the inland port not just because of its huge economic development potential, but also for all the interesting controversies it is generating. The fun never seems to end. We wallow around in the hubbub.
Local political pundits appreciate the inland port not just because of its huge economic development potential, but also for all the interesting controversies it is generating. The fun never seems to end. We wallow around in the hubbub.
In the July special session, lawmakers modified the inland port legislation to address environmental, municipal and governance concerns. On the eve of the vote, Salt Lake City Council members and legislators held hands in agreement. Mayor Jackie Biskupskidid not participate in the discussions and remains largely opposed to the results. Everyone knows there will be political fallout, but what is it?
Pignanelli: “There is no gambling like politics." — Benjamin Disraeli
Brilliant political strategy is art, to be admired and appreciated. But with any creative endeavor, pain is initially endured. The inland port was plagued early by problems (e.g. prohibiting owners of property within 5 miles from serving on the commission was unnecessary and counterproductive). Eventually, the artistry unfolded.
Speaker Greg Hughes stood with Salt Lake City Council members to publicly announce the results of their negotiations. He benefited from understanding their environmental and financial issues, bolstering his image of effectiveness. The City Council protected city interests in the Legislature by dealing with them. Even left-wing organizations praised this outcome.
Politicos are commenting that Mayor Biskupski suffered damage for her refusal to participate in this legislative effort. Alas, such observers do not understand Salt Lake City. The mayor made a shrewd and gutsy move, enhancing her reputation for challenging the "Establishment." Unlike other areas in Utah, this plays well to most voters in the capital city. Potential opponents will have difficulty attacking her tactics. Furthermore, the City Council has brokered short-term solutions, so the municipal government will not suffer.
See, statecraft can be beautiful.
Webb: The inland port will be an issue in Biskupski’s re-election campaign next year, but won’t be the deciding factor. More important will be who runs against her. However, her stark disagreement with her own City Council is emblematic of her insular nature and aloofness. Salt Lake City’s politics are definitely leftist. But its leaders must be able to work with the business community, the Legislature and the LDS Church. Whoever wins the mayorship next year will have to say, “I’m just as liberal as Mayor Biskupski, but I can at least work with others to get things done.”
The threats of lawsuits based on environmental concerns and constitutional grounds are permeating discussions and plans for the inland port. Will there be court action, and could progress stall on this development?
Pignanelli: State and city leaders are expecting legal action. So development will continue, with the appropriate contingencies.
Litigation is a subtle advantage for the political players. Mayor Biskupski can point to lawsuits as a vindication of her strategy to stay away. Lawmakers and the City Council can claim they developed a practical compromise, and therefore litigants are unreasonable and out of touch.
Webb: Lawsuits are likely inevitable, but they would be a waste of time and money. The Inland Port Authority board has an excellent chairman in Derek Miller, and some excellent leaders serving on the board. All sorts of issues, problems and barriers are going to arise, as they always do in a big project like this. But the board members can work through them. Miller is committed to an open, transparent process, and protecting the environment will be a top concern. This thing is barely getting started. Let’s get on with it, make it the most high-tech port facility in the world and deal with issues as they arise.
The inland port is designed to promote global trade, efficient transportation of goods, and a lot of manufacturing, with Utah benefiting as the crossroads of the West. But the trade wars prompted by President Donald Trump could damage international trade. Are there political ramifications from this?
Pignanelli: Utah's future is increasingly tied to open markets and our officials must act accordingly. Sen. Orrin Hatch is an outspoken fan of Trump, but is promoting an articulate defense of free trade in opposition to the president's policies. Hatch initiated legislative action to stop the trade war, and the rest of the delegation will follow. Hopefully, Trump negotiates a resolution. Otherwise, Utah leaders must actively push against these harmful actions.
Webb: The inland port will survive Trump. Trump loves to push up to the brink of disaster and then pull back. We’re already close to better trade deals with the European Union, Mexico and Canada. China, which has been taking advantage of us for decades, is the tough one. But since we sell China $130 billion in goods annually, and China sells us $500 billion, China has a lot more to lose than we do. Politicians in both parties have been saying for years that China is ripping us off and we need to get tough. Trump is getting tough.
In the end, despite the hysteria, Trump’s bluster will produce better trade agreements.
Your Foxley & Pignanelli Special Session Update
The first Special Session of 2018 has adjourned and Foxley & Pignanelli analyzed bills that passed, their impacts on Utah businesses and families, and all the political posturing that brought them about.
The first Special Session of 2018 has adjourned and Foxley & Pignanelli analyzed bills that passed, their impacts on Utah businesses and families, and all the political posturing that brought them about.
INLAND PORT
The Legislature, supported by the Governor, Salt Lake City Council, and Utah Department of Environmental Quality tweaked the Inland Port Authority legislation. Despite the changes, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski is still very displeased with the legislature’s approach in undertaking the largest economic development project in state history.
Negotiations between the Mayor and legislature broke down with the capitol city mayor refusing to attend any more meetings. She instead advocated directly to lawmakers to scrap the bill all together and start over.
The Mayor might be on an island on her own with the city council supporting the Special Session bill as well as many Democrats in the legislature. The Mayor cites Salt Lake’s forfeiture of zoning authority and lack of control over environmental impact and mitigation as reasons for her opposition.
Political wonks are now taking bets how soon the environmental groups will sue the State.
TAX POLICIES
During the 2018 General Session, Federal Tax Reform seemed imminent. However, the exact details were not known and the bill didn’t pass until after the legislature adjourned, leaving Utah lawmakers to guess at some of the specifics. Several bills were introduced in the special session to remedy some of the inconsistencies between federal and state tax reform.
One last minute change made to the tax bills was restoring the tax credit given to families with dependent children. Given Utahns penchant to have very large families, this equates to nearly a $30 million tax break starting next year. This bill will lower families’ tax bills by about $34 per dependent.
ONLINE SALES TAX
On the heels of the South Dakota vs. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, Utah passed its own form of mandatory online sales tax collection from online retailers outside of the state that meet a minimum threshold of sales in state. This is anticipated to bolster the State’s sales tax coffers by $60 million and will take effect January 1.
In a bill passed during the 2018 General Session, the anticipated collection of sales tax as intended as a trigger to help manufacturing companies in Utah. This bill stated that once online sales tax was collected and reached a minimum amount of $55 million, that manufacturing companies could take advantage of a tax break regarding the economic life of component parts. Clarification was made in the special session bill that this minimum of $55 million collected from online sales tax was to be met annually, not on an accrual basis.
PRIMARY ELECTION BIG WINS
With a significant turnover in the state legislature there were some tough fought Primary battles. Here is how a few of the high profile races shook out:
Rep. Scott Sandal threw his hat into the ring to join the higher chamber. He faced off against former Brigham City Mayor Clark Davis. Sandall won by nearly 800 votes.
Rep. Ray Ward faced a tough challenge from former Davis County Republican Party Chairman Phil Wright. Dr. Ward won his reelection earning almost 66% of the vote.
Melissa Ballard Garff came in 2nd in the County Convention but squeaked out a win in the Primary by less than 200 votes.
Democrats in the House District 24 race had a unique race with four candidates in the Primary. Jen Dailey-Provost was victorious by just a handful of votes.
The General Election will be held November 6th and most ballots will start hitting mailboxes around October 16th.
If you have any questions about specific bills that passed during the Special Session, Primary Election outcomes, or otherwise, we are always happy to discuss these matters with you.
Frank R. Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb: Our Days of ’47 political parade entries
Pignanelli and Webb: Tuesday is Pioneer Day, to be celebrated with speeches, fireworks, rodeos and parades. If political themes weren’t banned in the Days of ’47 Parade, here’s how our fertile (some would say sick) imaginations envision our modern-day political pioneers (no disrespect to real pioneers) appearing:
Pignanelli and Webb: Tuesday is Pioneer Day, to be celebrated with speeches, fireworks, rodeos and parades. If political themes weren’t banned in the Days of ’47 Parade, here’s how our fertile (some would say sick) imaginations envision our modern-day political pioneers (no disrespect to real pioneers) appearing:
Sen. Orrin Hatch will be honored as parade grand marshal, riding on an elaborate float with a hologram of a sunset in the front, sporting the banner: “The only Utahn who witnessed the pioneers’ arrival in 1847 … now riding into the sunset.”
The largest parade float in history, spanning two blocks, will hold all the prominent Utahns, with sad faces, prohibited from serving on the Inland Port Authority Board because they own property within five miles of the boundary.
Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski will be chasing after a float shaped like a ship named Inland Port — a ship that is quickly sailing away.
President Donald Trump will be on a float shaped like a stage, with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the corner holding up a cue card: “Meddling? What meddling?”
Myriad liberal commentators and Democratic leaders, after coddling Russia for decades, will be shivering on a float made out of ice, with a banner saying, “It’s time to bring back the Cold War.”
Sen. Mike Lee will be wearing a black cloak riding a float with signs touting his credentials for a new job: “Conservative. Calm judicial temperament. Originalist. Reverence for Constitution. Easy to get confirmed. …”
Democratic congressional candidate Ben McAdams will be in his orange bus with a sign: “Rapidly driving away from Nancy Pelosi, all socialists, Democratic calls for impeachment and Democratic calls to abolish ICE.”
Republican Congresswoman Mia Love will be wearing fitness attire as she performs contortions on her float — distancing herself from Trump’s more outrageous statements, while wooing the Republican base.
House Speaker Greg Hughes will be riding on Salt Lake City’s “Person of the Year” float, which honors the individual having the “Greatest impact on Salt Lake City politics.”
Bears Ears National Monument supporters and opponents will be riding horses together in the parade, carrying the banner, “Thanks, Utah, for this hot issue that increases membership, dues and contributions.”
Gov. Gary Herbert will be waving from a comfortable convertible proclaiming, “Just two more of these parades and I'm done."
Developers of the massive Olympia housing project near Herriman will be tossing out candy on a float with the sign: “Approve this project and we promise to follow the Plat of Zion.”
Utah Republican Central Committee members will wear blindfolds and earmuffs holding signs: “Fighting to control your political destiny.”
The Utah Gun Exchange will be atop a black armored vehicle with the sign, Orrin Porter Rockwell owned guns — you should too.”
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. will be riding a horse, waving, and telling anyone who will listen, "I'm just visiting Utah. I’m going back. Really!”
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will be with his family in a nice car with signs on both sides: "Better government through better tweets."
The Salt Lake City Council will be marching together, arms locked, with a weathered sign used in many parades: "Upholding the pioneer tradition of battling the mayor."
Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz will be cruising the parade route looking for cameras, waving and shouting: "Still leading the pack for 2020 governor."
U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jenny Wilson will be in a pickup truck with the sign, "Taking one for the team. Please remember that in 2020 when I run for SL County mayor."
Congressman Chris Stewart will be on horseback promoting his next book: “Seeking the 8th Miracle: A Deliberative and Humble Trump.”
Congressman John Curtis will ride his motorcycle wearing a leather jacket and slogan: “Washington is insane. SLC is weird. Provo is heaven!”
Utah Republicans will have a float with a noisy loudspeaker: "Ignore everything you see in the news (except Fox News). Vote Republican. Ignore everything you see in the news (except Fox News)."
Utah Democrats will have a similar float with an even louder loudspeaker: "Watch the news (except Fox News). Vote Democrat. Watch the news (except Fox News)."
Utah progressives will enjoy margaritas on a float with signs: “Clueless but happy,” “Socialism is for lovers,” “Everything should be free.”
Senate President Wayne Niederhauser will be riding his bike, quietly holding a sign: “Cyclists are well balanced.”
House Minority Leader Brian King and Senate Minority Leader Gene Davis will hold a banner: “Welcome to SLC — Utah’s safe place for Democrats!”
U.S. Senate candidate Mitt Romney will feature on his Mercedes convertible: "See, I was right about Russia.”
Congressman Rob Bishop will ride in a nice SUV with a sign: “Retiring in 2020 — unless I get drafted as House Speaker.”
Once again, Pignanelli and Webb will be trailing the last float, sweating in their straw hats and overalls, shoveling horse manure into a small trailer. "Just doing what we do best — cleaning up what those politicians leave behind."