Keep the lower sales tax on food

People that are working, but struggling to have enough money to pay bills often target a mortgage/rent, utilities, transportation and then food. When someone walks into a store with $3 left to buy food, you don't tell them it is OK they don't have enough money to buy milk or chicken, they will get $80 at the end of the year. Raising the tax on food increases the number of people needing help from the community, church or government and is the wrong thing to do.

I am hopeful this will not pass the house this year, like an increase in the food tax didn't pass the house in 2011 even though it passed the senate.

The proposal that passed the senate in 2011 and was killed in the house was to lower the overall sales tax and raise the tax on food to match. It was to be no overall increase on tax.

That still would have hit fixed income individuals and those struggling to make it in the current economy. 

Utah has good gun laws

Utah has good gun laws

Utah Constitution Article I, Section 6. [Right to bear arms.]
"The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the Legislature from defining the lawful use of arms. "

The Legislature has limited it so there is no "open carry" inside the property of a K-12 public school or college campus, without a CFP, so to carry a gun on to a public K-12 school or college campus, you need a concealed fire arms permit. The permit allows an individual to carry a firearm into public schools and college campuses.

There is no reason the principal, custodians, or teachers can't obtain a concealed carry permit and carry a gun to protect themselves or their students.

Open carry doesn't allow a bullet in the chamber. If you want to carry a loaded gun with a bullet in the chamber, you need a concealed firearms permit.

You can not conceal carry without a permit.

See:
http://le.utah.gov/code/TITLE76/htm/76_10_050505.htm

Additional comments based on this article:

 http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/55635077-82/gun-public-firearm-weapon.html.csp

Allowing it so someone without a concealed firearm permit, CFP, can open carry, may be the only reason the Utah Legislature can require a CFP for someone hiding that they are carrying a firearm. 

Many people don't want to get rid of the CFP requirement.

Now Rep. Paul Ray's bill, 2013 HB 268 , Disorderly Conduct Amendments, might make it so the person with the 223 rifle strapped to their back at JC Penney might get in trouble with the law, but that same bill is going to make sure his Glock strapped to his waist is perfectly fine, as long as he isn't doing something scary with it. Without the CFP the gun can't have a bullet in the chamber, but that doesn't take too long to load in most cases.

So unless you are planning on a State Constitutional Amendment, that person with the 45 colt. strapped to their waist is going to stay. You should be grateful that a CFP is required, unless the principal gives permission, to carry a gun on to a public K-12 school. The good news is that the janitor, teacher, parent, or even the principal could be packing using a CFP. Hopefully the next time some person off their meds gets ready to shoot at a crowd, they are dropped on the spot by someone else, whether or not they have a CFP or just a glock strapped to their waist.

Remember to change the state constitution you would need 2/3 of the legislature, many of who have CFP. Some of whom would love to take things a step further and get rid of the requirement of a CFP to conceal carry.

Modifying our state constitution on firearms may not be an option as we do have a 2nd amendment for the US Constitution. While some would love to change that, that isn't going to happen .
Instead of being freaked out about the guns, why don't you take a NRA safety course. You don't have to own a gun. The NRA does a great job of teaching gun safety to scout leaders and others that teach children how to safely handle guns.

Guns are tools. Most people don't seem to mind a hammer strapped to the waist of a contractor.

For my thoughts on Constitutional Carry, see:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/07/constitutional-carry-thoughts.html

Against Recall Elections in Utah

There is a proposal to change Utah law, or more likely the Utah Constitution to allow or require a system to recall an elected official mid term.

I do not agree with this change. We already have impeachment and other proceedings to remove someone for the abuse of office.

We have elections for a reason.  It would lessen the importance of elections. We live in a republic.

"Opponents argue that it can lead to an excess of democracy, that the threat of a recall election lessens the independence of elected officials, that it undermines the principle of electing good officials and giving them a chance to govern until the next election, and that it can lead to abuses by well-financed special interest groups."

The best information I know on recalls is at:
http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/elections/recall-of-state-officials.aspx

Election Results

Update of results from Nov. 20, 2012:

House 30 added 1036 votes including at least 329 provisional ballots. I picked up 573 votes, Rep. Fisher picked up 462 votes and one more write-in.

Final votes in this race 5385 Rep. Fisher, 5029 Rep. Cox and 11 write-in votes. 
There are 356 votes difference. 51.65% v 48.24% v 0.11%  

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/public/

Rainwater Capture

Small storage

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20045365,00.html

 1200 Gallons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH16e-1RwE8

8:30 into the video until about 11:30

Current law in Utah allows the 1st option, the 2nd option would have to be an underground tank. That is being proposed to change. 

Land Rulings

Land Rulings
POLLARD'S LESSEE V. HAGAN, 44 U. S. 212 (1845)
http://supreme.justia.com/us/44/212/case.html


FORT LEAVENWORTH R. CO. V. LOWE, 114 U. S. 525 (1885)
http://supreme.justia.com/us/114/525/case.html


WILSON V. COOK, 327 U. S. 474 (1946)
http://supreme.justia.com/us/327/474/


7. The State has legislative jurisdiction over the federal forest reserve lands located within it which were public lands of the United States when Arkansas was admitted to statehood. P. 327 U. S. 487.

(a) Upon admission of Arkansas to statehood upon an equal footing with the original States, the legislative authority of the State extended over the federally owned lands within the State, to the same extent as over similar property held by private owners, except that the State could enact no law which would conflict with the powers reserved to the United States by the Constitution. P. 327 U. S. 487.

Page 327 U. S. 476

(b) Such authority did not pass to the United States by virtue of the provision of Article I, § 8, cl. 17 of the Constitution, which authorizes it "to exercise exclusive Legislation . . over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the
Same shall be." P. 327 U. S. 488.

(c) Since the United States did not purchase the lands with the consent of the State, it did not acquire exclusive jurisdiction under the constitutional provision, and there has been no cession of jurisdiction by the State. P. 327 U. S. 488.

(d) Although Arkansas has conferred on Congress power to pass laws for the administration and control of lands acquired by the United States in Arkansas, it has not ceded exclusive legislative jurisdiction either over lands reserved by the United States from the public domain or over lands acquired in the State. P. 327 U. S. 488

UTAH DIV. OF STATE LANDS V. UNITED STATES, 482 U. S. 193 (1987)
http://supreme.justia.com/us/482/193/


HAWAII ET AL. v. OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS ET AL.
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/08pdf/07-1372.pdf


UNITED STATES V. SIOUX NATION OF INDIANS, 448 U. S. 371 (1980)
http://supreme.justia.com/us/448/371/ 

Why Art. 1, 8, 17 was created:
http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a1_8_17s2.html


On the residue, to wit, "to exercise like authority over all places purchased for forts &c.

Mr Gerry contended that this power might be made use of to enslave any particular State by buying up its territory, and that the strongholds proposed would be a means of awing the State into an undue obedience to the Genl. Government--

Mr. King thought himself the provision unnecessary, the power being already involved: but would move to insert after the word "purchased" the words "by the consent of the Legislature of the State" This would certainly make the power safe.

My Mistake

You have no reason to be sorry for me.

There are a lot of things I could have done differently. I will only describe one.

When I re-budgeted my available funds, based on what was donated, which was more than I expected anyway, I and chose to get some billboards, and a media piece for the SL Tribune - I left enough time and money for a 4th flyer.

I spent about $1500 I hadn't planned on to send out some additional Mitt Romney pieces, (trying to respond to poll info I didn't request), but I was able to get SLCO. GOP to fund or reimburse the campaign for that detour.

That still left me enough for my 4th postcard.

When the 5th flyer was proposed to me, I felt it was the wrong thing to do. It smacked of the negative political consultants and their ilk, the dregs of politics, more dangerous than the most feared and powerful lobbyist. I have seen too many races ruined in years gone past, and this year in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, listening to that "dark side".  They will create a problem just to get money for work to solve it. I was lobbied from all sides to run what I believed was a negative piece. I wouldn't budge. That wasn't a mistake.  I feel good about that choice. Even if, as some believe, it cost me the race.

I don't blame anyone for promoting the idea.

To try to deal with this new idea, with the possible funding of a 5th postcard, I delayed working on my education piece.

When I had seen Rep. Fisher's, postcard of a child walking down the road, getting left behind on education, I knew I needed to counteract it. It included the multimillion dollar distortion a few groups have funded for many years about the "essential" problem of per pupil spending and the teacher pupil ratio. I was born and went to public schools in this valley. I know a great teacher with the right tools is more important than class size, fancy buildings, or stuff. But the photo of the child walking down the road alone being left behind would sway too many parents and grandparents. It was a game changer.

My mistake wasn't agreeing to send out the modified positive slick postcard with shading and stars My supporters loved it. They told people about it. I do not, however, believe it was the game changer I needed. That was why no one else wanted to fund it.

My mistake was to use the 7000 household campaign money and mailing list for for this slick piece on leadership with stars and Gov. Herbert - and what I had left in the budget for the 2200 household campaign money and mailing list for my education piece. I should have swapped lists and money, but didn't know how. I felt trapped.

I didn't have any personal funds or credit to use. I couldn't fully fund both, and didn't have the campaign funds remaining. I had used them. When I realized I would not get funding for the 5th postcard if it wasn't negative, but it had now been re-designed to be positive and was ready to go, I felt like I had to pay for it.

I did.

I was left with no time to get more funds. I shortened my education piece mailing list to 2200 active most likely to vote for me but hadn't yet. The pretty stars and Herbert piece went to all the active voters that hadn't voted, including those that had seen the left behind child. I knew at the time that was a mistake, but couldn't figure out what other choice I had. I would not choose the dark side.

My game changing education piece, while not as fancy, clear, or well designed, would not get seen by those that needed to see it. Rep. Fisher would remain in their mind as the one to save the children and I would be seen as someone supporting Mitt and being supported by the republican governor. 

I only ended up needing to help change the mind of about 250 voters of about 9400. That would change the overall difference by 500. I would then win.

I don't know what I will do in the future. I do know if I run again, I won't choose the dark side, and I won't be detoured at the last minute.

I want to thank everyone for all the many hours, help support and ideas. I may not be as "knowledgeable" in politics as some, but I have lived here in this area for almost 25 years and the Salt Lake Valley my whole life. I can choose the good side.

I congratulate Rep. Fisher for sticking to our agreement to stay positive and for apparently and most likely winning. If the number of votes not counted yet but will be released on the 20th ends up being enough to make up the difference, I will gladly serve. That would take a miracle at this point. 

I may not get that miracle. I did get the miracle of serving these last two years and of meeting and working with wonderful people. That I will never lose.

Fred C. Cox
Representing House District 32 until the end of the year.

The 4th District Utah Congressional Map and Fox 13

I am very disappointed in the lack of accuracy of the story. Also very disappointed that Fox 13 held on to the information for weeks to release it the night before the election.  

http://fox13now.com/2012/11/05/both-parties-throw-money-into-4th-district-race/

"Cox spent nearly a year drawing maps. Cox’s map kept urban areas like Salt Lake County’s whole, but the Utah Legislature axed it."

The map of mine that was one of the top 6 maps voted on by the committee was called a hat and 3 stripes, it tried to keep the counties and cities together. There is no way to have a Salt Lake County and at least one other county whole. My map divided it [Salt Lake County] in 4. The map can be found at:
 
http://www.redistrictutah.com/maps/u-s-congressional-6-finalists/congress-rep-cox-%E2%80%9Cplan-e%E2%80%9D-hat-and-3-stripes

The map that passed [and became law] divided SLCo in only 3 and managed to keep almost all of Salt Lake City in one piece, something my map didn't do. I had the city divided [at]about I-15.

The [Grama] documents are available if the remaining cost is paid.  Fox 13 can't claim otherwise when the record they show says that their request for the documents without paying for the cost was denied. It doesn't say the documents can't or won't be released.

The legislature didn't redistrict Rep. Matheson out of the 2nd district. He lives in the current 2nd and new 2nd district. The new 2nd district and 4th district are reportedly both as republican as his current district. He said so himself last October. He chose to run in the 4th district because he resides in Utah and the US constitution doesn't say he has to run in his own district. Unless he moves, he won't be able to vote for himself this fall.

2012 Utah Voter Information Pamphlet

For those that didn't turn in the postcard and can't seem to find it online:

http://elections.utah.gov/Media/Default/VIP/2012%20Voter%20Information%20Pamphlet.pdf

A lot of information is found at:

http://vote.utah.gov/

and in Salt Lake County:

http://clerk.slco.org/

A public response to Bob Bernick

Bob Bernick,

re:
http://www.utahpolicy.com/view/full_story/20596960/article-Which-Legislative-Republicans-are-in-Danger-of-Losing-?

"Last week the House GOP caucus – which is usually open – closed its doors so members could discuss which among their colleagues are worried about losing Nov. 6.

Sources tell UtahPolicy that while several seats were discussed, two at the top of the “worried” list are Reps. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville/West Valley City, and Fred Cox, R-West Valley."


My race wasn't discussed this time during the House GOP caucus. I didn't bring it up and I don't remember anyone else doing so either.

After the caucus, there were several members or candidates that were asked to meet with two individuals that recommend campaign funding from the house republican PAC, including me. At this point, I do not expect any additional campaign funds coming from the PAC due to that meeting. The PAC had been generous already.

The District I am in, and the newly drawn House District 30 have been a swing district for many years. Take a look at the 2004 races for House District 32 and 29. About 80% of the new house district 30 is the current House District 32.

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/results_arch/2004general.html#20

https://secure.slco.org/clerk/elections/results/results_arch/2004general.html#17

As someone that was not expected by some to win against Sherri Winder twenty months ago, I did, even if it was by one vote in the 2nd round. I had been optimistic of my chances anyway, and I am today. I beat a Winder in West Valley City. A very nice lady and the Mayor's mom.

Sherri had name recognition and respect, but many of the delegates picked me because they believed I would do a good job and I could win in 2012.

It was rumored at the time that a Rushton or other well known name would run in 2012 for the democrats and that Sherri Winder was the only one of the 4 candidates that could win the 2012 general election.

As it has turned out, I ended up with the part time job and Sherri Winder landed the full time job working for Rep. Jason Chaffetz office. She loved working there. I was shocked and sad when she died in an accident a little over a year ago.

This year, the last ballots will not be counted and released until about November 20th. While I hope to be enough ahead when the votes that are counted on November 6th are announced, I am willing to wait, just like the County Mayor's race did for the primary election.

During redistricting, I could have pushed for the recommendation that the new District 32 not have another incumbent but would include part of Kearns and West Jordan. I said at the time that I would rather have a district that made sense and run against another incumbent.

When I found out where Rep. Fisher lived and the proposed boundaries, I did push to move about 2000 people [shift the boundary lines] in the district so Rep. Fisher would not have to look across the street and out of the new district. I lost that suggestion.

I have worked with some amazing people and unexpected resources and I am optimistic for November 6th and November 20th. It only takes one vote and everyone counts.

Fred C. Cox
Member of the Utah House of Representatives District 32 and running to represent the newly drawn State House District 30

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

My blog is at:
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/

Utah’s Greatest Resources are its People

Utah’s Greatest Resources are its People

An educated workforce is critical for a prosperous economy

Utah’s teachers are heroes and should be respected for key work they do to help families.

According to the Utah State Office of Education, Utah has the nation’s lowest administrative costs and our schools are rated by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce as providing its citizens a better return on investment than any other state.

I support Governor Herbert’s goals for Education

Sixty-six percent of adult Utahns will have a postsecondary degree or professional certification by 2020.

Ensure our school children achieve reading proficiency by the end of 3rd Grade.

Increase the number of High School students completing post-secondary courses.

Align educational training to meet the workforce demands of the marketplace.


It is crucial that Utah Public Education continue to do amazingly well with the resources we have with great teachers, innovation, and technology.

As a member of the State House last year and this year, I have been standing up to protect and promote Public Education.

I have worked to find and create other funding sources to help support Public Education and have fought to provide funding for student growth, K-3 Reading, and technology.

I am honored to be supported by Utah’s Education First.

Education First is a citizens group 40,000 members strong. Education First supports public officials and candidates for office in Utah who support our state’s economic future by putting education first.

Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by Region 5 PTA of the Granite School District

Even if you missed all of the dozen town hall meetings I have had this year, come to this event on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Attend the Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by Region 5 PTA of the Granite School District as well as the Council and Local PTAs in our region.

Hunter High School 4200 South 5600 West, West Valley City, UT

Proposed Agenda:

6:30 p.m. – Open House Forum opens to the public; a few areas with chairs will be set up, and light dessert/refreshment table will be provided to the public; sample ballots and maps of voting districts will be displayed for public to see

By 7:00 p.m. – Program - Candidate introductions and statements in auditorium: • Flag presentation • Opening comments by PTA Committee • Candidates give 1 - 2 minute intro/statement

By 7:45 p.m. – Resume open house format;

clean up and be out of building by 9 p.m.

Fred Cox Deseret News KSL Candidate Comparison

The Deseret News has an interesting Candidate Comparison based on our response to their questions for the New State House District 30

http://voterguide.deseretnews.com/candidate-detail.do?id=10716278

Two Incumbents Keep the Right One

Obviously, I am the right one because I am not the left one, but that isn't the real important answer. Many voters are just starting to realize they have a choice between two incumbents. One of the reasons I am asking the question is I want them to research and decide for themselves, who is the right incumbent to keep?

I received this response to the question from  
Utah State Representative Ronda Menlove:

"You are the right one because you work harder and you are more committed to learning about the issues so you can represent your constituents well. You have formed friendships and alliances that allow you to get things done. You know how to make a difference!"

Some other statements:

Ron Bigelow, former member of the Utah State House of Representatives.
“As a member of the State Legislature, Fred works hard. He researches issues and bills, has been willing to speak up, and is not afraid to take a stand. Fred ran two bills for neighbors and made sure they passed both the House and Senate and were signed by the Governor.”

Speaker Becky Lockhart:
"Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district."

Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support Representative Fred Cox in his election effort for the new State House District 30. Fred is a strong conservative who will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."

Jim Bennett,  Bob Bennett 2010 U.S. Senate Campaign
"I met Fred Cox when he was helping other candidates running for office, including one running against my father. I found Fred to be hardworking and fair. While some in politics leave you feeling you don't want to see them again, Fred was willing to be my friend, even though we were helping candidates running against each other. When I found a national blog article that unfairly blamed my father for something another senator had done, and I found I couldn't immediately post a correction, I called Fred.
Fred made sure that a correction was posted, even though that wouldn't help his candidate. We need civility in government and officials that care more about finding solutions for constituents than partisan bickering. With that, I endorse Fred Cox for State House of Representatives."

Larry Jensen, Utah Republican Grassroots Activist:
"I have admired the tenacity of Representative Fred Cox both in and out of the legislature. He is a very competent legislator who understands the issues that effect Utahns as well as anyone I know. Fred's most admirable trait is that he approaches all people and projects with unwavering honesty."

Kevin Fayles, West Valley City 2009 mayoral candidate: 

"Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, Fred treats all with respect. He cares passionately about making our community a better place and is open to new ideas. He is a thoughtful, caring legislator."

Susan Southwick, Tea Party Patriots, Utah State Coordinator:
"After having had the opportunity to work with Fred Cox on various projects, I am delighted to endorse Fred as he runs as a representative in Utah's Legislative District 30. Fred is one of the most ethical and honest people I know. I also know he works tirelessly on any project he takes on. District 30 will be well served to have Fred C. Cox represent them in the Utah legislature."

National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA) Endorsed Candidate
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, Endorsed Candidate

Candidacy supported by: Education First

Endorsed by:
James Rushton, West Valley City, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Utah Senator Daniel W. Thatcher, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT

Jason Chaffetz,  U.S. Representative for Utah's 3rd District
Utah Senator Wayne Niederhauser, Sandy, UT

Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Deidre Henderson,  former Campaign Manager at Jason Chaffetz for Congress
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Congress 2012
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008

And many, many more... 

Utah's Common Core

I don't mind having access to a national grassroots standard, as long as we have the flexibility to amend/modify/add/delete anything to make it better.

Math teachers I have talked to believe the standard will do 2 things, help ACT scores rise and decrease the number of students taking remedial math when they reach college.

Many do not like the no text books and wants other options.

There are those that would have taken 8th grade Algebra that would take Calculus their senior year that should not have to waste their 8th grade and could move faster and those that are not understanding the concepts, and may not understand, that have traditionally been taught by rote.

The standard, a is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.

The race to the top funding competition provided little time for the states to adopt common core, so almost no legislatures were involved in the adoption nationally. With the National Governors Association behind it, I am not surprised it was signed in the approx. 2 months the states were given initially. Federal Funds are the only enforcement tool, and we haven't got any of them over this yet.

I believe it was Governor Huntsman in 2009 who signed up for this direction along with the state school board who was acting constitutionally: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ", were within their duties. Saying the Feds are outside their constitutional powers is one thing, which I agree with, but saying the state school board was outside theirs is an argument that would be lost.

The only thing the legislature has done so far is raise concerns and provide some barrier to federal control, calling it Utah's Common Core in the Statewide Adaptive Testing request for proposal. The feds have lowered the student privacy laws and so we have tied Utah's student privacy laws to any Statewide Adaptive Testing system funding. See 2012 HB 15 and 2012 SB 97.

2012 SCR 13 passed the senate, but ran out of time in the House. I am not sure it would have passed and the house killed a move to bump it to the top of a short list at the end.

The schools have spent the last 2 summers gearing up for this, and changing their books, etc. If the legislature is going to now get further involved, it should be very limited.

Confused about Representative Matheson and ObamaCare

If you are like me and are tired of the competing claims about Rep. Jim Matheson's voting record re: ObamaCare, consider the following:

For those that think Rep. Matheson helped fight "ObamaCare" when it passed, think again.

Look at what votes he made the last week prior that helped set up what happened Sunday March 21, 2010. For those that wanted the bill to pass, he voted against it, for those that wanted it to fail, he voted to suspend the rules so it could pass.

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/ROLL_100.asp

Look at votes 129, 130, as well as votes 159, 160, 162 and 163

He did the same thing months before:

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/ROLL_800.asp

Look at votes 881, 882, 884, 885, 886, 887

Jim Matheson appears to vote with Nancy Pelosi when she needs the vote. In 2010 There were 39 democrats that voted to stay and vote about the "Bush" Tax cuts. One more and they would not have left without discussing it. Yes, Matheson wrote a letter saying he wanted the cuts, but then he voted with Nancy Pelosi to dismiss and not discuss it. One vote would have made the difference. It did and it was Matheson voting with Nancy Pelosi, and not representing Utah.

http://hollyonthehill.com/2010/09/29/matheson-for-tax-cuts-before-he-was-against-them/

The legislature didn't redistrict Rep. Matheson out of the 2nd district. He lives in the current 2nd and new 2nd district. The new 2nd district and 4th district are reportedly both as republican as his current district. He chose to run in the 4th district because he resides in Utah and the US constitution doesn't say he has to run in his own district. Unless he moves, he won't be able to vote for himself this fall.

Town Hall Meetings for Fall of 2012

TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Come and Meet Representative Fred Cox, and ask questions at
Hunter Library, 4740 West 4100 South on the following dates and times:

Thursday, September 13, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, September 15, 2012, 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Representative Fred Cox new post card and flyer

New Postcard
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyer6x9.pdf

New Flyer
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyerNotFolded.pdf

Mitt Romney group photo when we endorsed him on June 24, 2011, The Grand America, Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/MittR.jpg

An open letter to Robert Gehrke of the Salt Lake Tribune

OK, am I a member of the Tea Party? I had someone ask me. TEA party as Taxed Enough Already, yes, or as someone that doesn't listen to both sides, no. When someone says Tea Party, it isn't typically as defined as the national media likes to make it when they label someone.

I am a Conservative Republican, and yet have never voted "straight ticket" in my over 30 years of voting. Sometimes I get to the bottom of the ballot and I did vote for all Republicans and sometimes I didn't.

The headline of your initial article http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51001951-76/cox-bigelow-delegates-district.html.csp suggested that I may be a member, but I didn't join the Patrick Henry Caucus, and have spent more time reading bills than attending the different caucuses.

I don't know how to categorize me. Utah Data Points hasn't done their annual Ideology Scores, so I am not sure based on votes. [update, they finally did, see 2012 ratings link below. put me 33 out of 75 in the Utah House]

I supported the more moderate Dan Liljenquist over Rep. Herrod, picked Tim Bridgewater as my second choice over Mike Lee, and actively fought a couple of former Rep. Carl Wimmer's bills.

I was trying to decide between the most moderate Jay Cobb vs Mia Love for the 4th District and not Carl Wimmer or Stephen Sandstrom. I picked Mia Love, as did 70% of the delegates helped seated by Sen. Hatch's campaign.

I am outspoken on some issues. (Some people feel too many). I fought a gun bill because I felt it unfairly targeted hotel owner property rights. The NRA endorsed me but won't give me anything higher than a B+ because while I have fought to protect gun rights, including open carry, I believe that if someone is going to conceal the fact that they are carrying, a concealed carry permit is a good requirement.

I am more apt to quote the Utah Constitution vs the US Constitution, but have read both and have tried to make sure we (the legislature) are following both.

I am friends with members of the Tea Party and Eagle Forum, but disagree with and fight them on some issues.

On Education, I believe it should be a priority, but we are never going to have enough money for some. The UEA gives me a 50% this year and PCE gives me a 67% and I went to meet with the more balanced Education First.

My vote on 2012 SB 82, Equal Access for Education Employee Association Amendments changed my ratings for 5 different groups. http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/equal-access-for-education-employee.html

I run a Utah Land Protection Act that initially gets a favorable response from Ed Firmage Jr. (see page 2, comment 19) http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51121753-76/bill-cox-federal-lands.html.csp and a member of the SL Tribune staff recently calls me part of the New Sage Brush rebellion even though I fought Rep. Ivory on his land bill for 6 months until it morphed away from requiring the Feds to sell the public lands (to who? China? ) or pay property taxes.

My last session ratings are at:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/rep-fred-cox-voting-ratings-for-2012.html

You report politics. How would you categorize me? I don't want to throw my "Tea Party" friends under the bus, and don't mind being called a Conservative Republican. Who could get an endorsement from Cherilyn Eagar, Jim Bennett, and Bennion Spencer? I don't know anyone else.

Who would have their own state party threaten to sue the state if they adopted one of my redistricting maps and get nice words from Sen. Ben McAdams on my post on non-discrimination, negative comments from some of his supporters, and positive comments from Represent Me! on my original state house redistricting map?

I know what I believe. I am willing to stand up to pressure. I am outspoken and have way too many statements on my blog on controversial bills and issues. I am willing to listen to both sides and fight for or against a bill no matter the sponsor.

So, how do I answer the question, am I a member of the Tea Party or not?

Utahns for Ethical Government Survey

To the Utahns for Ethical Government (UEG)


Answers to your 3 questions:

1. I am supportive of the current ban for members of the legislature to be contract lobbyists.  Is there a proposal I can read? It appears you are just targeting one republican member and some existing democrat members would be exempt. Unless drafted correctly, writing a law for one person is against the Utah Constitution.

2. The past proposals would do nothing to stop individuals from currently working as a paid lobbyist for a single company or leaving the legislature and immediately working as a paid lobbyist for a single company. One of the current teacher's union representatives appears to have done exactly that legally and stepped down and started working as a lobbyist.

Increasing the time from one year to two doesn't solve that. Why change the time from 1 year to 2 when someone can immediately lobby for their new employer whether in the legislature or not?

We have members of the State School Board that seem to be able to be lobbyists. Do we need to change that too?

3. You are describing only one exception (not two) to a very complicated law. I would love to have the law more simple, but again, you seem to be targeting a very narrow situation.

Generally lobbyists can only now pay $10 or less for a meal without disclosure, unless they invite a very specific general group, such as all the Utah Senators, where that invitation was very well known. Modifying what we have may make UVU fill out a bunch of paperwork for inviting the legislature to a ribbon cutting ceremony for their Center of Constitutional Studies. They already have provided a lot of transparency in their current invite.

I hope you find the answers helpful,

Thank you for discarding your past 20 page proposal. Many items were already solved in past years. These are three great questions, but they don't have simple yes or no answers.

Fred C. Cox

Representing House District 32 and running for the new House District 30

_______________________________________________________________________________

TO:  Utah Legislative Candidates in the November 2012 Election
FROM: Utahns for Ethical Government (UEG)
RE: Brief survey

            We respectfully request your response to the following 3 questions. We are interested in ascertaining which legislative candidates would support key elements of ethics reform that have not yet been adopted by the Utah Legislature. We plan to release the survey responses to thousands of our supporters across the state and to the media. Silence is usually construed by interested persons as a NO answer. We request your response by Friday, August 31st.

1.  If you are elected, will you support legislation to prohibit a Utah legislator from simultaneously serving as a paid lobbyist?

                        YES _______              NO _______

2.  If you are elected, will you support legislation to establish a 2-year waiting period before a legislator can become a paid lobbyist after leaving the Legislature?

                        YES _______              NO _______

3. If you are elected, will you support legislation closing two major loopholes in the 2010 lobbying reform act that (1) allow lobbyists to pay for meals for groups of legislators and (2) require no disclosure of that fact?

                        YES _______              NO _______

To respond, just hit the reply button, mark your response in the Yes or No blanks, and hit the send button. Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
      Kim Burningham and Dixie Huefner for the UEG Executive Committee

Representative Fred Cox running for the Utah House District 30

Courtesy of Comcast. More of these videos for other candidates are available at Comcast On Demand, Utah. Vote Utah 2012. This video is a little rough, as they didn't allow edits or redos after we started recording and I had not used a teleprompter before.

http://youtu.be/ZsmlM1Cag8w

Salt Lake Tribune Editorial Do we let the Wookie Win

I said I liked the Outdoor Retailer Industry Trade show coming to Utah for their convention. When "pushed" that we should do everything and anything they want, I obviously pushed back.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/54623703-82/utah-outdoor-state-public.html.csp

The group has the same chance as anyone else. Did they show up at the hearings or the discussion the last couple of years? The Sierra club, the ATV folks and many others did.

They have been threatening to either get their way or take their marbles and go somewhere else for many years. We have no assurance that if we continue to do what they want that they will continue to come here.

More convention space, even if it sits partially vacant most of the year, done, more hotels, done.

Now, they want a reserved seat at the table for Utah land policy with veto rights?

A new County Hotel is being looked at even though it could cause the Grand America and others to go under. I have read the reports sent to the Convention Center about the proposed County Hotel. It was pretty obvious that the connection between the existing county convention center and hotels doesn't work and that the hotels as a whole think the County is competing with them instead of working with them.

I would like to see the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau work with the existing hotel owners instead of trying to compete with them. They almost ignore both the Little America and Grand America Hotel and that you can ride TRAX free from the north convention center exit to those hotels.

The hotels near the Salt Palace Convention Center should be able to market their individual hotel and the fact that they have all the convention and meeting room space that someone could want with the convention center. The convention center should be able to market with the surrounding hotels to utilize their meeting rooms and convention space if more space is needed.

For yesterday's comments on Utah Lands, see:
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/08/outdoor-rec-industry-lashes-out-again.html

Outdoor Rec Industry Lashes Out Again or Still Against Utah

Do we need to back off on Utah Lands?
Under the US Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 8, Clause 17, and the 10th amendment, the Federal Government can not exercise exclusive jurisdiction or own land in Utah, unless it is for Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings, and it was purchased by the Consent of the Utah Legislature.

When Utah became a state, the Federal Government committed to selling the unappropriated public lands, extinguishing the title, and providing 5% of the proceeds of the sales to the State School Trust Fund.

I believe it would be better to have the land transferred to Utah as opposed to requiring the Federal Government sell the land to developers or other countries like China.

The Utah State Constitution is designed to protect the Public Land based on Article XVIII, Section 1, Forests to be preserved, and Article XX, Section 1, Land grants accepted on terms of trust. If the Federal Government sells or transfers any public land to Utah or others, 5% of the proceeds of the sales should got to the School Trust Fund. There is a gaping loophole in that process which should be fixed.

Question: Where does this come from? "When Utah became a state, the Federal Government committed to selling the unappropriated public lands, extinguishing the title, and providing 5% of the proceeds of the sales to the State School Trust Fund."

Answer: The Utah Constitution and the Utah Enabling Act. I believe it is pretty clear. Obviously some others don't, but look at what the feds did with the same language in the enabling act for states further east. They sold the lands, and extinguished the title. Utah didn't have the water and they eventually stopped the homestead act and then FLIPMA violated the agreement from the feds side.

I would rather Utah keep the land, most as multi-use than the Feds sell the land to China. And yes, a year ago many were pushing to make the Feds sell the land. I actively pushed back. The bill that the Gov. signed doesn't make the Feds sell the land to anyone, but recognize the Enabling Act and the US Constitution.

Utah Enabling Act:
SEC. 9. That five per centum of the proceeds of the sales of public lands lying within said State, which shall [SHALL} be sold by the United States subsequent to the admission of said State into the Union, after deducting all the expenses incident to the same, shall be paid to the said State, to be used as a permanent fund, the interest of which only shall be expended for the support of the common schools within said State.

Under Sec. 2
"unappropriated public lands"
" and that until the title thereto shall have been extinguished by the United States"



I believe the US was to sell the land and create a clear title. The US Supreme court in recent case involving Hawaii all agreed that was why the Feds had the land at statehood, to create a clear title, a transition. 

The US didn't sell the land in Utah, not all of it. Whether greed or water, it didn't happen. When Kleppe v. New Mexico overturned any states rights for land in 1976, Congress figured they could get away with anything. 1976 was when FLIPMA was signed, which officially put the US in violation of the Enabling Act. That is the point when Utah had claim for the land. You can argue that the US didn't have the US Constitutional power to create the agreement in the enabling act, since the US can't be owning large chunks of a state, under the US constitution. 

So you have 2 choices, force the US to sell to who knows, developers or China, or have the US recognize that they were only to hold the land in trust and transfer the land to Utah. I have fought against forcing the Feds to sell the land at this point for over a year. I won that fight. The bill that passed was not what was promoted by the sponsor last August.


Do we need a County Hotel to keep them?
A new County Hotel is being looked at even though it could cause the Grand America and others to go under. I have read the reports sent to the Convention Center about the proposed County Hotel. It was pretty obvious that this connection doesn't work and that the hotels as a whole think the County is competing with them instead of working with them.

I would like to see the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau work with the existing hotel owners instead of trying to compete with them. They almost ignore both the Little America and Grand America Hotel and that you can ride TRAX free from the north convention center exit to those hotels.

The hotels near the Salt Palace Convention Center should be able to market their individual hotel and the fact that they have all the convention and meeting room space that someone could want with the convention center. The convention center should be able to market with the surrounding hotels to utilize their meeting rooms and convention space if more space is needed.

For some interesting reading, see:
http://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/482/193/

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a1_8_17s2.html

5th of Sept. debate.

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/11/land-rulings.html

AARP's Non-Partisan Voters' Guide

Q: If Budget cuts or tax reforms are implemented in your state, how will you ensure that any such changes avoid hurting low and moderate income populations while also safeguarding the financial security of the 50+ population? Will you oppose tax and expenditure limit initiatives?

A: I favor lower taxes. The Legislature is required to balance the budget. Lowering taxes hasn't been proposed, but cuts in retirement and insurance benefits in the past have followed a simple concept, keep the promises made, and don't promise something you can't fulfill. That has decreased the benefits for new state employees (including the Legislature).

Last year I fought raising the tax on food to lower the overall sales tax rate. I felt that doing that now was a mistake. I knew too many people that didn't have enough money for food and shelter as it was. We were successful in stopping a food tax increase.

Q: What programs would you support to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care in your state?

A: Anything Utah can do to encourage free market insurance competition across state lines and to remove pre-existing conditions limitations would be helpful.

Removing the requirement of non-emergency care to be provided at emergency rooms and encouraging limitation of liability clauses and non-binding mediation alternative dispute resolutions will help lower the costs associated with medical care and will stop the defensive care practices helping fuel the upward spiral of costs.

Q: What steps would you take to assure quality, affordable health insurance for individuals and small businesses in your state? Do you support efforts to require rate reviews on unjustified health insurance premium rate increases?

A: The Supreme Court could not agree that Congress has the constitutional power to require individuals to purchase their specified health care insurance, but that Congress can tax us. I will work to continue to exclude Utah from this expansion of Federal intervention into our lives.

I will continue to work to promote free market competition. Health Savings Accounts should be encouraged and not stopped.

As someone that purchased Health Insurances as a small business owner for many years, I will continue to work to promote fairness, without more government regulation. Competitive options are needed.

UT League of Women Voters - Voters’ Guide

Fred C. Cox, Representing House District 32 and running to represent the newly drawn House District 30.

1.  What is crucial to creating a world-class education system in Utah? How should it be financed?

It is crucial that Utah Public Education continue to do amazingly well with the resources we have using great teachers, innovation, and technology. Funding is already in place.

Education in Utah must be and is a priority. With approx. 600,000 K-12 students in Utah, It takes a lot of commitment. Out of the $5 Billion total "State" funds we invest approx. $2.5 Billion to K-12 Public Education and approx. $750 Million to Higher Education. Even with $13 Billion to work with including "State" funds and also funds for Federal Programs and others, we invest $3.7 Billion to K-12 Public Education and $1.4 Billion for Higher Education.

With the currently available resources, Utah does not have enough money for the demands for Public Education, Transportation, Water, Public Safety, Energy and others.  Raising Taxes isn't the answer as that can create bigger government and slower economic growth. 

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. I am working with others to help make that better.
      
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of demanding that the US government turn over federal lands to Utah?

Under the US Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 8, Clause 17, and the 10th amendment, the Federal Government can not exercise exclusive jurisdiction or own land in Utah, unless it is for Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings, and it was purchased by the Consent of the Utah Legislature.

When Utah became a state, the Federal Government committed to selling the unappropriated public lands, extinguishing the title, and providing 5% of the proceeds of the sales to the State School Trust Fund.

I believe it would be better to have the land transferred to Utah as opposed to requiring the Federal Government sell the land to developers or other countries like China. The Utah State Constitution is designed to protect the Public Land based on Article XVIII, Section 1, Forests to be preserved, and Article XX, Section 1, Land grants accepted on terms of trust.  

If the Federal Government sells or transfers any public land to Utah or others, 5% of the proceeds of the sales should go to the School Trust Fund. There is a gaping loophole in that process which I have been working on to close.

      
3. Given the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act, what do you think the legislature needs to do next to ensure adequate health care for all Utahns?

The Supreme Court could not agree that Congress has the constitutional power to require individuals to purchase their specified health care insurance, but that Congress can tax us. I will work to continue to exclude Utah from this expansion of Federal intervention into our lives.

Anything Utah can do to encourage free market insurance competition across state lines and to remove pre-existing conditions limitations would be helpful.

Removing the requirement of non-emergency care to be provided at emergency rooms and encouraging limitation of liability clauses and non-binding mediation alternative dispute resolutions will help lower the costs associated with medical care and will stop the defensive care practices helping fuel the upward spiral of costs.

Health Savings Accounts should be encouraged, along with the inventive methods to help provide Autism medical care that passed this last session.
      
4. What things do you consider the most important to include in a Utah law on immigration?

Utah has a unique E-Verify law for businesses having 15 employees or more. Because of Utah laws passed in 2011, this law is currently scheduled to be sunsetted. The law should not be sunsetted, but should be clarified, requiring businesses and public entities in their dealings with the Commerce Department to state that they are or not complying with the law. Businesses would either then comply with the law, or acknowledge in writing they are not complying with the law. I believe it would be few that would knowingly state they were complying when they were not. For next year, I have a bill drafted to keep and improve this law.

If we are going to have a line for people to come to this country, you can't reward those that bypass the line. They need to be sent to the back of the line. That doesn't mean you should stop treating them like people. I am in favor of simplifying and fixing legal immigration.
      
5. What is the single most important thing the legislature can do to improve air quality?

We don't need to limit the amount of carbon dioxide being produced, nor limit the use of coal so that power costs skyrocket.

I agreed with and promoted Rep. Arent's Air Quality Task Force proposal. How can we help decrease air pollution until we can agree on what is causing it?

   
We all want clean air, water, and land. We can start by reducing energy use by adopting the current energy building code for new residential buildings. I ran a bill this last session attempting to do exactly that, which was endorsed by the Salt Lake Tribune and many other groups and was the reason why Solar Day Salt Lake awarded me the "Greenest Republican in the State".  At this point, adoption is appearing to pass this next year.

We can encourage, and as a state, transition to natural gas powered cars and trucks. We can tie any economic development money to responsible clean energy improvements. We can encourage ground based heat pump cooling and heating systems, along with renewable energy.

This last year, Utah created a method for companies that want to purchase "clean" energy directly, to do so without raising the cost of power to the remaining users.

Constitutional Carry thoughts

Utah Constitution:
Article I, Section 6. [Right to bear arms.]
The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the Legislature from defining the lawful use of arms.

Utah is an open carry state, with very few exceptions. One is if you are going to hide that you are carrying a gun you need a background check. Most people I have spoken to, and there are exceptions, like our Utah concealed carry permit system. As someone torn on the issue, I included a question about constitutional carry on the questionnaire I sent out the beginning of this year's session. Most residents in my area responded that they like the concealed carry permit for those that want to conceal that they are carrying.

I do believe we need to fix the problem about the U of U and others hassling an open carry. A bill to help solve that was amended and died this last session. I spoke on the floor of the house to promote passage of the bill, quoting the Utah Constitution as to why the bill should pass, and mentioning that I knew one of those killed at Trolley Square. I voted against weakening the bill, and voted for passage, hoping there would be a way to make the bill better, or that it would improve what we have now. The Representative running against me this fall voted opposite from me on both cases.

http://le.utah.gov/~2012/status/hbillsta/hb0049s03.htm

Update: The new proposed bill is at: 
http://le.utah.gov/~2013/bills/hbillint/HB0268.htm


In any version of any of the first  proposed "2nd Amendments", (below) tell me where it says that you have a right to conceal that you are armed with a handgun? You have a better defined right of protection under the Utah State constitution. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#Conflict_and_compromise_in_Congress_produce_the_Bill_of_Rights 



What we got was this,US Constitution Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

I have asked Legislative Research to verify that the current Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is constitutional under both the US and the Utah Constitution. If I lose that argument, I will change my stand. [they came back and said our CFP and Utah Constitution were fine OK, based on the last couple of SCOTUS rulings]

And for those that do not believe there should be any limits or permits for any weapon, arm, or armament, consider this list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armaments#Classification 

Do you really think the founders planned on your neighbor having a satellite deployed nuclear missile device with launching app for their Iphone?

On the other hand, a simple semi-automatic rifle or hand gun does require that you pull the trigger each time you wish to shoot. They should not be banned, nor called assault weapons. 

Mark Crockett for Salt Lake County Mayor

I like and respect Ben McAdams, but I do believe that Mark Crockett has the plan and skills to do what I would like to see to help the County. I was impressed with the answers Mark had during the debates and the election thus far.

I am glad there are two good choices for Salt Lake County Mayor and if Ben loses, I hope I still get to work with Senator McAdams. He was elected for four years and has two more. I still need to win this fall. And yes, I do believe you can like and respect someone even if you don't agree with them all the time.

July 4th 1776

In April of 1775 the fighting had started, including Paul Revere's ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It wasn't until 1781 when the fighting ended and 1783 when the peace treaty was signed.

So why celebrate July 4th, 1776 as Independence Day?

The Declaration of Independence was a declaration adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. The vote was a passed by the Continental Congress 12, 0, 1, a couple of days before.

The Declaration starts with these statements:

"In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, ...."


The reasons for the declaration are then carefully stated and it concludes with this:


"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

It is for this reason we celebrate the 4th of July. A new flag with white stars in blue with red and white stripes would be designed in 1777. The Constitution would be adopted in 1787. We should not forget the declaration of independence from July 4th, 1776 and those that risked all to create this country. Many have fought for, and do still fight for these truths and freedoms.

May we all continue to do so is my hope.

Video Link:
http://youtu.be/nrvpZxMfKaU





The Text of the Declaration:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Endorsements update

Mitt Romney for US President (from July 2011)
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2011/07/mitt.html

John Dougall for Utah State Auditor (from March 2012)
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/john-dougall-for-utah-state-auditor.html

Mia Love for the Fourth Congressional District from Utah (April 2012)
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/04/mia-love-for-fourth-congressional.html

Mark Crockett for Salt Lake County Mayor (July 2012)
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/07/mark-crockett-for-salt-lake-county.html

Dan Liljenquist or Senator Orrin Hatch

Last Utah General Legislative Session for 2011, I remember seeing bill after bill sponsored by Sen. Dan Liljenquist pass the house. I was amazed at the respect he and the bills had. I was amazed at how both republicans and democrats voted for them.

For example, his 2011 SB 180 Medicaid Reform bill passed both houses with no votes against it from either party and was signed by the Governor.

With at least 7 bills, both the house and senate, both republicans and democrats all voted for the reforms Senator Dan Liljenquist proposed. In all, 9 of his bills were signed by the Governor.

We need that in Washington DC. These are the same areas that are bankrupting our nation. Again, we need Dan Liljenquist in Washington DC. Yes, we have a US Senator with 35 years of seniority, but remember that in 2011, Senator Dan Liljenquist was still in his first 4 year term. He did it without seniority.

Fires Do we really need more laws or just more common sense

Do we really need more laws, or just more common sense?

Last year Utah Legislature voted for the new "cake" fireworks because they go up hot but come down cool. They have a stable base so they don't fall over. They were backed by several fire marshals.

Last year we had fires started by illegal fireworks. One in Ogden started a bush fire and one in South Jordan took out a garage and burned two people. The fire for Red Butte canyon was a campfire.

So the question: Why do people in Utah still buy and use the illegal fireworks?

Don't blame the new "cake" fireworks. I am not aware of any caused by them.

This year the legislature decreased the time fireworks could be used, to save dog owners and people working nights some grief. People were not to be setting them off at 3am based on local noise ordinances, but that wasn't enough, so the hours of use were added.

Also, target shooting with traditional copper/lead bullets doesn't spark.

Shooting exploding targets or non-traditional rounds do spark.

Shooting old TV's during a fire danger is just plain dumb.

Again, Do we really need more laws, or just more common sense?

There are two incumbents in this race that will face each other in November

Over a year ago, my friend, State House District 32 Representative Ron Bigelow accepted the invitation from Governor Herbert to be the State Budget Director. I was honored to run and was selected to be the nominee and then was appointed by the Governor to fill Rep. Bigelow’s term. I have been honored to represent State House District 32 for 2011 and will continue to work hard doing so for 2012. I just completed my second General Legislative Session.

I believe we need to stand up and be heard, or watch our Constitutional Rights disappear. I have been heard, standing up defending good bills, amending or substituting bills to make them better, or standing up in opposition against bills that I believed should not pass.

For 2013, a new House District 30 will represent much of West Valley City, and during the 2012 General Election it will be determined who will represent this new District 30 beginning in 2013. The New District 30 includes most of District 32, part of 29 and some of 33.

There are two incumbents in this race that will face each other in November. I am one of them and I ask for your support.

If you plan on a donation to my campaign, the deadline for donations for the next filing is Today, June 14th.

https://rally.org/UThouseRepFredCoxCampaign/donate/

Obviously Donations after today would still be appreciated. They can be mailed to Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund, 4466 Early Duke St., West Valley City, UT 84120-5723

Fred C. Cox, Representing Utah State House District 32 and running to represent the new District 30

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

Update from Representative Fred Cox

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I was asked recently what happens in the Legislature during the summer. There are typically monthly Interim Sessions where bills are worked on and discussed along with possible Special Sessions, if called by the Governor.

May 16th was the first Interim Session. Like Last year, I am on the Judiciary Interim Committee and also the Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee. The next Interim Session will be June 20th.

In May, we took an opportunity to request the new IT Director speak about the Data Breach. I asked about reports of high turnover of IT Staff in that department working that area, 12 in the last year and 5 in the last couple of months, leading to my statement: "If that’s true, it seems to me one of the biggest problems may be IT management, not the technicians". See the two articles covering that at:

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/data-breach.html

I have several recent blog posts including:

Support for Traditional Marriage and discussion on nondiscrimination bills

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/support-for-traditional-marriage.html

Answering questions about one of my votes on education:

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/equal-access-for-education-employee.html

Recent Media:

Comcast had an interview during this last session. A copy is at:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=344068648971972

In May, I had a live radio interview by Jeff Robinson at KCPW

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/radio-interview-of-represenative-fred.html

Also in May, a 3 minute Introduction video by Comcast, that should soon be available On Demand, remembering to look for the New Utah House District 30. They have a number of candidate’s profiles. I don't have a link for that yet, if it is online. I was asked to use a teleprompter, so I am not sure how well it turned out.

This summer I am currently working on several bill requests, which include:

http://le.utah.gov/asp/billsintro/RepResults.asp?Listbox3=COXFC

Alimony Amendments, Building Code Amendments, Graywater Amendments, Professional Licensing Administrative Rules Amendments, Storm Water Capture Amendments, Utah Lands and School Trust Fund Amendment, and a few others.

I will also be involved with campaigning, which might be more interesting as this is the only Democrat Incumbent vs. a Republican Incumbent race in the state. Remember, for 2013, a new House District 30 will represent much of this area, and during the 2012 General Election you will determine who will represent this new District 30 beginning in 2013.

The New District 30 includes most of 32, part of 29 and some of 33.

Fred C. Cox, Representing State House District 32 and running to represent the new District 30

Contact Information:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com (main website) http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com (blog)
http://twitter.com/fredcox4utah (twitter) http://www.facebook.com/fred.c.cox (personal profile)
http://www.facebook.com/fredcox4utah (public page)

http://le.utah.gov/house2/detail.jsp?i=COXFC Official Government website

Official Government and Constituent Email: fredcox@le.utah.gov

Campaign Related Email, including volunteering, signs, etc: fred@fredcox4utah.com

and

https://secure.piryx.com/donate/NyvQH2Qu/Utah-House-Rep-Fred-C-Cox/

Paid for by Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund

2012 SB 208 Multi-state Health Care Compact

Another bill that changed my 2012 General Session ratings was my concern and vote against 2012 SB 208, which is a Multi-state Health Care Compact.

http://le.utah.gov/~2012/bills/sbillenr/SB0208.pdf

My concern is Utah ending up with something like Massachusetts healthcare, or at least doing the same things in healthcare we criticize the federal government for doing.

Several conservative ratings groups promoted the bill as a way for Utah to take control of healthcare away from the federal government.

Rep. James A. Dunnigan who specializes in insurance and has been a key member of the house working to minimize the impact of a potential "Obamacare" also voted against the bill.

The new law and potential compact requires congressional approval, and sunsets in 2014. The budget listed in the law for Utah is $4 Billion.

My 2012 Ratings:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/rep-fred-cox-voting-ratings-for-2012.html

Mel Nimer for Salt Lake County Council

Mel Nimer is someone I trust that has the knowledge, experience and ideas to tackle the Salt Lake County size of government, taxes, and budget.

http://melnimer.com/endorsements/

[2012 Endorsement]

Support for Traditional Marriage

I periodically am asked what I think about possible nondiscrimination bills. That is an easy question. The answer is not as easy.

I support Traditional Marriage. I believe local, state, and national governments should protect and encourage traditional marriage.

I am not alone.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765577174/Editorial-Take-heart-and-stand-for-traditional-marriage.html

I personally support "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

Now back to the original question:

I have been supportive of individual rights and attended the discussion this last year about a proposed nondiscrimination bill. The bill never made it to the House and I do not know if I would have voted for what would have been eventually presented or not.

In 2011, I fought against a few bills that I felt were unfair to individuals in nontraditional families. One of the bills even defined a family so narrow that two people, a married husband and wife, would not constitute a family. I proposed a public substitute to that bill. Another bill I opposed would have voided many existing private agreements. That group of bills were pulled by the sponsor from any agenda.

Several years ago, while not in the legislature, I felt 1 of 4 "common ground" bills should have passed with only a couple of words being changed. I wrote to my Representative, Senator and the Governor at the time expressing my support and the proposed minor amendment.

I have several friends in the LGBT community. I also have friends of many different faiths. I work to treat everyone with different beliefs with respect. You might ask what do these two things have to do with each other. I believe they are both important.

I believe nondiscrimination laws have to walk a narrow path, and my support will depend on several factors:

Do they hurt traditional marriage?

Do they follow the State of Utah Constitution,
including the rights of conscience and the marriage definition. See:

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/ArticleI/Article_I,_Section_4.html?v=UC_AI_S4_1800010118000101
and
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/ArticleI/Article_I,_Section_29.html?v=UC_AI_S29_1800010118000101

Not all proposals will work, but I would be interested in helping protect people with different beliefs be treated with respect as fellow human beings with the rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".

There is a balance between protecting against discrimination and attacking someone else's right to believe what is right or wrong.

I have said I would be willing and interested in providing drafting feedback for a nondiscrimination bill and that I am not opposed to voting for a nondiscrimination bill that would include helping to make sure someone has a fair opportunity to work and live, subject to what is written in the bill.

I hope this answer helps,

Fred C. Cox, Representing House District 32 and Running for the new Utah House District 30.


Update:, I didn't win the election, and so I am not longer a representative. I did have someone ask me about the 2013 SB 262, and the following had my brief comments about this years bill:

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2013/03/problems-with-2013-sb-262.html

Update 2: Same comments, slightly different line numbers for this year:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2014/01/problems-with-2014-sb-100.html

Update 3: A new bill was proposed in 2015 with my concerns answered. I voted for the bill and it did pass.
http://le.utah.gov/~2015/bills/static/SB0296.html