http://heraldextra.com/news/opinion/utah-valley/article_9e824d44-9ad5-5910-bd5d-20ec67c14097.html?mode=story
Local Opinion
Challenger blasts Anderson record
Joel Wright | Posted: Wednesday, June 2, 2010 12:04 am
Utah County's government is now in its fourth year of spending more than it receives. This approach is not sustainable, and has dangerously depleted the financial reserves of Utah County. Because Utah County is required by law to balance their budget every year, Utah County will have to raise property taxes, or engage in mass layoffs, once the reserves are gone.
How did this happen? I believe it happened due largely to the single vote of Commissioner Gary Anderson on two key occasions since he was elected to a third term in 2006.
The first occasion was in December 2007, when Anderson was the deciding vote to increase the County budget by 14 percent in a single year on a 2 to 1 vote. The increase led the Utah County Auditor to warn that such a budget was not sustainable, and would require a substantial increase in tax revenue. And since then, tax revenues have only declined.
The next occasion was in June 2008, when Anderson was the deciding vote to increase salaries for county employees on another 2 to 1 vote, including his own salary from $94,000 to $108,000 (even though his salary had been increased from $82,00 to $94,000 the year before). Just before this vote, Anderson stated that Utah County "may have to increase taxes at some point."
Anderson's statements about the need for a future tax increase have been consistent. In October 2007, Anderson said he "foresees a [tax] increase in perhaps three years given current trends" and then said in November 2008 he "doesn't see a way to avoid a tax increase." But there is a way, by simply refusing to raise taxes, and not spending more than you receive. Fortunately, the voters will get to choose in the Republican Primary Election on June 22 between Anderson's approach of raising taxes and spending, or my approach of living within our means.
Our county commissioners should be hoping for the best, and planning for the worst. Instead, they are planning for the best, and hoping they don't have to raise taxes, or cut spending, until after the election. At the commission meeting on May 11, it was announced that sales tax revenue would likely decline another 6.4 percent in 2010, and Utah County was running a deficit of approximately $5 million in 2010. A proposal was made to balance the budget by requiring co-payments on employee health insurance (like they do in the private sector), and cut the match on 401(k) contributions from 6 percent to 2 percent. Unfortunately this proposal was dismissed, and no other proposals were made to balance the budget. Instead of following the example of Utah's state government, it appears Anderson believes Utah County should follow the example of our federal government, and ignore the day of reckoning as long as possible, or at least until the election is over.
I experienced a similar situation when I joined the City Council of Cedar Hills in 2006. Cedar Hills had the highest property taxes in Utah County due to a failing city-owned golf course and a lack of commercial development (or sales tax base). During my time on the City Council we took on these problems. Our City Council approved a commercial development anchored by Wal-Mart that is now universally admired. Wal-Mart gave Cedar Hills a strong sales tax base, allowing Cedar Hills to decrease property taxes during the current recession. When I realized there were not enough votes to shut down our money-losing golf course, I worked with my fellow council members to turn it around. We hired new management, dramatically improving revenue from the golf course. We then created a plan to sell portions of the golf course for homes to eliminate the debt on the golf course.
A similar fresh approach is needed in Utah County. Our county commissioners must start spending less than they receive. We need leadership willing to make the hard decisions today, so we are not "forced" at some point to raise taxes. Most of all, we need county commissioners who will put the interests of the taxpayers first, and not base their budget decisions on the election cycle or campaign support.
• Joel Wright is a candidate for Utah County commissioner.
Showing posts with label Joel Wright; Utah County; Utah County Commissioner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joel Wright; Utah County; Utah County Commissioner. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Joel Wright's Speech at County Convention
Several friends have asked me for a copy of the speech I gave to the County Delegates at the County Convention on April 24, 2010. Below is a complete copy:
Hello delegates!
My name is Joel Wright. I am a candidate for Utah County Commission Seat A, and I’m here to ask for your vote!
I grew up in Provo, and am proud to have been educated by our local schools. I attended BYU, where I earned degrees in Economics and Political Science, and married my sweetheart. I then moved to NYC to attend law school. After working in NYC and Washington DC, my wife and I missed Utah County, and jumped at the chance to return to Utah County to raise our children here.
When I served on my City Council, I realized we needed more leadership at the regional level on transportation. Utah County has 550,000 people now, and we’ll have one million residents in 20 years or less. We simply must do better on transportation, and several other issues, which is why I decided to run for the Utah County Commission.
Let me tell you what I will stand for as your County Commissioner:
First, I will always tell you the truth. I have not hesitated to tell you the truth on any issue during this campaign, and I will continue to do so as your County Commissioner. I will send you a monthly email where you can respond to me, and host a web page where anyone can come and discuss the issues facing Utah County. You will almost certainly disagree with me at least once in a while, and that is when I most need and want to hear from you.
Second, you will be able to hold me accountable for how every tax dollar is spent. I know that every dollar government takes from you means you have less time to be a Scout master, or a soccer coach, or a Mother.
Third, I will always do what is right, regardless of the political consequences. At different points in my public service I have come under tremendous pressure to go along with the crowd, or keep my mouth shut. I have always refused to do so. I believe there are many things more important than myself, and I will always do what is right.
Finally, I promise to give more than I get. I love Utah County. Our ancestors made tremendous sacrifices so we could enjoy the freedom we have today. I am willing to make those same sacrifices.
Thank you so much for your service as a County Delegate. I humbly ask for your vote, and look forward to working with you to improve Utah County. Thank you!
END
Hello delegates!
My name is Joel Wright. I am a candidate for Utah County Commission Seat A, and I’m here to ask for your vote!
I grew up in Provo, and am proud to have been educated by our local schools. I attended BYU, where I earned degrees in Economics and Political Science, and married my sweetheart. I then moved to NYC to attend law school. After working in NYC and Washington DC, my wife and I missed Utah County, and jumped at the chance to return to Utah County to raise our children here.
When I served on my City Council, I realized we needed more leadership at the regional level on transportation. Utah County has 550,000 people now, and we’ll have one million residents in 20 years or less. We simply must do better on transportation, and several other issues, which is why I decided to run for the Utah County Commission.
Let me tell you what I will stand for as your County Commissioner:
First, I will always tell you the truth. I have not hesitated to tell you the truth on any issue during this campaign, and I will continue to do so as your County Commissioner. I will send you a monthly email where you can respond to me, and host a web page where anyone can come and discuss the issues facing Utah County. You will almost certainly disagree with me at least once in a while, and that is when I most need and want to hear from you.
Second, you will be able to hold me accountable for how every tax dollar is spent. I know that every dollar government takes from you means you have less time to be a Scout master, or a soccer coach, or a Mother.
Third, I will always do what is right, regardless of the political consequences. At different points in my public service I have come under tremendous pressure to go along with the crowd, or keep my mouth shut. I have always refused to do so. I believe there are many things more important than myself, and I will always do what is right.
Finally, I promise to give more than I get. I love Utah County. Our ancestors made tremendous sacrifices so we could enjoy the freedom we have today. I am willing to make those same sacrifices.
Thank you so much for your service as a County Delegate. I humbly ask for your vote, and look forward to working with you to improve Utah County. Thank you!
END
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Clear Differences on Proposed Bridge Over Utah Lake
Last week in Orem I had the opportunity to debate my opponent on
several important issues facing Utah County. One of the questions
was on the Utah Lake Bridge proposal. I believe the responses once
again show clear differences to our approaches and feelings about the
issues.
Below you will find a summary of the responses and a link to watch
the full video for yourself on You Tube. We will also be putting the
other questions and answers on You Tube from that debate over the
next couple days.
The Question was:
There is a proposal to build a bridge across Utah Lake by a
private group. Do you support this effort? If so, how can you
guarantee the taxpayers won’t foot the bill should the group fold?
Summary of Joel Wright's answer:
1. Governor Herbert and his administrative staff will decide this.
2. If the private sector can come and solve one of our transportation
problems, let's make it happen. I'm all for it.
3. The State of Utah should return to Utah County all the revenue
they get from leasing the easement over Utah Lake, and Utah County
should insure that 100% of those funds go to improving the Lake.
4. There should be a construction (or completion) bond on the
construction to make sure the bridge will be completed when it is
started.
Summary of Gary Anderson's answer:
1. I am not for the bridge proposed right now.
2. We need to do an Environmental Impact Study "EIS", and let that
study tell us if a bridge is feasible
3. There are three developers that will pay for the bridge wanted by
the Lake, which an EIS will tell us
4. The developer/owner of the bridge should not make a profit from
the bridge because they will make so much money from the land
across the lake once it becomes accessible. Direct quote: "We have
them develop it, we have them build it, and then the money
(and this is another problem I have with the present bridge) the
money, if that is a toll bridge and it has to be a $2 toll or
something, the money that is made in excess of the debt service on
that bridge goes back into the Lake."
YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEK0f7mJL_A
As you can see we have very different views on this issue. I look
forward to talking with you more about the issues that affect Utah
County including the Bridge.
If you would like to talk in person please see the complete schedule
of all such meetings here:
http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-you-can-meet-me-in-person.html
Alternatively, you are always welcome to call me on my
cell phone at 801-368-5385.
As always, I also ask for your vote April 24th at the
Utah County Convention!
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
p.s. Please always feel free to call me or email me questions or
concerns, I will always be engaged and look forward to earning
your vote!
several important issues facing Utah County. One of the questions
was on the Utah Lake Bridge proposal. I believe the responses once
again show clear differences to our approaches and feelings about the
issues.
Below you will find a summary of the responses and a link to watch
the full video for yourself on You Tube. We will also be putting the
other questions and answers on You Tube from that debate over the
next couple days.
The Question was:
There is a proposal to build a bridge across Utah Lake by a
private group. Do you support this effort? If so, how can you
guarantee the taxpayers won’t foot the bill should the group fold?
Summary of Joel Wright's answer:
1. Governor Herbert and his administrative staff will decide this.
2. If the private sector can come and solve one of our transportation
problems, let's make it happen. I'm all for it.
3. The State of Utah should return to Utah County all the revenue
they get from leasing the easement over Utah Lake, and Utah County
should insure that 100% of those funds go to improving the Lake.
4. There should be a construction (or completion) bond on the
construction to make sure the bridge will be completed when it is
started.
Summary of Gary Anderson's answer:
1. I am not for the bridge proposed right now.
2. We need to do an Environmental Impact Study "EIS", and let that
study tell us if a bridge is feasible
3. There are three developers that will pay for the bridge wanted by
the Lake, which an EIS will tell us
4. The developer/owner of the bridge should not make a profit from
the bridge because they will make so much money from the land
across the lake once it becomes accessible. Direct quote: "We have
them develop it, we have them build it, and then the money
(and this is another problem I have with the present bridge) the
money, if that is a toll bridge and it has to be a $2 toll or
something, the money that is made in excess of the debt service on
that bridge goes back into the Lake."
YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEK0f7mJL_A
As you can see we have very different views on this issue. I look
forward to talking with you more about the issues that affect Utah
County including the Bridge.
If you would like to talk in person please see the complete schedule
of all such meetings here:
http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-you-can-meet-me-in-person.html
Alternatively, you are always welcome to call me on my
cell phone at 801-368-5385.
As always, I also ask for your vote April 24th at the
Utah County Convention!
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
p.s. Please always feel free to call me or email me questions or
concerns, I will always be engaged and look forward to earning
your vote!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Fiscal Facts on Utah County (4-9-10 email to county delegates)
I sent the email below to all County Delegates on the morning of Friday, April 9, 2010. It goes through and details the Fiscal Facts on Utah County, and explains my position in response to the claims from Gary Anderson. I have included Gary Anderson's email below for you to review because I want to earn the vote of delegates who have reviewed the claims, and verified the facts.
Dear County Delegate,
Wednesday you received an email from Gary Anderson with a number of claims about our campaign for Utah County Commissioner. I would like to take a few moments of your time to respond. You are always welcome to call me on my cell phone directly at 801-368-5385. I’ll first cover the fiscal facts that you can verify, address the claims in Commissioner Anderson’s email, and then make three promises to you that you will be able to verify if I run for re-election in four years.
FISCAL FACTS
1. Utah County’s expenditures have grown twice as fast as our population the last five years. Utah County’s expenditures have grown 68% in the last 5 years, from $51.04 million (in 2003) to $85.78 million (in 2008).[1] During that same time, Utah County’s population only grew 29.6%, from 409,000 to 530,000.[2]
2. Commissioner Anderson has supported these increases in the budget. Shortly after Commissioner Anderson was sworn in for his third term (2 terms in the late 80s previously) in, he approved amending the budget to increase it by 7% in 2007,[3] and then was the deciding vote (by 2 to 1) to approve a substantial 14% increase to the 2008 budget.[4] This rapid increase in spending led the Utah County Auditor to warn in 2008 that such expenditures would deplete the surplus (or general fund) and created a budget situation that “will not be sustainable in subsequent years without either new revenue sources or increased revenue from existing sources.”[5]
3. Commissioner Anderson voted to increase his salary by 10% in 2008. Commissioner Anderson was the deciding vote (by 2 to 1) to increase the salary of the Utah County Commissioners from $94,700 to $104,000 in June 2008.[6] In November 2009 I suggested this salary increase be rolled back to ease the burden on tax payers, and was rebuked by Commissioner Anderson.[7]
4. Commissioner Anderson voted for the largest combined sales tax increase in Utah County’s history that was not approved by the voters. In August 2007, Commissioner Anderson voted to increase the voter approved 0.25 percent sales tax for transportation (2006) by 20% up to .30 percent in 2007.[8] Further Commissioner Anderson voted in September of 2008 to further increase it by almost 100% more to .55 percent. [9] We certainly need transportation projects, but I believe any sales tax increase should be put before the voters so they can determine if it is justified.
5. Property Taxes Increased in 2008 and 2009: Utah County’s property taxes had stayed relatively modest and stable until 2008, when Utah County received a windfall due to the Utah State Tax Commission allowing a one time change in the assessing and collecting rate without going through the truth-in-taxation process, which resulted in the Utah County’s property tax revenue going from $25,430,082 to $30,299,437 from 2007 to 2008, or a 19% increase, in a single year.[10] It would have been responsible to either return this windfall to the taxpayers, or at least save it, but instead it was immediately spent on the growing budget. Because the surplus had been used up, Utah County then had to raise property tax rates by 8.5% in 2009[11] when our property values declined so Utah County could collect the same amount of revenue, even though it means they were now taking a larger percentage of your home’s value, or a bigger piece of the pie.
6. $40 million in new debt for the Convention Center in Provo: We can have honest disagreements on the Convention Center, including whether it is the proper role of government, why Utah County is paying $40 million for the Convention Center while Provo is only paying approximately $7 million, and whether the private sector would have built a convention center for our County in Pleasant Grove. But we cannot debate that the taxpayers of Utah County are paying for the Convention Center, because they clearly are. According to the Preliminary Offering Statement used to sell the Convention Center debt to investors, the annual debt service on the Convention Center will be paid as follows: 7% from the tax on hotel rooms, 11% from the tax on car rentals, and 82% by the one percent tax on restaurant food in Utah County.[12] While the tax on hotel rooms and car rentals are typically paid by visitors from out side our County (while also being paid by local businesses bringing in clients and employees), the tax on restaurant food in Utah County is paid overwhelmingly by the residents of Utah County, and most informed observers believe approximately 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by the residents of Utah County.[13] Bottom Line: While tourists and business will generate up to 40% of the revenue to cover the debt service on the Convention Center, the tax payers of Utah County will pay the most of the cost of the Convention Center. Furthermore, without the Convention Center’s debt service, the restaurant tax could have been decreased substantially, easing the tax burden on our residents.
CLAIMS FROM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
1. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants to expand the county commission to a council form of government or expand it to five commissioners.”
True? Partially. Our campaign wants to trust the voters to decide how best to govern Utah County. The current form of government (3 full time County Commissioners) has no checks and balances, has no regional representation, and is not based on the Constitution. If only two county commissioners would trust the voters, then the form of county government would be put on the ballot, and the voters could decide to consider a potential change. If the voters approved the change, then a study commission would be created to recommend a potential change to either a Mayor/County Council form (Salt Lake and Cache counties have done this), or a full time executive and part time county council (Grand, Morgan, Summit and Wasatch have done this) or five or seven full time county commissioners (no county has done this, but former Utah County Commissioner and current Governor Gary Herbert told me in February 2010 that he publicly supports increasing the full time Commissioners in Utah County from 3 to 5). Such recommendation would then be on the ballot, and the voters could accept or reject their recommendation. In other words, the voters would directly decide this issue, not the Utah County Commissioners. Finally, I believe the best choice would be a full time Mayor and five part time county council members, which would cost substantially LESS than the current form of three full time county commissioners. Right now, three full time county commissioners cost Utah County $312,000/year in salary, while a full time Mayor (at $104,000/year), and five part time county council members (at $20,000/year) would only cost Utah County $204,000/year.[14]
2. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants our county to take over jurisdiction from the State all of the roads in Utah County that do not cross county lines.”
True? Yes, but only on fair terms. I believe Utah County can more effectively govern its future if it controls the roads within Utah County that do not cross county lines. However, I would only accept the transfer of such roads to the extent the State allows us to keep the funding associated with such roads. As a former City Council member, I have seen the arrogance of our Federal Government, the State of Utah and even Utah County with a “one size fits all” approach on certain issues. As Dr. Skousen points out in the 5,000 Year Leap, one of the principles of the Founding Fathers was that “Problems were solved to the greatest possible extent on the level where they originated.”[15] In short, we should not be expecting citizens of another county to be funding Utah County's roads, nor should they expect us to fund their roads. To the greatest extent possible, where roads need repair, or where residents desire new roads, I believe we should be funding them ourselves rather than forcing others to help pay for them.
3. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants to give the County Attorney more funds to prosecute White-collar crime.”
True? Yes, absolutely. I believe investment fraud is at epidemic levels and is harming our economy far more than any form of “economic development” by the government can improve our economy. In 2009, the Utah County Attorney received claims of $104 million in investment fraud. When Commissioner Anderson assumed office in 2007, those claims were less than $20 million annually. Since 2000, the Utah County Attorney has received investment fraud claims totaling $432 million.[16] We need seasoned and experienced investigators and prosecutors to fight this relatively complicated form of crime that has done tremendous damage to our property values, and our community’s ability to remain solvent and self-sufficient. On October 24, 2009, County Attorney Buhman was quoted as follows: "The honest truth is we're barely scratching the surface [on investment fraud]. We could double or triple our department easily, and we would still be extremely busy."[17] However, I am unwilling to raise taxes to increase the resources devoted to investment fraud, but I will find savings from other areas to do so. The very first cut will be $10,000 to the salary of each of the County Commissioners, giving us another $30,000 to fight investment fraud immediately.
4. Claim: “I believe we should be involved in and support Economic Development in Utah County. Mr. Wright does not.”
You have to define “Economic Development.” I believe government does not know better than the private sector how to most effectively allocate resources, and should instead live within its means and do the jobs it is given, namely fight crime and build transportation infrastructure, as effectively as possible. In contrast, Commissioner Anderson has said on multiple occasions that “It is the government’s job to help you get jobs.” Nonetheless, I support the relatively minimal expense for the Economic Development Corporation of Utah to help companies that are already attracted to Utah find the best location for their operations in Utah. Commissioner Anderson claims that 1,027 jobs have come to Utah County in the last 2 years due to his work, even though he offers no evidence that his personal efforts made any difference.
Finally, I make three promises to you that you will be able to verify four years from now, and that Commissioner Anderson is unwilling to make:
1. I will vote against any budget that includes an increase in the property tax rate in the next four years. Our citizens and businesses have to live within their means. It is time for Utah County to do the same.
2. I will vote against any budget that includes the 2008 salary increase from $94,700 to $104,000 for the County Commissioners, and vote against any salary increase for Commissioners in the next 4 years. Everyone is doing more with less. It is time for our Commissioners to lead by example.
3. I will not run for more than two terms as a Utah County Commissioner. Our founding fathers understood the problems with any individual accumulating too much power, and becoming a career politician. I believe no one should serve in any Executive Branch position for more than two terms, and that includes our County Commissioners. In contrast, my opponent is asking you for a fourth term in office.
Thank you very much for engaging with me in an informed discussion of these issues.
I would warmly welcome an opportunity to discuss these issues with you at length. Please join me at any of the meetings below where we will discuss these issues in depth:
1. Saturday, April 10 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the home of Oak Norton in Highland at 10812 North 5800 West.
2. Tuesday, April 13 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Cotton Tree Inn in Provo at 2230 North University Parkway. Light refreshments will be provided.
3. Wednesday, April 14 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the home of Karen Herd in Cedar Hills at 10669 Fiddlesticks.
4. Saturday, April 17 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the home of Kirk & Shannon Magleby at 553 East 100 North in American Fork.
I will also be attending all the mass meetings for county candidates in the next three weeks, which includes events in Santaquin, Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Provo and multiple times in Springville. Please see the complete schedule of all such meetings here:
http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-you-can-meet-me-in-person.html
Alternatively, you are always welcome to call me on my cell phone at 801-368-5385.
As always, I also ask for your vote April 24th at the Utah County Convention!
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
Joel Wright
p.s. If you want further clarification please give me a call. 801-368-5385
p.p.s. Let me know what you think on these issues! I always welcome feedback.
SOURCES
[1] Numbers from 2004 to 2008 available at http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xbutco.pdf , 2009 numbers from http://www.sltrib.com/utahcounty/ci_13862040 (Note that final official expenditures for 2009 are not yet available.)
[2] See http://www.census.gov/
[3] 2007 Lower budget was approved in 2006, but subsequently amended after Commissioner Anderson came into office in 2007, see: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xbutco.pdf
[4] See the Minutes from the December 18, 2007 Utah County Commission Meeting, Item #26: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/COMMISH/Data/Minutes/CM/2007/121807-CommissionMinutes.pdf
[5] See page 9 of the 2008 Financial Statements from the Independent Auditor here: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xfutco.pdf
[6] See the Minutes from the June 17, 2008 Commission Meeting, Item #1: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2008/061708-CommissionMinutes.pdf ; see also the Deseret News article dated June 18, 2008: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700235619/Utah-County-commissioners-hike-pay.html
[7] See the blog of Daily Herald reporter Joe Pyrah here: http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-on.html
[8] See Item #22 on the August 28, 2007 Commission Minutes at: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2007/082807-CommissionMinutes.pdf
[9] See item #17 on the September 23, 2008 Commission Minutes at: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2008/092308-Commission-Minutes.pdf
[10] See page 46 of the 2008 Financial Statements here: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xfutco.pdf
[11] Such information not yet available in official Financial Statements, but available on every property tax notice in Utah County. The Utah County Tax Levy was .000809 in 2008, and increased to .000878 in 2009, which is an 8.5% increase.
[12] Copy of the Preliminary Financial Statement (page 3) obtained from Utah County in February 2010 through a GRAMA request. Email Joel Wright at Joel@ElectWright.com if you would like a copy of it.
[13] The Utah Restaurant Association told me that at least 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by the residents of Utah County, and likely over 90%. I have also had conversations with Commissioners Anderson and White, as well as Rep. Frank who tried to repeal this tax earlier this year, and they all have said to me that approximately 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by Utah County residents.
[14] See our campaign blog for more details on this proposed change here: http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2009/11/should-utah-county-change-its-form-of_18.html
[15] See page 16 of the “5,000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen.
[16] See: “Investment Fraud Rampant in Utah County” from the Daily Herald, February 28, 2010, available at: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_7c2429f4-a9ed-5ce2-af14-a40ed6c7b8bc.html, or see “Investigators say $59 million scheme targeted Utah County” from Deseret News, October 24, 2009, available at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339222/Investigators-say-59-million-scheme-targeted-Utah-County.html?pg=4 ; the number of $432 million from 2000 to 2009 is from an email from the Utah County Bureau of Investigations in our possession that we are happy to share.
[17] See “Investigators say $59 million scheme targeted Utah County” from Deseret News, October 24, 2009, available at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339222/Investigators-say-59-million-scheme-targeted-Utah-County.html?pg=4
Dear County Delegate,
Wednesday you received an email from Gary Anderson with a number of claims about our campaign for Utah County Commissioner. I would like to take a few moments of your time to respond. You are always welcome to call me on my cell phone directly at 801-368-5385. I’ll first cover the fiscal facts that you can verify, address the claims in Commissioner Anderson’s email, and then make three promises to you that you will be able to verify if I run for re-election in four years.
FISCAL FACTS
1. Utah County’s expenditures have grown twice as fast as our population the last five years. Utah County’s expenditures have grown 68% in the last 5 years, from $51.04 million (in 2003) to $85.78 million (in 2008).[1] During that same time, Utah County’s population only grew 29.6%, from 409,000 to 530,000.[2]
2. Commissioner Anderson has supported these increases in the budget. Shortly after Commissioner Anderson was sworn in for his third term (2 terms in the late 80s previously) in, he approved amending the budget to increase it by 7% in 2007,[3] and then was the deciding vote (by 2 to 1) to approve a substantial 14% increase to the 2008 budget.[4] This rapid increase in spending led the Utah County Auditor to warn in 2008 that such expenditures would deplete the surplus (or general fund) and created a budget situation that “will not be sustainable in subsequent years without either new revenue sources or increased revenue from existing sources.”[5]
3. Commissioner Anderson voted to increase his salary by 10% in 2008. Commissioner Anderson was the deciding vote (by 2 to 1) to increase the salary of the Utah County Commissioners from $94,700 to $104,000 in June 2008.[6] In November 2009 I suggested this salary increase be rolled back to ease the burden on tax payers, and was rebuked by Commissioner Anderson.[7]
4. Commissioner Anderson voted for the largest combined sales tax increase in Utah County’s history that was not approved by the voters. In August 2007, Commissioner Anderson voted to increase the voter approved 0.25 percent sales tax for transportation (2006) by 20% up to .30 percent in 2007.[8] Further Commissioner Anderson voted in September of 2008 to further increase it by almost 100% more to .55 percent. [9] We certainly need transportation projects, but I believe any sales tax increase should be put before the voters so they can determine if it is justified.
5. Property Taxes Increased in 2008 and 2009: Utah County’s property taxes had stayed relatively modest and stable until 2008, when Utah County received a windfall due to the Utah State Tax Commission allowing a one time change in the assessing and collecting rate without going through the truth-in-taxation process, which resulted in the Utah County’s property tax revenue going from $25,430,082 to $30,299,437 from 2007 to 2008, or a 19% increase, in a single year.[10] It would have been responsible to either return this windfall to the taxpayers, or at least save it, but instead it was immediately spent on the growing budget. Because the surplus had been used up, Utah County then had to raise property tax rates by 8.5% in 2009[11] when our property values declined so Utah County could collect the same amount of revenue, even though it means they were now taking a larger percentage of your home’s value, or a bigger piece of the pie.
6. $40 million in new debt for the Convention Center in Provo: We can have honest disagreements on the Convention Center, including whether it is the proper role of government, why Utah County is paying $40 million for the Convention Center while Provo is only paying approximately $7 million, and whether the private sector would have built a convention center for our County in Pleasant Grove. But we cannot debate that the taxpayers of Utah County are paying for the Convention Center, because they clearly are. According to the Preliminary Offering Statement used to sell the Convention Center debt to investors, the annual debt service on the Convention Center will be paid as follows: 7% from the tax on hotel rooms, 11% from the tax on car rentals, and 82% by the one percent tax on restaurant food in Utah County.[12] While the tax on hotel rooms and car rentals are typically paid by visitors from out side our County (while also being paid by local businesses bringing in clients and employees), the tax on restaurant food in Utah County is paid overwhelmingly by the residents of Utah County, and most informed observers believe approximately 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by the residents of Utah County.[13] Bottom Line: While tourists and business will generate up to 40% of the revenue to cover the debt service on the Convention Center, the tax payers of Utah County will pay the most of the cost of the Convention Center. Furthermore, without the Convention Center’s debt service, the restaurant tax could have been decreased substantially, easing the tax burden on our residents.
CLAIMS FROM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON
1. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants to expand the county commission to a council form of government or expand it to five commissioners.”
True? Partially. Our campaign wants to trust the voters to decide how best to govern Utah County. The current form of government (3 full time County Commissioners) has no checks and balances, has no regional representation, and is not based on the Constitution. If only two county commissioners would trust the voters, then the form of county government would be put on the ballot, and the voters could decide to consider a potential change. If the voters approved the change, then a study commission would be created to recommend a potential change to either a Mayor/County Council form (Salt Lake and Cache counties have done this), or a full time executive and part time county council (Grand, Morgan, Summit and Wasatch have done this) or five or seven full time county commissioners (no county has done this, but former Utah County Commissioner and current Governor Gary Herbert told me in February 2010 that he publicly supports increasing the full time Commissioners in Utah County from 3 to 5). Such recommendation would then be on the ballot, and the voters could accept or reject their recommendation. In other words, the voters would directly decide this issue, not the Utah County Commissioners. Finally, I believe the best choice would be a full time Mayor and five part time county council members, which would cost substantially LESS than the current form of three full time county commissioners. Right now, three full time county commissioners cost Utah County $312,000/year in salary, while a full time Mayor (at $104,000/year), and five part time county council members (at $20,000/year) would only cost Utah County $204,000/year.[14]
2. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants our county to take over jurisdiction from the State all of the roads in Utah County that do not cross county lines.”
True? Yes, but only on fair terms. I believe Utah County can more effectively govern its future if it controls the roads within Utah County that do not cross county lines. However, I would only accept the transfer of such roads to the extent the State allows us to keep the funding associated with such roads. As a former City Council member, I have seen the arrogance of our Federal Government, the State of Utah and even Utah County with a “one size fits all” approach on certain issues. As Dr. Skousen points out in the 5,000 Year Leap, one of the principles of the Founding Fathers was that “Problems were solved to the greatest possible extent on the level where they originated.”[15] In short, we should not be expecting citizens of another county to be funding Utah County's roads, nor should they expect us to fund their roads. To the greatest extent possible, where roads need repair, or where residents desire new roads, I believe we should be funding them ourselves rather than forcing others to help pay for them.
3. Claim: “Mr. Wright wants to give the County Attorney more funds to prosecute White-collar crime.”
True? Yes, absolutely. I believe investment fraud is at epidemic levels and is harming our economy far more than any form of “economic development” by the government can improve our economy. In 2009, the Utah County Attorney received claims of $104 million in investment fraud. When Commissioner Anderson assumed office in 2007, those claims were less than $20 million annually. Since 2000, the Utah County Attorney has received investment fraud claims totaling $432 million.[16] We need seasoned and experienced investigators and prosecutors to fight this relatively complicated form of crime that has done tremendous damage to our property values, and our community’s ability to remain solvent and self-sufficient. On October 24, 2009, County Attorney Buhman was quoted as follows: "The honest truth is we're barely scratching the surface [on investment fraud]. We could double or triple our department easily, and we would still be extremely busy."[17] However, I am unwilling to raise taxes to increase the resources devoted to investment fraud, but I will find savings from other areas to do so. The very first cut will be $10,000 to the salary of each of the County Commissioners, giving us another $30,000 to fight investment fraud immediately.
4. Claim: “I believe we should be involved in and support Economic Development in Utah County. Mr. Wright does not.”
You have to define “Economic Development.” I believe government does not know better than the private sector how to most effectively allocate resources, and should instead live within its means and do the jobs it is given, namely fight crime and build transportation infrastructure, as effectively as possible. In contrast, Commissioner Anderson has said on multiple occasions that “It is the government’s job to help you get jobs.” Nonetheless, I support the relatively minimal expense for the Economic Development Corporation of Utah to help companies that are already attracted to Utah find the best location for their operations in Utah. Commissioner Anderson claims that 1,027 jobs have come to Utah County in the last 2 years due to his work, even though he offers no evidence that his personal efforts made any difference.
Finally, I make three promises to you that you will be able to verify four years from now, and that Commissioner Anderson is unwilling to make:
1. I will vote against any budget that includes an increase in the property tax rate in the next four years. Our citizens and businesses have to live within their means. It is time for Utah County to do the same.
2. I will vote against any budget that includes the 2008 salary increase from $94,700 to $104,000 for the County Commissioners, and vote against any salary increase for Commissioners in the next 4 years. Everyone is doing more with less. It is time for our Commissioners to lead by example.
3. I will not run for more than two terms as a Utah County Commissioner. Our founding fathers understood the problems with any individual accumulating too much power, and becoming a career politician. I believe no one should serve in any Executive Branch position for more than two terms, and that includes our County Commissioners. In contrast, my opponent is asking you for a fourth term in office.
Thank you very much for engaging with me in an informed discussion of these issues.
I would warmly welcome an opportunity to discuss these issues with you at length. Please join me at any of the meetings below where we will discuss these issues in depth:
1. Saturday, April 10 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the home of Oak Norton in Highland at 10812 North 5800 West.
2. Tuesday, April 13 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Cotton Tree Inn in Provo at 2230 North University Parkway. Light refreshments will be provided.
3. Wednesday, April 14 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the home of Karen Herd in Cedar Hills at 10669 Fiddlesticks.
4. Saturday, April 17 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the home of Kirk & Shannon Magleby at 553 East 100 North in American Fork.
I will also be attending all the mass meetings for county candidates in the next three weeks, which includes events in Santaquin, Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Provo and multiple times in Springville. Please see the complete schedule of all such meetings here:
http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-you-can-meet-me-in-person.html
Alternatively, you are always welcome to call me on my cell phone at 801-368-5385.
As always, I also ask for your vote April 24th at the Utah County Convention!
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
Joel Wright
p.s. If you want further clarification please give me a call. 801-368-5385
p.p.s. Let me know what you think on these issues! I always welcome feedback.
SOURCES
[1] Numbers from 2004 to 2008 available at http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xbutco.pdf , 2009 numbers from http://www.sltrib.com/utahcounty/ci_13862040 (Note that final official expenditures for 2009 are not yet available.)
[2] See http://www.census.gov/
[3] 2007 Lower budget was approved in 2006, but subsequently amended after Commissioner Anderson came into office in 2007, see: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xbutco.pdf
[4] See the Minutes from the December 18, 2007 Utah County Commission Meeting, Item #26: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/COMMISH/Data/Minutes/CM/2007/121807-CommissionMinutes.pdf
[5] See page 9 of the 2008 Financial Statements from the Independent Auditor here: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xfutco.pdf
[6] See the Minutes from the June 17, 2008 Commission Meeting, Item #1: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2008/061708-CommissionMinutes.pdf ; see also the Deseret News article dated June 18, 2008: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700235619/Utah-County-commissioners-hike-pay.html
[7] See the blog of Daily Herald reporter Joe Pyrah here: http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-on.html
[8] See Item #22 on the August 28, 2007 Commission Minutes at: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2007/082807-CommissionMinutes.pdf
[9] See item #17 on the September 23, 2008 Commission Minutes at: http://www.co.utah.ut.us/Dept/Commish/data/minutes/CM/2008/092308-Commission-Minutes.pdf
[10] See page 46 of the 2008 Financial Statements here: http://www.sao.state.ut.us/lgr/county/2008/08xfutco.pdf
[11] Such information not yet available in official Financial Statements, but available on every property tax notice in Utah County. The Utah County Tax Levy was .000809 in 2008, and increased to .000878 in 2009, which is an 8.5% increase.
[12] Copy of the Preliminary Financial Statement (page 3) obtained from Utah County in February 2010 through a GRAMA request. Email Joel Wright at Joel@ElectWright.com if you would like a copy of it.
[13] The Utah Restaurant Association told me that at least 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by the residents of Utah County, and likely over 90%. I have also had conversations with Commissioners Anderson and White, as well as Rep. Frank who tried to repeal this tax earlier this year, and they all have said to me that approximately 80% of the restaurant tax is paid for by Utah County residents.
[14] See our campaign blog for more details on this proposed change here: http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/2009/11/should-utah-county-change-its-form-of_18.html
[15] See page 16 of the “5,000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen.
[16] See: “Investment Fraud Rampant in Utah County” from the Daily Herald, February 28, 2010, available at: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_7c2429f4-a9ed-5ce2-af14-a40ed6c7b8bc.html, or see “Investigators say $59 million scheme targeted Utah County” from Deseret News, October 24, 2009, available at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339222/Investigators-say-59-million-scheme-targeted-Utah-County.html?pg=4 ; the number of $432 million from 2000 to 2009 is from an email from the Utah County Bureau of Investigations in our possession that we are happy to share.
[17] See “Investigators say $59 million scheme targeted Utah County” from Deseret News, October 24, 2009, available at: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339222/Investigators-say-59-million-scheme-targeted-Utah-County.html?pg=4
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Salt Lake Tribune article on County Commissioner Debate
I really enjoyed this debate last night. We had nearly 400 people in attendance, and I felt the issues our campaign is pushing were driving the discussion. Delegates learn so much more when we go head to head, rather than speaking to us separately. I wish we had more debates on the schedule and fewer "Meet and Mingles" but there is only so much you can do as a single county candidate.
Article at: http://bit.ly/bYPYdJ
Complete copy below:
Candidate says council form more efficient
Utah County » Commissioner disagrees, says just look north to S.L. County.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:04/07/2010 10:31:27 PM MDT
Orem » A county-council form of government would better suit Utah County's growth than a three-member commission, a commission candidate argued Wednesday.
Joel D. Wright, who is challenging Utah County Commissioner Gary J. Anderson for the Republican nomination, rejected arguments that the current form of government is a more effective way of governing a fast-growing county.
"If three full-time county commissioners are efficient, then it would be more efficient to have just one commissioner, and we could call him king," Wright told the 300 people crowded into Noah Webster Academy's cafeteria/gymnasium for a candidate debate.
But Anderson said one only need look north at Salt Lake County to see that a council-mayor form of county government would be too expensive and inefficient. Anderson noted that between 2000 and 2001 -- the period when Salt Lake County transitioned from a three-member county commission to its current form of government -- the cost of government went from $832,490 to $2.9 million, a 346 percent increase. Today, Anderson said the county council costs Salt Lake County residents $7.7 million.
"And they're raising taxes and charging you for the police to come out," Anderson said, referring to the Unified Police Department's service fee.
Wright blasted the comparison, noting that Salt Lake County was dominated by Democrats, as opposed to Utah County, a Republican bastion. A better comparison, he said, was to Cache County, where its elected county council and full-time executive only cost $308,903.
If Utah County were to create a five-member county council, pay the part-time elected officials $20,000 a year and pay a full-time mayor/executive $104,000, it would only cost Utah County $204,000, compared to the $312,000 a year the three commissioners now collect.
Wright also vowed that he would only serve two terms on the commission to avoid having the power of the office get to him. And, he said he would also reject any salary increase for commissioners and would fight to keep taxes low.
Wright also criticized the county's involvement in the Utah County Convention Center. He said it was wrong for the county to take taxpayer money -- he said the center's $40 million bond would be paid through restaurant taxes collected from county residents -- to build something that could have been built by private developers. He pointed to Missouri hotelier John Q. Hammons' planned conference center in Pleasant Grove, which is now stalled.
It is also located near the Timpanogos Special Service District's sewage treatment plant, the smells from which Wright said is making it difficult to attract businesses to the area.
"Instead of building a convention center, the county should have fixed the stink, and we would have had a convention center built by the private sector," Wright said.
Anderson said the county has lost conventions to Salt Lake City because it did not have adequate meeting halls, and the private sector was not interested in building in Provo. The county, he said, was the only government body that could legally do it, and he said it is being funded with hotel room taxes, paid mostly by tourists.
As for the sewage plant, Anderson said it is governed by a board of representatives from northern Utah County cities. But he said he's ready to order the district to ship out the waste it is composting until odor control devices are installed.
After the debate, Becky Strain, a GOP delegate from Provo, said it was interesting to hear the candidates discuss issues side-by-side, but said it didn't help make up her mind about who to support. She noted that the candidates were similar in some aspects.
"I'm more undecided now than I was before," Strain said.
dmeyers@sltrib.com
Article at: http://bit.ly/bYPYdJ
Complete copy below:
Candidate says council form more efficient
Utah County » Commissioner disagrees, says just look north to S.L. County.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:04/07/2010 10:31:27 PM MDT
Orem » A county-council form of government would better suit Utah County's growth than a three-member commission, a commission candidate argued Wednesday.
Joel D. Wright, who is challenging Utah County Commissioner Gary J. Anderson for the Republican nomination, rejected arguments that the current form of government is a more effective way of governing a fast-growing county.
"If three full-time county commissioners are efficient, then it would be more efficient to have just one commissioner, and we could call him king," Wright told the 300 people crowded into Noah Webster Academy's cafeteria/gymnasium for a candidate debate.
But Anderson said one only need look north at Salt Lake County to see that a council-mayor form of county government would be too expensive and inefficient. Anderson noted that between 2000 and 2001 -- the period when Salt Lake County transitioned from a three-member county commission to its current form of government -- the cost of government went from $832,490 to $2.9 million, a 346 percent increase. Today, Anderson said the county council costs Salt Lake County residents $7.7 million.
"And they're raising taxes and charging you for the police to come out," Anderson said, referring to the Unified Police Department's service fee.
Wright blasted the comparison, noting that Salt Lake County was dominated by Democrats, as opposed to Utah County, a Republican bastion. A better comparison, he said, was to Cache County, where its elected county council and full-time executive only cost $308,903.
If Utah County were to create a five-member county council, pay the part-time elected officials $20,000 a year and pay a full-time mayor/executive $104,000, it would only cost Utah County $204,000, compared to the $312,000 a year the three commissioners now collect.
Wright also vowed that he would only serve two terms on the commission to avoid having the power of the office get to him. And, he said he would also reject any salary increase for commissioners and would fight to keep taxes low.
Wright also criticized the county's involvement in the Utah County Convention Center. He said it was wrong for the county to take taxpayer money -- he said the center's $40 million bond would be paid through restaurant taxes collected from county residents -- to build something that could have been built by private developers. He pointed to Missouri hotelier John Q. Hammons' planned conference center in Pleasant Grove, which is now stalled.
It is also located near the Timpanogos Special Service District's sewage treatment plant, the smells from which Wright said is making it difficult to attract businesses to the area.
"Instead of building a convention center, the county should have fixed the stink, and we would have had a convention center built by the private sector," Wright said.
Anderson said the county has lost conventions to Salt Lake City because it did not have adequate meeting halls, and the private sector was not interested in building in Provo. The county, he said, was the only government body that could legally do it, and he said it is being funded with hotel room taxes, paid mostly by tourists.
As for the sewage plant, Anderson said it is governed by a board of representatives from northern Utah County cities. But he said he's ready to order the district to ship out the waste it is composting until odor control devices are installed.
After the debate, Becky Strain, a GOP delegate from Provo, said it was interesting to hear the candidates discuss issues side-by-side, but said it didn't help make up her mind about who to support. She noted that the candidates were similar in some aspects.
"I'm more undecided now than I was before," Strain said.
dmeyers@sltrib.com
Monday, April 5, 2010
Good short summary of County Races from Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/closeup/ci_14750194
Utah County commissioners to face challenges from GOP, Dems
Politics » Many candidates throw their hats into the election ring.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 03/24/2010 05:17:22 PM MDT
Utah County commissioners Gary J. Anderson and Steve White face challenges from inside the Republican Party, as well as from Democrats.
Meanwhile, two Republicans aim to oust Utah County Sheriff Jim Tracy. And the county assessor and recorder are also facing GOP challenges, and two Republicans are vying for the surveyor's post, which was recently separated from the recorder's office.
But County Clerk-Auditor Bryan Thompson and Treasurer Robert C. Kirk are running unopposed.
Here's a roundup of major Utah County races:
Commission Seat A
Anderson, who served as a commissioner from 1983-1986, and won again in 2006, is being challenged from within his party by Joel D. Wright and James L. Vein. Anderson, an attorney who once worked in the Utah County Attorney's Office, is touting his efforts to promote cooperation between the county, regional agencies and cities, as well as promoting economic development.
Wright, an attorney with Kirton and McConkie, is a former Cedar Hills City Councilman and a former member of the Board of Regents. He is campaigning on a platform of fiscal restraint and combating white-collar crime and has suggested changing county government to a council form to give better representation for cities.
Attempts to contact Vein, an American Fork resident, were unsuccessful.
Democrat J. Lane Henderson is the former Salem mayor and city councilman. He also runs a printing in business in Spanish Fork.
He believes his experience as a city official can help the county better work with cities, as well as give southern Utah County residents a voice on the commission.
"I think [Anderson] has tried," Henderson said of the incumbent's efforts to reach out to cities. But, Henderson said there is a possibility that Anderson may not come out of the Republican convention.
Commission Seat B
Steve White was first elected to the commission in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. He previously served on the Utah County Planning Commission and is a former Utah County Republican Party Chairman. He said he wants another four years to ensure that the county maintains its fiscally conservative principles while keeping taxes low and providing essential services.
His challengers include Republicans Douglas Witney, Linda Housekeeper and Leon M. Frazier; Democrat Ted Barratt has also filed.
Witney, of Springville, is a retired Utah County Sheriff's captain who organized and headed the Utah County Attorney's Office's fraud division.
Witney said he would like to see major crime units within the county bolstered, and do more to retain the county's best employees. While officials talk of those employees' great work, there has been a "systematic dismantling" of benefits and salaries, he said.
Witney said he would also work to overhaul the budget process and would not accept any pay raises as a commissioner.
Housekeeper, of Orem, is hoping to become the first woman on the commission. She has served as a legislative district chairwoman in the Utah County Republican Party.
If elected, she would push the commission to do more to solve problems.
"I feel like Steve White is more beholden to a faction of the Republican Party than to the people who he is supposed to represent," Housekeeper said.
Frazier, owner of Frazier Park in Provo Canyon, said the county is harassing small business owners through high taxes and regulation. He vowed to bring the county back to a more libertarian and conservative philosophy by cutting bureaucracy and taxes. He said commissioners need to cut their own salaries by 10 percent.
Barratt is the former mayor of American Fork. He said he would work with county employees to make county government run more efficiently. He would also lobby the Legislature to improve education, which he said is vital to economic development.
Sheriff
Tracy is standing on his record of reducing expenses at the county jail through a combination of charging inmates for their time behind bars and operating an inmate vegetable garden on the jail grounds. He also touted his work with judges in reducing overcrowding in the jail and adding an additional 400 beds to the Spanish Fork detention center.
Tracy said deputies on his watch also have cracked down on crime in the canyons, breaking up rave parties that he said were making the areas unsafe for families.
He is being challenged by Robin D. Wall and Dan Burton.
Wall, a sergeant in the sheriff's office, said he would push for new programs to identify career criminals and educate parents about the dangers of drug addiction and gang activity. He also said he would build a coalition with the American Red Cross and other groups to work on emergency planning.
Attempts to contact Burton were not successful.
Utah County commissioners to face challenges from GOP, Dems
Politics » Many candidates throw their hats into the election ring.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 03/24/2010 05:17:22 PM MDT
Utah County commissioners Gary J. Anderson and Steve White face challenges from inside the Republican Party, as well as from Democrats.
Meanwhile, two Republicans aim to oust Utah County Sheriff Jim Tracy. And the county assessor and recorder are also facing GOP challenges, and two Republicans are vying for the surveyor's post, which was recently separated from the recorder's office.
But County Clerk-Auditor Bryan Thompson and Treasurer Robert C. Kirk are running unopposed.
Here's a roundup of major Utah County races:
Commission Seat A
Anderson, who served as a commissioner from 1983-1986, and won again in 2006, is being challenged from within his party by Joel D. Wright and James L. Vein. Anderson, an attorney who once worked in the Utah County Attorney's Office, is touting his efforts to promote cooperation between the county, regional agencies and cities, as well as promoting economic development.
Wright, an attorney with Kirton and McConkie, is a former Cedar Hills City Councilman and a former member of the Board of Regents. He is campaigning on a platform of fiscal restraint and combating white-collar crime and has suggested changing county government to a council form to give better representation for cities.
Attempts to contact Vein, an American Fork resident, were unsuccessful.
Democrat J. Lane Henderson is the former Salem mayor and city councilman. He also runs a printing in business in Spanish Fork.
He believes his experience as a city official can help the county better work with cities, as well as give southern Utah County residents a voice on the commission.
"I think [Anderson] has tried," Henderson said of the incumbent's efforts to reach out to cities. But, Henderson said there is a possibility that Anderson may not come out of the Republican convention.
Commission Seat B
Steve White was first elected to the commission in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. He previously served on the Utah County Planning Commission and is a former Utah County Republican Party Chairman. He said he wants another four years to ensure that the county maintains its fiscally conservative principles while keeping taxes low and providing essential services.
His challengers include Republicans Douglas Witney, Linda Housekeeper and Leon M. Frazier; Democrat Ted Barratt has also filed.
Witney, of Springville, is a retired Utah County Sheriff's captain who organized and headed the Utah County Attorney's Office's fraud division.
Witney said he would like to see major crime units within the county bolstered, and do more to retain the county's best employees. While officials talk of those employees' great work, there has been a "systematic dismantling" of benefits and salaries, he said.
Witney said he would also work to overhaul the budget process and would not accept any pay raises as a commissioner.
Housekeeper, of Orem, is hoping to become the first woman on the commission. She has served as a legislative district chairwoman in the Utah County Republican Party.
If elected, she would push the commission to do more to solve problems.
"I feel like Steve White is more beholden to a faction of the Republican Party than to the people who he is supposed to represent," Housekeeper said.
Frazier, owner of Frazier Park in Provo Canyon, said the county is harassing small business owners through high taxes and regulation. He vowed to bring the county back to a more libertarian and conservative philosophy by cutting bureaucracy and taxes. He said commissioners need to cut their own salaries by 10 percent.
Barratt is the former mayor of American Fork. He said he would work with county employees to make county government run more efficiently. He would also lobby the Legislature to improve education, which he said is vital to economic development.
Sheriff
Tracy is standing on his record of reducing expenses at the county jail through a combination of charging inmates for their time behind bars and operating an inmate vegetable garden on the jail grounds. He also touted his work with judges in reducing overcrowding in the jail and adding an additional 400 beds to the Spanish Fork detention center.
Tracy said deputies on his watch also have cracked down on crime in the canyons, breaking up rave parties that he said were making the areas unsafe for families.
He is being challenged by Robin D. Wall and Dan Burton.
Wall, a sergeant in the sheriff's office, said he would push for new programs to identify career criminals and educate parents about the dangers of drug addiction and gang activity. He also said he would build a coalition with the American Red Cross and other groups to work on emergency planning.
Attempts to contact Burton were not successful.
Where you can meet me in person
As most of you know, the County Convention is on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Mountain View High School in Orem. I am determined to personally meet or call every single one of the 1,451 Utah County Republican Delegates before the County Convention. To that end, I hope any delegate will feel free to call me at any time on my mobile at 801-368-5385, or email me at "Joel@ElectWright.com", or come to one of the meetings below that I am current planning to attend. Note the schedule below may change, but I will keep this page updated with the current plans:
1. Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Old Utah County Courthouse in Provo, Tea Party Rally, Corner of University and Center (I have been invited to speak for 3 minutes at this event.) See a summary of the event here: http://bit.ly/dgGyEs
*2. Thursday, April 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at Reagan Academy in Springville at 1143 West Center Street: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
3. Friday, April 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the home of Joylin Lincoln in Saratoga Springs at 958 South Austin Court.
4. Friday, April 16 from 7 to 9 PM at Rockwell High School in Eagle Mountain located at 3435 East Stone Bridge Lane: Event hosted by Legislative District #56. Three minute speeches from all candidates, and then a chance to talk to candidates individually.
*5. Saturday, April 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM at Lincoln Academy in Pleasant Grove at 1582 West 3300 North: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
6. Saturday, April 17 from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at 455 East 500 North in Lindon, hosted by Peter & Merrilee Schofield. Cottage Meeting where we can go in depth on the issues.
7. Saturday, April 17 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at 553 East 100 North in American Fork: Cottage Meeting at the home of Kirk & Shannon Magleby.
8. Monday, April 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at 9102 Silver Lake Drive in Cedar Hills. Cottage Meeting at the home of Joel & Marisa Wright. Great chance to get to know Joel better at his home, and talk about the issues in depth.
9. Tuesday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Kirkham Motor Sports located at 2575 West 1680 North in Provo. Cottage Meeting hosted by David Kirkham. Another great chance to discuss the issues in depth with others concerned about the loss of liberty due to government expansion.
10. Wednesday, April 21 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Wells Fargo Building in Provo at 100 North University Avenue. Hosted by Legislative District #64, but all County Delegates are welcome. More details will be coming, but I believe most, if not all, county candidates will be there.
*11. Thursday, April 22 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Provo City foyer located at 650 West Center Street in Provo: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
[All events marked with an asterisk or * are events scheduled by Linda Houskeeper, a candidate for Utah County Commissioner Seat B, and are being run in her discretion, so we cannot guarantee how they will be managed or organized.]
1. Thursday, April 15 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Old Utah County Courthouse in Provo, Tea Party Rally, Corner of University and Center (I have been invited to speak for 3 minutes at this event.) See a summary of the event here: http://bit.ly/dgGyEs
*2. Thursday, April 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at Reagan Academy in Springville at 1143 West Center Street: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
3. Friday, April 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the home of Joylin Lincoln in Saratoga Springs at 958 South Austin Court.
4. Friday, April 16 from 7 to 9 PM at Rockwell High School in Eagle Mountain located at 3435 East Stone Bridge Lane: Event hosted by Legislative District #56. Three minute speeches from all candidates, and then a chance to talk to candidates individually.
*5. Saturday, April 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM at Lincoln Academy in Pleasant Grove at 1582 West 3300 North: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
6. Saturday, April 17 from 5 PM to 6:30 PM at 455 East 500 North in Lindon, hosted by Peter & Merrilee Schofield. Cottage Meeting where we can go in depth on the issues.
7. Saturday, April 17 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at 553 East 100 North in American Fork: Cottage Meeting at the home of Kirk & Shannon Magleby.
8. Monday, April 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at 9102 Silver Lake Drive in Cedar Hills. Cottage Meeting at the home of Joel & Marisa Wright. Great chance to get to know Joel better at his home, and talk about the issues in depth.
9. Tuesday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Kirkham Motor Sports located at 2575 West 1680 North in Provo. Cottage Meeting hosted by David Kirkham. Another great chance to discuss the issues in depth with others concerned about the loss of liberty due to government expansion.
10. Wednesday, April 21 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Wells Fargo Building in Provo at 100 North University Avenue. Hosted by Legislative District #64, but all County Delegates are welcome. More details will be coming, but I believe most, if not all, county candidates will be there.
*11. Thursday, April 22 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Provo City foyer located at 650 West Center Street in Provo: Meet & Mingle with all County Candidates invited.
[All events marked with an asterisk or * are events scheduled by Linda Houskeeper, a candidate for Utah County Commissioner Seat B, and are being run in her discretion, so we cannot guarantee how they will be managed or organized.]
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