Several people have recently inquired as to where they can find The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’  (LDS Church) statement regarding Salt Lake City ordinances on discrimination of same-sex attracted citizens.  The following is from the LDS Church’s website lds.org:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction.

The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance “is fair and reasonable” and balances fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community.

For the full statement from the LDS Church’s website…link HERE.

Also, local news coverage on the following links:

Deseret News, Bernick, et al.

Salt Lake Tribune, Winters, et al.

A new MSNBC article reveals that Utah is the “happiest” state.  Click HERE for link.

“Though you might not be able to run away from your problems, moving to another state could be good for the soul. New research suggests U.S. states with wealthier, better educated and more tolerant residents are also happier on average.

The reasoning is that wealthy states can provide infrastructure and so it’s easier for residents to get their needs met. In addition, states with a greater proportion of artists and gays would also be places where residents can freely express themselves.”

Milt Fugal and Lee Jensen, vying for a city council seat in Pleasant Grove, Utah, are “patiently” waiting for a vote recount on November 17.  After integrating the absentee ballots into a race with a three vote margin…the race became a dead-even contest.

Don’t tell me your vote doesn’t matter…

Read the story in the Daily Herald.  Link HERE.

“Those are the Franks…They don’t hang around with anyone else…”

“So, you’re hanging with Phillip Frank now?”

“What do you have against the Franks?”

“Just be careful!”

It would appear as though this will be the year (2010 General Session) that the Utah Legislature will impose campaign finance restrictions on itself.  The question that remains is “How much?”

Last Thursday afternoon, the Governor’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy, unanimously passed a resolution that would create contribution limits on candidates seeking public office at the state level.  The resolution, an advisory recommendation to Governor Gary Herbert, may or may not be passed-on following his careful review to the Utah Legislature for vetting through the normal legislative process.  Nevertheless, a bill file has already been requested by Rep. Craig Frank (R-Cedar Hills), a member of the Governor’s Commission,  that takes the recommendations of the Commission and creates “DRAFT” language creating a baseline for legislative debate.

In a recent interview, Rep. Frank said “It would be short-sighted for anyone to believe that the final bill proposal for the Governor’s signature will come out  the other side of the 2010 General Legislative Session looking like it did when it entered.”  Rep. Frank further warned that, “the legislative process is broad and deep…and, many people will ‘touch‘ this bill–the public, legislators, special-interest groups, the executive branch, democrats and republicans alike–before it reaches its final form.  The Commission was an advisory group of respected individuals throughout our community who were charged with the task of making recommendations on Campaign Finance issues to the Governor; however, the People’s elected representatives have  an historic and structured process for deliberating such matters before these very important recommendations from the Governor’s Commission are passed into law!  My bill creates the framework for constructive and thoughtful debate.”

Rep. Frank also has a bill file opened to address another proposal for Campaign Finance.  What is the idea gaining broader support among his legislative colleagues?  Total Disclosure and Transparency.  You Take It…You Report It!  This proposal requires legislators (or any elected public office holder) to report on the state’s disclosure website ANYTHING they receive from ANY source.   Rep. Frank suggests that “term limits are at the ballot box.”  He also believes that if voters had access to a ‘total disclosure’ website…they may be more inclined to carefully follow their representative’s political finances.”

For more on this issue:

Salt Lake Tribune, Cathy Mckitrick

Deseret News, Bob Bernick

Cedar Hills isn’t the only municipally owned golf course with big $$$ problems…

The Daily Herald reports the municipally owned Fox Hollow Golf Course (aka Tri-Cities), in American Fork,  has sent a bill to the residents of Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and Lehi for the recent facility shortfall.  Residents of those cities will be on the hook for an additional $186,000 to assist the “links” to operate in the black.  Some of the residents responsible to pay for those shortfalls have never even picked up a golf club.   “Link” HERE for Herald Article.

Will we ever learn?  Fore!

Thursday evening, November 5th from 7-9 pm, attorney Mike Lee will speak on the U.S. Constitution (and the 2010 Ethics Initiative).  This event will be held at the Lincoln Academy, 1582 West 3300 North, Pleasant Grove, located approximately 1/2 mile northeast of the LDS Mount Timpanogos Temple.  The event is being sponsored by Rep. Craig Frank (R-HD57) and Holly Richardson, Chair of Legislative District 57.

Mike has a comprehensive knowledge of the Rule of Law and the U.S. Constitution.  His recent clerkship with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has solidified his reputation as a much-sought-after legal professional.  The son of former U.S. Solicitor General and BYU president, Rex Lee, Mike grew up “arguing” legal cases at his parent’s dinner table.  His love of and respect for the legal system is what sets him apart as one of Utah’s leading authorities on Constitutional law and process.  Mike’s gift of communicating complex issues in simple terms makes him a friend of the “common man” and an extraordinary speaker.

Come spend an evening with us, listening, learning, and discussing our Constitutional rights and obligations.  Come spend an evening with Mike Lee and the Constitution.

(Picture of Mike Lee and Rep. Frank standing on the “Highest Court” …the basketball court in the room above the U.S. Supreme Court Chambers.  April 2007.)