Representatives and Senators, [PRC members]
re: the Draper Prison, Uinta Five Reception and Orientation building along
with the Oquirrh Five Annex and almost all of Wasatch.
Based on information provided to me by constituents in my area that work at
the Draper Prison, I believe at minimum, the listed Draper buildings need to be
replaced. They could be replaced on site, as there seems to be enough
room to double or triple the number of beds at Draper, or possibly targeted to
be replaced off site, at a new prison location, such as near the Wal-Mart
Distribution Center near Stansbury Mountain, in Tooele County. Based on the
report, there is enough room for Gunnison to match
Draper in beds as it is currently. An alternate or 3rd site is not required.
I was wondering if we have a specific cost for constructing each of these 3
complexes and if the Draper Prison can function in place without any or all of
these 3 buildings. Clearly, the buildings can be built on site and then these
specific existing buildings can be demolished.
It is the opinion of many that the majority of the buildings at the Draper
Prison, other than these, can function for many years, if not decades.
Any new cell complex should at least have the safety of layout of the 192
bed pods at Gunnison. From an aerial photo, it appears a
large percentage of the beds at Draper are in the pod or super pod type layout
with the central control station.
I have stood in Wasatch, in one of the active cell block common areas with
my wife. I don't like that layout. We spent two years as volunteers at the
Draper Prison. It was interesting to use the non-denominational chapel that I
had worked on the drawings for many years ago.
While it has been many years since I worked on construction drawings for
jails and prisons, I helped with the construction drawings for a Salt Lake
County Jail expansion/remodel down town (later demolished), Oxbow, Gunnison,
and using the 192 bed pod system, perhaps a dozen potential 1920 bed complexes
around the country. At one point, I perhaps had drawn more parking spaces and
jail/prison cells than anyone I knew in the State.
Based on the information I have now, I [still] would not have voted to move the
prison when [others] voted on [it] last year. I realize Draper
City is tired of having the prison
and the property around it is getting worth more and so the State may want to
move it sometime in the next few decades.
What I said in February 2014:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2014/02/do-not-move-prison.html
Since the timeline for moving has not be agreed to by the legislature,
finding out from the Prison or your consultant the cost of replacing only the 3
complexes mentioned would be helpful for direction and discussion.
For many years, anyone moving near the Draper Prison has known it was there.
It would be wise if the prison is to be moved, for residents to have many years
to know it is moving and where it is moving to, long before it does.
Fred C. Cox,
Rep. Elect, House 30
West Valley City, UT 84120
PS, based on me being at the West Jordan school where they had as many as
2,500 people show up opposed to the prison moving near there, and other similar
reports, I don't believe any of the current 6 sites will work.
They may be close for employees, visitors, volunteers, schools, courts, and
medical, but the Draper location has those already. Those items are more
important than the cost of the land in Draper, as the people involved are worth
more than the buildings and the land. Again, the majority of the buildings at
Draper are fine, with no rush to replace. We do need to target replacing
particularly the Wasatch block cells for prison officer and inmate safety, in
my opinion.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Not the other Fred Cox
Not the other Fred Cox.
My name is Fred C. Cox, and I am running for the Utah House of Representatives District 30. A photo of me is here:
When I was very young, some of my friends used to joke that I was the Fred Cox that played for the NFL football team, the Minnesota Vikings, as their field goal kicker. He played for them from about the time I was two years old to when I was in high school. A photo of him (taken many years ago) is here:
That Fred Cox scored lots of points for his team (1,365).
That Fred Cox is not running this year for State House District 30.
Neither is our current junior US Senator.
Almost everyone I have talked to
understands that. The purpose of this email is to have you remind a few
of your friends or relatives before Tuesday. They may like our US
Senator or they may not like him. This Tuesday, he is not on the ballot.
I was never really good at football. In
high school I was on the track team for running the two mile and on the
cross country team. I wasn't really fast, but I could pace myself to
finish. I also represented the school in chess, sang in choirs, and
played table tennis.
In 2011 and 2012 I had more than 1300
floor votes on bills as a member of the Utah House of Representatives.
That doesn't include votes in committees. (if you combine both years, I missed the fewest floor votes of any legislator of both parties and both houses).
I was in the Senate Chambers during those 5 out of 1302 votes. There
were also special legislative sessions, and I didn't miss any of those
floor votes.
I read through each and every bill I had
to vote on. I don't look at bills as republican or democrat sponsored
bills. 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. I will look for win-win solutions. A
bill has to improve things, however small the steps, or it should not
pass.
That is a record that I am proud of. I
also had many Town Hall meetings. I was able to take bills that voters
in our area wanted run and have them pass both houses and be signed into
law by the Governor. I stood up against a tax increase on food and
against the state government taking away our rights.
For those that have not already voted, I ask for your vote. For those with vote by mail ballots, they have to be postmarked by Monday, November 3rd, or be hand delivered to a voting location.
Fred C. Cox for State House District 30
Education Excellence, Clean Air and Water, Your Rights, and a Stable and Growing Economy
PS. I did not invent the Nerf Football.
Town Hall Meetings at West Valley Library 2880 West 3650 South West Valley City, Utah
Tue. October 7, 2014, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Sat. October 11, 2014, 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Meet the Candidates Nights (PTA Sponsored)
Thu. October 2, 2014, 6:00:pm to 8:30pm Matheson Jr. High 3650 Montclair St, Magna, UT
Wed. Ocbober 8, 2014, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Hunter High School 4200 S 5600 W, West Valley City, UT
Thu. October 9, 2014, 6:00pm to 8:30pm Granger High School 3580 S 3600 W, West Valley City, UT
Town Hall Meetings at Hunter Library 4740 West 4100 South West Valley City, Utah
Wed. October 22, 2014, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Sat. November 1, 2014, 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Fred Cox for Utah House 30 Endorsements Update
The most important endorsements in this race
are the voters in House District 30.
2014 Endorsements for Fred Cox, running for the Utah House of Representatives
(partial list, check back for updates)
Ron Bigelow, former member of the Utah House of Representatives, 1995 through 2010
Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support former representative Fred Cox in his election for State House District 30. Fred is someone who has shown he will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."
Becky Lockhart, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives
“Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district.”
Wayne Niederhauser, Utah Senate President
Jonathan Johnson, Holladay, UT
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."
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Senate 2010, U.S. Congress 2012
Tim Bridgewater, Candidate U.S. Senate 2010
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008 "A Republican I could work with".
Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Steve Vincent, West Valley City, UT
Tom Huynh, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT
Jeffrey C. White, West Valley City, UT
Richard Snelgrove, Salt Lake County, UT
Carbon Lundgren, West Valley City, UT
Kent and Carma Nay, West Valley City, UT
Skylar Burnside, West Valley City, UT
Michael A. Branan, West Valley City, UT
Troy Council, West Valley City, UT
Robert Christensen, West Valley City, UT
Arnold Schaer, West Valley City, UT
David Beck, West Valley City, UT
William and Gretchen Blunt, West Valley City, UT
Nephi Robinson, Magna, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Kathy Hall, West Valley City, UT
Helen H. Redd, Holladay, UT
James Humphreys, Weber County, UT
Sinama Meli, 2010, 2012 Candidate for Utah House of Representatives
Thomas W. Clay, 2013 Candidate for Utah Republican Party Secretary
The Salt Lake County Republican Assembly
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust
Utah State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police
National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA)
are the voters in House District 30.
2014 Endorsements for Fred Cox, running for the Utah House of Representatives
(partial list, check back for updates)
Ron Bigelow, former member of the Utah House of Representatives, 1995 through 2010
Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support former representative Fred Cox in his election for State House District 30. Fred is someone who has shown he will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."
Becky Lockhart, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives
“Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district.”
Wayne Niederhauser, Utah Senate President
Jonathan Johnson, Holladay, UT
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."
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Senate 2010, U.S. Congress 2012
Tim Bridgewater, Candidate U.S. Senate 2010
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008 "A Republican I could work with".
Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Steve Vincent, West Valley City, UT
Tom Huynh, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT
Jeffrey C. White, West Valley City, UT
Richard Snelgrove, Salt Lake County, UT
Carbon Lundgren, West Valley City, UT
Kent and Carma Nay, West Valley City, UT
Skylar Burnside, West Valley City, UT
Michael A. Branan, West Valley City, UT
Troy Council, West Valley City, UT
Robert Christensen, West Valley City, UT
Arnold Schaer, West Valley City, UT
David Beck, West Valley City, UT
William and Gretchen Blunt, West Valley City, UT
Nephi Robinson, Magna, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Kathy Hall, West Valley City, UT
Helen H. Redd, Holladay, UT
James Humphreys, Weber County, UT
Sinama Meli, 2010, 2012 Candidate for Utah House of Representatives
Thomas W. Clay, 2013 Candidate for Utah Republican Party Secretary
The Salt Lake County Republican Assembly
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust
Utah State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police
National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA)
2014 NRA Endorsement for House District 30
Political Victory Fund
National Rifle Association of America
Institute for Legislative Action
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 625
Sacramento, California 95814
State and Local Affairs Division
Brian Judy, Utah State Liaison
September 24, 2014
Fred Cox
4466 Early Duke Street
West Valley City, Utah 84120
Dear Mr. Cox
Congratulations! You have been endorsed by the National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund for the General elections in 2014. Your strong support for the Second Amendment and the working knowledge of the issues surrounding this most important debate are greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the NRA members in your district, please accept my best wishes for success on November 4th!
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Brian Judy
Utah State Liaison
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/NRApvfHouse30.pdf
National Rifle Association of America
Institute for Legislative Action
555 Capitol Mall, Suite 625
Sacramento, California 95814
State and Local Affairs Division
Brian Judy, Utah State Liaison
September 24, 2014
Fred Cox
4466 Early Duke Street
West Valley City, Utah 84120
Dear Mr. Cox
Congratulations! You have been endorsed by the National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund for the General elections in 2014. Your strong support for the Second Amendment and the working knowledge of the issues surrounding this most important debate are greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the NRA members in your district, please accept my best wishes for success on November 4th!
Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Brian Judy
Utah State Liaison
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/NRApvfHouse30.pdf
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Utah State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Endorsement
Utah State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Fred Cox for Utah State House District 30
September 5, 2014
Kelly C. Atkinson, Executive Director
September 5, 2014
"FOP is pleased to inform you, through a vote of
the trustees of FOP, you have earned FOP’s endorsement. Please feel
free to use this endorsement on brochures, advertisements, etc."
"If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or President Brent Jex."
"Thank you."
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Utah and Common Core
A recent well published poll on Common Core doesn't point out the Federal involvement. The Federal "Race to
the Top" funding competition in 2009 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. The poll also doesn't talk
about the Federal Government strings with the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) waivers.
The State Constitution reads: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ". Our State Board just voted for the NCLB waiver.
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. With the Federal Strings tied to Common Core through the NCLB , it limits what we can change, which is one of the major problems. Also, teachers are saying the local school boards are using "Common Core" to tell teachers what to teach and when.
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 want 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, is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.
The schools have spent the last few years gearing up for this, and changing or discarding their books, etc. Whatever the Utah Legislature does re: Common Core, based on that, and based on the State Constitution, has to be measured.
Is Common Core a "national grassroots standard"? Is it really just "voluntary standards the Utah State Board of Education has adopted, first put forward by state governors and education experts"? Those statements hardly tell the whole truth.
Besides the National Governor's Association, with their Corporate Fellows, who are the "education experts" behind Common Core, and why did the Federal Government want to set a hook to get the States to adopt Common Core with Utah biting and being reeled in, hook, line and sinker?
Common Core State Standards are hosted and maintained by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center).
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 chapters around the country and also in other countries. Members include building officials, architects and others. The ICC is truly grassroots. Utah also has a Building Code Commission that proposes amendments to the model codes for Utah. The Legislature adopts the code and the amendments.
Based on the information I have from them, I do not believe the NGA Center or the CCSSO are really "grassroots".
Was Common Core created by the Federal Government? No, however the Federal Government has provided financial incentives to adopt it (which we didn't get) and the NCLB waiver, which we are taking. I see a very large hook on the end of that line. If you don't believe it, look at Oklahoma.
[Update. This article shows that the current State School Board is aware of the Federal hook associated with both Common Core and NCLB, and are trying to protect Utah as much as they think they can. We will see if we are still firmly hooked or not in the near future.]
[Update 2. When I took 8th grade Algebra, the class was "too big". It was split and I had the "new" teacher that had never taught math before and had majored in English. In 7th grade, I had wanted to be a math teacher. In 8th grade I didn't want to be a math teacher anymore. It took years for me to fully understand some of the math concepts I should have understood in 8th grade. I believe, in that case, splitting the class hurt my education and providing someone else, perhaps the same teacher, to help would have been better. Great teachers are important. Class size isn't the answer to everything..
The 8th grade Algebra that I took would have allowed me to take Calculus my senior year, providing it was offered enough times for it to fit in my schedule with English and Choir. In my case it was faced with dropping one of those classes to fit in Calculus. Not having Calculus in high school hurt understanding both required math and physics classes for computer science and architecture at the University of Utah. ]
The State Constitution reads: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ". Our State Board just voted for the NCLB waiver.
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. With the Federal Strings tied to Common Core through the NCLB , it limits what we can change, which is one of the major problems. Also, teachers are saying the local school boards are using "Common Core" to tell teachers what to teach and when.
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 want 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, is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.
The schools have spent the last few years gearing up for this, and changing or discarding their books, etc. Whatever the Utah Legislature does re: Common Core, based on that, and based on the State Constitution, has to be measured.
Is Common Core a "national grassroots standard"? Is it really just "voluntary standards the Utah State Board of Education has adopted, first put forward by state governors and education experts"? Those statements hardly tell the whole truth.
Besides the National Governor's Association, with their Corporate Fellows, who are the "education experts" behind Common Core, and why did the Federal Government want to set a hook to get the States to adopt Common Core with Utah biting and being reeled in, hook, line and sinker?
Common Core State Standards are hosted and maintained by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center).
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 chapters around the country and also in other countries. Members include building officials, architects and others. The ICC is truly grassroots. Utah also has a Building Code Commission that proposes amendments to the model codes for Utah. The Legislature adopts the code and the amendments.
Based on the information I have from them, I do not believe the NGA Center or the CCSSO are really "grassroots".
Was Common Core created by the Federal Government? No, however the Federal Government has provided financial incentives to adopt it (which we didn't get) and the NCLB waiver, which we are taking. I see a very large hook on the end of that line. If you don't believe it, look at Oklahoma.
[Update. This article shows that the current State School Board is aware of the Federal hook associated with both Common Core and NCLB, and are trying to protect Utah as much as they think they can. We will see if we are still firmly hooked or not in the near future.]
[Update 2. When I took 8th grade Algebra, the class was "too big". It was split and I had the "new" teacher that had never taught math before and had majored in English. In 7th grade, I had wanted to be a math teacher. In 8th grade I didn't want to be a math teacher anymore. It took years for me to fully understand some of the math concepts I should have understood in 8th grade. I believe, in that case, splitting the class hurt my education and providing someone else, perhaps the same teacher, to help would have been better. Great teachers are important. Class size isn't the answer to everything..
The 8th grade Algebra that I took would have allowed me to take Calculus my senior year, providing it was offered enough times for it to fit in my schedule with English and Choir. In my case it was faced with dropping one of those classes to fit in Calculus. Not having Calculus in high school hurt understanding both required math and physics classes for computer science and architecture at the University of Utah. ]
Thursday, August 14, 2014
NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust Endorsement
August 11, 2014
Mr. Fred C. Cox
Candidate for Representative District 30
4466 Early Duke Street
West Valley City, UT
84120
On behalf of the Utah Chapter of the National Federation of
Independent Business (NFIB/Utah) Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust, I
am pleased to announce our endorsement of your candidacy for State Representative in District 30.
NFIB/Utah represents the state’s largest small business
association with some 4,200 small business owners throughout the state. Small business represents an overwhelming
majority of the total businesses in Utah and employs over half of the private
sector workforce in our state.
By receiving the endorsement of the NFIB/Utah, you have
proven your willingness and ability to fight for small business in Salt Lake
City. Your efforts, and most
importantly, your previous voting record, show that you understand the
importance of small business to our state’s economy. You have also demonstrated that you will
fight to protect our free enterprise system and we appreciate your efforts.
As a candidate endorsed by the NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, you may
indicate our support in your campaign materials. We will post your endorsement on the
NFIB/Utah web site to inform our members of your value to small businesses. We
will also be including the endorsement in our Insight E-Newsletter. A Postcard will be mailed to all NFIB members
in your district and finally, our endorsed candidates will be listed in our
“Get-Out-the-Vote” pamphlet which
will be mailed to our Utah members state-wide.
Congratulations
and thank you again for your efforts on behalf of small business.
Warm Regards,
Candace Daly
Utah State Director
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Protecting Utah's Lands
Clean
Air and Water
I received an award from Salt Lake Solar Day 2012 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 will 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. We should be good stewards of the land, Extremes on both sides of this issue hurts our ability to live and work in our great state.
Protecting the Land
The Utah Constitution has the following provisions to protect lands if public lands are transferred to Utah.
To clarify this protection, in 2011 and 2012 I ran a bill. See for example:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51121753-76/bill-cox-federal-lands.html.csp
While the land bill that passed in 2012 ran by Rep. Ivory excluded the 5 national parks, additional clarity could be used.
Do we need to back off on Utah Lands vs the Federal Government?
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.
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.
1976 is when the Feds tried to say they could drill in Utah Lake, whether Utah liked it or not. Utah went to the SCOTUS and won that fight. See some of the rulings below.
So you have 2 choices, force the US to sell public lands in Utah to who knows, developers or China, or have the US recognize that they were only to hold the land in trust, violated their agreement, and transfer the land to Utah. I have fought against forcing the Feds to sell the land for years. I won that fight. The bill that passed the Utah Legislature did not do that.
Some US Supreme Court rulings:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/11/land-rulings.html
I received an award from Salt Lake Solar Day 2012 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 will 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. We should be good stewards of the land, Extremes on both sides of this issue hurts our ability to live and work in our great state.
Protecting the Land
The Utah Constitution has the following provisions to protect lands if public lands are transferred to Utah.
Article XVIII, Section 1. [Forests to be preserved.]
The Legislature shall enact laws to prevent the destruction of and to preserve the Forests
on the lands of the State, and upon any part of the public domain, the control of which may be
conferred by Congress upon the State.
Article XX, Section 1. [Land grants accepted on terms of
trust.]
All lands of the State that have been, or may hereafter be granted to the State by
Congress, and all lands acquired by gift, grant or devise, from any person or corporation, or that
may otherwise be acquired, are hereby accepted, and, except as provided in Section 2 of this
Article, are declared to be the public lands of the State; and shall be held in trust for the people,
to be disposed of as may be provided by law, for the respective purposes for which they have
been or may be granted, donated, devised or otherwise acquired.
Section 2. [School and institutional trust
lands.]
Lands granted to the State under Sections 6, 8, and 12 of the Utah Enabling Act, and
other lands which may be added to those lands pursuant to those sections through purchase,
exchange, or other means, are declared to be school and institutional trust lands, held in trust by
the State for the respective beneficiaries and purposes stated in the Enabling Act grants.To clarify this protection, in 2011 and 2012 I ran a bill. See for example:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51121753-76/bill-cox-federal-lands.html.csp
While the land bill that passed in 2012 ran by Rep. Ivory excluded the 5 national parks, additional clarity could be used.
Do we need to back off on Utah Lands vs the Federal Government?
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.
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.
1976 is when the Feds tried to say they could drill in Utah Lake, whether Utah liked it or not. Utah went to the SCOTUS and won that fight. See some of the rulings below.
So you have 2 choices, force the US to sell public lands in Utah to who knows, developers or China, or have the US recognize that they were only to hold the land in trust, violated their agreement, and transfer the land to Utah. I have fought against forcing the Feds to sell the land for years. I won that fight. The bill that passed the Utah Legislature did not do that.
Some US Supreme Court rulings:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/11/land-rulings.html
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.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Issues
"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, Your Rights, and a Stable and Growing 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. 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 enough funding doesn’t make it to the classroom. I will work to bring more money to the classroom.
Education Excellence, Clean Air and Water, Your Rights, and a Stable and Growing 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. 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 enough funding doesn’t make it to the classroom. I will work to bring more money to the classroom.
Because of government
regulation,
teachers are fighting to teach the student. We don't need the anchor of
governmental red tape hurting education with oppressive paperwork and a
one
size fits all approach. I will continue to promote parent and local
control of
education.
Clean
Air and Water
I received an award from Salt Lake Solar Day 2012 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 will 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. We should be good stewards of the land, Extremes on both sides of this issue hurts our ability to live and work in our great state.
Your 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 government continues to trample on this and others of our constitutionally 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. We can't continue to let government take over our lives. We can be safe and free.
I received an award from Salt Lake Solar Day 2012 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 will 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. We should be good stewards of the land, Extremes on both sides of this issue hurts our ability to live and work in our great state.
Your 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 government continues to trample on this and others of our constitutionally 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. We can't continue to let government take over our lives. We can be safe and free.
A Stable and Growing
Economy
Utah is the best fiscally managed state. Utah repeats this year as Forbes top 3 Best States for Business and Careers. Many families are still struggling. 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. Many families are still struggling. 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 for solutions to our challenges.
Solutions not Parties
I have no problem working with different political parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democratic senator.
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 for solutions to our challenges.
Solutions not Parties
I have no problem working with different political parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democratic 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 bills. 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. A bill has to improve things,
however small
the steps, or should not pass.
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. I have continued to be heard and work to protect individual rights and fight against government taking over of our lives and resources.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Pre-Summer Campaign Kickoff and Fundraiser
You are invited to a Pre-Summer Campaign Kickoff and Fundraiser on May 30, 2014, 7pm to 9pm
Fred
C. Cox, running for Utah State House of Representatives, District 30 is
having a campaign fundraiser, dinner in the park. $10 per plate is the
suggested contribution. Contribute online or at the park. Please RSVP
via the Facebook Event, or email me at fred@fredcox4utah.com or
call at 801-966-2636 (home). The event is in 2 weeks. If you can RSVP
this week, that would help plan for food. If you would be willing to
help with the event, please let me know.
The
Park has a tennis court, and large grassy field that can be used for
informal soccer, baseball, etc. The pavilion holds about 180 and the
parking lot about 60 cars.
You
and your family are welcome to come earlier that evening to enjoy the
park. The planned menu includes items such as pulled pork sandwiches,
potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, green salad, and brownies. Please
contact me with dietary concerns or to help.
You can donate on May 30th, or in advance. See:
Thank you for your help and support,
Fred C. Cox
801-966-2636 home
http://www.fredcox4utah.com
Monday, April 7, 2014
In support of Gun Rights
Utah generally has good gun laws. We do need to look at why someone living on campus at BYU can't have a gun in their apartment to defend themselves. Why can someone with a CFP carry a gun on to a UTA bus or train, but the driver can't?
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. The 1000 foot buffer was dropped in 2011.
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. There are exceptions re: automobiles, backpacks, etc.
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.
So unless you are planning on a State Constitutional Amendment, that person with the .45 colt strapped to their waist is going to stay, and I will fight support that right.
I supported in 2011 and 2012 a law to protect those that Open Carry from charges of Disorderly Conduct. 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.
In 2014, a bill finally passed and was signed by the Governor.
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/HB0276.html
Many people don't want to get rid of the CFP
requirement.
The 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.
In 2012, I asked Legislative Research to verify that the current Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is constitutional under both the US and the Utah Constitution. They came back and said our CFP and Utah Constitution were OK, based on the last couple of SCOTUS rulings.
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. Many people I have spoken with, 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 the 2012 session. Most residents in my area responded that they like the concealed carry permit for those that want to conceal that they are carrying.
If the residents in my area want Utah laws not to require a CFP for those that want to conceal that they are carrying, I will then support it.
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. The 1000 foot buffer was dropped in 2011.
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. There are exceptions re: automobiles, backpacks, etc.
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.
So unless you are planning on a State Constitutional Amendment, that person with the .45 colt strapped to their waist is going to stay, and I will fight support that right.
I supported in 2011 and 2012 a law to protect those that Open Carry from charges of Disorderly Conduct. 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.
In 2014, a bill finally passed and was signed by the Governor.
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/HB0276.html
The 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.
In 2012, I asked Legislative Research to verify that the current Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is constitutional under both the US and the Utah Constitution. They came back and said our CFP and Utah Constitution were OK, based on the last couple of SCOTUS rulings.
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. Many people I have spoken with, 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 the 2012 session. Most residents in my area responded that they like the concealed carry permit for those that want to conceal that they are carrying.
If the residents in my area want Utah laws not to require a CFP for those that want to conceal that they are carrying, I will then support it.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
No to Medicaid Expansion
I was asked this last town hall about Medicaid Expansion and how I would have voted. I said they didn't have the answer and I wouldn't have voted for them. I was less than clear about what I would have proposed.
Two of the proposed bills are found here:
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/SB0251.html
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/SB0272.html
If you look at the fiscal notes for the bills, you will see that taxpayers would pay between $250 Million to $750 Million, a year, much of it from Federal money, as subsidized by Federal Debt.
This shows what plans are being considered:
http://youtu.be/0Om4HY6defw
Under the US Constitution, Art. 1, Section 8, the Federal Government should not be providing "ObamaCare". or even Medicare and Medicaid.
However, millions of taxpayers have paid in to Medicare for decades and have been promised services. This is something that can not be undone simply. You can't simply unmake the promises. Most individuals can not get any medical insurance other than Medicare when they retire, other than a supplement. Former Sen. Dan Liljenquist helped in 2011 solve similar problems for Utah by simply telling new state employees that the old plans were not available because we could not afford them, providing what we could and not going back on past promises to existing employees.
Many individuals now find themselves without insurance or the ability to get it because of ObamaCare. A medical insurance plan I looked at over a year ago is now 2 to 3 times more per month because of ObamaCare. When the Federal Government "Helps" and makes things worse, does Utah get involved? That is the question.
At the Town Hall, one candidate quoted some good principles I have heard many times before. They involve the incentive to help people to stay healthy and the lower cost of care and insurance if they do. I hadn't heard the source before, but they had been quoted by Rep.Dean Sanpei many times in trying to make sure Utah didn't go bankrupt dealing with Medicaid, and Federal programs that are not fully funded by the Federal Government. During 2011 and 2012, I voted for several of his ideas.
Rep. Dean Sanpei
http://le.utah.gov/house2/detail.jsp?i=SANPED
Rep. Sanpei is an Assistant Vice President, Intermountain Health Care (Planning)
The advantage of having members of the legislature from all walks of live, is there are doctors, pharmacists, bus drivers, farmers, ranchers, attorneys, insurance agents, etc. You have to weigh where their conflicts are as well as where their expertise is.
I don't mean to make light of the principles brought up at the town hall meeting. They don't go to the main point of the discussion.
If the US Supreme Court has stated that Utah does not have to expand Medicaid under "ObamaCare" why should we? If ObamaCare is going to be torn down as a failure in the next couple of years, why should Utah create more problems and make it worse?
A recent Op-ED on this subject:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865598235/Utah7s-financial-model-should-not-include-Medicaid-expansion.html?pg=all
What happened this last session is here:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57671190-90/federal-state-coverage-expansion.html.csp
More information.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/03/28/utah-already-won-a-key-obamacare-concession-can-it-win-another/
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.
Fred C. Cox, Running for the Utah House of Representatives, District 30
Two of the proposed bills are found here:
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/SB0251.html
http://le.utah.gov/~2014/bills/static/SB0272.html
If you look at the fiscal notes for the bills, you will see that taxpayers would pay between $250 Million to $750 Million, a year, much of it from Federal money, as subsidized by Federal Debt.
This shows what plans are being considered:
http://youtu.be/0Om4HY6defw
Under the US Constitution, Art. 1, Section 8, the Federal Government should not be providing "ObamaCare". or even Medicare and Medicaid.
However, millions of taxpayers have paid in to Medicare for decades and have been promised services. This is something that can not be undone simply. You can't simply unmake the promises. Most individuals can not get any medical insurance other than Medicare when they retire, other than a supplement. Former Sen. Dan Liljenquist helped in 2011 solve similar problems for Utah by simply telling new state employees that the old plans were not available because we could not afford them, providing what we could and not going back on past promises to existing employees.
Many individuals now find themselves without insurance or the ability to get it because of ObamaCare. A medical insurance plan I looked at over a year ago is now 2 to 3 times more per month because of ObamaCare. When the Federal Government "Helps" and makes things worse, does Utah get involved? That is the question.
At the Town Hall, one candidate quoted some good principles I have heard many times before. They involve the incentive to help people to stay healthy and the lower cost of care and insurance if they do. I hadn't heard the source before, but they had been quoted by Rep.Dean Sanpei many times in trying to make sure Utah didn't go bankrupt dealing with Medicaid, and Federal programs that are not fully funded by the Federal Government. During 2011 and 2012, I voted for several of his ideas.
Rep. Dean Sanpei
http://le.utah.gov/house2/detail.jsp?i=SANPED
Rep. Sanpei is an Assistant Vice President, Intermountain Health Care (Planning)
The advantage of having members of the legislature from all walks of live, is there are doctors, pharmacists, bus drivers, farmers, ranchers, attorneys, insurance agents, etc. You have to weigh where their conflicts are as well as where their expertise is.
I don't mean to make light of the principles brought up at the town hall meeting. They don't go to the main point of the discussion.
If the US Supreme Court has stated that Utah does not have to expand Medicaid under "ObamaCare" why should we? If ObamaCare is going to be torn down as a failure in the next couple of years, why should Utah create more problems and make it worse?
A recent Op-ED on this subject:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865598235/Utah7s-financial-model-should-not-include-Medicaid-expansion.html?pg=all
What happened this last session is here:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/57671190-90/federal-state-coverage-expansion.html.csp
More information.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/03/28/utah-already-won-a-key-obamacare-concession-can-it-win-another/
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.
Fred C. Cox, Running for the Utah House of Representatives, District 30
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
County Delegates
I really appreciate that you came to your Republican
Neighborhood Caucus Election Meeting where your voice counts. I hope you
support those running to be county delegates who would be open minded, willing
to research the candidates, and would truthfully consider voting for me at the
County GOP Convention on April 12th.
Vote for
someone who has shown by action that they are not afraid to stand up to those
with money and power. Our Republican Nominee will face Michael D. Lee (D), Vice
President of the AFL-CIO for Utah. We can win. I ask for your support
and vote.
Come meet Fred Cox and ask questions
at:
Town Hall
Meeting, Sat., March 22, 2014, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Town Hall
Meeting, Thurs., March 27, 2014, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Town Hall
Meeting, Wed., April 2, 2014, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
All at the Hunter
Library Meeting Room, 4740 West 4100 South
S.L. County
GOP Convention, Sat., April 12, 2014, All day event,
Cottonwood High School, 5715 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT
About Fred: Fred served as a member of the Utah
State House of Representatives in 2011 and 2012 representing approx. 1/4 of West Valley City residents.
A Utah
native, and a lifelong resident of Salt Lake County, Fred graduated from
Highland High School, studied at the University of Utah, graduating from what
is now called Salt Lake Community College in Architectural Technology. A
licensed Utah Architect, Fred started his own architectural firm in 1996,
working and living in West Valley City. Fred and his wife Aleta have lived
in West Valley City for over 25 years.
Community Service
• Utah State House of Representatives, January
2011 through December 2012.
• Utah
Republican State Central Committee, 2011 to present.
• Utah Republican State Delegate 2002-2003, 2005-2011,
2013.
• Salt Lake County Republican Bylaws Committee, 2013 to present.
• Salt Lake County Republican Central Committee, 2010
though 2012.
•
ChamberWest Regional Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee, Nov. 2010
to present
• AIA Utah, Government Affairs Committee,
January 2008 to January 2011 and January 2013 to present.
• Church
Based community service
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. 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 help make that better.
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. 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 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 constitutionally 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 constitutionally 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.
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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 the Feds 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 3 years 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.