Mayor Jenny Wilson and Your Mandatory Face Mask

Neighbors and Friends,

I am hopeful that you are well and safe.

Just after midnight tonight (12:01 a.m. June 27, 2020) face coverings (masks) will be mandatory across Salt Lake County in retail and commercial establishments, restaurants while waiting to be seated and served, and at community gatherings by order of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. [update, now in effect]

Although Mayor Wilson has a letter of support signed by several County Council members, she did not bring her face covering mandate to the County Council for a vote; Mayor Wilson just told them in their Tuesday meeting what she was going to do.

This lack of transparency and accountability is concerning at best when one individual dictates a specific action and requirement for a million people in Salt Lake County. Our County Council members are elected to represent specific areas and districts. Denying the Council's opportunity to vote denies the voice of the people across Salt Lake County.

Even liberal Summit County officials understand this. They are taking their proposed mandate to its residents by calling a special meeting for a final vote.

Salt Lake County residents should not be denied a Council vote. Residents and Council members need to ask; Where are the COVID hotspots? We should know; Are the hotspots still in the homeless shelters, the jail, specific neighborhoods, or where? It is also important to know if there is a direct link of increased COVID cases to the massive protests downtown, attended by Mayor Wilson, Mayor Mendenhall, Mayor Andy Beerman, and others.

Controlling the action of a million people should at least require the vote of those Council members elected to represent us.

We need more members on the County Council who are willing to provide a balance of power the Mayor wishes to wield.

I need your support and your vote. The primary election ends on June 30, 2020.

Sincerely,

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

I do not agree with government mandatory mask wearing

If a business decides that to be open and keep their staff and customers safe I need to wear a mask, I have one and can and have worn one. The county mayor and governor certainly can encourage.

I don't agree with government mandatory mask wearing.

Some people can not wear masks for medical reasons. Are they going to provide them a shield or require a note from a doctor?

I was meeting a group in a park. When it started raining and social distancing was not available I put on my mask. One of our group works at an assisted living center and she was wearing a mask and I did put on my mask to keep that facility safe. That was not required by some mandatory government rule.

[update]
In response to a doctor that doesn't believe someone has real issues wearing a mask and was telling them they were full of it:

If you think that some people can't wear them for medical reasons is bogus, I can introduce you to some people if you would like. Lung damage in Vietnam during the war there. Some that are asthmatic. Some have allergies. Some are on blood thinner and are sensitive to decreased oxygen. That question was asked the experts the county has 3 times on Tuesday, and they dogged the question. 2 of the times were from a member of the county council and the experts would not answer.

And yes, you are wearing a surgical mask. Many of the masks most people are wearing are hand made, are 2 layers of dense fabric. The reason you wear a mask is to reduce infection when you are in surgery. Thank You.

Many people have been traumatized by earthquakes and deaths in addition to this Coved-19 virus. If that means someone is going to feel better if I wear a mask or if I am going to feel better in some situations to wear a mask, that needs to be OK. I have one or two I can wear. That is not true with others. Back off. Some people still have PTSD from the earthquake.
  
[Update]
The county order has the following

Any individual within Salt Lake County who is age two and over and able to medically or psychologically tolerate a face covering shall be required to wear a face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth in public areas where consistent social distancing of at least six feet is not possible, reasonable, or prudent. Additional guidance can be found...

Face coverings are required in Salt Lake County:

• at public gatherings, indoor or out, where consistent social distancing is not possible.
• while waiting outside or inside retail and other public locations,
  including bars and restaurants until seated.

Face coverings are not required:

• Outdoors when social distancing is easily and consistently maintained.
• On a person with a health condition exacerbated by a face covering.
• On children under 2 years old.
• When wearing a face covering would prevent the performance of the essential functions of person’s job or work.
• In circumstances not reasonably conducive to wearing a face covering, such as while swimming or engaging in strenuous physical activity*.

*It is impossible to account for every potential exception, so we ask Salt Lake County residents and visitors to use common sense and practice common decency when interpreting and applying the requirement to their public activities.

https://slco.org/health/COVID-19/faq/faq-facecoverings/

Have you voted yet

Have you voted yet?

The GOP primary election ends June 30th and if you haven't received your ballot in Utah, call your county clerk tomorrow.

https://slco.org/clerk/elections/

You can also go to the Utah Lt. Gov. Election website at:
https://vote.utah.gov/

Click on the like to read what information candidates that are on your ballot turned in
https://votesearch.utah.gov/voter-search/search/search-by-address/candidates-and-issues

 If you have questions, you can call me or email me at:
mailto:fred@fredcox4utah.com

Some information about me can be found at:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/ 

It has links to recent posts, videos of town hall meetings, endorsements, etc.

This has some good information about me.
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/05/vote-fred-c-cox-for-salt-lake-county.html


One of the best ways to vote is to drop off your ballot all ready to mail but at the County Clerk Elections Drop Box.

those locations are at:
https://slco.org/clerk/elections/vote-by-mail/ballot-drop-box-locations/


Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

Survey on Behalf of Black Lives Matter Utah

I received your survey and have tried to return it several times. It obviously assumes what I believe fits it the little dots, which is pretty limiting, is not always true and it is not helpful in being transparent.

If you will send a survey back without that limitation, I will be able to send it on.

In the mean time a few related statements:

Since 2009 I have lost track of how many protests I have been to. I was at one on February 8 and May 2.

[I was invited to speak at both].

I led the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum as the original sponsor. [1 of 5]. We got 170,000 signatures and the legislature and governor backed off.

I have no issue with protests. I disagree with the violence and property damage that happened a few [weeks] ago. There is no excuse for that. That is wrong.
The reason for the protests is valid. Too many people die because they are treated wrongly by those that should care.

I have worked with police officers in the past who are wonderful. Others are not. I do not know what some racism feels like but do know what prejudice feels like. I have been with others who were afraid because of racism.

We need more people to associate with others of different backgrounds, whether a different race or not. We can learn to care about others and that can help.

The government should be color blind and treat everyone fairly.

I am not sure reducing the Salt Lake County Sheriff budget by 6 million right now is a good idea. They need better and more trained officers not less.

When You reduce a police budget and then when crime goes up raise it back again, we get newer less experienced officers which can be a larger problem.

I joined a group recently to help fight racism.U-CARe. (United Coalition Against Racism)

Their statement for the group has this:

All people on the color wheel are invited to join us to fight racism and stereotyping through positive community events where people of all racial heritage meet, interact, find commonalities and unite against racism. We especially encourage inviting local law enforcement and their families to be part of the group.

Citizen or Civilian Review Boards are a good idea and should not be discouraged. My city (West Valley City) already has a Professional Standards Review Board (Citizens' Review Board) and more are needed.

We need better and more trained officers. The annual neighborhood watch parties when you can talk to the local police in a park helps create relationships.

The legislature has passed good laws for the use of body cameras. There has to be some protection of the person and the inside of their house, etc. from showing up on the 6pm news. These laws do need to be even better and I would support that.

Understanding how to deal with mental health issues in a non violent manor is key. New funding to provide for others, besides the police to help is needed.

I fought moving the prison from Draper, which would have saved $ Hundreds of Millions. We need a prison and some of the blocks in Draper needed to be replaced as they were not safe for anyone and did not help prisoners from coming back. I was a volunteer with my wife at the Draper prison for 2 years. We need more of that.

We need to remember that both the individual being stopped or arrested and the police officer have constitutional rights and should be treated fairly.

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2.

I had previously posted this:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/06/question-regarding-protests-about-civil.html
and this
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/06/endorsement-of-utah-fraternal-order-of.html

Licensing regulation reform question

Dear Mr. Cox,

Could you comment on the need for licensing reform (e.g., for nurses, as discussed in the article at https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/06/09/during-covid-19-cutting-red-tape-helps-front-line-nurses-save-lives/)?

Thank you.

 

Answer:

 

I am a licensed architect. In Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Texas. This last year I considered getting a license in New Mexico. I had given up on NM as it would have cost $7000 in the past. This year it would have been $1000 plus a lot of red tape. I decided not to which may or may not have been a good decision. 

In 2015 and 2016 I worked to increase the ability of interior designers, if properly trained and verified with testing, education and experience [to do more work, that at the time required an architect]. Some criticized me for creating more competition for me. 

It used to be that you could become a licensed architect with enough experience, even without a lot of education.  That unfortunately has changed. 

Some licenses are important. A doctor can make a mistake and someone dies. It is possible for an architect or engineer to wipe out a whole colosseum. All licenses are not bad. Too many or too hard to get is bad. It stops people's dreams. 

My dream at 15 was to be licensed architect by age 30. I beat that goal by 6 months. 

Some licenses are regulated to protect turf. Those should be simplified or eliminated. I have worked in the legislature to reduce some of these regulations. 

I know people that should be able to become an architect and can't. That should change. 

Many of these regulations are up to the state legislature. I will continue to do what I can to reduce the red tape while protecting health safety and welfare. 

We eliminated hair braiding as a required license. We need more changes. 

Fred C. Cox

For SLco District 2

 

The Budget

Neighbors and Friends,

I am hopeful that you are well and safe.

2020 started with a major achievement. We worked together to block the 2019 Utah Tax Reform bill that the Utah Legislature passed and was signed by the Governor last December. In a little over a month we secured 170,000 Utah Tax Referendum signatures across 29 counties. We did this with thousands of volunteers, both liberal and conservative and everything in between. Because of our success, the Legislature and Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001 instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.

Since then we have been hit with a Pandemic, an Earthquake, Riots and more. Utahns are made of tough stuff, but many of us are asking what is next!

This last week County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced that the current county budget will be $70 Million to $100 Million short this year based on shutting down the economy because of the Pandemic. She outlined many cuts, such as $6 Million from the Sherriff and $1 Million from the clerk.

At this same Tuesday meeting, the county mayor also announced the county would need to borrow $70 Million so they would have enough money until the property taxes come in later this year. It is now “standard” for our county to do this, year after year. This year the notes needed may have been larger, but they did it last year, and the year before, as well. The request to borrow $70 Million using notes passed on Tuesday.

Last year, Mayor Wilson proposed what she called a “no frills” budget. The Mayor’s proposal sought to address “huge structural problems” facing the county after years of not capturing inflation despite economic and population growth, she said. The Council reduced the budget some, but it was still a $16 Million increase or about 8%.

You may remember that last December the County passed the property tax increase, so we are likely going to have larger property taxes this fall. The County budget is about $1.5 Billion, with a B.

This Tuesday, the County Council is expecting more details to further reduce this year’s budget.

Right now, one of the last things we should do is short the Sheriff budget enough to close one of the blocks at the County Jail. We need better and more trained officers, and every time a city or county reduces this area of budget and then raises it later as crime goes up, we get brand new police officers. Some of them turn out great, but others do not. With the current deaths and protests, this is going the wrong direction.

The $77 Million in tax cuts being proposed now is a band-aid. We need more on the County Council willing to solve this “structural problem”. I need your help in standing up to the mayor and the current bureaucracy.

You can start by calling the mayor and council members and telling them you want real budget reform.

You can also help this week for voting for me, Fred C. Cox, in the primary election for Salt Lake County Council District 2 that begins this week. If you do not get your ballot this week, contact the county clerk’s office. Ballots are due the end of the month, but you do not have that long to fix things with voter registration if there is something wrong.

I have had several town hall meetings, the last have been online. They are available to watch from links on my website. http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

You can contact me with ideas and questions, email is the best. It gives me information that I can follow up with

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

fred@fredcox4utah.com

801-966-2636 (home)

Paid for by Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund

Fred C Cox for SLco Council District 2 update

Facebook Live

Youtube

https://youtu.be/rM28-Jmfyrs

Question regarding protests about civil rights issues

On Wednesday I had received this email.

"Hi, I am reaching out to you and your opponent ... because I am concerned with how politicians listen and prioritize the civil rights issues we face in our country. I think it is important that politicians do what they can to fight systemic racism that has hurt people of color for years. What is your position on these protests? Thanks."

My Response:

Since 2009 I have lost track of how many protests I have been to. I was at one on February 8 and May 2.

[I was invited to speak at both].

I led the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum as the original sponsor. [1 of 5]. We got 170,000 signatures and the legislature and governor backed off.

I have no issue with protests. I disagree with the violence and property damage that happened a few days ago. There is no excuse for that. That is wrong.
The reason for the protests is valid. Too many people die because they are treated wrongly by those that should care.

I have worked with police officers in the past who are wonderful. Others are not. I do not know what some racism feels like but do know what prejudice feels like. I have been with others who were afraid because of racism.

We need more people to associate with others of different backgrounds, whether a different race or not. We can learn to care about others and that can help.

The government should be color blind and treat everyone fairly.
I am not sure reducing the sheriff budget by 6 million right now is a good idea. They need better and more trained officers not less.

I am meeting with the FOP this week. I will have more ideas after that meeting. Thank you for reaching out

Fred C. Cox

His response to my response was: "Thank you. Your response has earned my vote."

Endorsement of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police

June 5, 2020

To: Fred Cox
Re: SLCO Council Endorsement

Dear Mr. Cox,

On behalf of the 4,000 members of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, it is my pleasure to inform you that you have received the endorsement of the largest police labor organization in Utah. We appreciate your willingness to work with us in furthering the law enforcement profession and we look forward to continuing that process.

Please feel free to use this endorsement in your campaign. You are also authorized to use the Utah FOP logo above to announce and promote that endorsement.

Sincerely,

Brent Jex, President
Utah FOP

Salt Lake County is Borrowing 70 Million

What isn't in the report is the mayor proposed and the county voted on Tuesday to issue $70 Million in notes to be paid back.

If they are cutting the budget $77 Million for a $70 Million to $96 Million budget hit because of Covid-19 and they are getting $200 M in federal funds because of Covid-19 why do they also need to borrow $70 Million to write checks? The structural imbalance clearly isn't solved.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/6/3/21279302/utah-covid-19-salt-lake-county-budget-cuts-jenny-wilson-county-council

I received these 2 responses from a budget hawk, County Councilor Aimee Winder Newton

"Keep in mind that we can't use any Covid dollars for budget issues. They have to go directly to Covid expenses."

"The $70 m is a tax anticipation bond to address our cash flow needs prior to receiving property tax in the Fall.  We will pay it off prior to EOY just as we have in the past." 

With a $1.5 Billion annual budget, it would be wise to budget enough money each year so we do not have to borrow $50 Million to $70 Million each year to pay bills and pay it off the the fall.  

Each year for many years they don't have enough money to get them through until the property taxes all come in. Covid made it worse. I am concerned the Jail will be hit hard. The number I saw on Tuesday as 6 million from the sheriff and $1 million from the clerk. That could wipe out 300 of the new voting machines.

They have reassigned staff as much as possible. They will not be building or repairing as much.