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Candidates' Blogs
Aggregated blogs of Democratic candidates running in Utah County

  • Deon Turley: The Foolish Farmer (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/03/foolish-farmer.html)
    At a recent legislative report, our local representative and senator laid out to their constituents the various budget cuts to state institutions and the ways they may be handled. Mr. Grover seemed to make light of the impact of these cuts, saying, "It kind of makes you wonder why we've been funding them at the higher level all this time in the past!"

    This statement makes clear that he has spent too much time in the "echo chambers" of closed-door legislative caucus rooms.

    It reminded me of a story that my father used to tell. It seems a farmer was concerned about the cost of oats to feed his plow horse. He decided that he could save a lot of money if he could just train the horse to work without feed. He decided to ween the horse gradually. A few months later his neighbor asked him how the experiment was going. "I almost had the horse completely weened," replied the farmer, "but he up and died on me!"

    Mr. Grover sounds a lot like this foolish farmer.

    He surely hasn't spoken to voters in his district who work at the State Hospital or for...

  • Deon Turley: The horrible blessings game (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/03/horrible-blessings-game.html)
    A number of years ago I heard of a Blessings Game that was recommended to families. It starts off with each family member identifying blessings, writing them down on little slips of paper and arranging them on the table. Such things as good health, friendly neighbors, grandparents, and opportunities for school come out immediately. Imagination is helpful as time goes on and indoor plumbing, my new running shoes, a roof that doesn't leak, and chocolate pudding are added. Soon the table is covered with happy little scraps. It seems to be a lesson about gratitude.

    Part 2 of the game brings about a change in the atmosphere. Everyone is asked to choose what they would be willing to do without. "Okay, I guess I don't really need the collection of DVD's." Dad is surprised when one of the kids is willing to do without a lawn mower and the kids are perplexed that Dad is willing to toss out the TV. Round after round of sacrifices are made and soon one of the family says, "I don't want to play anymore," but the game must go on and the "Blessings Game" turns into the "Horrible...

  • Deon Turley: It's Official! (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-official.html)
    At 5 PM on March fourth, I stood before a group of smiling faces and announced that I had decided to March forth! I announced my campaign for the Utah State House of Representatives.

    Over the next few days I will post excerpts from my announcement speech. Today I want to post the opening acknowledgments (including the people that I only thought to acknowledge after I sat down).

    In attendance and at my side was my good husband who supports me in many of my wild adventures. He not only offers his technical expertise with all things digital, he also gives careful consideration to the issues of the day and shares his viewpoints with me. Often we agree, sometimes we do not, but his love and respect for me is constant.

    My father drove 100 miles through blizzard conditions to attend this event and that was symbolic of his tremendous support for me. His example and explicit teaching throughout my life of personal integrity and responsibility are part of my living inheritance.

    My mother, at home giving hospice care to my aunt, has of course been a great influence in my life....

  • Deon Turley: Balance of power in government (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/03/balance-of-power-in-government.html)
    The three branches of government that should balance each other are well-known to students of government. The power of the Executive Branch is held in check by the Judiciary and the Legislative branch. Similarly, the courts are balanced by the governor's office and lawmakers; and the legislature is balanced by the courts and the governor.

    There are also provisions to balance citizens' interest with the power of the legislature.

    One is the ballot box. Voters unhappy with their representative certainly can wait for their term of office to expire and vote them out of office.

    The other is the initiative process, which gives citizens the ability to create and pass legislation independent of their elected officials. It is created as an initiative and if enough voters sign a petition to place the initiative on the ballot, voters can vote the initiative up or down at the next election. This procedure may signal to their elected officials that they are generally pleased with their representation but that the legislature is reluctant to pass a particular piece of legislation.

    The constitutionally guaranteed right to petition government is a pain in the neck...

  • Deon Turley: All politics (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/02/all-politics.html)
    I have heard many times the statement: "All politics is local." The meaning of that, I suppose, is that the local effect of politics overrides the movements on state or national level. The messages of national politicians are tailored to the moods and opinions of their audiences as they tour the country.

    I have found a reverse effect in my own community and I have been trying to understand how a politician responds to this.

    Utah County has been identified as one of the most, if not the most, Republican counties in the country. Candidates for office, even non-partisan office, must prove their Republican credentials. When the Women's Legislative Council of Utah County holds events, they are listed as non-partisan but the woman conducting the meetings extols "the great Republican values" of its members and only Republican candidates for office are recognized and introduced. In this city only elected officials are allowed to ride in parades, closing that opportunity to other candidates for office, effectively shutting out all but one political party.

    During my experience in running a campaign, the most frequently asked question is: "what party are you?" They are convinced that the party...

  • Deon Turley: A Supreme Court Speed Bump for Ethics Reform (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/01/supreme-court-speed-bump-for-ethics.html)
    I have been a proponent of the legislative ethics initiative by Utahns for Ethical Government, which is in the petition stage this winter. It is a slow process going door to door because each signature usually involves a lengthy explanation. I do not begrudge the time; it shows that the voters want to be informed.

    The voice of opposition to this petition has been coming primarily from the incumbent politicians. They fear the changes it would require. Its provisions for campaign finance reform, for example, prohibit individual donors from contributing more than $2500 and prohibits contributions in any amount from businesses.

    Now, however, the ruling of the Supreme Court (January 21, 2010) has driven a hole into the initiative in just this area. Political contributions are seen as "free speech" and cannot be prohibited or limited and business entities are seen as having the same rights of free speech as individuals.

    The UEG initiative has strong support among the voters in Utah and while the limits on campaign funding will be stripped by the severability clause, the rest of the bill, if passed in the November election, would...

  • Deon Turley: A Survey or a Push Poll (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/01/survey-or-push-poll.html)
    As the 2010 legislative session gets underway, state senators and representatives are wise to collect information from their constituents. After all, how can they represent people whose opinions they do not know? Town Hall meetings are a great way to do this. Opinion polls and surveys, either by phone or mail, are also good options. Our household recently received the ?2010 Legislative Survey? from our elected representative and senator.

    Most surveys are meant to collect information. Others are ?push polls? meant to look like they are collecting information but, in reality, are meant to disseminate it. A push poll is often used to promote oneself or to ?push? negative information about a person or viewpoint.

    The first clue that the survey I received might not be a survey to collect real attitudes and opinions was that bad news is introduced with "Due to the economic downturn," and good news with "Due to wise fiscal management".

    The second clue was the fact that opinions are interspersed with the questions, such as the following: (Do you support or oppose) steps to opt out of provisions that would raise taxes and harm businesses if a 'Cap and...

  • Deon Turley: Happy New Year! (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-new-year.html)
    Holidays are wonderful ways to end a year. It is like having dessert at the end of a meal. It leaves a good taste in your mouth. At least, that is the way it has been for me.

    My almost-empty nest was filled (and then some) with children who brought their children. Coming from the East Coast, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest, they converged. The grandchildren played with each other, with only occasional klonks with their toys; the grown children laughed and teased each other; and even the in-laws chatted comfortably. Conversation topics ranged from potty training to college selection to hospice care -- and, of course, memories of Christmases past.

    We are blessed with comfortable shelter, sufficient food, caring friends, loving family, and faith that God is watching over all.

    What could be better than this?


  • Deon Turley: Has it been a year? (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/11/has-it-been-year.html)
    This past year has been different from the previous year.
    I have written more birthday cards. I have painted my living room. I planted and harvested a vegetable garden. I have read books just for fun. I have hiked a mountain and rafted a river. I have experimented with new recipes in the kitchen, new software on the computer, new hardware used with power tools, and new projects with the sewing machine. In short, I have taken on more varied projects during this year than campaigning allowed in 2008.
    The similarities lie in the fact that I still enjoy relationships with old friends and new. I still have kept a paddle in the stream of politics. And I continue to find avenues of service to my community.

    I watched with interest the birth of two different citizen initiatives during this past summer. Both addressed needs of our state government and I am pleased to be carrying both petitions to my neighbors these days. If you have not investigated the initiatives, called "Fair Boundaries" and "Utahns for Ethical Government", I encourage you to do so. The names above are linked to their...

  • Deon Turley: Legislator v. the PTA (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/02/legislator-v-pta.html)
    Senate Bill 199 is an example of vendetta legislation that has long range implications. It would make it illegal for schools to work with volunteer parent groups that require members to pay dues.

    Many parent organizations charge membership dues but recognize that most of the activities at their individual schools are paid for by other fundraising efforts. PTA would literally be pushed out of the state since its state and national bylaws require membership dues. The dues that come from PTA members are what makes it possible for PTA to be a lobbying organization, advocating for children, families, and schools.

    PTA was in the forefront of the push to get School Trustlands to produce an sizable and growing income in the state of Utah and legislators have been anxious to get their hands on funds being generated by the Trustlands ever since. PTA has been vigilant in protecting public schools' interests with Trustlands funds. This has been possible with their lobbying efforts.

    Senator Curt Bramble is the bill sponsor and his political opponent in the past election is active in the PTA. He and PTA have been at loggerheads on a number of...

  • Deon Turley: Need a job? Be a teacher! (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/02/need-job-be-teacher.html)
    Senate Bill 48 is said to address a teacher shortage, and would allow people to get jobs as teachers in public schools without the education background currently required.
    The ?shortage of teachers? may be affected by predictions of high unemployment.
    But the real question to ask is whether ?real world? experience can take the place of training in pedagogy for teachers. For example: would a banker or bookkeeper who has been laid off be prepared to teach math at the local middle school. Should a retired secretary with no other training be hired to teach English, or second grade? Pedagogy includes what motivates a child to learn, how to discipline individually and in a classroom setting, how to create effective lesson plans, how to write tests and measure learning.
    The argument that ?substitutes have no other requirement than a high school diploma? is no reason to lower the standards for full time teachers with responsibilities for a class. I will concede that there are many ?natural teachers? that could by their personality and dedication effectively teach young people. But brillance in a subject area isn't the same as understanding how to impart the knowledge. A concert pianist may...

  • Deon Turley: The Long Road to Becoming Law (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/02/while-budgetary-woes-and-sensational.html)
    While the budgetary woes and sensational debates about gay marriage garner all the attention, there are still issues that pop up occasionally that merit a look.

    In order for a bill to become law, it must pass through the Rules Committee of the legislative body of its sponsor. So a bill sponsored by a state representative would go through the House Rules committee. That committee decides if it is reasonable to consider this bill. If they decide it is a great bill that should definitely be debated by the House, they can send it "by consent" directly to be scheduled for debate and a vote by the House. If they definitely don't like it, they can table it and it doesn't come up at all. If they want it studied, as most bills are, they assign it to a committee by topic.

    For example, the Senate bill that asked for a rate increase in the tax on tobacco was sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. They studied it and decided that it should not be considered and that ended it.

    A similar bill was sponsored by a member of the House of...

  • Deon Turley: What is that SMELL? (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-is-that-smell.html)
    I didn't think I'd be blogging this early in the week but I can't sit by and watch the news about the registering of Greg Curtis and Mark Walker as lobbyists without having a say.

    The news of Mr. Walker becoming a lobbyist for the Legislature was covered pretty well in the Deseret News and the report concerning Greg Curtis is found in the Tribune.

    Legislation that sets up ethical guidelines has been started and stopped and started and stopped over the past decade. The bills don't fail because there is no merit. They fail because the legislators themselves look around at each other and decide that they are all so principled that they don't need the guidelines.

    Partly because of the scandals brought to light in the past year, there are several ethics bills being introduce again this year and most include a plank that restricts legislators from being employed as lobbyists for a year from the time they leave office. Federal law prohibits officials elected to the US Congress from lobbying for two years after they leave office. Even President Obama has decreed that members of his...

  • Deon Turley: Education in the Crosshairs (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/01/education-in-crosshairs.html)
    There is so much nail biting about budget shortfalls and necessary cuts to funding that everyone seems to be digging in to protect the items of their greatest concern. For me, public education is of very great concern. I will be sending more information about education issues in the legislative session but today I want to specifically address funding and local control.

    The benefits of an educated public cross over into just about every area of public policy. Strong public education fosters a versatile and creative workforce, vigilant voters, a social conscience, better health, safety, and economic security. A decision to short change public education would bring about a decline in all these areas.

    There are a mountain of education-related bills facing the legislature this year, as in previous years. This year, however, the budget constraints cast a shadow on everything. Drastic cuts have been proposed to both public education and higher education. Superintendent Randy Merrill has reported that any time the legislature talks about one percent of the education budget, it translates to half a million dollars in the Provo School District. The proposal to cut 15% would, says Dr. Merrill, leave us with a school system...

  • Deon Turley: Preparing for a new session: Medicaid Funding (http://deonturley.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-session.html)
    Dear friends,

    I expected this site to be dormant and perhaps removed altogether by this time but I decided to use it to post some thoughts on the current state legislature and its work.

    The State Legislative session will begin next week but there are many preliminary meetings going on now to address the immediate financial problems that the state faces.

    One committee is studying health care and proposals to cut expenditures to Medicaid. Details about the State's commitment to Medicaid can be found at www.healthpolicyproject.org but in a nutshell, you need to know that for every dollar that the state puts in to Medicaid, the federal government sends three more. There isn?t another investment that I know of that brings that kind of return ? especially in today?s economy.

    In the opposite direction, every dollar that the legislature cuts from Medicaid means four dollars of services must be dropped. And cutting the programs paid for by Medicaid will result in more expensive problems that must be addressed with payments by taxes for some other program or by higher costs to healthcare consumers for doctor and hospital bills. It just doesn?t make sense.

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