I saw this opinion in the Desert News today.
Some background
Utah uses 2 main ways to fund transportation. The gas tax and Transportation related sales tax, including sales tax on new cars, tires, etc. The 2nd method is not direct, it is through an earmark on sales tax roughly based on 17% of sales tax being transportation related.
In the now repealed 2019 SB 2001 which was the bill we ran the referendum petitions against, the 4th item of concern was removing transportation related sales tax from funding transportation so the Legislature could use the $600 Million somewhere else. It is also why they were taking $680 Million out of the education fund with SB 2001 which was the 3rd issue we had with the bill.
All of this is based on the same section of the Utah Constitution, with the education part of it being proposed to be amended by voters this fall.
Article XIII, Section 5
(5) All revenue from taxes on intangible property or from a tax on income shall be used to support the systems of public education and higher education as defined in Article X, Section 2.
(6) Proceeds from fees, taxes, and other charges related to the operation of motor vehicles on public highways and proceeds from an excise tax on liquid motor fuel used to propel those motor vehicles shall be used for:
(a) statutory refunds and adjustments and costs of collection and administration;
(b) the construction, maintenance, and repair of State and local roads, including payment for property taken for or damaged by rights-of-way and for associated administrative costs;
(c) driver education;
(d) enforcement of state motor vehicle and traffic laws; and
(e) the payment of the principal of and interest on any obligation of the State or a city or county, issued for any of the purposes set forth in Subsection (6)(b) and to which any of the fees, taxes, or other charges described in this Subsection (6) have been pledged, including any paid to the State or a city or county, as provided by statute.
This opinion in the Desert News is trying to take transportation funding the other direction. We need balance. This isn't it.
https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2020/4/23/21231760/gas-prices-utah-oil-crisis-coronavirus-economy-oklahoma-tax
Friday, April 24, 2020
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Led the fight to pass the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum
While Aimee Winder Newton and Jeff Burmingham and Jon Huntsman as Utah governor candidates were very helpful showing public support of the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum, Jeff Burmingham in his current campaign flyer claiming he led the fight to pass the referendum to stop the 2019 Utah tax reform package is total rubbish. Why does he think he is more important than Aimee who not only also showed up to the press conference, she personally helped as a referendum packet witness many times over.
Who were the referendum leaders: there were 5 original Referendum sponsors, Fred C, Jeff W, Gina C, Darcy V, Judy R. along with regional coordinators Lloyd, Lisa and Matt, and county coordinators, local and store coordinators, and other key people, such as Marci working with businesses such as Harmons, along with hundreds if not thousands of volunteers that helped get 170,000 signatures in 29 counties.
Who were the referendum leaders: there were 5 original Referendum sponsors, Fred C, Jeff W, Gina C, Darcy V, Judy R. along with regional coordinators Lloyd, Lisa and Matt, and county coordinators, local and store coordinators, and other key people, such as Marci working with businesses such as Harmons, along with hundreds if not thousands of volunteers that helped get 170,000 signatures in 29 counties.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Q and A 2020 HB 3009 Local Government Emergency Response
Hi Fred
...
Have you read HB 3009? If so please give me your impressions.
Thanks
Answer
When I read the bill, I noticed it was putting checks and balances
on the existing [potential] abuse of executive powers, of the Governor, County and
City Mayors.
I have felt like current emergency laws
needed that. Some have assumed that the bill was meant to add to
existing powers. It was not. It could be amended to be more clear.
I
believe some of the existing emergency powers are unconstitutional. Is a
judge going to rule that way? Good luck with that. Is the Utah
Legislature going to vote to repeal those powers? I am not sure they
have the votes. If with a 2/3 vote they can add checks and balances to
those powers, that is at least a step in the right direction.
Over
a week ago I had said this, and also had sent it to Governor. I posted
it in a group with tens of thousands of people, liberal and
conservative. The reaction was 95% positive. The comments, close to 1000
before they removed the comments were hardly civil. I am happy the
country, state and county is starting to go this way. I hope I was
helping in this process.
"Most people in this state
feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private businesses generally
or by category and requiring papers to travel is an abuse of power and
is not constitutional. Period. We have shut down a restaurant for
norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same. There is no
reason each and every business can't figure out a way to stay safe and
stay open. I have been working from home generally. That doesn't work to
go visit a building. Most people are doing their best to wash hands and
keep distances. That is a good thing for now. The last thing we need is
the government taking over everything. Be civil. Be caring. Be safe. Be
free."
For more on HB 3009, this has valid points.
An opposing view also raises concerns. The sponsor has put the bill on hold for now.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10219163194363779&id=1025123423
Fred C Cox
for SLco District 2
PS, Rep. Watkins has a floor amendment to remove the most controversial line. The bill is still stuck in Rules.
https://le.utah.gov/~2020S3/bills/static/HB3009.html
Saturday, April 18, 2020
We need to reverse Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson on Gun Rights
Perhaps today we can take a step in undoing this.
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12/16/21024564/salt-lake-county-to-require-background-checks-for-gun-show-sales-at-county-facilities
This was an attempt at the legislature
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/2/17/21136549/utah-gun-control-background-checks-gun-shows-salt-lake-county
This was an attempt at the county council level, but it shows support of the Mayor
https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/02/11/salt-lake-county-opposes/
"Members of the Republican majority Salt Lake County Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to signal their opposition to the legislation amid concerns from several council members about its penalties for noncompliant communities and the ramifications for local decision-making."
What the article didn't say was which members of the county council voted with the mayor.
Clearly if the county council is 5 v 4 Republican, at least one GOP member voted with the mayor.
That would be in the incumbent for Salt Lake County Council District 2.
The good news I am running for Salt Lake County Council District 2 and the incumbent is not.
The Mayor is not a dictator, or should not be. She didn't consult with the council on this decision. She didn't on her stay home order. We need a council that can stand up to the county mayor when she is wrong.
Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12/16/21024564/salt-lake-county-to-require-background-checks-for-gun-show-sales-at-county-facilities
This was an attempt at the legislature
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/2/17/21136549/utah-gun-control-background-checks-gun-shows-salt-lake-county
This was an attempt at the county council level, but it shows support of the Mayor
https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/02/11/salt-lake-county-opposes/
"Members of the Republican majority Salt Lake County Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to signal their opposition to the legislation amid concerns from several council members about its penalties for noncompliant communities and the ramifications for local decision-making."
What the article didn't say was which members of the county council voted with the mayor.
Clearly if the county council is 5 v 4 Republican, at least one GOP member voted with the mayor.
That would be in the incumbent for Salt Lake County Council District 2.
The good news I am running for Salt Lake County Council District 2 and the incumbent is not.
The Mayor is not a dictator, or should not be. She didn't consult with the council on this decision. She didn't on her stay home order. We need a council that can stand up to the county mayor when she is wrong.
Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2
Friday, April 17, 2020
Questions and Answers
Thanks for sharing information via email, blog, and Facebook Live. I have a few questions to help me make a decision tomorrow:
1.
I feel that lack of civility and compromise in government is causing
much gridlock and it appears to be getting worse. Would you provide
some examples of how you have worked with those of differing opinions to
reach healthy compromise? If elected, how to you plan to elevate civil
dialogue and behavior?
2. What is your relationship with current council members and city mayors?
3.
You, Dave Alvord, and Karen Lang are impressive candidates. What are a
few key strengths that make you a more suitable candidate?
Thanks for your passion and efforts to represent the West Side!
Answers:
Civility. I believe the 2019 UT Tax Referendum was a good example.
When the legislature failed to get 2/3 of both houses for 2019 SB 2001, I
called my most liberal and conservative friend to see if they were
interested in running a referendum. The volunteers were both liberal and
conservative and everything in between. I had one rule, respect. That
worked well in almost all cases during the referendum. In many cases
friends were made and I am hopeful this will be more long term.
For
serving in the House, the best person I can suggest [to ask] is Rep. Brian King,
house minority leader at the Utah House of Representatives. You can ask
him, he described me as "non partisan" in my voting. I voted on the
bill, not the sponsor or party they were from. While that has angered a
few in the current house leadership, I still have many friends there.
While
in the Utah House, I often had democratic senate sponsors for bills I
ran, such as Sen. Karen Mayne, then Sen. Ben McAdams, Sen. Davis, and
Sen. Escamilla.
With the Olympia Hills
vote in the SLco council, I proposed what I thought would be a
compromise that would work. 3 of the 9 voted against what passed, and
likely would have supported my proposal.
One that voted for the Olympia Hills project, Shireen Ghorbani, told me she appreciated my suggestion,
she just thought it was too late. She was involved in the tax referendum
and has shown interest in working together.
A.
Shireen Ghorbani B. Richard Snelgrove C. Jim Bradley 1.
Arlyn Bradshaw 2. Michael Jensen 3. Aimee Winder Newton 4.
Ann Granato 5. Steve DeBry 6. Max Burdick, Chair
In addition to Shireen, as mentioned above:
I
have known Richard Snelgrove and worked with him for over ten years on
different committees. We have a good relationship. He was one that
encouraged me to run. (He is not endorsing in the race)
Aimee Winder Newton, I have worked
with on other committees for many years as well. We have a good
relationship. She was one that encouraged me to run. (She is not endorsing in the race)
Steve was someone that voted against Olympia Hills and was responsive to my suggestions, as well as Aimee and Richard.
I
spoke to the council several times recently. Max treated me with
respect.
The person running against him, Dea Theodore has also reached out to me
Michael Jensen is not running for reelection.
I
have worked with Ron Bigelow for 30 plus years. He has not endorsed
anyone is this race, [he doesn't typically endorse]. I was disappointed
that one of the candidates implied he did.
I have known Dirk Burton also for many years. I met him at the Western Growth Coalition a decade ago. (not an endorsement)
For actual endorsements:
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/04/endorsements-for-fred-c-cox-for-salt.html
For actual endorsements:
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/04/endorsements-for-fred-c-cox-for-salt.html
I
have support of several current and past members of city and metro
councils. I have attended the Western Growth Coalition for many many
years. Attendees are typical chamber members, representatives of all the
city and metro councils from the district and school district members.
It was one of the reasons I changed my membership to the South West
Valley Chamber. I have not typically seen the other candidates there.
I
had attended the Copperton and Kearns metro township meetings and was
planning on attending other council meetings when the virus shut that
down. I am well known by many.
I have lived
in West Valley City for over 30 years and the west side for over 35. I
represented a large portion of West Valley City for 4 years in the
legislature and have been involved. I am have lived in Salt Lake County, or kept residency here, my entire life, almost 60 years.
See:
Strengths:
1. I have had and will continue to have regular town hall meetings. I listen. I am willing to get great ideas from others.
2. I have created and read many bills. Literally thousands of bills and state laws. I am known for seeing things others miss.
3. I have worked with county and city zoning and ordinances.
4. While I am willing to fight, I try to find win-win solutions where possible.
5.
All of us are small business owners. All of us has had to work with
public budgets. I have a reputation of protecting taxpayer funds.
6. The constitution:
A
week ago, I posted this in a nonpartisan facebook group of tens of
thousands. I had over 1000 comments. Some were not civil, however 95% of
the up arrows, and hearts were in agreement.
I also sent it the Governor. This week changes are being made there.
As
we see today, the State and Federal Government things are finally
moving this direction. We need checks and balances on the executives,
including our county mayor.
"Most people
in this state feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private
businesses generally or by category and requiring papers to travel is an
abuse of power and is not constitutional. Period. We have shut down a
restaurant for norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same.
There is no reason each and every business can't figure out a way to
stay safe and stay open. I have been working from home generally. That
doesn't work to go visit a building. Most people are doing their best to
wash hands and keep distances. That is a good thing for now. The last
thing we need is the government taking over everything. Be civil. Be
caring. Be safe. Be free."
At decade ago, I said this was why I was running for office. It still is:
"I
believe we must stand up and be heard or watch our constitutionally
protected rights disappear. We can't continue to let government take
over our lives".
Thanks for the questions.
Vote for Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2. You matter.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
It is the Economy
Many years ago I wrote this:
A Stable and Growing Economy
Utah is among Forbes best fiscally managed States and one of the best 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 with too many regulations.
This statement applies today even more than when I originally wrote it.
I have been self employed and worked as an employee.
For decades of being self employed, it seemed that as soon as you started getting ahead, the government wanted the money.
We need transportation and water and sewer infrastructure. We need safe communities. With the Olympia Hills development passed by the existing county council, the local water district told me that future west bench development would need to get the water from the Bear River. They did not tell me how many $ Billions that would cost.
We need better ideas. Yes, I have ideas. I would love to hear yours.
I have town hall meetings. I did for each of the 4 years I served in the Legislature. It was the best place for me to listen to great ideas of how to solve things or learn what needed to be solved.
Vote Fred Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2
He listens.
A Stable and Growing Economy
Utah is among Forbes best fiscally managed States and one of the best 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 with too many regulations.
This statement applies today even more than when I originally wrote it.
I have been self employed and worked as an employee.
For decades of being self employed, it seemed that as soon as you started getting ahead, the government wanted the money.
We need transportation and water and sewer infrastructure. We need safe communities. With the Olympia Hills development passed by the existing county council, the local water district told me that future west bench development would need to get the water from the Bear River. They did not tell me how many $ Billions that would cost.
We need better ideas. Yes, I have ideas. I would love to hear yours.
I have town hall meetings. I did for each of the 4 years I served in the Legislature. It was the best place for me to listen to great ideas of how to solve things or learn what needed to be solved.
Vote Fred Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2
He listens.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Endorsements for Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2
2020 Endorsements for Fred
Cox, running for Salt Lake County Council District 2
Check back for updates.
Utah Fraternal Order of Police
Kent and Carma Nay, West Valley City, UT
Jeffrey C. White, West Valley City, UT
Troy Council, West Valley City, UT
Clayton Hinman, West Valley City, UT
Christie Bigham, West Valley City UT
Tim and Gienie Assink, West Valley City, UT
Timothy Assink, West Valley City, UT
Don Christensen, West Valley City, UT (City Council)
Shirene Saddler, West Valley City, UT
Janice Auger Rasmussen, Taylorsville, UT (former Mayor)
Larry Johnson, Taylorsville, UT (former Mayor)
Bill Both, Magna, UT
Apollo Pazell, Copperton, UT (Metro Council)
Tessa Stitzer, Copperton, UT (Metro Council)
Benjamin Thompson, West Jordan, UT
Alan Anderson, West Jordan, UT
Tammy Bills, West Jordan, UT
Rebecca Campbell, South Jordan, UT
Steve Barnes, South Jordan, UT (former City Council)
Casey Jackson, Herriman, UT
Bill Clayton, Granite, UT (Metro Council)
Lee Anne Walker, Cottonwood Heights, UT
Helen Redd, Holladay, UT
"My experience is that Fred is a man of integrity who listens and makes decisions based on empirical data. I hope Herriman can stand behind Fred and help him get elected."
George Bekmezian, Herriman, UT
"I fully endorse Fred Cox. I have personally worked with Fred C Cox. He is a man of integrity. He is honest and very knowledgeable. He understands the issues and is very capable of getting the job done. If you want to have trust in your elected officials you want to elect Fred Cox!"
Andrew S. Young, former chair of the Iron County Republican Party
Legislative Awards:
2016 Utah Defenders of Liberty Award, Libertas Institute
2015 and 2016 “Friend of the Taxpayer” Recipient, Utah Taxpayers Association (100%)
Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 "Business Champion"
Disclaimer: After the success of the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum,
it should be clear I don't have an campaign endorsement from the above 3 organizations.
Check back for updates.
Utah Fraternal Order of Police
Kent and Carma Nay, West Valley City, UT
Jeffrey C. White, West Valley City, UT
Troy Council, West Valley City, UT
Clayton Hinman, West Valley City, UT
Christie Bigham, West Valley City UT
Tim and Gienie Assink, West Valley City, UT
Timothy Assink, West Valley City, UT
Don Christensen, West Valley City, UT (City Council)
Shirene Saddler, West Valley City, UT
Janice Auger Rasmussen, Taylorsville, UT (former Mayor)
Larry Johnson, Taylorsville, UT (former Mayor)
Bill Both, Magna, UT
Apollo Pazell, Copperton, UT (Metro Council)
Tessa Stitzer, Copperton, UT (Metro Council)
Benjamin Thompson, West Jordan, UT
Alan Anderson, West Jordan, UT
Tammy Bills, West Jordan, UT
Rebecca Campbell, South Jordan, UT
Steve Barnes, South Jordan, UT (former City Council)
Casey Jackson, Herriman, UT
Bill Clayton, Granite, UT (Metro Council)
Lee Anne Walker, Cottonwood Heights, UT
Helen Redd, Holladay, UT
"My experience is that Fred is a man of integrity who listens and makes decisions based on empirical data. I hope Herriman can stand behind Fred and help him get elected."
George Bekmezian, Herriman, UT
"I fully endorse Fred Cox. I have personally worked with Fred C Cox. He is a man of integrity. He is honest and very knowledgeable. He understands the issues and is very capable of getting the job done. If you want to have trust in your elected officials you want to elect Fred Cox!"
Andrew S. Young, former chair of the Iron County Republican Party
Legislative Awards:
2016 Utah Defenders of Liberty Award, Libertas Institute
2015 and 2016 “Friend of the Taxpayer” Recipient, Utah Taxpayers Association (100%)
Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 "Business Champion"
Disclaimer: After the success of the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum,
it should be clear I don't have an campaign endorsement from the above 3 organizations.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2
Salt Lake County Delegates,
I hope you and your family are safe and doing well.
I have received the following dates and times from the Salt Lake County Republican Party re: the online County Convention
It is possible the instructions from them will be updated. You should have already received this.
April 18, 2020 9:00am Call to Order
Voting Round One: Polls to Open at 9:30am Saturday April 18, 2020 and will be open through Sunday April 19, 2020 to 10:00am
If you need to take part in a round two vote you will be emailed.
Voting Round Two: Polls to Open at 1:00pm Sunday April 19, 2020 and will be open through Monday April 20, 2020 to 2:00pm
There
will be additional information being emailed to you and regarding
polling locations, voting method and any additional information as
needed.
For more information visit https://www.slcogop.com/conventions
Download your voting app today at: https://slcogop.voatz.com/
Since there are 3 Republican Candidates for Salt Lake County Council District 2, voting could take 2 rounds. If so, the 2nd round will be critical.
When
I was selected by delegates to replace my state representative in 2011,
I won by one vote in the 2nd round. Don't underestimate how important
one vote is.
For those that have may have missed my last 3 town hall meetings, or want to watch them again, there are links to watch at:
I have a new Facebook Live town hall meeting this Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10am.
You should be able to find it from my personal facebook profile at:
The event information is at:
The facebook Group is at:
Fred Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2
I was recently asked: "What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing Salt Lake County currently?"
My
response was: Growth, Taxes, Transportation, Water, Air, and Crime.
Help us come up with the best answers to these by participating in the
town hall meetings.
For 10 years I have said this:
I
believe we must stand up and be heard or watch our constitutionally
protected rights disappear. We can't continue to let government take
over our lives.
That was the reason I ran for office when my State Representative, Ron Bigelow, stepped down to help the Governor at the end of 2010, and it is still so today.
It was one of the reasons I was awarded the Libertas 2016 Defenders of Liberty Award.
The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax Referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.
For 2015 and 2016, I was given a 100% rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association for voting against tax increases and looking out for the taxpayers. I also received a Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 Business Champion award for working to help Utah businesses grow. I worked hard to make sure the legislature didn’t ignore the idea of replacing the prison in Draper, which I believed would have saved over $100 Million, which has since been shown to be true.
I had the opportunity to serve in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. During that time I had a reputation of being willing to speak up and to fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition.
I also had the reputation of reading though all of the bills I would vote on, and after the 2016 session a comedy song joked that I might have known other legislators' bills better than they did. During my service, I had one of the best floor attendance records of anyone in the House, except for one rare House Judiciary Standing Committee meeting called during floor time where I missed 12 votes in 2015. They were the only ones I missed that year. I wanted to be in the chamber during debates and voting so I could hear both sides of an issue and see if a bill was ready or needed to be amended or voted down. "Motion to Amend" was something I said more than once. I always voted for or against the bill no matter who the sponsor was or what party they belonged to.
I have been asked by many to run. I would appreciate your support, whether by endorsement for 2020 or campaign contribution.
That was the reason I ran for office when my State Representative, Ron Bigelow, stepped down to help the Governor at the end of 2010, and it is still so today.
It was one of the reasons I was awarded the Libertas 2016 Defenders of Liberty Award.
The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax Referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.
For 2015 and 2016, I was given a 100% rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association for voting against tax increases and looking out for the taxpayers. I also received a Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 Business Champion award for working to help Utah businesses grow. I worked hard to make sure the legislature didn’t ignore the idea of replacing the prison in Draper, which I believed would have saved over $100 Million, which has since been shown to be true.
I had the opportunity to serve in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. During that time I had a reputation of being willing to speak up and to fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition.
I also had the reputation of reading though all of the bills I would vote on, and after the 2016 session a comedy song joked that I might have known other legislators' bills better than they did. During my service, I had one of the best floor attendance records of anyone in the House, except for one rare House Judiciary Standing Committee meeting called during floor time where I missed 12 votes in 2015. They were the only ones I missed that year. I wanted to be in the chamber during debates and voting so I could hear both sides of an issue and see if a bill was ready or needed to be amended or voted down. "Motion to Amend" was something I said more than once. I always voted for or against the bill no matter who the sponsor was or what party they belonged to.
I have been asked by many to run. I would appreciate your support, whether by endorsement for 2020 or campaign contribution.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Fred C. Cox for SLco Council 2 Town Hall 4 April 2020
New Town Hall Meeting 4 April 2020 Facebook Live
New Town Hall Meeting 4 April 2020 Youtube Format:
https://youtu.be/35SQs16pn7g
New Town Hall Meeting 4 April 2020 Youtube Format:
https://youtu.be/35SQs16pn7g
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