The Deseret News has an interesting Candidate Comparison based on our response to their questions for the New State House District 30
http://voterguide.deseretnews.com/candidate-detail.do?id=10716278
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Two Incumbents Keep the Right One
Obviously, I am the right one because I am not the left one, but that isn't the real important answer. Many voters are just starting to realize they have a choice between two incumbents. One of the reasons I am asking the question is I want them to research and decide for themselves, who is the right incumbent to keep?
I received this response to the question from
Utah State Representative Ronda Menlove:
"You
are the right one because you work harder and you are more committed to
learning about the issues so you can represent your constituents well.
You have formed friendships and alliances that allow you to get things
done. You know how to make a difference!"
Some other statements:
Ron Bigelow, former member of the Utah State House of Representatives.
“As a member of the State Legislature, Fred works hard. He researches issues and bills, has been willing to speak up, and is not afraid to take a stand. Fred ran two bills for neighbors and made sure they passed both the House and Senate and were signed by the Governor.”
Speaker Becky Lockhart:
"Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district."
Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support Representative Fred Cox in his election effort for the new State House District 30. Fred is a strong conservative who will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."
Jim Bennett, Bob Bennett 2010 U.S. Senate Campaign
"I met Fred Cox when he was helping other candidates running for office, including one running against my father. I found Fred to be hardworking and fair. While some in politics leave you feeling you don't want to see them again, Fred was willing to be my friend, even though we were helping candidates running against each other. When I found a national blog article that unfairly blamed my father for something another senator had done, and I found I couldn't immediately post a correction, I called Fred.
Fred made sure that a correction was posted, even though that wouldn't help his candidate. We need civility in government and officials that care more about finding solutions for constituents than partisan bickering. With that, I endorse Fred Cox for State House of Representatives."
Larry Jensen, Utah Republican Grassroots Activist:
"I have admired the tenacity of Representative Fred Cox both in and out of the legislature. He is a very competent legislator who understands the issues that effect Utahns as well as anyone I know. Fred's most admirable trait is that he approaches all people and projects with unwavering honesty."
Kevin Fayles, West Valley City 2009 mayoral candidate:
“As a member of the State Legislature, Fred works hard. He researches issues and bills, has been willing to speak up, and is not afraid to take a stand. Fred ran two bills for neighbors and made sure they passed both the House and Senate and were signed by the Governor.”
Speaker Becky Lockhart:
"Fred Cox is a man of courage. He stands up for what he believes is right for the people of his district."
Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah
"I support Representative Fred Cox in his election effort for the new State House District 30. Fred is a strong conservative who will stand up for the principles of limited government and efficient use of taxpayer dollars."
Jim Bennett, Bob Bennett 2010 U.S. Senate Campaign
"I met Fred Cox when he was helping other candidates running for office, including one running against my father. I found Fred to be hardworking and fair. While some in politics leave you feeling you don't want to see them again, Fred was willing to be my friend, even though we were helping candidates running against each other. When I found a national blog article that unfairly blamed my father for something another senator had done, and I found I couldn't immediately post a correction, I called Fred.
Fred made sure that a correction was posted, even though that wouldn't help his candidate. We need civility in government and officials that care more about finding solutions for constituents than partisan bickering. With that, I endorse Fred Cox for State House of Representatives."
Larry Jensen, Utah Republican Grassroots Activist:
"I have admired the tenacity of Representative Fred Cox both in and out of the legislature. He is a very competent legislator who understands the issues that effect Utahns as well as anyone I know. Fred's most admirable trait is that he approaches all people and projects with unwavering honesty."
Kevin Fayles, West Valley City 2009 mayoral candidate:
"Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, Fred treats all with respect. He cares passionately about making our community a better place and is open to new ideas. He is a thoughtful, caring legislator."
Susan Southwick, Tea Party Patriots, Utah State Coordinator:
"After having had the opportunity to work with Fred Cox on various projects, I am delighted to endorse Fred as he runs as a representative in Utah's Legislative District 30. Fred is one of the most ethical and honest people I know. I also know he works tirelessly on any project he takes on. District 30 will be well served to have Fred C. Cox represent them in the Utah legislature."
Susan Southwick, Tea Party Patriots, Utah State Coordinator:
"After having had the opportunity to work with Fred Cox on various projects, I am delighted to endorse Fred as he runs as a representative in Utah's Legislative District 30. Fred is one of the most ethical and honest people I know. I also know he works tirelessly on any project he takes on. District 30 will be well served to have Fred C. Cox represent them in the Utah legislature."
National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA) Endorsed Candidate
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, Endorsed Candidate
Candidacy supported by: Education First
Endorsed by:
James Rushton, West Valley City, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Utah Senator Daniel W. Thatcher, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT
Jason Chaffetz, U.S. Representative for Utah's 3rd District
Utah Senator Wayne Niederhauser, Sandy, UT
Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Deidre Henderson, former Campaign Manager at Jason Chaffetz for Congress
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Congress 2012
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008
And many, many more...
National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, Endorsed Candidate
Candidacy supported by: Education First
Endorsed by:
James Rushton, West Valley City, UT
Kelly Allen, former PTSA Junior High School President, West Valley City, UT
Utah Senator Daniel W. Thatcher, West Valley City, UT
Phil Conder, West Valley City, UT
Jason Chaffetz, U.S. Representative for Utah's 3rd District
Utah Senator Wayne Niederhauser, Sandy, UT
Dave Hansen, former Utah Republican State Party Chair
Deidre Henderson, former Campaign Manager at Jason Chaffetz for Congress
Cherilyn Eagar, Candidate U.S. Congress 2012
Bennion Spencer, Candidate for U.S. Congress 2008
And many, many more...
Monday, October 1, 2012
Utah's Common Core
I don't mind having access to a national grassroots standard, as long as we have
the flexibility to amend/modify/add/delete anything to make it better.
Math teachers I have talked to believe the standard will do 2 things, help ACT scores rise and decrease the number of students taking remedial math when they reach college.
Many do not like the no text books and wants other options.
There are those that would have taken 8th grade Algebra that would take Calculus their senior year that should not have to waste their 8th grade and could move faster and those that are not understanding the concepts, and may not understand, that have traditionally been taught by rote.
The standard, a is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.
The race to the top funding competition provided little time for the states to adopt common core, so almost no legislatures were involved in the adoption nationally. With the National Governors Association behind it, I am not surprised it was signed in the approx. 2 months the states were given initially. Federal Funds are the only enforcement tool, and we haven't got any of them over this yet.
I believe it was Governor Huntsman in 2009 who signed up for this direction along with the state school board who was acting constitutionally: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ", were within their duties. Saying the Feds are outside their constitutional powers is one thing, which I agree with, but saying the state school board was outside theirs is an argument that would be lost.
The only thing the legislature has done so far is raise concerns and provide some barrier to federal control, calling it Utah's Common Core in the Statewide Adaptive Testing request for proposal. The feds have lowered the student privacy laws and so we have tied Utah's student privacy laws to any Statewide Adaptive Testing system funding. See 2012 HB 15 and 2012 SB 97.
2012 SCR 13 passed the senate, but ran out of time in the House. I am not sure it would have passed and the house killed a move to bump it to the top of a short list at the end.
The schools have spent the last 2 summers gearing up for this, and changing their books, etc. If the legislature is going to now get further involved, it should be very limited.
Math teachers I have talked to believe the standard will do 2 things, help ACT scores rise and decrease the number of students taking remedial math when they reach college.
Many do not like the no text books and wants other options.
There are those that would have taken 8th grade Algebra that would take Calculus their senior year that should not have to waste their 8th grade and could move faster and those that are not understanding the concepts, and may not understand, that have traditionally been taught by rote.
The standard, a is a one size fits all approach, which will only work with the middle students.
The race to the top funding competition provided little time for the states to adopt common core, so almost no legislatures were involved in the adoption nationally. With the National Governors Association behind it, I am not surprised it was signed in the approx. 2 months the states were given initially. Federal Funds are the only enforcement tool, and we haven't got any of them over this yet.
I believe it was Governor Huntsman in 2009 who signed up for this direction along with the state school board who was acting constitutionally: "The general control and supervision of the public education system shall be vested in a State Board of Education. ", were within their duties. Saying the Feds are outside their constitutional powers is one thing, which I agree with, but saying the state school board was outside theirs is an argument that would be lost.
The only thing the legislature has done so far is raise concerns and provide some barrier to federal control, calling it Utah's Common Core in the Statewide Adaptive Testing request for proposal. The feds have lowered the student privacy laws and so we have tied Utah's student privacy laws to any Statewide Adaptive Testing system funding. See 2012 HB 15 and 2012 SB 97.
2012 SCR 13 passed the senate, but ran out of time in the House. I am not sure it would have passed and the house killed a move to bump it to the top of a short list at the end.
The schools have spent the last 2 summers gearing up for this, and changing their books, etc. If the legislature is going to now get further involved, it should be very limited.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Confused about Representative Matheson and ObamaCare
If you are like me and are tired of the competing claims about Rep. Jim Matheson's voting record re: ObamaCare, consider the following:
For those that think Rep. Matheson helped fight "ObamaCare" when it passed, think again.
Look at what votes he made the last week prior that helped set up what happened Sunday March 21, 2010. For those that wanted the bill to pass, he voted against it, for those that wanted it to fail, he voted to suspend the rules so it could pass.
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/ROLL_100.asp
Look at votes 129, 130, as well as votes 159, 160, 162 and 163
He did the same thing months before:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/ROLL_800.asp
Look at votes 881, 882, 884, 885, 886, 887
Jim Matheson appears to vote with Nancy Pelosi when she needs the vote. In 2010 There were 39 democrats that voted to stay and vote about the "Bush" Tax cuts. One more and they would not have left without discussing it. Yes, Matheson wrote a letter saying he wanted the cuts, but then he voted with Nancy Pelosi to dismiss and not discuss it. One vote would have made the difference. It did and it was Matheson voting with Nancy Pelosi, and not representing Utah.
http://hollyonthehill.com/2010/09/29/matheson-for-tax-cuts-before-he-was-against-them/
The legislature didn't redistrict Rep. Matheson out of the 2nd district. He lives in the current 2nd and new 2nd district. The new 2nd district and 4th district are reportedly both as republican as his current district. He chose to run in the 4th district because he resides in Utah and the US constitution doesn't say he has to run in his own district. Unless he moves, he won't be able to vote for himself this fall.
For those that think Rep. Matheson helped fight "ObamaCare" when it passed, think again.
Look at what votes he made the last week prior that helped set up what happened Sunday March 21, 2010. For those that wanted the bill to pass, he voted against it, for those that wanted it to fail, he voted to suspend the rules so it could pass.
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/ROLL_100.asp
Look at votes 129, 130, as well as votes 159, 160, 162 and 163
He did the same thing months before:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/ROLL_800.asp
Look at votes 881, 882, 884, 885, 886, 887
Jim Matheson appears to vote with Nancy Pelosi when she needs the vote. In 2010 There were 39 democrats that voted to stay and vote about the "Bush" Tax cuts. One more and they would not have left without discussing it. Yes, Matheson wrote a letter saying he wanted the cuts, but then he voted with Nancy Pelosi to dismiss and not discuss it. One vote would have made the difference. It did and it was Matheson voting with Nancy Pelosi, and not representing Utah.
http://hollyonthehill.com/2010/09/29/matheson-for-tax-cuts-before-he-was-against-them/
The legislature didn't redistrict Rep. Matheson out of the 2nd district. He lives in the current 2nd and new 2nd district. The new 2nd district and 4th district are reportedly both as republican as his current district. He chose to run in the 4th district because he resides in Utah and the US constitution doesn't say he has to run in his own district. Unless he moves, he won't be able to vote for himself this fall.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Town Hall Meetings for Fall of 2012
TOWN HALL MEETINGS
Come and Meet Representative Fred Cox, and ask questions at
Hunter Library, 4740 West 4100 South on the following dates and times:
Thursday, September 13, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, September 15, 2012, 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Representative Fred Cox new post card and flyer
New Postcard
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyer6x9.pdf
New Flyer
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyerNotFolded.pdf
Mitt Romney group photo when we endorsed him on June 24, 2011, The Grand America, Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/MittR.jpg
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyer6x9.pdf
New Flyer
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/FredCoxFlyerNotFolded.pdf
Mitt Romney group photo when we endorsed him on June 24, 2011, The Grand America, Salt Lake City, UT
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/MittR.jpg
An open letter to Robert Gehrke of the Salt Lake Tribune
OK, am I a member of the Tea Party? I had someone ask me. TEA party as
Taxed Enough Already, yes, or as someone that doesn't listen to both
sides, no. When someone says Tea Party, it isn't typically as defined as the national media likes to make it when they label someone.
I am a Conservative Republican, and yet have never voted "straight ticket" in my over 30 years of voting. Sometimes I get to the bottom of the ballot and I did vote for all Republicans and sometimes I didn't.
The headline of your initial article http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51001951-76/cox-bigelow-delegates-district.html.csp suggested that I may be a member, but I didn't join the Patrick Henry Caucus, and have spent more time reading bills than attending the different caucuses.
I don't know how to categorize me. Utah Data Points hasn't done their annual Ideology Scores, so I am not sure based on votes. [update, they finally did, see 2012 ratings link below. put me 33 out of 75 in the Utah House]
I supported the more moderate Dan Liljenquist over Rep. Herrod, picked Tim Bridgewater as my second choice over Mike Lee, and actively fought a couple of former Rep. Carl Wimmer's bills.
I was trying to decide between the most moderate Jay Cobb vs Mia Love for the 4th District and not Carl Wimmer or Stephen Sandstrom. I picked Mia Love, as did 70% of the delegates helped seated by Sen. Hatch's campaign.
I am outspoken on some issues. (Some people feel too many). I fought a gun bill because I felt it unfairly targeted hotel owner property rights. The NRA endorsed me but won't give me anything higher than a B+ because while I have fought to protect gun rights, including open carry, I believe that if someone is going to conceal the fact that they are carrying, a concealed carry permit is a good requirement.
I am more apt to quote the Utah Constitution vs the US Constitution, but have read both and have tried to make sure we (the legislature) are following both.
I am friends with members of the Tea Party and Eagle Forum, but disagree with and fight them on some issues.
On Education, I believe it should be a priority, but we are never going to have enough money for some. The UEA gives me a 50% this year and PCE gives me a 67% and I went to meet with the more balanced Education First.
My vote on 2012 SB 82, Equal Access for Education Employee Association Amendments changed my ratings for 5 different groups. http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/equal-access-for-education-employee.html
I run a Utah Land Protection Act that initially gets a favorable response from Ed Firmage Jr. (see page 2, comment 19) http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51121753-76/bill-cox-federal-lands.html.csp and a member of the SL Tribune staff recently calls me part of the New Sage Brush rebellion even though I fought Rep. Ivory on his land bill for 6 months until it morphed away from requiring the Feds to sell the public lands (to who? China? ) or pay property taxes.
My last session ratings are at:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/rep-fred-cox-voting-ratings-for-2012.html
You report politics. How would you categorize me? I don't want to throw my "Tea Party" friends under the bus, and don't mind being called a Conservative Republican. Who could get an endorsement from Cherilyn Eagar, Jim Bennett, and Bennion Spencer? I don't know anyone else.
Who would have their own state party threaten to sue the state if they adopted one of my redistricting maps and get nice words from Sen. Ben McAdams on my post on non-discrimination, negative comments from some of his supporters, and positive comments from Represent Me! on my original state house redistricting map?
I know what I believe. I am willing to stand up to pressure. I am outspoken and have way too many statements on my blog on controversial bills and issues. I am willing to listen to both sides and fight for or against a bill no matter the sponsor.
So, how do I answer the question, am I a member of the Tea Party or not?
I am a Conservative Republican, and yet have never voted "straight ticket" in my over 30 years of voting. Sometimes I get to the bottom of the ballot and I did vote for all Republicans and sometimes I didn't.
The headline of your initial article http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51001951-76/cox-bigelow-delegates-district.html.csp suggested that I may be a member, but I didn't join the Patrick Henry Caucus, and have spent more time reading bills than attending the different caucuses.
I don't know how to categorize me. Utah Data Points hasn't done their annual Ideology Scores, so I am not sure based on votes. [update, they finally did, see 2012 ratings link below. put me 33 out of 75 in the Utah House]
I supported the more moderate Dan Liljenquist over Rep. Herrod, picked Tim Bridgewater as my second choice over Mike Lee, and actively fought a couple of former Rep. Carl Wimmer's bills.
I was trying to decide between the most moderate Jay Cobb vs Mia Love for the 4th District and not Carl Wimmer or Stephen Sandstrom. I picked Mia Love, as did 70% of the delegates helped seated by Sen. Hatch's campaign.
I am outspoken on some issues. (Some people feel too many). I fought a gun bill because I felt it unfairly targeted hotel owner property rights. The NRA endorsed me but won't give me anything higher than a B+ because while I have fought to protect gun rights, including open carry, I believe that if someone is going to conceal the fact that they are carrying, a concealed carry permit is a good requirement.
I am more apt to quote the Utah Constitution vs the US Constitution, but have read both and have tried to make sure we (the legislature) are following both.
I am friends with members of the Tea Party and Eagle Forum, but disagree with and fight them on some issues.
On Education, I believe it should be a priority, but we are never going to have enough money for some. The UEA gives me a 50% this year and PCE gives me a 67% and I went to meet with the more balanced Education First.
My vote on 2012 SB 82, Equal Access for Education Employee Association Amendments changed my ratings for 5 different groups. http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/equal-access-for-education-employee.html
I run a Utah Land Protection Act that initially gets a favorable response from Ed Firmage Jr. (see page 2, comment 19) http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51121753-76/bill-cox-federal-lands.html.csp and a member of the SL Tribune staff recently calls me part of the New Sage Brush rebellion even though I fought Rep. Ivory on his land bill for 6 months until it morphed away from requiring the Feds to sell the public lands (to who? China? ) or pay property taxes.
My last session ratings are at:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/rep-fred-cox-voting-ratings-for-2012.html
You report politics. How would you categorize me? I don't want to throw my "Tea Party" friends under the bus, and don't mind being called a Conservative Republican. Who could get an endorsement from Cherilyn Eagar, Jim Bennett, and Bennion Spencer? I don't know anyone else.
Who would have their own state party threaten to sue the state if they adopted one of my redistricting maps and get nice words from Sen. Ben McAdams on my post on non-discrimination, negative comments from some of his supporters, and positive comments from Represent Me! on my original state house redistricting map?
I know what I believe. I am willing to stand up to pressure. I am outspoken and have way too many statements on my blog on controversial bills and issues. I am willing to listen to both sides and fight for or against a bill no matter the sponsor.
So, how do I answer the question, am I a member of the Tea Party or not?
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