Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Utah. Show all posts
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Government Mandated Shutdown
I was asked to speak for a few minutes at the business revival meeting at Vineyard today. Sometime between 3 and 4. The event starts at noon.
They already have a bunch of speakers. I spoke to Eric who is leading this celebration. He knows I don't agree with him on everything.
I do believe the government has overstepped the constitutional authority we gave them. I also believe in following the law and getting laws changed. We need to rescue the small businesses. The economy and food and farmers and everything has been hit hard. We need to save this country from socialism and the last 2 months have not helped.
Many people have been traumatised 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.
Our governor and mayors and health dept officials need to know that many of us find the past several weeks of government mandated shutdown not acceptable. They can not be repeated.
We need to work on principle. Businesses should be able to keep their staff and customers safe and be able to be open. This next "phase" is where we needed to be seven weeks ago.
A couple of weeks ago, when the Governor had this idea of telling people crossing into Utah they needed to fill out papers, I said this:
Most people in this state feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private businesses generally or by category and requiring papers to travel is an abuse of power and is not constitutional. Period.
We have shut down a restaurant for norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same. There is no reason each and every business can't figure out a way to stay safe and stay open. I have been working from home generally. That doesn't work to go visit a building.
Most people are doing their best to wash hands and keep distances. That is a good thing for now.
The last thing we need is the government taking over everything.
Be civil. Be caring. Be safe. Be free.
update, a copy of the introduction and actual remarks is at: https://youtu.be/QNcL5--h-m8
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Fred C. Cox for SLco2 Facebook Live 2:30pm March 21, 2020
Fred C. Cox for SLco2 Facebook Live 2:30pm March 21, 2020
This is also on Youtube at:
https://youtu.be/-ZlpI4g6FJs
This is also on Youtube at:
https://youtu.be/-ZlpI4g6FJs
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2
I believe we must stand up and be heard or watch our
constitutionally protected rights disappear. We can't
continue to let government take over our lives.
That was the reason I ran for office when my State Representative, Ron Bigelow, stepped down to help the Governor at the end of 2010, and it is still so today.
It was one of the reasons I was awarded the Libertas 2016 Defenders of Liberty Award.
The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax Referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.
For 2015 and 2016, I was given a 100% rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association for voting against tax increases and looking out for the taxpayers. I also received a Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 Business Champion award for working to help Utah businesses grow. I worked hard to make sure the legislature didn’t ignore the idea of replacing the prison in Draper, which I believed would have saved over $100 Million, which has since been shown to be true.
I had the opportunity to serve in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. During that time I had a reputation of being willing to speak up and to fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition.
I also had the reputation of reading though all of the bills I would vote on, and after the 2016 session a comedy song joked that I might have known other legislators' bills better than they did. During my service, I had one of the best floor attendance records of anyone in the House, with the exception of one rare House Judiciary Standing Committee meeting called during floor time where I missed 12 votes in 2015. They were the only ones I missed that year. I wanted to be in the chamber during debates and voting so I could hear both sides of an issue and see if a bill was ready, or needed to be amended or voted down. "Motion to Amend" was something I said more than once. I always voted for or against the bill no matter who the sponsor was or what party they belonged to.
I have been asked by many to run. I would appreciate your support, whether by endorsement for 2020 or campaign contribution.
That was the reason I ran for office when my State Representative, Ron Bigelow, stepped down to help the Governor at the end of 2010, and it is still so today.
It was one of the reasons I was awarded the Libertas 2016 Defenders of Liberty Award.
The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax Referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.
For 2015 and 2016, I was given a 100% rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association for voting against tax increases and looking out for the taxpayers. I also received a Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 Business Champion award for working to help Utah businesses grow. I worked hard to make sure the legislature didn’t ignore the idea of replacing the prison in Draper, which I believed would have saved over $100 Million, which has since been shown to be true.
I had the opportunity to serve in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. During that time I had a reputation of being willing to speak up and to fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition.
I also had the reputation of reading though all of the bills I would vote on, and after the 2016 session a comedy song joked that I might have known other legislators' bills better than they did. During my service, I had one of the best floor attendance records of anyone in the House, with the exception of one rare House Judiciary Standing Committee meeting called during floor time where I missed 12 votes in 2015. They were the only ones I missed that year. I wanted to be in the chamber during debates and voting so I could hear both sides of an issue and see if a bill was ready, or needed to be amended or voted down. "Motion to Amend" was something I said more than once. I always voted for or against the bill no matter who the sponsor was or what party they belonged to.
I have been asked by many to run. I would appreciate your support, whether by endorsement for 2020 or campaign contribution.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Keep the Electoral College.
The US Constitution provided for a balance between small population
states and large ones. This is one of the reasons for the Senate having 2
per state and the House being divided
based on population.
The current US Presidential Electoral System keeps part of that concept so that voters in California, New York, and a few others do not decide who is elected, ignoring the rest of the country.
The current US Presidential Electoral System keeps part of that concept so that voters in California, New York, and a few others do not decide who is elected, ignoring the rest of the country.
The original system was designed so that the electors nominated two
candidates, one not from their state, and unless there was a candidate
nominated by the majority of electors, the voting for president out of
the top 5 nominees was done by the US House of Representatives, one vote
per state. If two candidates received a majority of electors, the House
would decide between just the two. Basically, the loser of the top two
became the Vice President, who would take over if something happened to
the President. The elector college system protected every state from
being ignored.
By 1796 and 1800, partly due to political party influence, and because the public didn't want the US House to decide the election a movement to change happened and under the 12th amendment this was changed. One reason was to make sure the President and the Vice President could run together.
Under the current system, Utah having 6 votes instead of 4 gives us a slight edge over population. Utah has decided to have a winner take all system. If Utah were to split our vote, it would carry less weight in the national election.
While the current system doesn't work as originally intended, there is still some balance favoring smaller states, just barely enough to encourage candidates to campaign throughout most of the country. If the National Popular Vote Compact were to succeed, I believe that would be eliminated and I also believe the cities with the most population would be the locations where campaigning would occur, making the situation of ignoring parts of the country even worse.
Keep the Electoral College.
By 1796 and 1800, partly due to political party influence, and because the public didn't want the US House to decide the election a movement to change happened and under the 12th amendment this was changed. One reason was to make sure the President and the Vice President could run together.
Under the current system, Utah having 6 votes instead of 4 gives us a slight edge over population. Utah has decided to have a winner take all system. If Utah were to split our vote, it would carry less weight in the national election.
While the current system doesn't work as originally intended, there is still some balance favoring smaller states, just barely enough to encourage candidates to campaign throughout most of the country. If the National Popular Vote Compact were to succeed, I believe that would be eliminated and I also believe the cities with the most population would be the locations where campaigning would occur, making the situation of ignoring parts of the country even worse.
Keep the Electoral College.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Chris Herrod is the best candidate for Utah Congressional District 3
I wore Chris Herrod and Deidre Henderson stickers at the special
Congressional District 3 GOP Convention and so I was thrilled one of
them won.
Chris Herrod supported Ted Crus for POTUS. He supports limiting Federal over reach and protecting our freedoms. He believes in the US Constitution and would support that over whoever is President of the US. He married someone from Ukraine and is not a fan of Russia as he lived under Soviet rule for a few years. He has been pro-legal immigration for years. His wife's family came from Muslim upbringing and he isn't prejudiced. I have a few friends that voted for Trump only because Hillary was such a bad candidate. I didn't vote for either.
Chris Herrod supported Ted Crus for POTUS. He supports limiting Federal over reach and protecting our freedoms. He believes in the US Constitution and would support that over whoever is President of the US. He married someone from Ukraine and is not a fan of Russia as he lived under Soviet rule for a few years. He has been pro-legal immigration for years. His wife's family came from Muslim upbringing and he isn't prejudiced. I have a few friends that voted for Trump only because Hillary was such a bad candidate. I didn't vote for either.
Chris Herrod is the best candidate running for Utah's Congressional
District 3 "vacancy". I served with Chris in the Utah Legislature in
2011 and 2012. He cares deeply for this county. He has my full support
and endorsement.
Remember that hundreds of thousands of voters came out to the 2016 caucus meetings including democrats. They elected the tens of thousands of delegates. Democrats picked their nominee using the delegate system. They have no primary. We get a couple of Buy My Ballot Spot candidates that could have just as easily gone straight to the general election if they didn't want to go though the caucus/convention system. That is costing us 3 months more not having 4 representatives in Congress. We could be voting among all candidates in August.
For more information for Chris Herrod, go to
http://herrodforcongress.com/
Remember that hundreds of thousands of voters came out to the 2016 caucus meetings including democrats. They elected the tens of thousands of delegates. Democrats picked their nominee using the delegate system. They have no primary. We get a couple of Buy My Ballot Spot candidates that could have just as easily gone straight to the general election if they didn't want to go though the caucus/convention system. That is costing us 3 months more not having 4 representatives in Congress. We could be voting among all candidates in August.
For more information for Chris Herrod, go to
http://herrodforcongress.com/
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Do Not Sign Our Schools Now
Do you support Our Schools Now?
No, What was originally a 20% income tax increase, and then reduced to 17.5%, is now a 10% income tax increase and a 10.6% sales tax increase.[update, they are now saying it is only a 9% income tax increase and a 9.6% sales tax increase]
A tax increase is not the answer, especially when there is
no limit generally to what is spent on Higher Education which can be spent by the
same Education Fund. While OSN places new limits for new money, it doesn't solve the underlying problem.
If the Legislature doesn't fund Higher Education to the level the Regents want, (and put some more back for K-12 Public Education), the Regents simply raise tuition and blame the legislature. That must change.
We also do not spend all the $4.84 Billion K-12 Public Education funds in the best way, with too much of it not getting directly to classroom teaching.
Read what the proposed bill says. How much local control do you want taken from a school? See the bottom of page 6.
If the Legislature doesn't fund Higher Education to the level the Regents want, (and put some more back for K-12 Public Education), the Regents simply raise tuition and blame the legislature. That must change.
We also do not spend all the $4.84 Billion K-12 Public Education funds in the best way, with too much of it not getting directly to classroom teaching.
Read what the proposed bill says. How much local control do you want taken from a school? See the bottom of page 6.
https://elections.utah.gov/election-resources/initiatives
See how much of our State Tax Money for K-12 Public Education is going where:
https://le.utah.gov/lfa/cobi/currentCobi/cobi.html?cobiID=8&tab=overviewTab
click on the uses and also see where it comes from.
Take a look at the $1.81 Higher Education Budget as well.
https://le.utah.gov/lfa/cobi/currentCobi/cobi.html?cobiID=6&tab=overviewTab
The proposed amended initiative has this at the bottom
Persons gathering signatures for the petition may be paid for doing so.
This initiative petition seeks to (a) increase the current state sales tax rate by .45 percent, resulting in a 9.6 percent increase in the current state sales tax rate, and (b) increase the current income tax rate by .45 percent, resulting in a 9 percent increase in the current tax rate.
See how much of our State Tax Money for K-12 Public Education is going where:
https://le.utah.gov/lfa/cobi/currentCobi/cobi.html?cobiID=8&tab=overviewTab
click on the uses and also see where it comes from.
Take a look at the $1.81 Higher Education Budget as well.
https://le.utah.gov/lfa/cobi/currentCobi/cobi.html?cobiID=6&tab=overviewTab
The proposed amended initiative has this at the bottom
Persons gathering signatures for the petition may be paid for doing so.
This initiative petition seeks to (a) increase the current state sales tax rate by .45 percent, resulting in a 9.6 percent increase in the current state sales tax rate, and (b) increase the current income tax rate by .45 percent, resulting in a 9 percent increase in the current tax rate.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Salt Lake County Homeless Shelter
I hope the Governor vetoes H.B. 441 Housing and Homeless Reform Initiative Amendments unless Mayor McAdams does what he
should have done in the first place: Contact all 17 cities and ask them
for the location of the "best" site, IF their city is chosen for the
men's only homeless shelter.
The 3 proposed locations in West Valley City are some of the worst places one could go. Mayor McAdams didn't even bother to involve West Valley City officials prior to the selection. West Valley City has tried to decrease homeless population along the Jordan River for years, and two of the proposed locations in the city are right there.
We have 17 cities in the County. We should have 17 locations on the short list and not 2 cities. The process shouldn't be NIMBY, but this has been mishandled.
[Update]
Feedback (tell the committee what you think of the process or location):
https://www.homelessfacilitysite.org/public-feedback/
Meetings (find out more and tell the committee what you think of the process or location):
[Update] New Open House Added:
Open House Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City
Tuesday, March 21 6-8 p.m.
Committee and members:
http://slco.org/homeless-services/collective-impact-steering-committee/
Homeless Resource Center:
https://www.homelessfacilitysite.org/homeless-resource-center/
Local city leaders brace for a homeless shelter they’re powerless to stop
http://www.sltrib.com/home/5031920-155/local-city-leaders-brace-for-a?fullpage=1
New shelter to be in West Valley or South Salt Lake —
cities already bearing plenty of state burdens, residents say
http://www.sltrib.com/news/5040923-155/new-shelter-to-be-in-west
Perhaps No City wants the shelter, but if all cities in the county were asked where one could go in their city, at least it wouldn't be located in the worst place it could go.
In the legislative standing committee meeting, Mayor McAdams said he would put forward 5 locations for public comment but that those locations were not the only options and other locations would be considered and perhaps selected.
Legislative hearings/debates/public meetings:
House Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Standing Committee March 6, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21529&meta_id=692530
House Floor Debate, March 6, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21553&meta_id=692394
Senate Floor Debate, March 8, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21566&meta_id=694427
Senate Floor Debate, March 8, 2017 (2)
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21566&meta_id=694464
Other audio and video is at:
http://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/HB0441.html
Update:
We need to come up with the best sites, as it is clear the Mayor's committee didn't. It can't be Not In Our Backyard, it needs to be why a site is not a good location or why it doesn't meet their own criteria and we need to come up with a better choice. It is clear anywhere in the County (except SLC) is still on the table for the 3rd location shelter, if a better location is found.
Three of the sites are near the Jordan River, which the county and city have tried to make a regional asset and move the homeless population away from that.
The 2411 Winston St. Location is near a trax location, but is almost one mile to the Rancho Markets grocery store. The site is also too close to the Jordan River and will send foot traffic though the oldest section of Chesterfield neighborhood which is not able to support that kind of burden.
The 2249 Winston Street location is a little further from the same trax location, further to the Rancho Markets grocery store, just as close to Jordan River, and is apt to put foot traffic though the newest section of Chesterfield neighborhood.
The 1820 Printers Row, location is almost a mile from a trax station to the south. That trax location is a little closer than the trax station to the east on Winston St. Foot traffic between the trax station south of Printers Row, on Redwood Road takes foot traffic past Rancho Markets and also Redwood Elementary School
Am I missing a closer Grocery Store to these locations? I am familiar with the Rancho Markets location on 2470 S Redwood Road at the Latino Mall as I did the drawings for the mall and addition for the store.
3091 Main Street is closer to the Millcreek Station trax than the Printers Row location is to one, and the Salt Lake China Town grocery Store is not too far from the path between them. Is there a closer grocery store location? (yes, I did the drawings for the gate, the east building, gift store and restaurant for this project).
1144 West 3300 South is right next to the Jordan River, in the location West Valley has been working to remove the tents, waste and trash near the city's cultural center. It might as well be in West Valley City as well. It appears to be the worst location of the 5. It is the furthest from a grocery store, as far as I know, the closest one is the Kim Long Market on Redwood and 3500 S.
It appears 3 of the 5 are too close to the Jordan River and Printers Row location is too close to Redwood Elementary. That leaves 3091 S. Main Street out of the 5. I hope they have some better locations show up this week.
The 3 proposed locations in West Valley City are some of the worst places one could go. Mayor McAdams didn't even bother to involve West Valley City officials prior to the selection. West Valley City has tried to decrease homeless population along the Jordan River for years, and two of the proposed locations in the city are right there.
We have 17 cities in the County. We should have 17 locations on the short list and not 2 cities. The process shouldn't be NIMBY, but this has been mishandled.
[Update]
Feedback (tell the committee what you think of the process or location):
https://www.homelessfacilitysite.org/public-feedback/
Meetings (find out more and tell the committee what you think of the process or location):
Open House Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City
Tuesday, March 21 6-8 p.m.
Committee and members:
http://slco.org/homeless-services/collective-impact-steering-committee/
Homeless Resource Center:
https://www.homelessfacilitysite.org/homeless-resource-center/
Local city leaders brace for a homeless shelter they’re powerless to stop
http://www.sltrib.com/home/5031920-155/local-city-leaders-brace-for-a?fullpage=1
New shelter to be in West Valley or South Salt Lake —
cities already bearing plenty of state burdens, residents say
http://www.sltrib.com/news/5040923-155/new-shelter-to-be-in-west
Perhaps No City wants the shelter, but if all cities in the county were asked where one could go in their city, at least it wouldn't be located in the worst place it could go.
In the legislative standing committee meeting, Mayor McAdams said he would put forward 5 locations for public comment but that those locations were not the only options and other locations would be considered and perhaps selected.
Legislative hearings/debates/public meetings:
House Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Standing Committee March 6, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21529&meta_id=692530
House Floor Debate, March 6, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21553&meta_id=692394
Senate Floor Debate, March 8, 2017
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21566&meta_id=694427
Senate Floor Debate, March 8, 2017 (2)
http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=21566&meta_id=694464
Other audio and video is at:
http://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/HB0441.html
Update:
We need to come up with the best sites, as it is clear the Mayor's committee didn't. It can't be Not In Our Backyard, it needs to be why a site is not a good location or why it doesn't meet their own criteria and we need to come up with a better choice. It is clear anywhere in the County (except SLC) is still on the table for the 3rd location shelter, if a better location is found.
Three of the sites are near the Jordan River, which the county and city have tried to make a regional asset and move the homeless population away from that.
The 2411 Winston St. Location is near a trax location, but is almost one mile to the Rancho Markets grocery store. The site is also too close to the Jordan River and will send foot traffic though the oldest section of Chesterfield neighborhood which is not able to support that kind of burden.
The 2249 Winston Street location is a little further from the same trax location, further to the Rancho Markets grocery store, just as close to Jordan River, and is apt to put foot traffic though the newest section of Chesterfield neighborhood.
The 1820 Printers Row, location is almost a mile from a trax station to the south. That trax location is a little closer than the trax station to the east on Winston St. Foot traffic between the trax station south of Printers Row, on Redwood Road takes foot traffic past Rancho Markets and also Redwood Elementary School
Am I missing a closer Grocery Store to these locations? I am familiar with the Rancho Markets location on 2470 S Redwood Road at the Latino Mall as I did the drawings for the mall and addition for the store.
3091 Main Street is closer to the Millcreek Station trax than the Printers Row location is to one, and the Salt Lake China Town grocery Store is not too far from the path between them. Is there a closer grocery store location? (yes, I did the drawings for the gate, the east building, gift store and restaurant for this project).
1144 West 3300 South is right next to the Jordan River, in the location West Valley has been working to remove the tents, waste and trash near the city's cultural center. It might as well be in West Valley City as well. It appears to be the worst location of the 5. It is the furthest from a grocery store, as far as I know, the closest one is the Kim Long Market on Redwood and 3500 S.
It appears 3 of the 5 are too close to the Jordan River and Printers Row location is too close to Redwood Elementary. That leaves 3091 S. Main Street out of the 5. I hope they have some better locations show up this week.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
My Journey to Endorsing Evan McMullin for the President of the United States
My Journey to Endorsing Evan McMullin
I typically vote Republican, but never straight ticket. Most of the time when I get to the bottom of the ballot, I have voted all R's, but sometimes there is a D in there. I have never considered seriously 3rd party or independents or write-ins, until this year, where I will be voting for all of those.
This year I started endorsing Carly Fiorina for POTUS. I met her and heard her speak in June of 2015 as was impressed. I went and heard Marco and Ted and when Carly dropped out and we were primarily left with three, I supported Ted. At least I knew he had read the Constitution and would follow it.
August 1, 2016, I was looking at Castle/Bradley as there was no way I was going to support Trump, who I believe to be a Putin wannabee and a dictator in chief. I felt like Hillary Clinton was not trustworthy either and I felt like she was corrupt and would make the country and the world worse.
Because of some past statements Gary Johnson had made on religious liberty, I was not going to go see Johnson/Weld, on August 6th, but then Gary Johnson wrote his op-ed to the Des. News. It was good enough for me to decide and go meet him and Weld on two events that Saturday. One with about 30 people. Gary made 2 statements that were important. He agreed with the win/win protections for religious freedom and anti-discrimination that the Utah Legislature passed in 2015. Having voted for those two bills, that was important to me. Johnson and Weld also said they would nominate SCOTUS justices that understand and would support the original intent of the Constitution to limit government and protect our rights. Both had been state governors and had executive experience. I picked up a yard sign for Johnson/Weld, but then it stayed in my car for 2 months.
Shortly afterwards my meeting with Johnson/Weld, I heard Evan McMullin had announced his run for POTUS and then got on the ballot in Utah and 10 other states, plus as a write-in for a couple of dozen more states and counting. I spent my time researching Evan. It took me until last week to get to meet Evan, and I was impressed. His yard sign was up in my yard within days.
I could live with any of these three POTUS/VP teams, but I have endorsed Evan McMullin.
I agree with him, about 87% of the time and he could do the job and I trust him to do a great job. He understands protecting this country and limiting government and protecting our rights. I was impressed when he finally picked Mindy Finn for VP. She is only 35 years old, but is very smart, a mom with a husband and 2 kids from Texas and is very proud of her state and to be Jewish. We don't know if Evan wins if he will get Mindy as VP, as the choice may be from the top 2 from the US Senate. More information on Evan is at: https://www.evanmcmullin.com/
(Yes, that is a photo of me near the lower right hand corner with suit and the striped red tie.)
Can Evan McMullin win? Yes. Will Evan win? It depends on the voters. I challenge my friends to vote for either Castle/Bradley, Johnson/Weld, or Evan McMullin.
I would be ecstatic if no state electoral votes went to Hillary or Trump. I reject the notion that we have to chose between these two corrupt and power hungry candidates.
Don't vote for either Hillary or Trump.
For more info re: the Electoral College, designed to protect the smaller population states from the larger population states or cities, see:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2016/09/so-with-potus-is-there-really-just-two.html
I typically vote Republican, but never straight ticket. Most of the time when I get to the bottom of the ballot, I have voted all R's, but sometimes there is a D in there. I have never considered seriously 3rd party or independents or write-ins, until this year, where I will be voting for all of those.
This year I started endorsing Carly Fiorina for POTUS. I met her and heard her speak in June of 2015 as was impressed. I went and heard Marco and Ted and when Carly dropped out and we were primarily left with three, I supported Ted. At least I knew he had read the Constitution and would follow it.
August 1, 2016, I was looking at Castle/Bradley as there was no way I was going to support Trump, who I believe to be a Putin wannabee and a dictator in chief. I felt like Hillary Clinton was not trustworthy either and I felt like she was corrupt and would make the country and the world worse.
Because of some past statements Gary Johnson had made on religious liberty, I was not going to go see Johnson/Weld, on August 6th, but then Gary Johnson wrote his op-ed to the Des. News. It was good enough for me to decide and go meet him and Weld on two events that Saturday. One with about 30 people. Gary made 2 statements that were important. He agreed with the win/win protections for religious freedom and anti-discrimination that the Utah Legislature passed in 2015. Having voted for those two bills, that was important to me. Johnson and Weld also said they would nominate SCOTUS justices that understand and would support the original intent of the Constitution to limit government and protect our rights. Both had been state governors and had executive experience. I picked up a yard sign for Johnson/Weld, but then it stayed in my car for 2 months.
Shortly afterwards my meeting with Johnson/Weld, I heard Evan McMullin had announced his run for POTUS and then got on the ballot in Utah and 10 other states, plus as a write-in for a couple of dozen more states and counting. I spent my time researching Evan. It took me until last week to get to meet Evan, and I was impressed. His yard sign was up in my yard within days.
I could live with any of these three POTUS/VP teams, but I have endorsed Evan McMullin.
I agree with him, about 87% of the time and he could do the job and I trust him to do a great job. He understands protecting this country and limiting government and protecting our rights. I was impressed when he finally picked Mindy Finn for VP. She is only 35 years old, but is very smart, a mom with a husband and 2 kids from Texas and is very proud of her state and to be Jewish. We don't know if Evan wins if he will get Mindy as VP, as the choice may be from the top 2 from the US Senate. More information on Evan is at: https://www.evanmcmullin.com/
(Yes, that is a photo of me near the lower right hand corner with suit and the striped red tie.)
Can Evan McMullin win? Yes. Will Evan win? It depends on the voters. I challenge my friends to vote for either Castle/Bradley, Johnson/Weld, or Evan McMullin.
I would be ecstatic if no state electoral votes went to Hillary or Trump. I reject the notion that we have to chose between these two corrupt and power hungry candidates.
Don't vote for either Hillary or Trump.
For more info re: the Electoral College, designed to protect the smaller population states from the larger population states or cities, see:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2016/09/so-with-potus-is-there-really-just-two.html
Monday, October 10, 2016
For those looking for another choice besides Hillary or Trump for POTUS
For those looking for another choice besides Hillary or Trump
This link lists 25 choices for President of the US that have filed with the
Utah Lt. Gov., 10 on the ballot and 15 write-ins:
https://elections.utah.gov/election-resources/2016-candidate-filings#Federal
For those in different states or wanting to know what candidates are on multiple states, see the following links:
Evan McMullin:
https://www.evanmcmullin.com/34_states_and_counting
I have read that California for a write-in has be added and I am looking to confirm that. The campaign made this statement: "By the time Election Day rolls around, voters in somewhere between forty and forty-five states will be able to vote for Evan."
Johnson/Weld
https://www.lp.org/2016-presidential-ballot-access-map
Castle/Bradley:
https://www.constitutionparty.com/get-involved/election-central/ballot-access/
Stein/Baraka
http://www.jill2016.com/ballot_access
After looking very seriously at Castle/Bradley and Johnson/Weld, I picked McMullin/Finn
This link lists 25 choices for President of the US that have filed with the
Utah Lt. Gov., 10 on the ballot and 15 write-ins:
https://elections.utah.gov/election-resources/2016-candidate-filings#Federal
For those in different states or wanting to know what candidates are on multiple states, see the following links:
Evan McMullin:
https://www.evanmcmullin.com/34_states_and_counting
I have read that California for a write-in has be added and I am looking to confirm that. The campaign made this statement: "By the time Election Day rolls around, voters in somewhere between forty and forty-five states will be able to vote for Evan."
Johnson/Weld
https://www.lp.org/2016-presidential-ballot-access-map
Castle/Bradley:
https://www.constitutionparty.com/get-involved/election-central/ballot-access/
Stein/Baraka
http://www.jill2016.com/ballot_access
After looking very seriously at Castle/Bradley and Johnson/Weld, I picked McMullin/Finn
Monday, June 27, 2016
If Gov Gary Herbert wins tomorrow - will he run in 4 more years
I saw someone yesterday post that they thought there was a limit to
the number of terms Gary Herbert could run. There isn't.
I have heard some that are voting for Gov. Herbert because he may not run in 4 years and they can get someone more moderate or more conservative elected in 2020. That is faulty reasoning.
Robert Gehrke wrote is this in 2014: "In 1994, a group gathered enough signatures to put an initiative on the ballot to impose term limits on elected officials. The Legislature responded by passing legislation, which Leavitt signed into law, imposing term limits. The ballot measure, made moot by the legislation, failed that November."
"Then, in 2003, before the term limits took effect, Bramble sponsored legislation, also signed by Leavitt, repealing term limits."
I have heard some that are voting for Gov. Herbert because he may not run in 4 years and they can get someone more moderate or more conservative elected in 2020. That is faulty reasoning.
Robert Gehrke wrote is this in 2014: "In 1994, a group gathered enough signatures to put an initiative on the ballot to impose term limits on elected officials. The Legislature responded by passing legislation, which Leavitt signed into law, imposing term limits. The ballot measure, made moot by the legislation, failed that November."
"Then, in 2003, before the term limits took effect, Bramble sponsored legislation, also signed by Leavitt, repealing term limits."
Sunday, January 31, 2016
2016 HB 121 Building Code Amendments and HB 125 Fire Code Amendments
As
an architect, I have dealt with grassroots national standards and have
done so for 35 years, including before I was an architect. There are 350
ICC (International Code Council) chapters around the country and also in other countries. Members
include building officials, contractors, architects, engineers, and others. The ICC is truly
grassroots. Using experiences, good and bad around the country, they produce our model building codes, including mechanical codes, etc.
Utah also has a Utah Uniform Building Code Commission that proposes amendments to the model codes for Utah. Each year they bring amendments to the building and fire codes that make sense for Utah. They don't always agree, but bring to the legislature their best compromise. The amended model codes are adopted every 3 years and for those years the number of amendments increases. 2016 is a critical year, as most codes change this year, especially since the legislature failed to adopt the amended 2014 electrical code in 2015.
2016 HB0121 Building Code Amendments
2016 HB0125 Fire Code Amendments
are their recommendations along with the Utah Fire Prevention Board.
It is my proposal again this year that their recommendations be treated like a base budget bill and passed. Any other proposed amendments be treated like a supplemental budget bill, where those changes can be fought over separately.
Prior to 2010, the board adopted the codes though DOPL. Since then, the legislature has adopted the changes as bills. Part of their recommendations were not adopted in 2011 and 2012. In 2015, their entire recommendations didn't pass because of time. This was not because they didn't submit their recommendations in October or November prior to the session, but because we were still trying to change not only their recommendations but the code adoption cycle, something they don't agree with.
Many of these groups reluctantly agreed last year, as they felt they were over a barrel. This year, almost all of those groups are not supporting the code adoption cycle change or any bill that didn't go through their very public and detailed process.
2016 HB 121 and HB 125 are supported by building officials, counties, cities, architects, engineers, clean air and energy groups, school boards, and the Association of Special Districts.
The clean are groups are supporting these bills because buildings are a very large source of energy use and pollution in the state. While those groups didn't get everything they wanted in the submitted compromise, they are supportive of it and believe it will make a big difference. There is a separate bill dealing with improving the clean air of water heaters. It is worth having a separate supplemental policy discussion about.
The Governor appointed members include: See below and http://www.dopl.utah.gov/programs/ubc/
Uniform Building Code Commission
Patrick J. Tomasino, Facilities Construction & Management,
Casey T. Vorwaller, Fire Official
Alex Butwinski, Utah League of Cities and Towns / Utah Assoc. of Counties Rep.
Justin D. Naser, Professional Engineer
Ron McArthur, General Contractor
Kevin Emerson, Public Member
Vacant, Plumbing Contractor
Bryant F Pankratz, Public Member
Richard E. Butz, Building Official
Christopher D. Jensen, Architect
Chris Joyal, Electrical Contractor
UBCC also has subcommittees which include:
UBCC Architectural Advisory Committee
Gary R. Payne, Building OfficialVacant, Residential/Small Commercial Contractor
Scott Marsell, Building Official
Jerry L Jensen, Architect
David W. Triplett, Architect
Kenney P. Nichols, Architect
James Sullivan, Residentail/Small Commercial Contractor
UBCC Mechanical Advisory Committee
Tyler G. Lewis, Utility Company
Roger L. Hamlet, Mechanical Engineer
David A. Wilson, Utah Energy Office
Trent Hunt, Mechanical Engineer
Brent C. Ursenbach, Building Inspector
Dennis L. Thatcher, Building Official
Davud Halverson, Mechanical Contractor
UBCC Electrical Advisory Committee
Rhett Butler, Commercial Electrical Contractor
John S Brunt, Architect
Jason C Van Ausdal, Residential Electrical Bldg Inspector
Joseph Wayne Taft, Professional Engineer - Electrical
Steve Woodman, Licensed Electrician - Instruction
Christopher M. Jensen, Licensed Commercial Electrical Building
David E. Winger, Residential Electrical Contractor
Chris Joyal UBC Commission Liaison
UBCC Plumbing Advisory Committee
Robert C. Patterson, Plumber
Nelson Hooton, Building Inspector
Linda G. Ebert, City / County / State Agency
Jeffrey H. Park, Plumber
Nathan Lunstad, Dept of Environmental Quality
Andrea Gamble, City / County Health Dept.
Jody L. Hilton, Building Inspector
Vacant, Professional Engineer
Vacant, Professional Engineer
UBCC Structural Advisory Committee
Mark Urry, Building Official
Jerry B. Thompson, Building Inspector
Michael D. Buehner, Professional Engineer
Vacant, Home Builders Assn
Jerel Newman, Professional Engineer
Peter W. McDonough, Professional Engineer
Jeremy L. Achter, Professional Engineer
UBCC Fire Protection Advisory Committee/Unified Code Analysis Council
Jeffrey Darr, Contractor - Fire Suppression
Casey T. Vorwaller, Uniformed Building Code Commission Liaison
Paul E. Bauer, Building Inspector
James M. Williams, Architect
Thomas W. Peters, Building Inspector
Vacant, Contractor-Fire Suppression
UBCC Education Advisory Committee
John A. Chase, Electrical Building Inspector
Craig C. Browne, General Bldg. Insp.
Patrick J. Tomsino, Mech. Bldg. Insp.
Kathy LeMay, Plumbing Bldg. Insp.
Jim Thomas, Electrical Contractor
Jennifer A. Saunders, Educator
Rob Allen, Mech/Plumbing Contractor
Kevin C. Phillips, Architect or Prof. Engineer
Shane Honey, Factory Housing
Richard E. Butz, UBC Commission Liaison
The Utah Fire Protection Board is appointed by the Governor and currently includes members from the following groups:
Utah also has a Utah Uniform Building Code Commission that proposes amendments to the model codes for Utah. Each year they bring amendments to the building and fire codes that make sense for Utah. They don't always agree, but bring to the legislature their best compromise. The amended model codes are adopted every 3 years and for those years the number of amendments increases. 2016 is a critical year, as most codes change this year, especially since the legislature failed to adopt the amended 2014 electrical code in 2015.
2016 HB0121 Building Code Amendments
2016 HB0125 Fire Code Amendments
are their recommendations along with the Utah Fire Prevention Board.
It is my proposal again this year that their recommendations be treated like a base budget bill and passed. Any other proposed amendments be treated like a supplemental budget bill, where those changes can be fought over separately.
Prior to 2010, the board adopted the codes though DOPL. Since then, the legislature has adopted the changes as bills. Part of their recommendations were not adopted in 2011 and 2012. In 2015, their entire recommendations didn't pass because of time. This was not because they didn't submit their recommendations in October or November prior to the session, but because we were still trying to change not only their recommendations but the code adoption cycle, something they don't agree with.
Many of these groups reluctantly agreed last year, as they felt they were over a barrel. This year, almost all of those groups are not supporting the code adoption cycle change or any bill that didn't go through their very public and detailed process.
2016 HB 121 and HB 125 are supported by building officials, counties, cities, architects, engineers, clean air and energy groups, school boards, and the Association of Special Districts.
The clean are groups are supporting these bills because buildings are a very large source of energy use and pollution in the state. While those groups didn't get everything they wanted in the submitted compromise, they are supportive of it and believe it will make a big difference. There is a separate bill dealing with improving the clean air of water heaters. It is worth having a separate supplemental policy discussion about.
The Governor appointed members include: See below and http://www.dopl.utah.gov/programs/ubc/
Uniform Building Code Commission
Patrick J. Tomasino, Facilities Construction & Management,
Casey T. Vorwaller, Fire Official
Alex Butwinski, Utah League of Cities and Towns / Utah Assoc. of Counties Rep.
Justin D. Naser, Professional Engineer
Ron McArthur, General Contractor
Kevin Emerson, Public Member
Vacant, Plumbing Contractor
Bryant F Pankratz, Public Member
Richard E. Butz, Building Official
Christopher D. Jensen, Architect
Chris Joyal, Electrical Contractor
UBCC also has subcommittees which include:
UBCC Architectural Advisory Committee
Gary R. Payne, Building OfficialVacant, Residential/Small Commercial Contractor
Scott Marsell, Building Official
Jerry L Jensen, Architect
David W. Triplett, Architect
Kenney P. Nichols, Architect
James Sullivan, Residentail/Small Commercial Contractor
UBCC Mechanical Advisory Committee
Tyler G. Lewis, Utility Company
Roger L. Hamlet, Mechanical Engineer
David A. Wilson, Utah Energy Office
Trent Hunt, Mechanical Engineer
Brent C. Ursenbach, Building Inspector
Dennis L. Thatcher, Building Official
Davud Halverson, Mechanical Contractor
UBCC Electrical Advisory Committee
Rhett Butler, Commercial Electrical Contractor
John S Brunt, Architect
Jason C Van Ausdal, Residential Electrical Bldg Inspector
Joseph Wayne Taft, Professional Engineer - Electrical
Steve Woodman, Licensed Electrician - Instruction
Christopher M. Jensen, Licensed Commercial Electrical Building
David E. Winger, Residential Electrical Contractor
Chris Joyal UBC Commission Liaison
UBCC Plumbing Advisory Committee
Robert C. Patterson, Plumber
Nelson Hooton, Building Inspector
Linda G. Ebert, City / County / State Agency
Jeffrey H. Park, Plumber
Nathan Lunstad, Dept of Environmental Quality
Andrea Gamble, City / County Health Dept.
Jody L. Hilton, Building Inspector
Vacant, Professional Engineer
Vacant, Professional Engineer
UBCC Structural Advisory Committee
Mark Urry, Building Official
Jerry B. Thompson, Building Inspector
Michael D. Buehner, Professional Engineer
Vacant, Home Builders Assn
Jerel Newman, Professional Engineer
Peter W. McDonough, Professional Engineer
Jeremy L. Achter, Professional Engineer
UBCC Fire Protection Advisory Committee/Unified Code Analysis Council
Jeffrey Darr, Contractor - Fire Suppression
Casey T. Vorwaller, Uniformed Building Code Commission Liaison
Paul E. Bauer, Building Inspector
James M. Williams, Architect
Thomas W. Peters, Building Inspector
Vacant, Contractor-Fire Suppression
UBCC Education Advisory Committee
John A. Chase, Electrical Building Inspector
Craig C. Browne, General Bldg. Insp.
Patrick J. Tomsino, Mech. Bldg. Insp.
Kathy LeMay, Plumbing Bldg. Insp.
Jim Thomas, Electrical Contractor
Jennifer A. Saunders, Educator
Rob Allen, Mech/Plumbing Contractor
Kevin C. Phillips, Architect or Prof. Engineer
Shane Honey, Factory Housing
Richard E. Butz, UBC Commission Liaison
The Utah Fire Protection Board is appointed by the Governor and currently includes members from the following groups:
- Building official
- Citizen appointed at large
- City or county official
- Fire Marshal’s Association of Utah
- Licensed architect
- Licensed engineer
- Member of the State Firemen’s Association
- State Fire Chief’s Association
- State Forester
- State Labor Commissioner
Monday, November 30, 2015
Elections and March 22
This has two responses I sent out Nov. 23, 2015 re: the questions about elections for 2016:
_____________
When you stick a knife into a well crafted sweater, it starts to unravel. (Whether or not you liked the sweater, isn't the point).
There are several other issues.
See Robert Gerhke for a few of them.
http://www.sltrib.com/home/3219561-155/herbert-wishes-he-wouldve-vetoed-sb54
In my opinion, several decisions the Lt. Gov. has issued this week based on the advice of the AG (office) are in direct conflict with the judge's judgement, and statements from the AG in court.
Below is based on my understanding.
First, IF a QPP must allow all 3 options (Caucus/Convention, Signature, or both) that doesn't match Fact 14 from the judgement based on #12 from the state AG.
Second, It also doesn't match the ruling that the constitution party can be a QPP as they can't do the signatures as the law currently reads with the judgment and the signature route was only declared constitutional if the unaffiliated were not allowed per the judgement if they didn't want them.
Third, based on the ruling, it is the opinion of the Lt. Gov. that the Democratic party can't have the unaffiliated as part of a primary. That violates the idea that the party gets to choose.
[The judge came back and said the ruling only effected the GOP and Constitution Parties. That raises another question. ]
Fourth, the judge made it clear that the GOP could determine membership and based on the judges judgement and list of facts, the GOP can be a QPP.
Fifth, as stated above, the QPP signature gathering numbers restrict signature gathering by some parties in some or all areas/races.
It is true that James Evans said this last week that the party wouldn't have any issue if someone gathered signatures for grassroots or other reasons, they just couldn't get on the ballot with them, they had to follow the convention threshold requirements to get on the ballot. We already have a congressional member/candidate that has announced he isn't doing signatures and he isn't alone.
If the QPP sweater has unraveled enough that only a RPP is allowed, there are other constitutional issues that were not covered before because a party had a choice between and QPP and RPP. At least one of those items left a former Utah Supreme Court justice to say during the race to replace the former AG that it raised a strong constitution concern based on the US Constitution. Many of the flaws of the RPP/CMV option were fixed with 2015 SB 207 this year, but not all.
The bill I had drafted for 2015 that ran in both the house and senate and went to standing committees and passed a senate committee delaying implementation of a signature requirement for a QPP until 2018 wasn't "ripe" yet. It didn't pass last session. Perhaps it is time now.
Fred
PS, this is what I sent to my school district contact and the state school district contact. I thought you should know. it deals with March 22.
__________________
Count My Vote's (CMV's) biggest complaint at their press conference was the doctor or police or firefighter or parent with sick kids not being able to come to their neighborhood caucus night. The SCC passed the same day ballot system to help with that.
While the Utah GOP meetings had well in excess of 115,000 attendees in 2012, it is likely that the attendance in 2016 will exceed that. It should. So should the Democratic party attendees which is likely to also exceed tens of thousands.
The fact is that our POTUS is nominated by national delegates elected by state delegates as it was in 2008, 2012 and will be in 2016. CMV did do nothing to change that, and the 2014 SB 54 as fixed by 2015 SB 207 did not effect the US President races re: the delegate system.
In Utah, the first round of voting, the delegates votes are bound, the other rounds they are not. In the past the first round vote was decided by the June Primary. It is too late for the parties this year and so the decision was made by the parties to decide their nominee in March at or around their neighborhood caucus meeting. The GOP typically has a winner take all system for their delegates. Not so this year if the top votegetter doesn't get a majority. The GOP will have some online POTUS preference voting available, but the precinct leaders and delegates will be chosen that night.
It is my opinion, any school concert, sports event or fencing class on March 22 2016 is a disservice to the citizens of this state, nation and world, as that will be where we really decide who our POTUS will be.
Not only will the state delegates that pick the national delegates be voted on, but the POTUS nominee preference vote will be that night as well. There will likely be a push from POTUS candidates to get their base to the neighborhood caucus night on March 22nd.
On Saturday, at the GOP State central committee the two districts that were mentioned to complain to the Governor about was [...]. It has been known since last March 2015 that the POTUS nomination would not be decided in June but in March. The 22nd. (some online voting for the POTUS nomination will occur)
In the case of Salt Lake County GOP, the Vice Chair of the party also provided the specific request for the schools on March 22 within the first week of school this year. As far as I know, none of the High Schools came back as available. That is rubbish. There shouldn't be anything else happening that night. I worked hard to get both of the major parties on the same day.
I will bring this up on Dec. 7th at the state school district meeting. It is my hope that this is solved this week and we don't have to wait until then.
We still are getting some districts around the state that are reportedly taking advantage of the parties, according to state law, re: the cost and availability of getting the schools for the neighborhood caucus night.
Several legislators have been contacted to open bill files to amend the law to be more clear. The Governor is on board to talk to the state school board. Depending on what the districts do the next couple of weeks, that may not be required.
Since much of the budget for the 2016 session will be decided by Dec. 16 of this year, if the schools want part of the $3 Million of savings we have for not having a special US presidential election, to help with the funding of the neighborhood caucus night, they would have to show they were actually helping instead of hurting. The schools promote that they are community centers. They should act like it.
Fred C. Cox
House 30
West Valley City, UT 84120
_____________
When you stick a knife into a well crafted sweater, it starts to unravel. (Whether or not you liked the sweater, isn't the point).
There are several other issues.
See Robert Gerhke for a few of them.
http://www.sltrib.com/home/3219561-155/herbert-wishes-he-wouldve-vetoed-sb54
In my opinion, several decisions the Lt. Gov. has issued this week based on the advice of the AG (office) are in direct conflict with the judge's judgement, and statements from the AG in court.
Below is based on my understanding.
First, IF a QPP must allow all 3 options (Caucus/Convention, Signature, or both) that doesn't match Fact 14 from the judgement based on #12 from the state AG.
Second, It also doesn't match the ruling that the constitution party can be a QPP as they can't do the signatures as the law currently reads with the judgment and the signature route was only declared constitutional if the unaffiliated were not allowed per the judgement if they didn't want them.
Third, based on the ruling, it is the opinion of the Lt. Gov. that the Democratic party can't have the unaffiliated as part of a primary. That violates the idea that the party gets to choose.
[The judge came back and said the ruling only effected the GOP and Constitution Parties. That raises another question. ]
Fourth, the judge made it clear that the GOP could determine membership and based on the judges judgement and list of facts, the GOP can be a QPP.
Fifth, as stated above, the QPP signature gathering numbers restrict signature gathering by some parties in some or all areas/races.
It is true that James Evans said this last week that the party wouldn't have any issue if someone gathered signatures for grassroots or other reasons, they just couldn't get on the ballot with them, they had to follow the convention threshold requirements to get on the ballot. We already have a congressional member/candidate that has announced he isn't doing signatures and he isn't alone.
If the QPP sweater has unraveled enough that only a RPP is allowed, there are other constitutional issues that were not covered before because a party had a choice between and QPP and RPP. At least one of those items left a former Utah Supreme Court justice to say during the race to replace the former AG that it raised a strong constitution concern based on the US Constitution. Many of the flaws of the RPP/CMV option were fixed with 2015 SB 207 this year, but not all.
The bill I had drafted for 2015 that ran in both the house and senate and went to standing committees and passed a senate committee delaying implementation of a signature requirement for a QPP until 2018 wasn't "ripe" yet. It didn't pass last session. Perhaps it is time now.
Fred
PS, this is what I sent to my school district contact and the state school district contact. I thought you should know. it deals with March 22.
__________________
Count My Vote's (CMV's) biggest complaint at their press conference was the doctor or police or firefighter or parent with sick kids not being able to come to their neighborhood caucus night. The SCC passed the same day ballot system to help with that.
While the Utah GOP meetings had well in excess of 115,000 attendees in 2012, it is likely that the attendance in 2016 will exceed that. It should. So should the Democratic party attendees which is likely to also exceed tens of thousands.
The fact is that our POTUS is nominated by national delegates elected by state delegates as it was in 2008, 2012 and will be in 2016. CMV did do nothing to change that, and the 2014 SB 54 as fixed by 2015 SB 207 did not effect the US President races re: the delegate system.
In Utah, the first round of voting, the delegates votes are bound, the other rounds they are not. In the past the first round vote was decided by the June Primary. It is too late for the parties this year and so the decision was made by the parties to decide their nominee in March at or around their neighborhood caucus meeting. The GOP typically has a winner take all system for their delegates. Not so this year if the top votegetter doesn't get a majority. The GOP will have some online POTUS preference voting available, but the precinct leaders and delegates will be chosen that night.
It is my opinion, any school concert, sports event or fencing class on March 22 2016 is a disservice to the citizens of this state, nation and world, as that will be where we really decide who our POTUS will be.
Not only will the state delegates that pick the national delegates be voted on, but the POTUS nominee preference vote will be that night as well. There will likely be a push from POTUS candidates to get their base to the neighborhood caucus night on March 22nd.
On Saturday, at the GOP State central committee the two districts that were mentioned to complain to the Governor about was [...]. It has been known since last March 2015 that the POTUS nomination would not be decided in June but in March. The 22nd. (some online voting for the POTUS nomination will occur)
In the case of Salt Lake County GOP, the Vice Chair of the party also provided the specific request for the schools on March 22 within the first week of school this year. As far as I know, none of the High Schools came back as available. That is rubbish. There shouldn't be anything else happening that night. I worked hard to get both of the major parties on the same day.
I will bring this up on Dec. 7th at the state school district meeting. It is my hope that this is solved this week and we don't have to wait until then.
We still are getting some districts around the state that are reportedly taking advantage of the parties, according to state law, re: the cost and availability of getting the schools for the neighborhood caucus night.
Several legislators have been contacted to open bill files to amend the law to be more clear. The Governor is on board to talk to the state school board. Depending on what the districts do the next couple of weeks, that may not be required.
Since much of the budget for the 2016 session will be decided by Dec. 16 of this year, if the schools want part of the $3 Million of savings we have for not having a special US presidential election, to help with the funding of the neighborhood caucus night, they would have to show they were actually helping instead of hurting. The schools promote that they are community centers. They should act like it.
Fred C. Cox
House 30
West Valley City, UT 84120
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Utah Access Plus Medicaid Expansion Proposal
[Update: Utah Access+ couldn't get enough votes to move forward.
Lets see, the Utah House GOP earlier this year was willing to invest $30 Million for Utah Cares, coupled with a 70/30 split would be $100 Million total to help the poor adults with health care. The kids are already eligible. That wasn't enough.
The Governor wanted Healthy Utah where the state would need $80 Million with the 90/10 split, but the $80 Million wasn't funded.
UtahAccess+ funds the $80 Million with the $30 Million from the state and $50 million from the health care providers, as new taxes and fees. What killed UtahAccess+, or likely did, was Greg Bell saying the Hospitals, who would make tens if not hundreds of millions a year on either Healthy Utah or Utah Access+, didn't want it if there was no cap other than the 6%.
They were willing to pay $25 Million total and if it was more, they weren't.
So, go back to Utah Cares, there are the votes and the funding for it. It covers those that can't make money because they need health care and more.
[Original Post]
Should Utah do something? Yes. The Federal Government, in the attempt to make sure everyone can have medical insurance has made it worse. What we should do re: Medicaid expansion is what we do in other areas where people need help.
We should provide short term aid and work to provide a long term solution. Prove caps on time and money. Do not take away individual responsibility. This isn't Medicare, something that everyone retiring has to deal with. This is Medicaid, something that was designed for those that can't afford other options. ObamaCare trying to make more people fall into that category isn't the answer.
Don't Expand Medicaid in Utah. Do care, Do provide short term aid and work to solve the long term solution.
The Utah Access+ bill isn't final, but what is being proposed at this time is covered in the following documents:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess1.pdf
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess2.pdf
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess3.pdf
A almost Draft Bill for Utah Access+ is at:
http://le.utah.gov/documents/medicaidExpansion.pdf
Earlier this year I voted for a proposal called Utah Cares. A copy of that bill is here:
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0446.html
The Cost to the State Taxpayers would eventually be approx. $30 Million per year.
We have people that can't work because they need health care and don't make enough money to qualify for help. Those are the ones we need to focus on and encourage people to make more money, not less.
The other main proposal was called Healthy Utah.
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/SB0164.html
The cost to the State Taxpayers for Healthy Utah would eventually be approx. $80 Million per year, would have no cap for budgeting, would cover people not in the "Coverage Gap", and would expand medicare to 138% of poverty level.
Currently on Medicaid or Chip, children are covered, as are adults with children under 50% are covered and approved disabled adults under 100%.
The largest healthcare coverage gap are for
adults that are not disabled under 100% of poverty and
adults with children between 50% and 100% of poverty. (The Children are covered)
Adults over 100% of poverty, but under 400% qualify for subsidy plans through ObamaCare.
The only reason to expand Medicaid to 138% is so the state will get a 90/10 Federal/State split on the cost of the expansion population medical costs vs the 70/30 Federal/State split we currently pay and will continue to pay for the non expansion population medical costs. The 90/10 Split would allow Utah to provide coverage for more people using more Federal dollars.
Healthy Utah crossed the 100% of poverty line and would have moved those between 100% and 138% to Medicaid. Utah Access+ does the same thing. The biggest difference is the cost.
Utah Access+ uses about $30 Million in State money, similar to Utah Cares, but adds approx. $50 Million in new taxes to the Medical field. Many of those with the new taxes would benefit from the new federal money but not all.
I oppose the new $50 Million in taxes. I oppose expanding Medicaid to 138% of poverty.
Federally, we can revise solve many of the healthcare problems without ObamaCare. Expanding Medicaid under ObamaCare is the wrong direction.
We can help people that can't work because they need health care and don't make enough money to qualify for help, without expanding Medicare. I am working to move the discussion back to Utah Cares and that focus. A step, not as big as some want, but a step none the less is the correct approach.
To take the stand that it is all or nothing that the Governor did with Healthy Utah and now Utah Access+ with the $50 Million in new taxes and fees is just wrong.
Lets see, the Utah House GOP earlier this year was willing to invest $30 Million for Utah Cares, coupled with a 70/30 split would be $100 Million total to help the poor adults with health care. The kids are already eligible. That wasn't enough.
The Governor wanted Healthy Utah where the state would need $80 Million with the 90/10 split, but the $80 Million wasn't funded.
UtahAccess+ funds the $80 Million with the $30 Million from the state and $50 million from the health care providers, as new taxes and fees. What killed UtahAccess+, or likely did, was Greg Bell saying the Hospitals, who would make tens if not hundreds of millions a year on either Healthy Utah or Utah Access+, didn't want it if there was no cap other than the 6%.
They were willing to pay $25 Million total and if it was more, they weren't.
So, go back to Utah Cares, there are the votes and the funding for it. It covers those that can't make money because they need health care and more.
[Original Post]
Should Utah do something? Yes. The Federal Government, in the attempt to make sure everyone can have medical insurance has made it worse. What we should do re: Medicaid expansion is what we do in other areas where people need help.
We should provide short term aid and work to provide a long term solution. Prove caps on time and money. Do not take away individual responsibility. This isn't Medicare, something that everyone retiring has to deal with. This is Medicaid, something that was designed for those that can't afford other options. ObamaCare trying to make more people fall into that category isn't the answer.
Don't Expand Medicaid in Utah. Do care, Do provide short term aid and work to solve the long term solution.
The Utah Access+ bill isn't final, but what is being proposed at this time is covered in the following documents:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess1.pdf
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess2.pdf
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/UtahAccess3.pdf
A almost Draft Bill for Utah Access+ is at:
http://le.utah.gov/documents/medicaidExpansion.pdf
Earlier this year I voted for a proposal called Utah Cares. A copy of that bill is here:
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0446.html
The Cost to the State Taxpayers would eventually be approx. $30 Million per year.
We have people that can't work because they need health care and don't make enough money to qualify for help. Those are the ones we need to focus on and encourage people to make more money, not less.
The other main proposal was called Healthy Utah.
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/SB0164.html
The cost to the State Taxpayers for Healthy Utah would eventually be approx. $80 Million per year, would have no cap for budgeting, would cover people not in the "Coverage Gap", and would expand medicare to 138% of poverty level.
Currently on Medicaid or Chip, children are covered, as are adults with children under 50% are covered and approved disabled adults under 100%.
The largest healthcare coverage gap are for
adults that are not disabled under 100% of poverty and
adults with children between 50% and 100% of poverty. (The Children are covered)
Adults over 100% of poverty, but under 400% qualify for subsidy plans through ObamaCare.
The only reason to expand Medicaid to 138% is so the state will get a 90/10 Federal/State split on the cost of the expansion population medical costs vs the 70/30 Federal/State split we currently pay and will continue to pay for the non expansion population medical costs. The 90/10 Split would allow Utah to provide coverage for more people using more Federal dollars.
Healthy Utah crossed the 100% of poverty line and would have moved those between 100% and 138% to Medicaid. Utah Access+ does the same thing. The biggest difference is the cost.
Utah Access+ uses about $30 Million in State money, similar to Utah Cares, but adds approx. $50 Million in new taxes to the Medical field. Many of those with the new taxes would benefit from the new federal money but not all.
I oppose the new $50 Million in taxes. I oppose expanding Medicaid to 138% of poverty.
Federally, we can revise solve many of the healthcare problems without ObamaCare. Expanding Medicaid under ObamaCare is the wrong direction.
We can help people that can't work because they need health care and don't make enough money to qualify for help, without expanding Medicare. I am working to move the discussion back to Utah Cares and that focus. A step, not as big as some want, but a step none the less is the correct approach.
To take the stand that it is all or nothing that the Governor did with Healthy Utah and now Utah Access+ with the $50 Million in new taxes and fees is just wrong.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Melvin Nimer Utah GOP Treasurer
Mel Nimer is someone I trust that has the knowledge, experience and
ideas to tackle keeping track of and protecting the Utah Republican Party funds.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
2015 HB 126 Design Professionals - Amendments
Typically Interior Designers and Architects fight over what each can do under state licensing laws. That is true all over the country. As an architect, I was surprised that both the interior designers and the architects wanted me to run the bill. I have a proposed compromise and I am working to be fair to both sides.
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0126.html
The interior Designers submitted their fee and licensing proposal this summer and the issue was covered in two committee meetings in September and October. The Occupational and Professional Licensure Review Committee. In September, a request from the committee was made to open a bill file, which was done, but the result created a lot of people showing up to support it and oppose it. I personally had major problems with the bill at that time.
Over the last several months, I have met with several members of those groups, including the Utah Building Code Commission, the Architectural Licensing Board, Utah AIA (American Institute of Architects), interior designers, etc.
This bill is very different than I thought it would be last April and May when I was first contacted about the idea by the interior designers.
The bill doesn't require most interior designers to be licensed and it doesn't create a new area of practice requiring a license.
What it does do, is allow specific interior designers, with specialized education, training, experience, certification and a license, to provide signed drawings limited in scope of work, with a DOPL licensing number for a building permit that currently requires an architect license. We are not talking about colors, etc. This would allow then to create building permit drawings for non-bearing walls, doors, etc.
It is literally creating competition for me as an architect. There are many drawings that can be created without a license and those exceptions are not eliminated. There are about 160 interior designers with a NCIDQ certification that this may help, and others that may work toward this.
Additional Information:
Does not require interior designers to obtain a license unless they want to work in some of the areas that currently require an architect’s license.
Interior Designers who desire to expand their scope of practice now have pathways to meet the standards of the state for the specified licensed space through a combination of education, experience and examination.
The expanded scope for a licensed interior designer is limited to specific types of interior spaces that already have the building exiting designed and does not involve changing beams, columns and bearing walls.
Increases the number and type of professionals that can compete for projects in this space.
One, Two, Three and Four Family Residential spaces remain unregulated. Interior designers practicing in these spaces are unaffected, and are able to continue to practice as usual.
The title of “interior designer” is not regulated
Stakeholders met together to create bi-partisan agreement on a non-mandatory licensing bill that enacts permitting authority within specific interior spaces by individuals who meet the life safety requirements of the space.
Designers working on project drawings for commercial spaces requiring a permit will have more than one option when seeking Building Permit Construction Drawings.
Additional details of the bill
Minimum design education accredited by CIDA, or equivalent Requirement for professional experience
National Council for Interior Design Qualification NCIDQ is the primary examination interior design licensing
A code of guidelines for professional practice and ethics is outlined
A requirement for continuing education included
Grandfathering with education, experience and examination criteria License/Signing privileges to substantiate documentation
NCIDQ requirements.
http://ncidqexam.cdn.bypronto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2013/12/ExamEligibilityRequirements.pdf
Or this document that is designed to combine these:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/2015HB126codeInfo.pdf
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/HB0126.html
The interior Designers submitted their fee and licensing proposal this summer and the issue was covered in two committee meetings in September and October. The Occupational and Professional Licensure Review Committee. In September, a request from the committee was made to open a bill file, which was done, but the result created a lot of people showing up to support it and oppose it. I personally had major problems with the bill at that time.
Over the last several months, I have met with several members of those groups, including the Utah Building Code Commission, the Architectural Licensing Board, Utah AIA (American Institute of Architects), interior designers, etc.
This bill is very different than I thought it would be last April and May when I was first contacted about the idea by the interior designers.
The bill doesn't require most interior designers to be licensed and it doesn't create a new area of practice requiring a license.
What it does do, is allow specific interior designers, with specialized education, training, experience, certification and a license, to provide signed drawings limited in scope of work, with a DOPL licensing number for a building permit that currently requires an architect license. We are not talking about colors, etc. This would allow then to create building permit drawings for non-bearing walls, doors, etc.
It is literally creating competition for me as an architect. There are many drawings that can be created without a license and those exceptions are not eliminated. There are about 160 interior designers with a NCIDQ certification that this may help, and others that may work toward this.
Additional Information:
Does not require interior designers to obtain a license unless they want to work in some of the areas that currently require an architect’s license.
Interior Designers who desire to expand their scope of practice now have pathways to meet the standards of the state for the specified licensed space through a combination of education, experience and examination.
The expanded scope for a licensed interior designer is limited to specific types of interior spaces that already have the building exiting designed and does not involve changing beams, columns and bearing walls.
Increases the number and type of professionals that can compete for projects in this space.
One, Two, Three and Four Family Residential spaces remain unregulated. Interior designers practicing in these spaces are unaffected, and are able to continue to practice as usual.
The title of “interior designer” is not regulated
Stakeholders met together to create bi-partisan agreement on a non-mandatory licensing bill that enacts permitting authority within specific interior spaces by individuals who meet the life safety requirements of the space.
Designers working on project drawings for commercial spaces requiring a permit will have more than one option when seeking Building Permit Construction Drawings.
Additional details of the bill
Minimum design education accredited by CIDA, or equivalent Requirement for professional experience
National Council for Interior Design Qualification NCIDQ is the primary examination interior design licensing
A code of guidelines for professional practice and ethics is outlined
A requirement for continuing education included
Grandfathering with education, experience and examination criteria License/Signing privileges to substantiate documentation
NCIDQ requirements.
http://ncidqexam.cdn.bypronto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2013/12/ExamEligibilityRequirements.pdf
See also for building code occupancies
with the
Utah State amendments from:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/2015HB126codeInfo.pdf
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Today is a great day for Utah
I have mixed emotions about today.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/58185969-78/arrested-shurtleff-swallow-john.html.csp
I am sad that John Swallow and Mark Shurtleff are in the situation they find themselves in.
You don't wish this on anyone. Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses.
Under our laws, someone is innocent until proven guilty.
I am glad for Utah today for several reasons.
One, that the Utah Legislature, the Lt. Governor and the team of the Salt Lake and Davis County District Attorneys, FBI, and Utah State Department of Public Safety, all felt like there was enough concern raised in the accusations, investigated and did not to sweep this under the rug.
Two, I believed, and still do, that the Utah House needed to investigate Mr. Swallow. I was even in the Majority Caucus Room when the House Republican Caucus met to decide if there was enough support to do this. There were less than a dozen seats remaining in the room for the press and public, and I made sure I was there. Based on their report, and the charges filed today, I believe that was the correct decision then and I believe filing the charges was today.
Past posts on this subject:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/02/could-john-swallow-be-impeached_22.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/07/random-thoughts-on-last-3-letters-to.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/08/swallow-in-200-words.html
I am a member of the Utah Republican State Center Committee and voted to recommend 3 nominees for the office of A.G. for the Governor.
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/11/utahs-attorney-general-is-not-utahs-top.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-meet-and-greet-with-attorney.html
I have personally met with the current A.G., Sean Reyes, and believe he would prosecute someone violating state laws, no matter how high up they are in government, or having fame or fortune.We are in good hands there.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/58185969-78/arrested-shurtleff-swallow-john.html.csp
I am sad that John Swallow and Mark Shurtleff are in the situation they find themselves in.
You don't wish this on anyone. Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses.
Under our laws, someone is innocent until proven guilty.
I am glad for Utah today for several reasons.
One, that the Utah Legislature, the Lt. Governor and the team of the Salt Lake and Davis County District Attorneys, FBI, and Utah State Department of Public Safety, all felt like there was enough concern raised in the accusations, investigated and did not to sweep this under the rug.
Two, I believed, and still do, that the Utah House needed to investigate Mr. Swallow. I was even in the Majority Caucus Room when the House Republican Caucus met to decide if there was enough support to do this. There were less than a dozen seats remaining in the room for the press and public, and I made sure I was there. Based on their report, and the charges filed today, I believe that was the correct decision then and I believe filing the charges was today.
Past posts on this subject:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/02/could-john-swallow-be-impeached_22.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/07/random-thoughts-on-last-3-letters-to.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/08/swallow-in-200-words.html
I am a member of the Utah Republican State Center Committee and voted to recommend 3 nominees for the office of A.G. for the Governor.
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/11/utahs-attorney-general-is-not-utahs-top.html
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-meet-and-greet-with-attorney.html
I have personally met with the current A.G., Sean Reyes, and believe he would prosecute someone violating state laws, no matter how high up they are in government, or having fame or fortune.We are in good hands there.
Friday, February 28, 2014
The count my vote bluff do not negotiate with pirates
Word is reaching that Count My Vote is willing to stop their petition. A negotiation with the Utah Legislature.
Count My Vote = Pirates?
From a year ago:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/03/fair-elections-in-utah.html
Why would Count My Vote now "cave" ? Several good reasons, they wanted the Utah Legislature to bail them out.
1. They never had a well written proposed law.
http://www.neighborhoodelection.org/flaws_in_count_my_vote_proposed_legislation
2. Their Legal brief was finally discovered to be a con.
http://www.countmyvoteutah.org/s/Constitutional-Memorandum-and-Letter-wso2.pdf
In a soon to be released counter brief it was discovered that Count My Vote / Buy My Vote based part of their argument on a minority opinion form the SCOTUS and not the majority opinion. It shows that the Legal Brief put out by Count My Vote to be as flawed as the proposed law. Not only is the conflicting sections in Count My Vote going to give a judge pause and kick it back to the Utah Legislature to fix, and the 2% system obviously not treating candidates from different parties equally, but the whole premise of Count My Vote being able to stand up to the courts is flawed.
3. 2014 SB 2014 passed the Senate.
4. Protect Our Neighborhood Elections files a complaint with the Lt. Governor's office re: Count My Vote asking for signatures, perhaps even all to be thrown out.
from
http://fox13now.com/2014/02/21/complaint-claims-count-my-vote-collected-signatures-in-violation-of-the-law/
The complaint outlines four accusations, which include the following:
1 – Only one of eight corporate donors for Count My Vote has filed the required financial disclosures with the Lt. Governor’s Office.
2 – Washington County School District member emailed Count My Vote materials from a school email account during school hours.
3 – Count My Vote signature collectors have, on documented occasions, verbally misrepresented the nature of initiative, going so far as to completely lie about it.
4 – Count My Vote petitions were allegedly left unattended in public places, which could have allowed anyone to sign without first having their identity verified.
What did Count My Vote do? They pulled in more money, this time from Sen. Orin Hatch, and they called in Mitt Romney, who likely was just acting at the request of Mike Leavitt.
It is in doubt that Mitt Romney is up to speed on the flaws of Count My Vote:
http://www.redstate.com/diary/fredccox/2013/11/07/perhaps-mitt-romney-should-be-blasting-count-my-vote-having-no-run-off/
Passed problems with 2014 SB 54
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2014/02/2014-sb-54-elections-amendments.html
Pirates or Just Cowards?
Count My Vote had their public hearings when the least number could come and even scheduled them during UEA and a Legislative Session.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56992046-90/count-vote-group-public.html.csp
"They have scheduled four of their seven public statewide meetings at noon during the week with two of those during a special session of the Legislature," said Fred Cox, a former state representative and opponent of the Count My Vote movement. "They also scheduled two of the required regional public meetings during UEA (Utah Education Association), so they don't seem to want the UEA teachers or their invited parents to attend."
Their Press Conference tomorrow is during the State GOP Central Committee meeting so that none of the GOP Party Leaders could be there.
Count My Vote: a Lexus lane to the ballot for the rich and famous. Always has been. With the proposed compromise it is just more obvious.
Fair Elections in Utah. It matters. You can remove your signature using this process:
http://www.neighborhoodelection.org/faq
Count My Vote = Pirates?
From a year ago:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/03/fair-elections-in-utah.html
Why would Count My Vote now "cave" ? Several good reasons, they wanted the Utah Legislature to bail them out.
1. They never had a well written proposed law.
http://www.neighborhoodelection.org/flaws_in_count_my_vote_proposed_legislation
2. Their Legal brief was finally discovered to be a con.
http://www.countmyvoteutah.org/s/Constitutional-Memorandum-and-Letter-wso2.pdf
In a soon to be released counter brief it was discovered that Count My Vote / Buy My Vote based part of their argument on a minority opinion form the SCOTUS and not the majority opinion. It shows that the Legal Brief put out by Count My Vote to be as flawed as the proposed law. Not only is the conflicting sections in Count My Vote going to give a judge pause and kick it back to the Utah Legislature to fix, and the 2% system obviously not treating candidates from different parties equally, but the whole premise of Count My Vote being able to stand up to the courts is flawed.
3. 2014 SB 2014 passed the Senate.
4. Protect Our Neighborhood Elections files a complaint with the Lt. Governor's office re: Count My Vote asking for signatures, perhaps even all to be thrown out.
from
http://fox13now.com/2014/02/21/complaint-claims-count-my-vote-collected-signatures-in-violation-of-the-law/
The complaint outlines four accusations, which include the following:
1 – Only one of eight corporate donors for Count My Vote has filed the required financial disclosures with the Lt. Governor’s Office.
2 – Washington County School District member emailed Count My Vote materials from a school email account during school hours.
3 – Count My Vote signature collectors have, on documented occasions, verbally misrepresented the nature of initiative, going so far as to completely lie about it.
4 – Count My Vote petitions were allegedly left unattended in public places, which could have allowed anyone to sign without first having their identity verified.
What did Count My Vote do? They pulled in more money, this time from Sen. Orin Hatch, and they called in Mitt Romney, who likely was just acting at the request of Mike Leavitt.
It is in doubt that Mitt Romney is up to speed on the flaws of Count My Vote:
http://www.redstate.com/diary/fredccox/2013/11/07/perhaps-mitt-romney-should-be-blasting-count-my-vote-having-no-run-off/
Passed problems with 2014 SB 54
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2014/02/2014-sb-54-elections-amendments.html
Pirates or Just Cowards?
Count My Vote had their public hearings when the least number could come and even scheduled them during UEA and a Legislative Session.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56992046-90/count-vote-group-public.html.csp
"They have scheduled four of their seven public statewide meetings at noon during the week with two of those during a special session of the Legislature," said Fred Cox, a former state representative and opponent of the Count My Vote movement. "They also scheduled two of the required regional public meetings during UEA (Utah Education Association), so they don't seem to want the UEA teachers or their invited parents to attend."
Their Press Conference tomorrow is during the State GOP Central Committee meeting so that none of the GOP Party Leaders could be there.
Count My Vote: a Lexus lane to the ballot for the rich and famous. Always has been. With the proposed compromise it is just more obvious.
Fair Elections in Utah. It matters. You can remove your signature using this process:
http://www.neighborhoodelection.org/faq
Monday, February 3, 2014
Fred Cox for Utah House Distirct 30
"I believe we must stand up and be
heard or watch our constitutionally protected rights disappear. As a
former member of the State House for 2011 and 2012, I have been heard,
standing up to protect your rights. That fight continues. "
Education Excellence, Clean Air and Water, States Rights and the Economy
Education Excellence
As a taxpayer and architect, I see the money spent on buildings and will continue to advocate for an improved balance between cost savings and quality to the process. I would hope we can reduce costs while still maintaining the quality.
Teachers often do not have the supplies they need, and in most cases deserve more pay for the critical work they do. Education Funding is too complex and funding doesn’t seem to make it to the classroom. We need to work to help make that better.
Education Excellence, Clean Air and Water, States Rights and the Economy
Education Excellence
As a taxpayer and architect, I see the money spent on buildings and will continue to advocate for an improved balance between cost savings and quality to the process. I would hope we can reduce costs while still maintaining the quality.
Teachers often do not have the supplies they need, and in most cases deserve more pay for the critical work they do. Education Funding is too complex and funding doesn’t seem to make it to the classroom. We need to work to help make that better.
Clean Air and Water
I was the Salt Lake Solar Day 2012, "Greenest Republican in the State" for sponsoring 2012 H.B. 262 Building Code Amendments, and continued working to adopt the current IECC (energy code for houses and buildings) during the 2013 session. That bill passed and the current code is expected to be effective July 1, 2014. The amount of energy use and pollution caused by buildings is critical. I also worked for over a year to increase flexibility and ability for property owners to capture and use storm / rain water. At the end of the 2013 session, that bill passed the House, 75 to 0, and was signed by the Governor.
I was the Salt Lake Solar Day 2012, "Greenest Republican in the State" for sponsoring 2012 H.B. 262 Building Code Amendments, and continued working to adopt the current IECC (energy code for houses and buildings) during the 2013 session. That bill passed and the current code is expected to be effective July 1, 2014. The amount of energy use and pollution caused by buildings is critical. I also worked for over a year to increase flexibility and ability for property owners to capture and use storm / rain water. At the end of the 2013 session, that bill passed the House, 75 to 0, and was signed by the Governor.
States Rights
The US Constitution specifically states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people". The US Government continues to trample on this and others of our constitutional protected rights. The government powers are not only separated in 3 branches, but between the Federal and the States. This is an area that is worth fighting for Utahns.
The US Constitution specifically states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people". The US Government continues to trample on this and others of our constitutional protected rights. The government powers are not only separated in 3 branches, but between the Federal and the States. This is an area that is worth fighting for Utahns.
Economy
Utah is the best fiscally managed state. Utah repeats this year as Forbes top 3 Best States for Business and Careers. We need to continue to improve. The Economy will grow when Government will allow it. In many cases Government is holding business growth back through too many regulations.
Utah is the best fiscally managed state. Utah repeats this year as Forbes top 3 Best States for Business and Careers. We need to continue to improve. The Economy will grow when Government will allow it. In many cases Government is holding business growth back through too many regulations.
Civility
We should play a role as responsible citizens in our communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
We should engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that others come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
Parties
I have no problem working with both parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democrat senator.
I was the only member
of the Legislature that sponsored a
bipartisan congressional redistricting map, co-sponsored by a member of
another
party.
I don't look at bills
as republican or democrat sponsored. I
vote on bills based on what the bill says and would do, and I have
spoken
against bills and spoken for bills based on the bill and not the
sponsor or
party.We should play a role as responsible citizens in our communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.
We should engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that others come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.
Parties
I have no problem working with both parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democrat senator.
Continuing Work
For the 2013 Session, I had prepared several bills. Due to the results of redistricting and the 2012 election I was able to transfer 4 bills to other legislators, and help to get those bills though both Houses and signed by the Governor. One bill was dropped when the state agency reversed their policy and it was no longer needed. A sixth bill was not needed when a similar bill was passed and signed into law.
During the last year I have actively fought to improve our current system of elections and to educate those that the proposed initiative is flawed and will favor incumbents, wealthy and famous and will not improve our elections. For more information on this subject see my other blog:
http://fairelectionsutah.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Problems with 2014 SB 100
The bill 2014 SB 100, has problems. This lists just a few of them. For more about my general attitude on this subject, see:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/support-for-traditional-marriage.html
re: 2014 SB 100:
Senator, I wish you had revised this more from last year. I think you are heading the correct direction generally, but still have some concerns you didn't address: (This has the same concerns from last year's 2013 SB 262 )
I don't like lines 499 to 529. The toilet room situation isn't helped by what is there. To delete those sections primarily, I suggest the following:
For purposes of discrimination, "Gender identity" means an individual's internal sense or belief of gender, without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.
For purposes of physical employment accommodation, "Gender identity" includes notification by an individual they have undergone or are undergoing physical gender transition.
Both Sexual orientation and Gender identity need to have the word belief or believed added. Some can argue if someone is gay or not, but they should allow the same treatment we require for differences of religious belief. I don't have to agree with another religion. I can still treat their practitioners with respect and not fire them because we disagree in that area.
For purposes of discrimination, "Sexual orientation" means an individual's actual, believed, or perceived orientation as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.
It should be 4 or more housing units with exceptions. That isn't clear.
Covered places of residential accommodation include 4 or more units, including 4 single family houses or a four-plex or larger, except owned by or operated by religious organizations, non-profit organizations, or an Affiliate.
It should be companies with 15 or more employees with exceptions.
Covered places of employment include 15 or more employees, except owned by or operated by religious organizations, non-profit organizations, or an Affiliate.
I am not sure Affiliate is the correct term.
It should allow exceptions for the Boy Scouts, BYU, Beehive Clothing, but not KSL TV or Deseret News.
New for this year is coordination with the fight to protect Utah Art. 1, Sec. 29.
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/support-for-traditional-marriage.html
re: 2014 SB 100:
Senator, I wish you had revised this more from last year. I think you are heading the correct direction generally, but still have some concerns you didn't address: (This has the same concerns from last year's 2013 SB 262 )
I don't like lines 499 to 529. The toilet room situation isn't helped by what is there. To delete those sections primarily, I suggest the following:
For purposes of discrimination, "Gender identity" means an individual's internal sense or belief of gender, without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.
For purposes of physical employment accommodation, "Gender identity" includes notification by an individual they have undergone or are undergoing physical gender transition.
Both Sexual orientation and Gender identity need to have the word belief or believed added. Some can argue if someone is gay or not, but they should allow the same treatment we require for differences of religious belief. I don't have to agree with another religion. I can still treat their practitioners with respect and not fire them because we disagree in that area.
For purposes of discrimination, "Sexual orientation" means an individual's actual, believed, or perceived orientation as heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.
It should be 4 or more housing units with exceptions. That isn't clear.
Covered places of residential accommodation include 4 or more units, including 4 single family houses or a four-plex or larger, except owned by or operated by religious organizations, non-profit organizations, or an Affiliate.
It should be companies with 15 or more employees with exceptions.
Covered places of employment include 15 or more employees, except owned by or operated by religious organizations, non-profit organizations, or an Affiliate.
I am not sure Affiliate is the correct term.
It should allow exceptions for the Boy Scouts, BYU, Beehive Clothing, but not KSL TV or Deseret News.
New for this year is coordination with the fight to protect Utah Art. 1, Sec. 29.
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