Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Utah political leaders ascend to top positions

Utah state leaders are ascending to top positions in their various national organizations. And some Utah members of Congress enjoy powerful chairmanships. We look at Utah’s political power, and other current issues.

Are we seeing the zenith of Utah influence on the nation?

Pignanelli: "In Utah, there are no bad things in the water there. It's just smooth, really beautiful." — Steve Guttenberg

Notwithstanding the recent controversies of prior attorneys general and (a soon-to-be former) Democratic lawmaker, Utah officials are dedicated, ethical and friendly individuals. Therefore, it is no surprise that colleagues in other states catapult them to prominence. It is always a safe bet to select a Utahn to lead an organization. Our whole culture is focused on preparation, organization, consensus building and providing quality. (Of course, there's the added bonus of no outrageous bar tabs at meetings.)

More importantly, our leaders shine on the national scene because of whom they represent. They are reflecting the strong work ethic, honesty and determination shared by almost all Utahns. Our state and local governments are well-managed not just from decisions made by elected politicians, but also because that's who we are.

Utah is definitely punching above its weight class in Washington, D.C., and among numerous national organizations. This is a testimony to the quality of our leaders, but also a shining example of "Utah Exceptionalism." So take a moment and pat yourself on the back.

Webb: With Gov. Gary Herbert chairing the National Governors Association, and Curt Bramble presiding over the National Conference of State Legislators, and Wayne Niederhauser taking top positions in the Assembly of States and the American Legislative Exchange Council, and Ralph Becker leading the National League of Cities, and Sens. Orrin Hatch, Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz chairing powerful congressional committees, I suggest these good Utahns collaboratively produce and promote a far-reaching agenda to leverage their leadership positions and accomplish something truly meaningful.

I humbly propose, while they enjoy the national spotlight and are leading their peers from across the country, that they jointly develop a practical, common-sense, progressive federalism agenda to responsibly devolve power from the federal government to states. If Republicans win the presidency next year and maintain control of Congress, the agenda could become the blueprint for a rejuvenation of balanced federalism and a promising new era in American governance.

But the agenda would have to be developed and communicated smartly and responsibly, with a focus on good governance, not on ideology. The worst thing that has happened to federalism is that it has been co-opted by the far right and has been associated with racism and slashing programs for the less fortunate. It doesn’t have to be that way. A great case can be made for balanced federalism as the responsible and workable solution to a lot of the nation’s problems.

It would be an ambitious agenda. Perhaps they could ask former Gov. Mike Leavitt, who did some great work in federalism, to chair a joint working group.

They’re in the right positions. Why not go for something big — something historic?

Utah is a hot spot for medical device manufacturing. Next week the medical device tax will be debated in Congress. Should it be repealed? 

Pignanelli: The wonderful aspect about the medical device tax is that it provides such a clear unambiguous textbook example of how really dumb counterproductive provisions are placed into law by intelligent people with fancy degrees. Congressional staff was desperately looking for different revenue sources to fund health care reform and determined medical device manufacturers profit under the new law (more patients with more insurance means more devices) and so these companies should help fund programs. Using this logic, cancer survivors should pay an additional tax because they benefit from federal grants sponsoring medical research. The fee is so outrageous that liberals and conservatives are uniting behind a repeal. So Congress has no excuse.

Webb: Only an ultra-liberal Democratic president and an ultra-liberal Democratic Congress hell-bent on funding a big, new unpopular federal program could have dreamed up a tax as bad as the medical device tax.

And, yes, that’s exactly what happened. To help pay for Obamacare, President Barack Obama and his Democratic Congress in 2010 imposed a gross revenue tax on the medical device manufacturing industry. It is a terrible tax because it singles out one industry and taxes gross revenue instead of profits.

One of Utah’s most successful businessmen, Fred Lampropoulos, the chairman and CEO of Merit Medical Systems, which employs nearly 1,500 people in Utah, notes the tax has increased Merit’s federal taxes by 41 percent. It is driving businesses and jobs overseas. It should be repealed.

This year’s Legislature gave counties the authority to place a proposal for a quarter cent sales tax increase on the ballot to pay for transportation projects and road maintenance. Should counties place the proposal on the ballot this year, or wait until the general election in 2016?

Pignanelli: The local option tax is the culmination of thousands of hours of negotiations between many parties in the last legislative session. A result of these discussions is that the Utah Transit Authority receives a portion of new monies generated. While the goals of enhancing public transportation are important, this organization remains controversial. Salt Lake County municipalities support placing the issue on the 2015 ballot. But many elected officials are nervous about pushback from voters because of angst with UTA. So expect creative political messaging from the county this fall.

Webb: Municipal elections aren’t usually the best time to vote on county-wide ballot proposals. But because essentially all of Salt Lake County will be voting anyway, and because many cities and counties will use vote-by-mail systems, voting participation should be high. So it makes sense to go forward this year. The money is badly needed by local governments for local roads, biking and walking trails, and to improve public transit.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: For springtime, we stop to smell the political roses

In a bit of a springtime twist, May showers are bringing June flowers. We stop to smell the political roses.

Politicos are awaiting a special legislative session to address Healthy Utah, the governor’s Medicaid expansion program. A new player is now on the scene: the billionaire Koch brothers’ super PAC Americans for Prosperity has opened an office in Utah. What impact will this have?

Pignanelli: “Money has always been in politics. And I'm not sure you'd want money to be completely out of politics.” — Bill Gates

Proponents of Medicaid expansion dominate the media with compelling arguments to increase medical coverage. Republican and Democrat politicians, business and community leaders push the PR offensive against recalcitrant House members. Lefty organizations bombard constituents with mailers attacking these stubborn lawmakers. This legislative holdout is reminiscent of the siege of the Alamo.

But a rescue operation has commenced. The controversial Koch Super PAC will alter the debate with huge efforts on television, radio and the mail. Moreover, the organization tapped a savvy Utahn, the experienced political operative Evelyn Everton, to direct activities. Her expertise and sensitivities to local dynamics guarantees reverberations.

Also, this new development is an acknowledgment that Utah matters because the ultimate Medicaid decision will be a leverage tool with other states. To reaffirm the following is arrogant (a standard insult hurled at me) but true: what happens in Utah often impacts the nation.

Webb: I say welcome, Brothers Koch, to Utah. Your money will be good for the economy. Now if we can get Sheldon Adelson, MoveOn.org, George Soros, and a few other billionaire front groups to set up shop here we can bring in enough revenue to overtake Idaho in per-pupil spending.

The Koch group has already sent mailers to the constituents of key legislators opposing Healthy Utah. But I believe Utahns and Utah legislators are smart enough not to be swayed by these groups that take blunt, simplistic positions on complex problems.

Gov. Gary Herbert and legislative leaders are moving toward a reasonable Medicaid expansion solution that uses money Utah taxpayers are already paying for health care services, while protecting the state from long-term financial perils. I don’t think the Koch group will prevent Utah lawmakers from finding common-sense solutions to Utah’s challenges.

In a rare burst of bipartisanship, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that maintains — but also narrows — the National Security Agency’s authority to gather phone calling data. Are Sen. Mike Lee's outspoken positions on the issue, and his leadership in constructing the new snooping law, helpful or harmful to his reputation in Utah?

Pignanelli: A prominent community leader grumbled last week: "I wish Lee would coach the Jazz. He's an obvious turnaround master who had a better season than they did." Last month, the National Journal highlighted Lee as a “hard-core policy entrepreneur” with an “ideas factory” who is garnering praise from the media and politicos of all affiliations. His foray into the national security debate was brilliant. Tea party and left wing activists appreciated his tough stance protecting privacy. Moderate Republicans are complimentary of his ability to craft a bipartisan solution that passed. Potential Republican challengers now face an even larger hurdle.

Webb: This is Mike Lee’s law. He gets credit or blame for it. It is a compromise, and it’s much better than Sen. Rand Paul’s frontal attack on NSA. I love to hear Lee arguing against “cynical government-by-cliff brinkmanship.” He’s obviously turned a corner in his Senate career. He said if Republicans “ever want to improve their standing among the American people, then we must abandon this habit of political gamesmanship.”

Of course, 20 months ago he was blithely engaging in brinkmanship and gamesmanship and helping to shut down the government. But he’s a fast learner. From now on, we can expect Lee the Master of Compromise.

Personally, I’m with Sen. Orrin Hatch on this issue. I don’t believe it was necessary to leash the NSA and erode our national security.

Anyone who travels around Salt Lake City cannot help but notice the spring flowering of Jackie Biskupskilawn signs. Is the challenger to incumbent Mayor Ralph Becker turning this into a real race?

Pignanelli: Veteran campaigners understand signs are an unreliable indicator of support. Yet, politicos are noticing Biskupski’s feisty campaign that is grabbing attention and mounting credible opposition to Becker. The usually reserved Becker is more aggressive with the media and working retail politics. While the Mayor enjoys tremendous advantages, no one is claiming an easy walk for him this year.

Webb: As the token Republican living in downtown Salt Lake City, I wish I had a nice Republican mayoral candidate to vote for. Alas, it’s not to be. City Republicans are so scarce we can’t even field a candidate, let alone get one elected.

But the city is doing quite well. Downtown has problems all big cities have, but it is alive, vibrant and a great place to live. Becker has been a steady hand. He even gets along with business-oriented Mormon Republicans like me. Certainly, barnacles and mistakes pile up over two terms in office, but I predict the good liberals of the capital city will re-elect him.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: What prospective commencement speakers should have said

The season for the famous and influential to convey their wisdom to graduating college graduates is almost over. Your columnists waited patiently by the phone (Webb even took it to bed) for a prestigious university to invite us to deliver the commencement address. Alas, the call never came. We’re still sad, but slowly recovering.

Nevertheless, the snub doesn’t prevent us from retaliating by revealing snippets of the insights prospective commencement speakers SHOULD have imparted to the proud Class of 2015:

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee: "Yes, you have achieved a great deal in your cocoon here on campus. But the moment you set foot in the real world, the NSA and the Feds will be monitoring all your activities — if they don’t already. So run. Hide. Become a hermit. Do not use your iPhone, and be sure to delete your Facebook account. Big Brother is watching."

Utah GOP Chairman James Evans: "Always follow your dreams and passions — no matter how futile and annoying they are. Don't let others prevent you from following the direction of the most extreme and eccentric people in any organization you join. Keep pursuing pointless causes even if it alienates half the people around you.”

U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch: “Now is the time to live your dreams. I advise you to outlive all your opponents and most of your friends. Nothing is more invigorating than staying in power while everyone else retires, or goes gently into that good night. You, too, could live long enough to be third in line for the presidency (and I’m gonna outlive those other guys!)."

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams: “As you go out into the world, trust in the goodness of your fellow human beings. Challenge yourself to be accepting of everyone around you. And remember to carry a voice-activated recording device when you confront a ‘good human being’ who absconded with your hard-earned resources."

Gov. Gary Herbert: “Congratulations! You and your fellow graduates are about to enter the noble world of work. Unfortunately, many of you will no longer qualify for your parents’ health insurance. And entry-level employment won’t offer insurance. And you might contract a severe disease. And without treatment you might die an ignominious (wow, did I really pronounce that?) death. So contact your legislators right now and tell them to support Healthy Utah!"

Utah House Minority Leader Brian King: "The world is waiting for you out there. So please do everything you can to support a healthy, vibrant, balanced, diverse, democracy in our state and country. Therefore, please, please do not vote in the next election, since most of you are Republicans."

House Speaker Greg Hughes: "Never, never forget where you came from. Use the experiences of your childhood, no matter how difficult, to motivate you. The tougher the neighborhood you came from, the better — even the mean streets of Pittsburgh. And for sure learn boxing, judo, karate, back-stabbing, street fighting and break dancing to impress and intimidate your work colleagues. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon: "When you leave this campus today and make the first step toward the rest of your life, please remember to take care of those in need, those who are helpless, those who can't defend themselves, those who are bereft, poor and in dire straits. In other words, remember to help a Utah Democrat.”

President Obama: You are the hope of the world. Never let setbacks make you frown. After all, I started with a Democratic Congress. Now it’s all Republican. I got Obamacare passed. Now it’s still unpopular and faces judicial challenges. I have ignored Congress and issued executive orders on many issues. Now the courts are reversing my orders. I have tried to be friendly to the world. Now the globe is in disarray and falling apart. But I’m still smiling.”

Mitt Romney: "As you go forth, always be genuine. Stick to the positions you really believe in. Don’t flip-flop. In other words, use my 2012 presidential campaign as a case study of what not to do.”

Former Congressman Jim Matheson: "Strive to be a productive member of society. There is an axiom in politics that nothing is more useless than a liberal out of office. Well I'm living proof that one can be a Democrat, who is not a liberal, who's out of office and is useful — at least to my new clients."

Congressman Jason Chaffetz: "I impart two important lessons to you today. First, there is no such thing as overexposure in the media. Second, never underestimate the ability of your enemies to be stupid. No matter how smart they are, they usually end up hiding emails, unlawfully targeting political opponents and always providing fodder for investigations."

Senate President Wayne Neiderhauser: "Be patient with the weak, foolish and slow-witted. Yes, however backward, the House of Representatives does have a role in our state."

Congressman Chris Stewart: "Always remember our Founding Fathers, the bravery of our veterans and the miracles that saved this country — and be sure to read my books about these great things.”

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox: "Work hard and do your best to get ahead. Rarely do silver bullets and jackpots occur in life. But when lightning does strike, it’s pretty sweet."

Former President George W. Bush (actual quote): “To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say, you too may one day be president of the United States.”

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Mediocre 'favorability' ratings hint at Utah's varied attitudes toward Congress

Last week, a UtahPolicy.com poll, which was picked up by other media, showed mediocre “favorability” ratings for Utah’s four U.S. House members. Your columnists weigh in.

Why the dismal ratings? Are Utahns really that upset with U.S. House members? Also, to many observers, the delegation — especially Rep. Jason Chaffetz — seems rather quiet. What is happening? 

Pignanelli: "We may not imagine how our lives could be more frustrating and complex — but Congress can." — Cullen Hightower

Enough time has passed since the last real scare so the boundaries of decency (rarely a barrier for this miscreant) now allow me to reinstate my frequent distasteful comparisons between the federal government and the Ebola virus. Polls continue to document that by large margins Americans are more fearful of Washington, D.C., than the African pestilence. The complaints — legitimate and otherwise — Utahns have with the feds is blemishing their view of our elected representatives. (Well, that's the best reason I have to explain the rough survey results.)

Regardless of ideologies, political insiders know that Utah's congressional delegation is actually quite busy with substantive matters. Furthermore, members are very aggressive in maintaining contact with constituents in their weekly trips home on the weekend. But any good works are filtered by the grumpiness towards all things federal.

Congressman Jason Chaffetz and Rob Bishop each serve as chairman of an important House committee, and must limit extracurricular activities with the media to allow their colleagues to shine. Bishop prefers such solitude, and the publicity-savvy Chaffetz is selective in his PR excursions.

Webb: The modest favorability ratings don’t indicate that Utah’s members of Congress are in political trouble. But they do show that many registered voters aren’t paying much attention, and Utah’s representatives need to communicate better with their constituents.

Favorability ratings are usually lower than job approval ratings. Favorability ratings seem to be partly about likability and personal connection. Many people rate a politician low on favorability but higher on job approval.

The high number of respondents who had no opinion or hadn’t heard of the politician shows members of Congress need to communicate better with voters. They send out a lot of mail, do town hall meetings and try to get the news media to pay attention. But in the digital age with thousands of images and messages bombarding citizens every day, politicians must work harder to cut through the clutter.

That means working on issues their constituents care about and monitor, providing great constituent service, and effectively using social media.

Does this poll indicate re-election vulnerabilities for the House members?

Pignanelli: Utahns eject an incumbent member of Congress every 8-10 years (or so). History will be haunting one of them in the next several election cycles. In the past, the best defense against such threats was a strong support within party delegates. But with the changes to nomination system through SB54, officeholders will now have to adjust such tactics to keep the more moderate primary voters happy.

Webb: All four of Utah’s members of Congress are in pretty good shape. They are clear favorites for re-election — unless someone very well-known with a lot of money challenges them. The best thing they can do is show they are solving the nation’s problems, not just throwing bombs and criticizing the federal government. After all, they’re in charge now. It’s their responsibility to make the federal government work.

Is Congress getting more done under Republican leadership?

Pignanelli: Congress has been in session for only a handful of weeks in 2015, but there are signs of rational thought (confirmation of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, likely passage of the trade bill). The GOP made loads of promises in 2014 to capture the Senate, and will be expected to pass tax and immigration reform, some relief of Dodd Frank, revamps to Obamacare and streamline of entitlements. It is an ambitious agenda. The master of bipartisanship solutions, Sen. Orrin Hatch, is well placed as Senate Finance chairman to shepherd these legislative packages through the Capitol. If he cannot, then we are in real trouble and Ebola will look even more attractive.

Webb: If the Republicans aren’t careful, they’re going to ruin Congress’ reputation as gridlocked and dysfunctional. In a relatively short time, Congress has accomplished a great deal and has shown it can solve problems. Even President Obama seems more willing to compromise and work with Congress on some issues. Sen. Hatch has been particularly effective. “Regular order” is being restored. Bills from both parties are being debated. The House and Senate are working together.

Certainly, not all is well in Washington. Too much power is concentrated there. It’s impossible for Washington to solve all of our problems. Congress faces many difficult issues and certainly won’t conquer all of them. Dysfunction still reigns in many ways. But under GOP leadership, Congress is finally working hard and making progress.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Count My Vote compromise seems to provoke contradicting reactions

Utah’s confusing weather — rain and high mountain snow interspersed with summer-like heat — is a perfect backdrop to the turmoil in Utah politics. We offer our political/meteorological insights.

The Utah Republican Party sent a survey to 60,000 Republicans to measure opinions regarding SB54 — the much-debated law passed as a compromise to the Count My Vote (CMV) petition to replace the caucus/convention system with direct primary elections. A majority of some 3,000 respondents want to comply with the law, yet want the legal challenges to continue. These activists want candidates to swear fealty to the platform, but don't want candidates interviewed by "purity" committees candidates. Why this storm of contradictions?

Pignanelli: “Mixed feelings, like mixed drinks, are a confusion to the soul.” — George Carmen

The poll reveals Republicans are suffering from perplexities that ail teenagers. As with my kids, they procrastinated before dealing with the momentum behind CMV, which could have been remedied by a simple fix (minor modifications to the nomination process). Eventually, positive forces within them forged a compromise solution (the Bramble legislation). Now they are having second thoughts while blaming other family members.

Many delegates pound their chest with the admonition "Utah is a republic” (of course it is). Smart elected representatives thoroughly vetted the legislation and voted in behalf of their constituents. Now these activists are behaving as in a democracy by trying to thwart legitimate laws with means outside the legislative process.

Confusion always results when humans try to have it both ways — just like teenagers.

Webb: The party’s unscientific survey, along with numerous professional polls, clearly show that Republicans want to comply with the law, move forward, and provide certainty for 2016 candidates so they know how to run their campaigns. Bottom line is that the party needs to quit fighting SB54 and prepare for 2016.

To restore credibility, the party also needs new leadership. I like Chairman James Evans personally and respect his mettle. But he’s led the party on too many senseless kamikaze attacks and he’s losing membership by the hour. Alienating mainstream Utahns doesn’t build the Grand Old Party, and Evans is way past rehabilitation.

Legislators forged many remarkable and well-publicized achievements in the last legislative session (anti-discrimination amendments, education funding, transportation improvements, criminal justice reform, etc.). We offer other items that were under the radar, but helpful to Utahns.

Pignanelli: Utah is a wonderful place. Unfortunately, too often con artists and flim flam men ravage the pure decency of our trusting citizens. So the White Collar Crime Offender Registry (the nation’s first), which places the names and pictures of these financial felons on a website will diminish future financial fraud schemes. Rep. Michael Mckell and Sen. Curt Bramble sponsored this important legislation, in conjunction with Attorney General Sean Reyes.

With similar goals, Bramble passed new requirements providing public access to complaints against certain businesses filed with the Department of Commerce. In the same bill, the Provo senator expanded the ability of citizens to obtain public records from local government through the appeals process.

Quietly, all Utahns benefit from this good work.

Webb: We have too much carnage on the highways and the primary seat belt law will help. Buckling up might not just save your own life, but others around you as well.

The influential British publication, "The Economist," recently heralded Utah as “Young, tolerant and surprising” … a state that “is quietly forging a model of constructive Republicanism.” Really?

Pignanelli: Most Utah households are positively influenced by a wonderful periodical with a name that begins with “E.” The Pignanelli family is no exception, except that our weekly dose of excellent writing and thought emanates from the prominent weekly Economist. This publication explained to its global leadership how this magnificent state accepts diversity, promotes a quality lifestyle, but demands efficiency in government. Jolly good for us!

Webb: Don’t look now, folks on the far right, but Utah has been recaptured by mainstream conservatives. The reign of the tea party is over. Evidence is everywhere, and people across the country and the world are starting to notice. A state is going to receive attention when it can overcome political dysfunction, compromise to solve problems, pass critical legislation on pressing issues, and govern in a practical, conservative way. Utah is demonstrating that applying conservative principles sensibly is the right approach.

Certainly, Utah still faces many significant challenges and plenty of fights are ahead. We still need to find common ground on a conservative approach to Medicaid expansion; we need long-term education funding and reform; and we need to deal with a number of public lands and environmental issues. But we’ll eventually make good progress on those matters as well. You can read The Economist article here: http://econ.st/1EZ5mmh.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: Salt Lake issues heating up in preparation of November mayoral race

With an important mayoral race in November, Salt Lake City issues are heating up. Our analysis of key items receiving attention:

Panhandling is a big problem downtown, and most residents think it should be illegal. Can panhandling be eliminated or at least reduced, and would it help to move the Road Home homeless shelter?

Pignanelli: “Why lie? Its for beer!” — message on cardboard sign held by honest panhandler

Most panhandlers are substance abusers or financial scammers whose lies to by-passers about lack of food or shelter are protected by the First Amendment. These fraudsters take advantage of big-hearted Utahns, and their blight on downtown will end only when their victims stop obliging. (Decades of hardcore Irish Catholic guilt trips hardened me against their sloppy pleas).

Shelters do not breed beggars. Panhandling and homelessness are separate issues with different causations — the latter deserve society’s serious attention. Our local Road Home charity continually receives national recognition for cost-effectively transitioning so many Utahns into permanent housing. Moving the shelter may disrupt this significant progress. Further, discussions are a pointless endeavor until a satisfactory alternative is identified.

Unfortunately, rational deliberations on this issue are clouded by the character assassination attempts targeted at the saintly Road Home director Matthew Minkevitch through spokespersons of the Pioneer Park Coalition. (Perhaps Mother Theresa is next on the hit list.) This entity (created by a developer with property interests close to the shelter) claims a membership of hundreds, but most are organizations invited to meetings who never affirmatively agreed to participate in the group (as several told me). Shrewd insiders realize the Coalition PR attack dogs are part of a real estate play in the area.

So the original Coalition organizer is making demands through misrepresenting who it is and unfairly blaming others (aka panhandling).

Webb: I recently watched an aggressive panhandler work the lunch crowd outside a restaurant on South Temple close to Main Street. He’s a young guy and I see him most days. He doesn’t sit passively asking for money as people walk by. He walks right up, pleads for help and keeps asking, following his prospects for several steps if he doesn’t get money immediately. It’s hard for nice people to say no. In the half hour I watched him, he probably made $10-$15. About every sixth person he hit gave money. On a busy day downtown, he can get in front of hundreds of people.

Panhandling can’t be outlawed, but it is a growing problem downtown. I walk two blocks to work and two blocks home and I get hit up by five or six panhandlers each way — usually the same people day after day. It gets awfully tiresome and visitors are repulsed, wondering why SLC has more panhandlers than other large cities.

The only real solution: don’t give. The downtown street people all know where to get free services, including meals and a place to sleep.

It would help to move the homeless shelter. The greater downtown area has many dozens of social services facilities, including homeless shelters, homeless permanent housing, addiction recovery and detoxification centers, all manner of low-income housing, food pantries, facilities for people with serious mental illnesses, halfway houses, women’s shelters and so forth.

Downtowners are certainly willing to take our fair share of these facilities, but right now we’re simply overwhelmed. If the homeless shelter is moved, we’ll still have far more than our share of these facilities.

Salt Lake City’s population nearly doubles during the workday, increasing city service costs, but survey research by UtahPolicy.com shows city residents aren’t keen on finding a way to tax commuters to help pay for services, and residents definitely don’t want to be taxed more themselves. Is it silly for the city to pursue some sort of commuter tax?

Pignanelli: Some "urban visionary" types love a commuter tax, which occasionally rears its head in Salt Lake City. But the fee is a disincentive to economic development and has not succeeded in other areas (i.e. Detroit, Pittsburgh, etc.) Furthermore, state lawmakers hate the idea so much they may mandate summary executions for those who suggest it. Common-sense residents overwhelmingly reject the idea (thank goodness).

Webb: I don’t see a practical way for the city to charge a commuter fee. SLC does shoulder extra burdens because of the big influx of workers. The city also has a large amount of tax-exempt property. But the city also has big shopping malls, high-rise office buildings and a very large commercial district. So things balance out.

How will these and other downtown issues impact the mayoral race?

Pignanelli: Downtown economic vibrancy has not influenced the mayor's election for decades. The current race is all about the incumbent Ralph Becker and whether his campaign will have the field operations to encourage supporters to the polls. Becker's campaign manager, Matt Lyon, is among the best in the business and is a factor in this contest.

Webb: Overall, Salt Lake City is doing well and residents are generally happy with city government. That bodes well for Mayor Ralph Becker, but political barnacles pile up when a politician seeks a third term, so the race will be competitive.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: How do Baltimore riots, Supreme Court rulings impact Utah?

Utahns and Americans witnessed last week two minority groups in the midst of major societal change. One is arguing for the ultimate recognition before the U.S. Supreme Court, while others are lashing out at perceived law enforcement injustices. These events impact Utah politically, culturally and socially.

How do the Baltimore riots, and ongoing media coverage of tensions between African-Americans and police officers, affect Utahns?

Pignanelli: “Legislation won't necessarily start a riot. But the right song can make someone pick up a chair.” — Saul Williams

Utahns understand that for every filmed incident of police misconduct, there are thousands of actions (most unrecorded) of courage, compassion, protection and devotion to community made by law enforcement every day. Most of the actions by protesters are reprehensible, but there is substance behind the peaceful objections because persons of color have a higher rate of arrest.

The constant media focus on friction between law enforcement and minorities is impacting deliberations in the Beehive State — as reflected in developing policies for body cameras, detainment and "use of force." High-quality cameras on phones are changing the dynamic. While there are rare instances of problems, all our local cops are under greater scrutiny. Better yet, the public is gaining greater understanding of the pressures police face, and the often awful conduct of citizens is now subject to recording. This is a positive development for society. (Obnoxious teenagers like me who harassed the mall cop will now think twice.)

Webb: Everyone on all sides of this issue seem to agree that the protests and riots aren’t just about police brutality. In reality, less bigotry and injustice exist within police agencies nationwide than ever before. Officers are by no means perfect, but they are more integrated, better trained, and less racially prejudiced.

But real or perceived police brutality seems to be the spark that unleashes long-simmering anger within some inner-city neighborhoods — described by President Obama as, “impoverished … stripped away of opportunity, children born into abject poverty … parents, often because of substance-abuse problems or incarceration … can't do right by their kids … (who are) more likely to end up in jail or dead than go to college.” He decried absent fathers and drug-flooded neighborhoods.

Obama nailed the underlying problems, and he’s right that angry young men are victims of society. But not a racist or uncaring society. Instead, they are victims of 50 years of a liberal, big-government society whose policies have helped create inter-generational poverty, failed schools, welfare dependency, family dysfunction, absent fathers and teenage unwed mothers.

Here’s the question of the century for liberals and conservatives: How do we re-instill in failed neighborhoods the fundamental values of a successful society: honesty, integrity, sexual responsibility, family, marriage, fatherhood, self-discipline, hard work, education and personal responsibility?

Is there more violence and anti-social behavior in the country and in our state? Who is to blame?

Pignanelli: Overexposure to CNN, FoxNews and YouTube compels any viewer to the conclusion that our country is sliding into hostile anarchy. But the facts document the USA is actually less violent than at any other time. We have greater concern for the health and well-being for each other. So there is little blame but loads of credit to hard-working Americans who continue to make this country the economic giant that promotes democracy.

Webb: Every citizen with a cellphone and social media account is now a reporter. That means every act of violence anywhere, anytime, becomes big news. There’s not more violence; it’s just reported more.

When I was a kid in the ’50s and ’60s, it was sort of expected that cops could be rough and tough, that they would crack heads if disobeyed. The fact that every instance of cop misbehavior is now publicized and condemned actually shows we’ve made progress.

The Supreme Court won’t announce its decision on same-sex marriage constitutionality until June. Regardless of the decision, has the nationwide focus on this issue forever altered attitudes?

Pignanelli: Not since prohibition has the nation experienced such a successful national lobbying effort as that conducted by the LGBT community. In less than 10 years, a majority of Americans have altered their opposition to same-sex marriage. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of those under 30 more than just tolerate this change in traditional marriage, they embrace it. Therefore, the worst case for activists is the court does not recognize a constitutional right of marriage, but allows the states to decide. This keeps the issue alive until demography forces the final resolution. Further, the arguments surrounding this issue provide support to nondiscrimination actions such as Utah passed in the last session.

Webb: The legalization of gay marriage is probably inevitable, and it won’t signal the end of the world. But it will be another trickle eroding the foundation of society — husband and wife raising children in a loving home. A lesson of Baltimore is that we must strengthen families and marriages, not send the message that marriage, as practiced for thousands of years, can be altered at what amounts to a moment’s notice in the sweep of history.

Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb: We can't help but revel in the politico buzz

Last week, Utahns witnessed intra-party dynamics on both edges of the Utah political spectrum — from the Salt Lake City mayoral race to the Republican Party leadership. Politicos reveled in all the gossip, conjectures and buzz. We just can’t help ourselves:

If the Republican Party loses its lawsuit against SB54/Count My Vote, GOP Chairman James Evansand other party activists want to develop a “screening” test for prospective candidates who use the signature petition process to get on the primary election ballot. The screening could include an interview by a Republican committee to determine loyalty and adherence to party principles. What is going on here?

Pignanelli: “Everyone loves a witch hunt as long as it’s someone else’s witch being hunted.” — Walter Kirn

Politicos are having loads of fun with this controversy — especially as to potential McCarthy-like questions asked of candidates in this Star Chamber: Do you revere Ronald Reagan as the greatest president ever? Do you concur Barack Obama is the personification of evil? Do you commit to never meet alone with a Democrat? Do you agree that FOXNews is the only source of wisdom and truth in the media? Further, the proposal is garnering hilarious comments about the “Utah Politburo” with Evans as “Dear Leader.”

CMV decimates delegates’ influence — in both parties. Thus, the neighborhood powerbrokers will do ANYTHING to maintain control and demand fealty with Inquisition-style tactics. Thank goodness “True Americans” are outraged (and possibly amused) by this shredding of cherished constitutional principles that protect freedom of thought. Many would be mad … if they were not laughing so hard.

Webb: It takes a special talent to come up with a scheme that is at once bizarre, offensive, illogical, unworkable, anti-democratic and a PR nightmare for the Republican Party. But Evans et al. dreamed big and did it.

Republican idol Ronald Reagan had this to say in 1967: “We must keep the door open … we cannot offer (voters) a narrow sectarian party in which all must swear allegiance to prescribed commandments. … Such a party can be highly disciplined, but it does not win elections. This kind of party soon disappears in a blaze of glorious defeat, and it never puts into practice its basic tenets, no matter how noble they may be. … The Republican Party, both in this state and nationally, is a broad party. There is room in our tent for many views; indeed, the divergence of views is one of our strengths.”

Can you imagine an idealistic young Republican wanting to run for the Legislature discovering he or she first must be grilled by The Committee to Ensure Republican Purity? What if he or she is fiscally conservative, but a little more moderate on same-sex marriage and environmental issues? Is this young person “pure” enough to be a Republican?

Silly me. I always thought, like Ronald Reagan, that the role of party leaders was to encourage more people to participate in the party — not shrink it to the purified few who pass litmus tests.

How about we do something really riotous: Let prospective candidates make their case to voters instead of to The Committee to Ensure Republican Purity.

This saga just goes from silly and ridiculous to pathetic and sad.

Less than two weeks after he announced his candidacy, State Sen. James Dabakis dropped out of the Salt Lake City mayoral race and endorsed fellow activist Jackie Biskupski against Mayor Ralph Becker. What is going on here?

Pignanelli: Polls indicated Dabakis enjoyed strong name identification and popularity. But there is a “but.” Mayoral candidates in a medium-size city face a daunting task. They must spend the comparable amount of time raising money as required by statewide and congressional races, yet also devote massive efforts to retail politics as demanded in local legislative races. Further, because Becker’s challengers share equal ideological auras, punching through a primary is a monstrous chore that weakens prospects against the incumbent in the general election. Dabakis suddenly comprehended he has a great gig and ready-made soapbox as state senator. So why mess that up?

Webb: The mind and deeds of James Dabakis are simply unfathomable for an average human brain like mine. I can’t even dare to guess why he was in and out like a whirling dervish.

Obviously, these developments indicate fissures within the Republican and Democratic parties. How deep and permanent are they?

Pignanelli: This is just a blip for Democrats, but could foster major divisions within the Utah GOP. Major donors and elected officials (many subject to subpoena for supporting CMV) will not tolerate this behavior and pursue a strategy of deprivation of resources. Furthermore, candidates who follow the law, but are stripped of Republican affiliation for impure thoughts, will mount successful lawsuits. Nonetheless, delegates will control the party apparatus. Resolution is inevitable, but so are long-lasting hard feelings.

Webb: Utah voters are smart. I fully trust them. They will continue to elect mainstream conservatives to most offices in the state, no matter what havoc party leaders wreak. Republican candidates will win up and down the ballot. For many GOP candidates, the party is irrelevant. In Salt Lake City, Mayor Becker will probably win re-election. Outside the city, however, Democratic infighting can lose elections because Democrats can’t afford to lose a single vote.