GOP curveball fools Dems, zoo
As far as political reversals go, this one was brilliant.
Utah's Hogle Zoo had counted its votes and felt confident Tuesday that the Salt Lake County Council would put a $65 million bond -- pegged for one of the largest renovations in park history -- on November's ballot.
The council's four Democrats hadn't wavered in their support. And GOP Councilman Marv Hendrickson, the key swing vote, told reporters three times that Hogle had his nod.
If only politics were that predictable.
One hour into Tuesday's Hogle Zoo debate, Democrats called an impromptu recess to resolve questions about whether the council should require the east-side animal park to raise private donations before receiving public funds.
When the backroom brokering ended and the council meeting resumed, Democrats thought they were running the show. Democratic Councilman Joe Hatch even confirmed the arrangement before the vote. Hendrickson nodded.
But Hendrickson had struck a secret deal with fellow Republicans that would pass, but possibly kill, the bond. Here's the play by play:
Hatch pitches his zoo-friendly proposal and sits back in his chair visibly victorious. Hendrickson, without a word of explanation, votes "no." Hatch's jaw drops.
Republicans counter with a motion to put Hogle Zoo's request on the ballot -- no flip-flop for Hendrickson there -- but say the animal park will have to come up with $20 million in private funds before tapping the public's pocketbook.
Hogle leaders grimace, file out of the meeting after the 5-4 vote and decline to comment when asked by reporters whether they still will pursue the bond.
It was political theater at its prime. And it continued as the council overwhelmingly approved Tracy Aviary's ballot initiative -- once considered a divided issue.
"It's amazing," Hatch remarked. "It's unanimous. But why am I so pissed?"
-- Jeremiah Stettler
Utah's Hogle Zoo had counted its votes and felt confident Tuesday that the Salt Lake County Council would put a $65 million bond -- pegged for one of the largest renovations in park history -- on November's ballot.
The council's four Democrats hadn't wavered in their support. And GOP Councilman Marv Hendrickson, the key swing vote, told reporters three times that Hogle had his nod.
If only politics were that predictable.
One hour into Tuesday's Hogle Zoo debate, Democrats called an impromptu recess to resolve questions about whether the council should require the east-side animal park to raise private donations before receiving public funds.
When the backroom brokering ended and the council meeting resumed, Democrats thought they were running the show. Democratic Councilman Joe Hatch even confirmed the arrangement before the vote. Hendrickson nodded.
But Hendrickson had struck a secret deal with fellow Republicans that would pass, but possibly kill, the bond. Here's the play by play:
Hatch pitches his zoo-friendly proposal and sits back in his chair visibly victorious. Hendrickson, without a word of explanation, votes "no." Hatch's jaw drops.
Republicans counter with a motion to put Hogle Zoo's request on the ballot -- no flip-flop for Hendrickson there -- but say the animal park will have to come up with $20 million in private funds before tapping the public's pocketbook.
Hogle leaders grimace, file out of the meeting after the 5-4 vote and decline to comment when asked by reporters whether they still will pursue the bond.
It was political theater at its prime. And it continued as the council overwhelmingly approved Tracy Aviary's ballot initiative -- once considered a divided issue.
"It's amazing," Hatch remarked. "It's unanimous. But why am I so pissed?"
-- Jeremiah Stettler
12:27 PM
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5 Comments:
Okay, the drama is interesting, but I want to know if the city council members violated the state's "Sunshine" law by recessing to discuss this matter. If I recall correctly, when multiple members of the council meet to talk government business, it may only be a closed session for purposes of discussing a real estate purchase or employee matter.
Just wondering.
under utah's sunshine law, all county council meetngs of 5 or more councilmembers must be open and noticed; however, meetings of 4or less do not need to be open so long as no decision is made. marve and i could not, and oviously did not, bind the council with our understanding. my anger with marve is that he lied to me. i did not expect that, even from a right wing republican. my error.
joe hatch
Joe-
I wonder what Marc would have to say... oh well.
Bottom line, as a taxpayer, I think the outcome is perfect: Hogle has to put their money where their mouth is before I get a tax hike. I love it.
er Marv. typo!
Once upon a time, our Hogle Zoo was recognized as one of the best and cleanest...though nowhere near the biggest. It is still a great place for relaxation, enjoyment, and education. Often, people whine and piss and moan about their taxes, but never really take the time to think about what is provided for them and the community at large. Someday we will all realize that Republicans only care about the money, while Democrats care about the people!
Joe...I'm with you. There is no integrity in that kind of lie...especially with no earth-shattering, mind-changning explanation. As for the Sunshine Law...the Republican legislators on Capitol Hill have violated that so many times it can't be counted. But it seems to be okay when it is them. The Zoo is a valuable asset, and it should continue to be provided to the community at its best.
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