http://kcpw.org en Political consultant Dave Owen on how to sell a mayor to the masses. Teaching civics with the Utah League of Cities and Towns, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Guests include Brian Hall, director of training and communications for the league; Kristin Fink, executive director, Utah Coalition for Civic, Character and Service Learning; and Robert Austin, K-12 social studies specialist, Utah State Office of Education. At 10:30 on The Bottomline: A DARPA Challenge update with Michael Sullivan of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. Today's panel: the business of historic preservation. Why do some developers embrace old buildings while others tear them down. Is there something the city can do to make historic preservation more enticing? Find out at 10:30 on The Bottomline with Allen Roberts, one of five architects working on a new citywide historic preservation plan; Doug Carlson of the Provo Housing Authority; and Dave Nimkin of Local First Utah. Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:13:26 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/4144 If you're looking for a job in Utah and need some financial assistance, help could be on the way. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:00:08 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6273 With rising prices at the pump, a bus route between Salt Lake City and Park City is being studied again. Park City transit director Kent Cashel says a letter of intent between the resort town, Summit County and the Utah Transit Authority is developing. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:43:40 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6283 There are more than two presidential candidates in the running this year, and though he doesn't have the name recognition of John McCain or Barack Obama, Constitution Party nominee Chuck Baldwin spent last week in Utah, drumming up support. Baldwin, a Baptist pastor and radio talk-show host from Florida, openly acknowledges he has no experience in politics, but to him, that's a big plus. And he says his platform of securing the borders, taxing all foreign imports and eliminating several federal departments is drawing voters who feel disenfranchised by both parties. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:01:18 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6281 If you have an idea that could revolutionize outdoor recreation, one Utah non-profit and Ogden City want to turn that pipe dream into a reality. Grow Utah Ventures is now accepting entries for Concept to Company, a contest promoting northern Utah's outdoor industries, including skiing, hiking, biking, climbing and water sports. Grow Utah Ventures CEO Craig Bott explains that to enter, you have to describe a new idea or invention for that marketplace. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:01:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6286 Members of the political action group MoveOn-dot-org will be gathering today at gas stations nationwide, including in Salt Lake City, in an attempt to rally support to elect what they are calling an "oil-free president." Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:01:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6287 An update on Governor Jon Huntsman's 21st Century Workforce Initiative Steering Committee slated for the State Board of Education Meeting Thursday will likely touch on some concerns about the process. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:57:35 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6294 A nearly 160-mile long pipeline proposed to divert water from Lake Powell to a reservoir in Washington County is drawing criticism from environmentalists as well as Nevada water officials - which is ironic considering the Southern Nevada Water Authority wants to stick a straw in an aquifer the stretches across the border and could turn Utah's Snake Valley into a dustbowl. The Public Square gets an update on these and other water issues with Mike Styler of the Dept. of Natural Resources and Eric Millis, deputy director for the Utah Division of Water Resources. Outside magazine named Ogden as one of the top 10 best towns in America in its August issue released this week. The Public Square talks with Mayor Matthew Godfrey about his plan to transform the northern Utah city into the adventure-sports capital of America. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:15:38 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6300 There's been a shake-up in the leadership of an organization that represents more than 650 Hispanic-owned businesses in Utah. Or has there? Antonella Packard insists she is still president of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, even though the board of trustees unanimously voted to dismiss her from the position on Tuesday. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:41:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6309 Building a 2,400-seat, Broadway-class theatre in downtown Salt Lake City would cost $81.5 million, according to a draft report just prepared by the city's Downtown Theatre Action Group, led by Broadway producer Bill Becker. But despite the price tag, Becker says it could be publicly financed through a mix of tax credits, money from the city, county, and state, as well as sales tax revenue. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:41:21 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6323 Utah cherry growers are either harvesting their crops or getting ready to, but they won't be harvesting as much as last year thanks to a frosty spring. Grower Robert McMullin, who owns more than 900 acres in Utah County, recalls one particularly bad day in late April. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:52:22 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6326 Thanks to the Salt Lake County Council, a $65 million bond for Hogle Zoo will be placed on the ballot in November. But today's decision wasn't exactly the victory zoo officials were hoping for -- because there's a catch. If voters approve the bond, the zoo will have to raise $20 million in private funds before any of the bond goes into effect, thanks to a motion passed by council Republicans. Zoo Director Craig Dinsmore said that would delay the zoo's proposed projects. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:20:36 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6329 The banking industry was rocked this week by the collapse of IndyMac, but one bank with a heavy presence in Utah is trumpeting good earnings in the midst of a slumping economy. Today, Wells Fargo reported lower, but strong second quarter earnings. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:07:41 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6336 Much attention has been drawn this week to Latino voters and their concerns and hopes for the next President of the United States, with both major candidates addressing the National Council of La Raza about the economy and immigration. Senator Barack Obama says his rival used to champion immigration reform with his McCain-Kennedy bill, but bowed to political pressure. Senator John McCain says the reality is that Americans want the borders secured before reforming the immigration process. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:01:41 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6337 Your electricity rates might be going up twice in the next eight months if you get it from Rocky Mountain Power. Although the Public Service Commission has not yet granted the company's first rate increase, which was requested last December, the utility filed for a second rate increase today. Michele Beck, Director of the state's Committee of Consumer Services, says that's unfair. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:22:38 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6343 How much do you know about the state you live in and the historical landmarks that show its history? Plus a new online tool to easily find and support the arts. The Public Square talks with Nancy Boskoff of the Salt Lake City Arts Council and Kirk Huffaker from the Utah Heritage Foundation about the fun places to take your family to learn about the unique history of Utah and to get a little culture this summer. Plus, how is Utah's economy fairing in the national economic downturn? Is your money safe in Utah's regional banks? Dr. Kelly Mathews, executive vice president and economist for Wells Fargo, enters The Public Square. Lastly, should Utah end the prohibition of medical marijuana and industrial hemp? A rally to do just that will be held Saturday at the Capitol. The Utah Coalition against Prohibition enters the Public Square. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:33:00 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6344 Mayor Ralph Becker says Salt Lake City could follow the state's lead and move to a four-day workweek. Becker says it will take two to three months to study the issue before making a final decision. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:24:02 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6356 Last week's session of Governor Jon Huntsman's 21st Century Work Force Initiative explored why half of Utah's new teachers end up quitting within five years. State Rural and Legislative Affairs Coordinator Gayle McKeachnie, who's overseeing the process, says the session revealed that new teachers often receive very little support in managing their classrooms. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:02:56 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6352 Last Tuesday, the founder of KCPW in Salt Lake City and KPCW in Park City, Blair Feulner, announced on the air it would be his last day and that he was going on a six month sabbatical. The announcement took many off guard including the board of trustees of Community Wireless, currently the parent company of both stations until October, the expected closing date for Wasatch Public Media to assume ownership of this station. From our sister station KPCW in Park City, Linda Gorton reports. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:56:29 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6358 Last night was a productive one for the Salt Lake City Council. It passed a parking ordinance that encourages mixed-use communities like 15th and 15th to be more walkable by providing incentives for businesses to install bike racks and other amenities. The council also adopted a new riparian corridor ordinance to protect the city's streams and determined the path for a proposed trolley in Sugar House. This morning, KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with Councilman Soren Simonsen for a wrap-up of last night's meeting. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:00:47 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6371 Small businesses in Salt Lake City can now breathe a little easier - six months after eliminating nearly all conditional use permits allowed in residential zones, the city council passed a new conditional use ordinance last night. But city councilman Soren Simonsen says the design criteria set by the ordinance could become a burden. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:40:39 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6377 The operators of the Crandall Canyon Mine broke the law by not reporting three coal outbursts, including one that happened just three days before the August 6th mine collapse that killed six miners and led to the deaths of three rescuers. That was the conclusion of an investigative report by Mine Safety and Health Administration officials, who held a news conference in Price after meeting with the families of those who died. Richard Stickler, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, said the mine was poorly designed. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:00:20 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6381 Nancy Tessman has moved from books to ending poverty. Yes, it's much more complicated than that simple sentence. Tune in to find out what led the former Salt Lake City Library Director to take the helm of Choice Humanitarian. Plus the growing political power of the Intermountain West will reshape presidential politics. The Brookings Institution says the increasing urbanization of the region calls for a greater federal partnership. The Public Square talks it over with Alan Matheson of Envision Utah, the public-private partnership which has been helping Utahns plan for future growth for more than a decade. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:42:45 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6397 One bill file for next year has already been opened to boost tax incentives for films shot in Utah. Democratic Representative Karen Morgan will sponsor the bill, and Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission, says more are on the way. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:00:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6402 Local realtors and homebuilders are applauding a housing stimulus bill signed by President Bush yesterday. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act provides a $7,500 tax credit to first-time home buyers who purchase and move into a home between April of this year and July of next year. Chris Sloan, President-elect of the Utah Association of Realtors, says the bill will mean good things for Utah's sluggish housing market. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:40:09 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6405 Consumer rights advocate and frequent presidential contender Ralph Nader will be in Salt Lake City tonight, joining former Mayor Rocky Anderson to speak at the University of Utah. The candidate, who has long been discouraged from running by Democrats because of the perception that he cost Al Gore the election in 2000, says that both parties are leaving several major issues out of the discussion this year. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Nader in advance of tonight's event to find out what those issues are. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:00:08 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6403 Project Vote Smart will bring the nation's first Voters' Self-Defense System to the People's Market Sunday from 10-3. Why do voters need such a defense? Entering the Public Square to talk about it is Adelaide Kimball, senior board member of Project Vote Smart, which wants to train voters to defend themselves against what it calls self-serving, manipulative claims made by campaigns. New micro-grants from Slow Food Utah will help local food producers. In turn, there will be more choice at grocery stores, farmers markets and restaurants closer to home, which means you can save money and reduce your waistline - if you go local with your food budget. The Public Square talks with Slow Food Utah's Christi Poulson and Morgan Valley Lamb's Linda Gillmor. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:01:38 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6413 Less than a month after adding a 25-cent fuel surcharge to ticket prices, the Utah Transit Authority announced another increase slated to go into effect in October. UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware says fuel prices rose above $4 a gallon last quarter. This triggered the increase under a fuel surcharge matrix approved by the UTA board in May. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:21:07 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6418 Rough economic conditions aren't just making things difficult for potential homebuyers right now - after the fallout related to the subprime mortgage crisis, it's not as easy getting a loan to start up a new business, either. But there's another source of start-up capital available to Utah entrepreneurs during these tough times. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:00:04 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6439 The biggest names in outdoor retail are once again in town to show off the latest gear for next year. Some of the newest innovations featured at this year's show are high-tech fibers, buttons and zippers that are even catching the eye of the military, says the show's director, Ken Gee. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:59:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6469 The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market wraps up at the Salt Palace today in Salt Lake City. The trade show was expected to draw 20,000 people, with vendors pouring in from outside of Utah to look at all the latest gear before it gets sold to the general public. And those vendors spent money -- lots of it. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:00:35 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6475 Another teen musical filmed in Utah premiers tonight at 9 eastern and pacific time on MTV. The American Mall is the latest project from the executive producer of the High School Musical franchise, Bill Borden. The Provo Towne Centre serves as a backdrop for the made for TV mall musical. Borden says Utah would attract more big-budget movies, if the legislature expands the state's film incentive. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:00:35 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6477 Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced today who will take control of the city's planning division, which was called "dysfunctional" in a recent audit. Wilford Sommerkorn has been the Director of Community and Economic Development for Davis County since 1994. He says customer service will be his top priority when he takes control in two weeks. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:54:49 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6480 Salt Lake County's jail will soon get some relief. Yesterday, the county council voted to re-open the shuttered Oxbow Jail to save the county from having to release so many inmates early. And this November, Salt Lake County voters will get to decide whether to support a public bond that would provide Hogle Zoo with funding for expansion. The bond isn't nearly as much as the original $65 million the zoo was asking for, but it comes with a much less strenuous fundraising requirement for the zoo. KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with at-large councilman Randy Horiuchi to find out the terms of the new bond and whether he thinks it will pass. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:42:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6501 The increase in Utah's overall Consumer Price Index for the month of July was more than double the nation's. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:59:53 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6507 While gas prices nationally have fallen below the $4 dollar mark, Utah consumers continue to pay the third highest gas prices in the nation. With some pointing fingers at the middle men, Governor Jon Huntsman stepped into the debate Wednesday with a pledge to investigate any retailer found dabbling in "suspicious practices." Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:28:31 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6509 The Utah Transit Authority's fuel-induced budget woes are now even worse, since the slowing economy has cut sales tax revenues that subsidize the agency. Even with two fuel surcharges added to ticket prices over the past two months and ridership up 20 percent this summer, UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware says the agency still faces budget cuts. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:01:06 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6510 Utah's home foreclosure rate continues to climb. According to a RealtyTrac report released this week, July foreclosures were up 27% over the previous month, and nearly 300% over July 2007. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:18:06 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6517 The fate of the proposed Leonardo science museum is up in the air after last night's city council meeting. The council heard from the museum's executive director, who made his case for why the city should release a $10 million bond approved by voters several years ago so that the museum can begin to renovate and move in to the old Main City Library building. But there are still some tough questions to answer, and the possibility of the city turning the library over to another organization still exists. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with City Councilman Carlton Christensen this morning to get his thoughts on what needs to happen for the Leonardo to work. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:31:39 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6540 The governor's Working 4 Utah initiative was one of the issues that kept Senate Republicans in a three-hour-long caucus on Wednesday. Senate President John Valentine says the unusually long meeting was necessary to discuss several "festering" issues that surfaced during the legislature's July holiday. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:00:15 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6549 Starting September 1, TRAX and Frontrunner riders will no longer be able to purchase tickets using tokens. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:41:30 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6562 As the curtain falls on the Beijing Summer Olympics, an official from the 2002 Winter games is touting the city's own Olympic legacy. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:03:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6565 Governor Jon Huntsman wants to put together a comprehensive plan to utilize and preserve the resources of the Great Salt Lake. Today at Antelope Island State Park, Huntsman signed an executive order creating the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, which has been given the task of creating a master plan for the lake. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:21:09 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6568 Small business owners gathered at the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Wednesday afternoon to share their frustrations about health insurance. Rocky Snow, who owns a small confection broker, discussed the problems he faces with Utah's Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:04:34 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6592 Rocky Mountain Power has filed a petition with the Utah Public Service Commission asking it to reconsider its decision to allow the utility to raise rates only 2.7%. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:42:53 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6621 One of two Kennecott Utah Copper sites contaminated by more than a century of mining will not be added to the Superfund National Priorities List. It's an unusual move made possible by the company's completion of a $400 million plan launched in 1995 to accelerate the environmental clean-up under voluntary government oversight. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:01:11 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6626 Rocky Mountain Power's promise to cut services in Utah after the Public Service Commission denied the utility's full rate-increase request has the commission questioning the legality of such a move. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:15:48 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6632 Residents of two of Utah's most rural areas could soon receive assistance buying a home or starting a business. Two Utah community development organizations have received $300,000 grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:28:45 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6637 The Utah Legislature's Health System Reform Task Force meets next Thursday for the fifth time. So far, legislators have discussed topics like the transparency of health plans and the personal responsibility of patients. We set out to find more issues that need to be discussed. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:05 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6647 Utahns now have another tool to keep their credit safe from identity thieves. The state's new credit freeze law, which was passed in 2006, has just gone into effect. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:49:08 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6659 Last night, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the city deny Wal-Mart's petition to re-zone the property at its proposed store on Parleys Way. The re-zone would allow them to build a new store on the site of the existing K-Mart, rather than move into the current building. Commissioner Tim Chambless says Wal-Mart had a good proposal, but it's wrong for the area, especially regarding traffic. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:38:25 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6666 The Utah Tax Review Commission is looking at ways to make the severance tax more equitable to rates in surrounding states. Keith Sprecht of the Newfield Exploration Company, which has 1,600 wells in the Uintah Basin, says the state should carefully consider the impacts of tinkering with the tax. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:40:25 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6667 Frustrated that Congress has yet to pass a bill to expand energy development in the United States, Congressman Chris Cannon filed a discharge petition this week for the Oil Shale Opportunity Act, a bill he introduced in June. If he can get more than half of Congress to sign the petition, it would force the House to vote on his bill, which would give the president the authority to bypass regulations so that oil shale leasing could begin on federal lands. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:05:17 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6675 The State Board of Education approved a scaled back request for student funding, an acknowledgement the once hot economy has cooled. The weighted pupil unit, or WPU, request for a 4.8 percent increase, or $108 million, is less than half what was requested last year. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:01:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6679 Grocery prices along the Wasatch Front rose nearly five percent last month, according to new data released by Wells Fargo today. Wells Fargo Economist Kelly Matthews believes this is mainly due to gas prices, which stayed high in Utah even while decreasing noticeably in the rest of the country. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:05:58 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6689 A children's museum that faced a half-million dollar budget shortfall this year has a plan to avoid going into the red again -- fundraising. While certainly not a novel concept, Discovery Gateway's Development Director Leslie Reberg told the Salt Lake County Council that adding her full-time position to the fundraising team has already netted the museum more than $200,000. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:26:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6693 Lawmakers will study a proposal to use the state's growing liquor tax revenue to fund low-income housing. However, Senator Mark Madsen says he's not ready to ask for a financial analysis of the plan, and the issue might not come before lawmakers again during the interim session. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:00:09 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6699 Utah's business community believes consumers must have more control over their health care. Otherwise, costs will continue to skyrocket and the state's attempt at reform will fail, warns Senator Wayne Niederhauser. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:00:59 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6706 Lawmakers reconvening this week to trim $200 million from the state's budget could cut funding for new programs and dip into reserve accounts for the state's agencies. Senator Lyle Hillyard says the governor's recommended 2-percent cut only bridges half the budget gap. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:01:29 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6714 Small business owners in Salt Lake City are concerned the Utah legislature may pass a mandate that they purchase health insurance coverage - and they want lawmakers to know that's the wrong idea. Dr. Lauren Florence, a plastic surgeon, sits on the board of directors for the Vest Pocket Business Coalition. She says a mandate would burden business owners with something they can't afford. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:18:03 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6719 The Utah Department of Transportation is preparing to cut up to $125 million from future highway projects to help bridge the state's $200 million budget gap. UDOT's Nile Easton says there are some serious consequences to cutting transportation, but it makes sense. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:55:35 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6720 Trimming the Medicaid budget by 2 percent will ultimately rob the state of $35 million in economic activity, says Lincoln Nehring of the Utah Health Policy Project. Nehring says lawmakers need to understand the program isn't just a safety net for low-income families; it's a health industry powerhouse as the third largest health plan in the state. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:00:44 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6722 The state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program is so impacted by a 35 percent increase in requests for help that the Utah Department of Health has started a waiting list for the expensive life-saving drugs. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:00:44 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6723 Utah's budget outlook is worse than projected, according to figures crunched in a special meeting convened by Governor Jon Huntsman yesterday. Huntsman's spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley says this means state agencies might be asked to trim their budgets more significantly than the governor's recommended 2 percent cut. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:48:03 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6729 Home foreclosure experts will hold a seminar tomorrow morning at the Salt Lake City Main Library to educate at-risk homeowners about how they can save their houses. Tara Rollins with the Utah Housing Coalition wants people to know about local organizations that can help them re-negotiate their mortgages. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:58:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6734 The Utah State Legislature lashed out last year against Governor Jon Huntsman's move to join the Western Climate Initiative with an attempt to limit the executive branch's powers. But Huntsman now needs the body's support to implement the initiative's cap and trade system, says his energy adviser, Dianne Nielson. Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:21:31 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6736 Despite a plea from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to pass President Bush's proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout by Friday, Senator Orrin Hatch is warning Congress not to rush the decision. He spoke for 20 minutes on the Senate floor earlier this week. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6735 Two years after being restructured, redevelopment agencies are once again under scrutiny at the Legislature. Utah Taxpayers Association President and Salt Lake County Senator Howard Stephenson says school boards have proven they can't be trusted with taxpayers' money. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:13:26 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6740 A framework for solving the state's $272 million budget shortfall passed unanimously this morning in the legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee. Today is the first day of the special session convened by the governor to solve the problem. Senator Lyle Hillyard, co-chairman of the committee, says the framework will likely be adjusted as the session moves on. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:54:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6749 Tears come to State Superintendent Patti Harrington's eyes as she thinks about the budget cuts to come. While the governor has promised education will be "held harmless" this year, next year is going to hurt. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:02 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6746 The longest serving lawmaker in the Utah Legislature, retiring Democratic Senator Mike Dmitrich, confirmed in a press conference yesterday what state agencies have likely already surmised. They won't see the worst of the state's budget cuts until next year. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:01:02 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6747 While delivering painful budget cuts to many state agencies, lawmakers decided to deal themselves a blow as well. Senator Curt Bramble admits the $10 cut to lawmakers' daily wage is a symbolic move. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:27:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6757 Lawmakers passed a smaller state budget Friday afternoon, exhausted but smiling after the two-day special session to fix the budget shortfall. Senate President John Valentine says he's pleased the search to cut $350 million dollars left the state's rainy day fund and a $100 million education reserve untouched without going into debt with new bonds. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:38:25 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6758 Though some lawmakers were concerned about passing an education bill during the special session, one bill still gained the legislature's approval on Friday. Lawmakers approved a pilot program for a new computer-based standardized test. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:40:57 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6759 A 3 percent cut in Health and Human Services spending approved last week will trim the state's Medicaid program by $16 million. Was this the only option? And what happens next year if the economy doesn't rebound? KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler asks Lincoln Nehring of the Utah Health Policy Project and Senator Allen Christensen, the Co-Chairman of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, who helped draft the Medicaid cuts. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:02:04 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6762 The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote tonight on the president's proposed $700 billion bank bailout plan, and Senator Bob Bennett is urging others to approve it. Speaking on the Senate floor yesterday, he said despite the overwhelming number of calls he gets from angry constituents demanding he reject the plan, there are others who say it's desperately needed. He described one particular call from an auto dealer. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:19:07 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6776 Democratic Salt Lake County Councilman Randy Horiuchi has been a longtime figure in the Salt Lake County Government, having served as a commissioner from 1991 through 1998. Before that, he founded Focus Government Services, a consulting and lobbying firm. When the county switched from having commissioners to a county council, he won election in 2000 and again in 2002, and is now just finishing up his first full six-year term. Horiuchi has served on the boards of many civic groups like the Utah Association of Counties and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and lives in Salt Lake City. He was also president of the Salt Lake Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen's League. He's running against Republican Steve DeBry, a captain with the sheriff's office. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:50:02 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6789 Greg Curtis is the Republican Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and Representative for House District 49 in Sandy. Curtis has served in the legislature since 1995, and has been speaker for the past four years. Outside the legislature, he's an attorney. This past session, he sponsored a bill to removed the enrollment cap on the Children's Health Insurance Program, which passed by a wide margin. During his time as speaker, education funding in the state has increased by more than a billion dollars. Over the next two years, if re-elected, he wants to continue to increase funding for education, reduce taxes, expand access to health care, and eliminate the sales tax on food. His opponent is Jay Seegmiller, who's challenging him for the third time after losing by 20 votes in 2006. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:53:29 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6790 Instead of an anticipated $12.50 increase to winter gas bills, Questar wants to lower natural gas rates this winter. Questar Spokesman Darren Shepherd says this rate decrease is getting more media attention than those in the past. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:50:12 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6792 The fortunes of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind could be changing after operating for years without permanent school buildings in Salt Lake City and Utah County. A powerful Legislator has asked the Office of Education to look into the problem. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6795 Without an agreement to cover the state's legal fees, even Representative Carl Wimmer admits an abortion ban he'll sponsor next session is doomed to fail. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6796 Didn't catch Politics Up Close last Friday? Listen in on this excerpt with Democratic Salt Lake County Councilman Randy Horiuchi and Republican Greg Curtis, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives. Horiuchi talks about the Hogle Zoo bond, while Curtis talks about ethics reform. Download full podcasts on the Politics Up Close page. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6797 After a tumultuous journey with the Salt Lake County Government, the governor and the state legislature, Rio Tinto Stadium will open tomorrow night in Sandy as Real Salt Lake hits the field to take on the New York Red Bulls. It's likely to be a packed crowd for the first game, but will the team be successful in the long run and be able to fill the seats? KCPW's Jeff Robinson sat down with RSL President Bill Manning to get his thoughts. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:00:03 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6809 Half of Utah's teachers quit the profession before they've logged five years in the classroom. It takes two years to make a curriculum change. But Gayle McKeachnie told lawmakers yesterday there's hope in the governor's 21st Century Work Force Initiative. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6846 Last night, Utah voters came out to the Sandy Public Library as Republican Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Greg Curtis took on his District 49 challenger, Democrat Jay Seegmiller, in a one-hour debate. They tackled issues like the Jordan School District split, immigration, health care reform, and ethics reform. The race may be quite a close one: Seegmiller is challenging Curtis for the third time after losing the race by only 20 votes in 2006. Now, listen in on our entire one-hour debate from last night. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:00:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6848 With a new economic proposal coming from Congress or the campaign trail just about every day, it's not an easy task to figure out what got the nation into the current financial crisis, or who has the best strategy to get us out of it. So, KCPW turned to a familiar voice to help us understand it all.Kai Ryssdal is the host of Marketplace, public radio's premier business program covering business news from all over the world on a daily basis. He gave KCPW's Jeff Robinson his take on the roots of this crisis and where we go from here. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:35:49 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6850 (KCPW News) Governor Jon Huntsman and his Democratic challenger Bob Springmeyer took on energy, education, budget cuts, economic development and much more in a one-hour debate hosted by KCPW Thursday night in the Tessman Auditorium at the Salt Lake City Main Library. Listen to the full debate. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:41:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6864 Jeff Morrow is the Republican candidate for Utah's House District 28 in the state legislature, representing the Foothills in eastern Salt Lake City, where he grew up. His background is in real estate. Currently, he's the principal broker for Wasatch Front Real Estate Brokerage and Wasatch Front Property Management. Morrow is also on the steering committee for Envision Utah, a member of the Downtown Rotary Club, an adjunct business instructor at Salt Lake Community College, and a former member of the Mayor's Recreational Advisory board. His major campaign platform is Reclaiming the Foothills influence. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:16:45 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6871 Salt Lake City hasn't suffered the blow of the national economic crisis as severely as other regions of the state. That's not to say that the capital city will be unaffected by the slumping housing market. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:00:24 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6885 Congressman Jim Matheson currently represents Utah's 2nd Congressional District. He was first elected in 2000, and has since survived three Republican challenges even after his district was re-drawn to include more traditional Republican strongholds. Before joining Congress, Matheson was an energy consultant. Now, he sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the House Science and Technology committee. Matheson's a member of a moderate group of fiscally conservative Democrats called the Blue Dogs. One of his recent accomplishments is adding a provision to a recent spending bill lifting the moratorium on leasing federal lands for oil shale development. His opponent is Republican Bill Dew. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:58:22 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6892 Michael Renckert is the Republican candidate for Salt Lake County mayor. He works as a supervisor for Utah Adult Probation and Parole. He's also an adjunct professor at Salt Lake Community College. In this edition of Politics Up Close, he discusses law enforcement and criminal justice issues, the handling of the Real Salt Lake soccer stadium, growth and development, and more. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:02:01 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6893 Didn't catch our interviews last Friday with Democratic Congressman Jim Matheson and Republican Michael Renckert, candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor? Listen to this wrap-up of Friday's Politics Up Close. Listen to the full interviews on the Politics Up Close page. Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:00:31 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6894 Perspectives vary on whether Salt Lake County is actually in a recession. But what's certain is that this will be a very lean budget year. Mayor Peter Corroon presents his budget to the council today, beginning a six week process of scrutinizing the county's finances. Will it be a contentious budget process? Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:01:33 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6900 This afternoon, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon proposed a budget for next year that's $10.8 million smaller than this year's, even though inflation and health insurance premiums have increased costs by $12 million. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:59:39 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6908 A senior Israeli diplomat will be in Salt Lake City tonight to give a lecture on the longstanding relationship between Israel and the United States. Jacob Dayan is the Consul General of Israel for the southwestern U.S., a position he took on one year ago. He'll speak tonight at the Salt Lake City-County building as part of the exhibit, Israel: 60 Years. KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with him to get his thoughts on the challenges facing the nation and the future of its relationship with the United States. Dayan will speak at the Salt Lake City-County building tonight at 7:30 as part of the Israel: 60 Years exhibit, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Utah. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:00:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6903 He says he doesn't want to raise taxes or "cut and run." But Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon admits his budget proposal for next year includes significant cuts to most county departments. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:00:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6910 Salt Lake County Council District 2 Candidates Michael Jensen and Paul Pugmire squared off this morning at the Salt Lake City Main Library in a KCPW Election 2008 Debate. Jensen is the Republican incumbent; Pugmire is his Democratic challenger. The two discussed protecting the west side, the Jordan School District Split, funding Mountain View Corridor and much more. Listen to the full debate. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:36:59 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6914 Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and his Republican challenger Michael Renckert debated the county budget, growth management, criminal justice and other important county issues in a KCPW Election 2008 Debate last night at the Salt Lake City Main Library. Listen to the event, moderated by KCPW's Jeff Robinson. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:21:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6918 Salt Lake County Councilman Randy Horiuchi and Republican challenger Steve DeBry fiercely debated issues like growth, funding for the RSL soccer stadium, and even which of them has the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police in a contentious debate at the Salt Lake City Main Library Thursday morning. Listen to the full debate. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:54:07 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6924 From his office downtown, Jason Mathis looks out over the city spiked with cranes. And as the new Downtown Alliance executive director, he'll have an important role to play in the completion of the Downtown Rising vision. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:00:49 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6927 Democrat Paul Pugmire is running for Salt Lake County Council District 2 representing the West Side. He lives in South Jordan, where he runs a public relations consulting firm. He's previously worked as a staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Arizona Legislature and the Arizona Governor's office, and was also on the Rexburg, Idaho city council for eight years. He served two years as president of that council. Currently, he's a member of the South Jordan Planning Commission, South Jordan Chamber of Commerce, South Jordan Community Theater and Rotary International. His opponent is incumbent Michael Jensen. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:29:05 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6928 No time to listen to KCPW's eight Election 2008 Debates? In this half hour special, get the highlights of some of the closest races, like House District 49 between Greg Curtis and Jay Seegmiller, Senate District One between Carlton Christensen and Luz Robles, and Salt Lake County Council Seat A between Randy Horiuchi and Steve DeBry. At the end, the special wraps up with a look at the governor's debate. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:32:57 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/6929 Construction in the housing market has slowed greatly, but commercial contractors, including Salt Lake City-based Big D Construction, are in a more secure position to ride out the economic crisis. Cory Moore of Big D says they're hungry, but doing fine now. It's the future that looks uncertain. Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:08:46 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/6935 Drivers are finally seeing some relief at the pumps. AAA Utah reports the average price in Salt Lake City has dropped $1.14 over the last 30 days. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:14:22 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/6984 The cost of fuel has dropped significantly since hitting record highs this summer, but the Utah Transit Authority will not be dropping its fuel surcharge until at least April. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:39:32 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/6993 Mosquito abatement districts are funded completely by property tax dollars. But two proposals coming out of the Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee could eliminate this power completely or make similar special districts hold elections for property tax increases. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:00:39 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/6995 One of the county jails that contracts with the state is struggling in this faltering economy to complete safety improvements required after two prisoners escaped over its fence last year. But Department of Corrections Spokeswoman Angie Welling says even though Daggett County hasn't built a second perimeter fence, it's safe to house state inmates. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:01:33 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7003 Still dealing with radioactive tailings left behind after Utah's uranium boom busted, Moab residents are leery of another extractive industry with designs on the region. City officials are drafting protests to the Bureau of Land Management's sale next month of drilling leases for land adjacent to Arches National Park, world-famous mountain bike trails and the city's drinking water supply. KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler has the story: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:00:34 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7015 Utah has just experienced a net loss in jobs for the first time this year, according to new data from the state Department of Workforce Services. Between October of 2007 and last month, the number of Utah jobs shrank by two-tenths of a percent. Chief Economist Mark Knold says the economy has now crossed a significant line. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:54:13 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7023 Third District Judge Robert Hilder had the support of the governor, the Utah Bar Association, scores of lawyers, and even aced his judicial performance review. But his nomination to the Utah Court of Appeals was blocked by a 16 to 12 vote in the Utah Senate yesterday. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:14:30 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7035 The economic crisis has hit every local government hard, and Salt Lake City is no exception. With sales tax and property tax revenues coming in about $4 million short, the city has to cut 5 percent from this year's budget to make it through, and no department was spared the red pen, from planning to police. But will the city have to cut the budget even further come March or April? And how will next year's budget picture look? Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker talks to KCPW's Jeff Robinson. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:17:41 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7043 (KCPW News) Many businesses rely on holiday shoppers to get through the year. And with gloomy economic forecasts, expectations were low going into Black Friday - the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Yesterday, KCPW's Elizabeth Zieger sat down with Jason Mathis of the Downtown Alliance to find out how downtown merchants fared this year. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:02:17 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7063 Medicaid should be held harmless from any budget cuts as the Legislature looks to balance next year's budget, says Judi Hilman of the Utah Health Policy Project. In fact, she says Medicaid should actually be strengthened as more people need assistance as the economic crisis impacts Utah. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:26:03 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7070 The petroleum industry will remember 2008 as a roller-coaster of a year, says Lee Peacock of the Utah Petroleum Association. It began with skyrocketing profits, a record number of natural gas wells and Utah's pump prices leading the nation. But the industry's growth in Utah is slowing as the nation's economy falters. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:00:57 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7072 Looming budget cuts and an increased strain on the state's social safety nets have the Utah Taxpayer's Association concerned about potential tax increases. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:00:25 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7078 (KCPW News) Last month, Sen. Michael Waddoups was elected by his peers to one of the most powerful positions in the Utah Legislature. And he takes the helm as the economy tanks. We ask him about his priorities for the next legislative session and his leadership style. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:50:50 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7090 (KCPW News) HEAL Utah is sponsoring a free panel on renewable energy development on Monday. Executive Director Vannessa Pierce talks about the panel and a study on renewables in rural Utah. Joining the conversation are Salt Lake City Councilman Soren Simonsen and Beaver County Economic Development Director Rob Adams. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:58:03 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7091 On Friday, Senator Michael Waddoups made his first appearance on KCPW's Politics Up Close since his peers gave him one of the most powerful positions in the Utah Legislature. The Senate President-elect takes the helm just as the state's revenues take a sharp downturn. We start with Senator Waddoups reflecting on the governor's proposed smaller budget. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:00:43 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7089 Today, the Salt Lake County Council considers adopting a nearly $800 million budget that is $12 million smaller than last year's. Mayor Peter Corroon says this year's budget may be lean, but next year's could cut even closer to the bone. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:05:26 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7102 The Salt Lake County Recorder's office is now realizing savings from roughly $500,000 in automation software it's implemented over the past eight years. County Recorder Gary Ott says other county offices could see similar savings if they embrace the labor-saving technology. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:43:41 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7107 Utah's small business index is the lowest it's been since 1990, when economists created the index. Economist Kendall Oliphant says the latest figures indicate Utah hasn't escaped the national economic crisis. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:34:12 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7118 Layoffs are expected at Kennecott Utah Copper as part of parent company Rio Tinto's global strategy to reduce its debt load as commodity prices drop. Spokeswoman Jana Kettering says each company in the global mining conglomerate is expected to make cuts. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:37:19 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7119 A $15 billion bailout of Detroit's Big 3 automakers passed through the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week, with House leaders promising the plan would jumpstart the struggling domestic auto industry. Then it failed in the Senate. All three Utah Congressmen voted against the bailout, including Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson. KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler interviewed Matheson about the bailout plan and his "No" vote. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:23:17 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7123 Salt Lake City wants to see the state's gas tax revenue increased, or an alternative funding source put in place. The concept is being mulled over by the city council as a legislative priority for the upcoming session. And speaking on KCPW's Politics Up Close, Mayor Ralph Becker says he's in favor of it. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:44:57 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7131 Utah Senate Republicans favor taking a more conservative approach than Governor Huntsman to balancing the state's shrinking budget. Senator Lyle Hillyard says the caucus will push for a 15 percent reduction to the base budget, and leave the details up to the standing committees to decide which programs to cut. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:49:57 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7135 Last week, National Public Radio disclosed that it was laying off seven percent of its workforce. The organization faced a potential $23 million deficit after corporate sponsorship started dwindling heavily. NPR is canceling Day to Day, a program KCPW airs weekdays at noon, as well as News and Notes. It's also eliminating staff members in several different departments. Beyond the cancellations, how will the cuts affect NPR member stations like KCPW? KCPW's Jeff Robinson posed that question to Dana Davis Rehm, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at NPR. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:01:25 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7134 President Bush just announced this morning that he will go through with bailing out the auto industry to the tune of $17 billion, just like he and Congress bailed out the banks. All of Utah's Congressmen voted against the bailout when it came to the House. And Utah's new freshman Congressman Jason Chaffetz, is calling for fiscal restraint in government. He joins us to talk about it. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:35:43 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7165 The number of airline seats available to and from Salt Lake City is down as airlines scale back their operations. Salt Lake City International Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann says the move is an attempt to "right size" the industry. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:40:40 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7172 KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler asks the state government's consumer protections guru, Francine Giani, how to protect purchases and avoid holiday scams in these uncertain financial times. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:39:30 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7180 Utah Senate Democrats have not met formally to draft their own plan to balance the state budget, but Minority Whip Ross Romero says the public can expect the eight Democrats in the 29-member body will take a slightly different approach from the Republicans. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:45:06 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7181 The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers about end-of-year deadlines. Spokesman Clay Sanford notes that contributions must be made to 401K accounts, charitable organizations, and college savings accounts by December 31st. He adds that struggling businesses may want to consider deferring some income until next year, which also has an end of year deadline. Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:11:18 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7186 Tomorrow, Utah smokers will no longer be able to light up in bars and private clubs. Attorney Lisa Marcy with the Utah Hospitality Association says club owners are divided on the smoking ban, and the organization recognizes that second hand smoke is undoubtedly a health hazard. Still, she says owners already face slim profit margins, and in an economy where spending is down, this will also hurt them financially. Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:00:35 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7194 With a new president being inaugurated this month, along with a new cabinet and scores of advisers on everything from education to the economy, it's clear that federal policy is destined to change in the coming years. And one leading political thinker says like it or not, there are several "dead ideas" that the tumbling economy and vast inadequacies in our education system will force us to toss out the window.Matt Miller is the host of public radio's "Left, Right & Center" and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. His new book, "The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go of the Old Ways of Thinking to Unleash a New Prosperity," hits bookstores tomorrow. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with him about some of those dead ideas and the direction he believes the country will inevitably go in the coming decades. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:00:02 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7198 Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon is sworn in today for a second term, and looking ahead he admits the challenges of the last four years are nothing compared to what's ahead. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:33:51 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7200 (KCPW News) A Utahn is the new Chairwoman and CEO of the National Tour Association. Michele Michaelewicz, president of Salt Lake City-based Western Leisure, will have a hand in drafting a travel stimulus package to present to the incoming Obama Administration. KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler spoke with her yesterday about tourism and the economy. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:24:57 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7207 The recession in Utah will get worse before it rebounds in the second half of this year, according to Wells Fargo's 2009 economic forecast. Economist Kelly Matthews says Utah's large families are an important force that will eventually pull the state out of recession. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:30:43 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7209 Anti-smoking advocates are applauding Governor Jon Huntsman's push to increase the state's cigarette tax to $3 per pack, which would make it the highest in the nation. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:21:47 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7212 President-Elect Barack Obama has made it clear that the time for a potentially trillion dollar economic stimulus package is now. Utah politicians are hoping to get their share of the pie, on the state, county, and city levels. Here in Salt Lake City, we could use hundreds of millions for TRAX, a streetcar system, energy efficient upgrades, and much more. And we definitely need this federal help if we want these projects to be accomplished in the near future. Meanwhile, the Utah legislature convenes in just over two weeks to make pretty drastic cuts that will likely trickle down to the city level. What are the city's concerns as we head into this legislative session, and what does it hope to accomplish? Joining Politics Up Close to talk about this is Carlton Christensen, newly appointed chairman of the Salt Lake City Council, and new vice-chairman J.T. Martin. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:35:50 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7223 If you want to re-visit the highlights of the 2008 election, you could go back and slog through thousands and thousands of newspaper articles and broadcast media stories. Or you could look at it through the eyes of a political cartoonist. A few weeks ago we interviewed the Salt Lake Tribune's Pat Bagley. Now, to get a different perspective, we talk to a syndicated, Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist whose work can be seen in hundreds of newspapers. Michael Ramirez has drawn for the L.A. Times, and now works for Investor's Business Daily. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:41:55 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7225 The Utah Taxpayers Association is applauding the governor for proposing spending cuts after long criticizing the Huntsman administration for state spending increases. But vice president Royce Van Tassell warns that Governor Jon Huntsman's budget includes what he calls hidden tax hikes, such as a vehicle registration fee increase to raise $50 million for roads. Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:35:38 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7235 A $70 million geothermal plant north of downtown is on Mayor Ralph Becker's wish list of potential Salt Lake City projects that could qualify for federal stimulus dollars. It's described as a 20 megawatt plant that could employ 70 people, but Becker says the proposal is still very preliminary. Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:24:57 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7257 A representative from tobacco giant Philip Morris was in Utah yesterday with a warning: increasing the tax on cigarettes can be harmful to the state's fiscal health. Bill Phelps, spokesman for Philip Morris's parent company, Altria, says the state should avoid the unstable tax source because it isn't the golden egg it looks to be, as he told KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:05:56 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7280 By the end of the week, Utah Senator Lyle Hillyard hopes the Executive Appropriations Committee, which he co-chairs, can finalize $350 million in cuts for the remaining six months of the 2009 state budget. But he says there's a possibility the budget will need to be reexamined if the revenue estimates received in February are lower than expected. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:10:13 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7281 Taxpayers across Utah might be eligible to receive free tax help if they qualify to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Internal Revenue Service is teaming with community volunteer groups across the state to provide the service. Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:27:35 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7320 The Utah House Transportation Committee passed a resolution this morning urging the federal government to help increase the number of compressed natural gas filling stations. Rep. Jack Draxler said he's usually opposed to such resolutions, but found no other option to get the less polluting fuel on the market. Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:46:06 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7335 Legislative leaders met with the governor yesterday and report they are inches away from finalizing a proposal that will reign in the state's spending for the remainder of 2009. Senate President Michael Waddoups says the once-disparate proposals are now "so close" to being aligned. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:43:40 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7342 Last year, Utah Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones introduced a bill to expand financial literacy education in the state. Now, she's hoping to pass these lessons on to parents when they first enroll their children in kindergarten. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:13:50 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7347 A resolution is moving in the Utah Senate asking the federal government to allow states to create their own guest-worker programs. Sen. Scott Jenkins is sponsoring the resolution, which came out of the Immigration Interim Committee. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:25:08 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7348 An hour after it was scheduled to start yesterday, Utah Legislative leadership cancelled a meeting where they were expected to sign off on a $400 million cut to the state budget. Speaker of the House of Representatives David Clark says he'll take the blame for the delay. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:28:50 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7349 President Barack Obama signed his first bill into law yesterday. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act greatly extends the time period in which employees are allowed to sue their employer's for discriminatory pay, allowing them 180 days after receiving any discriminatory paycheck to file a lawsuit. The White House champions the bill as a victory for equal pay for equal work, while congressional Republicans denounce it as simply a vehicle for frivolous lawsuits. Well, now it's the law, and a Salt Lake City attorney is excited about it, because it may substantially change the case of one of his clients, an inspector for the Transportation Security Administration who filed a federal complaint for harassment, retaliation and pay discrimination. Attorney Lawrence Buhler was in the studio to talk about the case and why he believes the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a good thing. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:57:46 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7352 Cities, counties, school districts and charter schools could soon be required to publish their spending records on a state financial transparency Web site. Senator Wayne Niederhauser's bill has the support of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, but Senator Greg Bell says rural cities and counties are concerned about the cost. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:38:18 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7367 A bill that would drastically change the way Utah public schools are funded failed to pass out of committee this morning. Rep. Wayne Harper's bill would have removed $617 million of school funding from property taxes and replaced it with revenue from a 1.45 percent increase in sales tax. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:26:56 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7373 A third attempt to create a mortgage assistance program for teachers failed to pass out of committee yesterday in the Utah legislature, an apparent victim of the economic downturn. Advocates were split on whether the $1.5 million for the program would be better spent in the classroom. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:39:59 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7374 As lawmakers consider whether to approve new state building projects, some worry the state won't have enough money to maintain them. Sen. Wayne Niederhauser says adding new buildings now will stress the state's dwindling maintenance fund. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:56:43 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7384 Salt Lake County made headway this morning in a three year long push to create and fund a unified police district. A Senate committee approved a bill allowing cities and unincorporated counties to band together for law enforcement services. And, it gives these special districts the ability to raise taxes. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:33:35 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7388 Two lawmakers have launched a Web site to track wasteful government spending. Rep. John Dougall says he and Sen. Steve Urquhart launched utahwastebuster.com last week in order to give the public a way to notify the Legislature when they see ways state agencies can save taxpayers money. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:20:53 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7392 This week, the Utah legislature cut $365 million from the 2009 state budget. But this time around, lawmakers were able to soften the blow by shifting around another $200 million in one-time funds from state building projects and other items in order to reduce the impact on critical programs like public education and health and human services. The 2010 cuts will go even deeper, and legislators are very hesitant to touch the $400 million rainy-day fund, or issue a large amount of bonds for transportation projects. What priorities would Utah's business community set for the legislature as it makes these important decisions? Joining the show to talk about this is Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 4,200 Utah businesses, and the former president of the Utah Senate. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:34:46 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7395 Utah lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have chastised Congress for failing to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Yet they're struggling themselves to pass a non-binding resolution dealing with the subject. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:28:06 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7410 Immediately after the U.S. Senate passed a controversial stimulus bill costing more than $800 billion dollars today, Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett issued statements condemning it. This came after two of Utah's three Congressmen also voted against the bill. Democratic Representative Jim Matheson was the only member of Utah's delegation who voted "yes." Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:41:03 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7414 A statewide school equalization bill passed through a House committee this morning. The bill increases funding in 21 districts, but will cut millions from 19 districts. Janet Roberts with the Salt Lake City School District says equalization is important, but it's difficult when public schools are already under-funded and now facing significant budget cuts. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:19:27 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7417 Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack says he's disappointed with how the governor's office is handling the next round of state budget cuts. Killpack says cabinet members and agency heads have been instructed to not participate in the process of prioritizing about $100 million in additional budget reductions. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:57:31 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7419 A bill moving in the Utah House increases vehicle registration fees by $2 to keep highway patrol troopers on the roads. Proposed cuts to the highway patrol budget could eliminate several troopers. Rep. Craig Frank said this poses a significant public safety risk, so much that he's proposing a fee increase when he'd typically oppose such a move. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:09:45 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7428 A resolution aiming to make it easier to send abandoned horses to slaughter has struck a nerve at the Capitol. Sen. Allen Christensen says he's always had horses, but the shrinking horse-meat market is forcing a larger number of people to abandon their horses when they're old, injured or become too expensive to keep. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:51:29 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7430 Utah has slipped further into the red, according to the latest state revenue projections released yesterday. However, Sen. Lyle Hillyard, who co-chairs the Legislature's budget committee, said the news isn't nearly as bad as he feared. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:34:28 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7453 Yesterday's debate on Capitol Hill to use part of a tourism tax to pay for a restaurant ad campaign turned into a debate about eliminating the tax altogether. But in the end, neither proposal was passed out of committee. Melva Sine, President and CEO of the Utah Restaurant Association, said while her group is the driving force behind the proposal to use the tourism tax for restaurant advertising, the industry has historically been opposed to the tax itself. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:32:44 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7483 A film incentive that could cost the state $7.8 million has won unanimous support in its first vote in the Utah Senate, even in this year of drastic budget cuts. The bill struck a nostalgic note for Salt Lake County Sen. Howard Stephenson, who fondly recalled the era when southern Utah was called "Little Hollywood" because of the hundreds of westerns filmed here. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:26:25 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7494 Home sales in Salt Lake County were at the lowest level in January since at least 1995, when electronic records started being kept. Just 435 homes and condos were sold in the county last month, compared to nearly 650 last year, and more than 1,000 two years ago. But Ryan Kirkham, President of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors, says there is one bit of good news. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:10:23 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7498 Deseret News editor Joe Cannon came under fire from his own employees this week after two staff members were reassigned. Some reporters saw the move as a demotion, resulting from their unwillingness to cooperate with the management's decision to try to appeal specifically to Mormon readers. Yesterday, we talked with city government editor Josh Loftin, who said, "we were carving out a niche as the best daily newspaper in the city, and that is being undone to become the best Mormon paper in the city." Today, we hear from Joe Cannon to get his response to the criticism. He talked with KCPW's Jeff Robinson about the situation. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:00:15 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7500 One of two school equalization bills introduced this session died in committee yesterday. The other is waiting to be discussed on the House floor. Bill sponsor Rep. Wayne Harper said he's glad at least one of the bills is moving forward, though his was the more aggressive of the two. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:58:26 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7502 As a resolution against federal bailouts is moving through the Utah House of Representatives, Legislative leaders are combing through the federal stimulus package to see what money, if any, they'll use to balance the budget. Sen. Lyle Hillyard, chairman of the Legislature's top budget committee, said the state actually doesn't need the stimulus to balance the budget. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:06:33 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7503 A higher education tax credit is just one vote away from clearing the Utah Legislature. However, some Democrats are concerned the credit doesn't do enough to make a college education more affordable. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:49:15 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7512 A tax incentive for the renewable energy industry is moving forward in the last days of the 2009 Legislative Session. Derek Miller with the Governor's Office of Economic Development said the incentive will give Utah a "best in class" advantage over neighboring states for attracting green power development and high-paying green-collar jobs. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:01:54 -0700 http://kcpw.org/article/7542 Utah Senate Democrats were outraged by what they considered to be an ambush Friday, when a constitutional amendment to protect secret ballots was lifted from the Rules Committee for a floor debate without warning, then passed with only one floor vote, while the usual procedure requires two. Senate Minority Whip Ross Romero said the policy is premature, and was rushed through the process. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:33:05 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7557 The Utah Legislature is not immune to the state budget cuts. Lawmakers are poised to take an effective 16 percent pay cut in solidarity with state agencies, which received a 9 percent budget cut at the hands of legislators this year. KCPW's Elizabeth Ziegler has the story: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:04:36 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7570 Slumping sales tax revenue means the Salt Lake County government may face a shortfall next year of $50 million dollars, or about 11 percent. Chief Financial Officer Darrin Casper says reducing employee benefits, such as temporarily suspending the county's 401(k) match, will help the county avoid having to cut salaries or jobs. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:23:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7581 Utah lawmakers are using federal economic stimulus money to target the specific needs of the state. The House of Representatives approved legislation today to give relief to homeowners and stimulate technology jobs and innovation. KCPW's Faroe Robinson reports. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:57:33 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7596 The legislature's general session just wrapped last night at midnight. Did Salt Lake City come away relatively unscathed compared to last year, when we lost six million dollars in property taxes thanks to a controversial school equalization bill? We ask the mayor about that and the proposed "Grand Boulevard" that will be made out of North Temple when the TRAX line to the airport is built. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:26:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7607 In this excerpt from last Friday's Politics Up Close, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker discusses the city's plans to turn North Temple into a "Grand Boulevard," a booming business district revitalized by the TRAX line to the airport. The Utah legislature just awarded the city $20 million in state funds to re-build the North Temple viaduct. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:00:38 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7611 Skyrocketing gang violence related to drug smuggling along the U.S. -- Mexico border has led the Mexican government to deploy its army to the border town of Juarez, and now, the problem is catching the attention of the U.S. government. Last week, President Obama said he'd consider deploying the National Guard to help prevent that violence from spilling over into the United States.Jeremy Martin is Director of the Energy Program at the Institute of the Americas in California. He was in Salt Lake City last week to speak to the Salt Lake Committee on Foreign Relations. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with him about how the U.S. and Mexican economies are interconnected. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:27:11 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7615 You can't tax your way out of a recession, according to the authors of the latest edition of "Rich States, Poor States." The index is published by the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council, which again ranked Utah as having the best economic outlook in the nation. Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, chairman of the Utah Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, told the group this morning that the Legislature shrank government this session while maintaining critical services -- all without increasing taxes. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:20:01 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7623 Governor Jon Huntsman says there's no rush for the state to decide whether or not to accept $61 million in federal stimulus money to expand unemployment compensation. Some state lawmakers have said the money should be rejected because it would create an on-going financial burden for the state once the federal money runs out, but Huntsman says the issue needs more study. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:23:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7630 Governor Huntsman is hopeful that his proposal to give $6,000 grants to Utahns buying a newly constructed home will reduce the inventory of unsold homes currently on the market. The legislature approved his proposal, which uses $10 million from the federal stimulus package, toward the end of the session earlier this month. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:01:54 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7635 Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder is frustrated by the county's budget cutting process. He wants the county council and the mayor's office to give him a straight dollar amount he can use to budget for his department, not some kind of vague target. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:36:25 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7651 Frank Gray is the Community and Economic Development Director for Salt Lake City. What is the outlook for building and development in the city, and what is he doing to get more people and business to move in downtown? We ask him on Politics Up Close. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:12:02 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7668 Salt Lake County is studying whether to use your tax dollars to finance the construction of a hotel to go with the Salt Palace Convention Center. But in this down economy, is it a good idea to build a public venue that would compete with private interests? We talk with Scott Beck, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:39:43 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7700 With the Salt Lake City Council poised to make a decision next week restricting the zoning for payday lenders, Councilman J.T. Martin said those looking for a crackdown on the check-advance businesses should call their state legislators. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:00:07 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7711 The Nuclear Regulatory Commission does not see a difference between foreign or domestic nuclear waste, according to an April 9th letter sent to the sponsors of a federal bill that would ban most imported waste. EnergySolutions Executive Vice President Jill Sigal said the letter confirms what the company has been saying all along. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:35:52 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7712 Payday lenders are defending their business model as the Salt Lake City Council plans to restrict where they can operate. Wendy Gibson with Check City takes issue with the assumption that payday lenders takes advantage of cash-strapped customers by charging triple-digit interest rates for their short-term loans. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:57:23 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7718 Carlton Christensen is currently chairman of the Salt Lake City Council, and is seeking a fourth term this year after failing to win a seat in the Utah Senate. We'll ask him what brings him back to the job year after year. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:06:39 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7727 Successful Utah entrepreneurs Rich Christiansen and Ron Porter have just released a new book on "bootstrapping" your own business venture. We get some straightforward advice from them. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:06:39 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7728 We stray from politics for a bit this week as we talk with Rich Christiansen and Ron Porter about their new book, "Bootstrap Business: A Step-by-Step Business Survival Guide." In this excerpt, they discuss why you shouldn't necessarily go into business with your golfing buddies, how you know when to sell, and why seeking funding from venture capitalists often isn't the best way to go. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:00:15 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7730 Tonight, the Salt Lake City Council is expected to approve an ordinance that will prevent the establishment of new payday lenders within half a mile of any other payday lender, and also limit them to only one for every 10,000 residents. The proposal won't drive any existing check cashing venues out of business, but will limit their ability to move or establish a new storefront, since there's already far more than one payday lender for every 10,000 people in Salt Lake City right now. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with City Councilman Eric Jergensen about tonight's vote. He starts off by addressing why Salt Lake City is adopting this idea only after several other cities within the county have already done so. Eric Jergensen represents the Avenues and Capitol Hill on the Salt Lake City Council. Tonight's meeting starts at 7 at the City-County building. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:46:20 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7746 After years of discussion, the Salt Lake City Council unanimously passed an ordinance last night that will prevent any new payday lending businesses from starting up within half a mile of an existing one. But it removed a provision that would limit payday lenders to one for every 10,000 residents, which would have effectively prevented any additional check cashing businesses from opening. Councilman Van Turner says that idea may be looked at in the future, but needs more research. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:14:16 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7756 Some people in Salt Lake's Hispanic community suspect a proposed Midvale City ordinance restricting taco stands is racially motivated. Advocate Tony Yapias says the taco cart owners are entrepreneurs capitalizing on a business model that's as American as apple pie. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:09:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7779 Wal-Mart has announced it will remodel a vacant K-mart store at Parleys Way and Foothill Boulevard instead of seeking the city's consent to tear down the building and erect a super store. Many neighbors fought against plan, including Amy Wilkinson. She's excited the proposed big big-box store has been downsized. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:15:33 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7796 Yesterday, Utah Congressman Jim Matheson joined his fellow Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in meeting with President Obama to discuss climate change and health care. Many Utah environmentalists have been hoping to get Matheson to support a draft bill titled the "American Clean Energy and Security Act," which would create a cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions. But Matheson has previously described the proposal as problematic. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with him to find out why. Wed, 06 May 2009 01:00:00 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7817 Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker delivered his proposed 2010 budget to the City Council last night. Becker faced a $12 million decrease to the city's general fund in putting the budget together. Becker told KCPW's Eric Ray about the challenges that decrease presented in building the 2010 budget, about preventing gang violence in the city, and about keeping the city green: Wed, 06 May 2009 13:11:15 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7819 As Salt Lake City leaders continue to try and make all the city's neighborhoods more walkable and accessible without a car, they might do well to listen to the advice of John Norquist. Norquist, who was mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1988 to 2004, now serves as President and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism, an organization promoting the development of walkable, mixed-use communities. He'll be speaking at the Live Green festival this Saturday at the Salt Lake City Main Library, sponsored by the Downtown Alliance. KCPW's Jeff Robinson caught up with Norquist for a conversation on walkable neighborhoods. Norquist will be speaking at the Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium this Saturday morning at 11, as part of the Downtown Alliance's Live Green Festival. Learn more about the event at downtownslc.org. Thu, 07 May 2009 17:48:26 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7825 You've probably heard about alternative forms of fueling car engines, like natural gas and vegetable oil - but a new documentary showing in Salt Lake City this weekend explores other options out there you might not know about yet. Fuel, which won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at Sundance last year, tells the story of what its creators refer to as the "rising domination of the petrochemical industry," and documents alternative energy sources you may never have thought of -- like algae. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Kevin Vickery, who co-produced Fuel, to find out what the film's all about. The film will be screened tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Main Library auditorium as part of the Live Green Festival, sponsored by the Downtown Alliance. Learn more about the festival online at DowntownSLC.org. Fri, 08 May 2009 01:00:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7826 Jim Judd is President of the Utah AFL-CIO. He and other labor leaders across the country are hoping Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that would make it easier to unionize through a process called card check. But it has little or no support from Utah's own congressional delegation, which says it will eliminate the secret ballot. We'll sort out the facts of the legislation. Fri, 08 May 2009 12:25:43 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7828 The Utah Taxpayers Association's "Taxes Now" conference featured the state's newest Congressman, Representative Jason Chaffetz on Friday. The freshman lawmaker paints himself as an outsider. He spoke about the enormous amounts of money and power in play at the nation's capital, musing that too much is being spent and fiscal conservatives are being excluded from some of the most important conversations. Mon, 11 May 2009 09:17:33 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7832 In this excerpt from Friday's Politics Up Close, Jim Judd, President of the Utah AFL-CIO, discusses the controversial Employee Free Choice Act. It's opposed by most of Utah's congressional delegation. Mon, 11 May 2009 09:42:29 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7834 Salt Lake County-based on-line retailer Overstock.com was targeted for boycotts by gay rights activists in the fallout after California voters passed a ban on same-sex marriage. But the company recently implemented a gay-friendly antidiscrimination policy that gives its employees more protection than current state and federal law requires. Thu, 14 May 2009 09:15:40 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7848 The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is recommending that the state turn down $40 million dollars out of $60 million available in federal funds for expanding unemployment benefits. Thu, 14 May 2009 15:19:33 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7851 Joining Politics Up Close is Republican State Senator Howard Stephenson and attorney Mike Lee with SOS Secret Ballot. We heard last week from the AFL-CIO about why the Employee Free Choice Act is a good thing. Stephenson and Lee tell us why it's not when it comes to the secret ballot. Listen to a conversation with Utah AFL-CIO President Jim Judd in support of the legislation. Mon, 18 May 2009 11:24:05 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7860 Economist Russell Roberts tells us why global trade should be expanded during this economic downturn. He'll be in Salt Lake this week for a Zions Bank conference on international trade. Mon, 18 May 2009 11:27:27 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7862 The 2010 special election for governor next November may include leaders from Salt Lake County on both sides of the political aisle. KCPW's Jeff Robinson reports. Tue, 19 May 2009 12:27:14 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7867 The state legislature convenes tomorrow for a special session to fix what Rep. Brad Dee describes as semantics errors that were made while cutting about a billion dollars from the 2009 and 2010 budgets. The House Majority Whip says he normally doesn't like special sessions, but the 15 items lawmakers will consider this go around are important enough to warrant one. Tue, 19 May 2009 19:43:18 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7871 Since unveiling his proposal to build a new police headquarters right next to the Salt Lake City Main Library nearly two weeks ago, Mayor Ralph Becker's taken plenty of criticism in the press for the idea. But Becker says he welcomes that criticism, along with any other input city residents have about the controversial proposal, which would ultimately have to be approved by voters in a bond election this November. The two ideas are to put a public safety building and an emergency operations center either to west of 300 East, closer to the library, or on the east side of the road, displacing businesses. KCPW's Jeff Robinson asked Mayor Becker to address some of the points his critics have made, starting with the idea that putting a police building next to the library would create a chilling atmosphere on Library Square. Mayor Becker and the city council have scheduled three meetings for residents to give their input on the proposal. The first will be a workshop in the downtown library auditorium on Saturday, May 30th, beginning at 9 a.m. Wed, 20 May 2009 01:00:03 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7870 Democratic Salt Lake County Council Chairman Joe Hatch is proposing an ordinance that would allow county employees to specifically designate a union as their representative through a secret ballot election. The county would then be required to hold discussions with union representatives about personnel issues, like wages and benefits. Hatch says under current law, if union representatives approach the county for negotiations, they can be ignored. Fri, 22 May 2009 01:00:15 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7882 We're joined by Salt Lake County Council Chairman Joe Hatch. He's pushing a proposal that would let the county's employees choose whether they want to be represented by a union, then require the county to negotiate with those unions. Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:36 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7884 Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker's administration is responding to recent allegations made against his proposal to build a public safety complex on Library Square. The allegations come from the Main Library's project manager, Ken Ament. David Everitt, Becker's chief of staff, says Ament's claim that the proposed building site is at high risk for a seismic process called liquefaction is inaccurate. Thu, 28 May 2009 13:41:43 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7900 The Salt Lake City library system will need to dip into its reserve funds or increase property taxes to maintain its current level of services to the public. Library Director Beth Elder says the library is investigating several options after realizing operating costs would likely exceed its revenues next year. Fri, 29 May 2009 12:56:32 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7904 The Salt Lake City Council is hesitant about Mayor Ralph Becker's proposal to increase business license fees to $130 annually, in order to help bridge a $12 million budget shortfall. But two other options are now on the table. And Vest Pocket Business Coalition Vice President Mary Corporon says they're not any better. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:04:41 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7911 In a partisan vote yesterday, the Salt Lake County Council gave preliminary approval to an ordinance that would split roughly 2,500 county employees into five different bargaining units, and let each unit elect a single union to represent it in employment negotiations. Republicans on the council tried unsuccessfully to delay the vote. Freshman Republican Max Burdick wanted to hear more from employees before voting on the ordinance, and proposed taking a survey. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:13:36 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7916 After a 10-hour journey, the first direct flight from Tokyo to Salt Lake City touched down slightly early this morning, just hours before the first flight from Salt Lake City to Tokyo took off. KCPW's Jeff Robinson reports. The flights will run every day of the week but Sunday and Tuesday. If you were to board tomorrow's flight and return on Monday, the ticket would cost you about $2,300. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:59:28 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7920 A local workers' rights group is calling on the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce to support the Employee Free Choice Act, a federal bill that would make it easier to unionize through a process called card check. Linda Parsons, Director of Utah Jobs with Justice, says it would be helpful to have the support of the influential business group, and wants to discuss the bill with them. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:55:10 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7921 Though the end of Utah's private club law is still about a month away, a proponent of changing the states liquor laws is gearing up to push for more change. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:17:54 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7922 Piggybacking off the success of its Ski Salt Lake Super Pass, the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau is using a similar idea with the goal of attracting tourists to some of the valley's public golf courses. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:26:40 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7938 A delegation of Utah business and government leaders returned from Japan earlier this week, after taking Delta's inaugural direct flight from Salt Lake City to Tokyo last Wednesday. Among them was Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lane Beattie, who says the new, daily flight means great things for the state of Utah. He told KCPW's Jeff Robinson that Japanese visitors to the state already spend far more than tourists from many other regions. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:03:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7944 The Salt Lake City Council will again discuss Mayor Ralph Becker's proposed business license fee increase as a way to balance the budget during its meeting tonight. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:10:50 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7957 The Utah Legislature passed sweeping changes to the state's liquor laws earlier this year, abolishing the need for private clubs and the so-called "Zion curtains" separating bartenders and customers at restaurants. Those changes go into effect next Wednesday, but Sam Granato, chairman of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, says more change could be in the works. One possibility is eliminating quotas on restaurant liquor licenses. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:01:34 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7989 A cap-and-trade bill called the American Clean Energy and Security Act may be voted on in the full U.S. House of Representatives as early as tomorrow, but Utah Congressman Jim Matheson hasn't yet made up his mind. Constituents who are both for and against the legislation have been pressuring him on the bill. He's seen as a key player because of his position as chairman of the Blue Dog Democrats' Energy Task Force, and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. When the bill was in committee last month, Matheson voted against the legislation out of concern that states that depend heavily on coal, like Utah, would be disproportionately affected by higher energy prices. KCPW's Jeff Robinson asked Matheson whether his position on the bill has changed since then. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:00:44 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7986 Salt Lake City Councilman Eric Jergensen no longer has to worry about an outstanding bench warrant for his arrest, which he says resulted from a misunderstanding. But there are still outstanding financial judgments against his company, Contour Composites. As president of the company, Jergensen says he takes responsibility for its decisions, and those judgments will get paid. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:24:07 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7994 The Utah Transit Authority's Board of Trustees plans to require more disclosure when its members have a conflict of interest with public transit projects. KCPW's Jeff Robinson reports. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:31:20 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/7995 Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front Regional Council are hoping to turn State Street into a thriving corridor for business and housing running from top to bottom through the valley, rather than just a means of getting from here to there. The council is collaborating with cities along the major thoroughfare, from Salt Lake to Draper, to find out exactly what it will take to make that happen. KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Wasatch Front Regional Council Executive Director Chuck Chappell and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon to find out what the Life on State project is all about. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:00:49 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/8006 Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan kicked off his campaign for a fifth 4-year term in office at the Sandy Amphitheatre Park on Monday night. The longtime Republican mayor has overseen tremendous growth and economic development in the city over the past 16 years, but has also dealt with a few conflicts. KCPW's Jeff Robinson asked him about those, and why he's hoping for four more years at the helm of Sandy's government. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:36:55 -0600 http://kcpw.org/article/8010