We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Now commences the summer election season. The final canvassing of the votes occurred on July 7. There are polls, commentaries and various opinions on what happened and what it means. We offer our perspectives.
Read more Study: NFL players more likely to die from brain diseases
Immediately before the Primary Election, a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found that 60% of Utahns opposed the Stratos data center project, while 26% supported it. These sentiments cross political and geographic boundaries. Many believe this caused several incumbents to lose their primary races. Why is this issue so volatile, and what impact will this have on General Elections?
Cowley: Speaker Mike Schultz and many insiders attribute former Utah Senate President Stuart Adams’ loss to controversy surrounding the proposed data center. Additionally, two Box Elder County commissioners were also casualties of this political fallout. Not since school vouchers were on the ballot has one faux pas cost so many political careers.
Data centers are a lightning rod because people are already skeptical of AI. Politicians offering tax incentives for what are perceived as water-guzzling, power-sucking, big-brother surveillance state facilities don’t sit well with voters. Severe drought conditions only exacerbated these concerns.
Voters and lawmakers will need to decide if Utah wants to invest in data centers and what the repercussions could mean in either scenario — overleveraging our natural resources or falling behind militarily and industrially to foreign powers.
Pignanelli: “Voters are right to take a close interest in how AI could change their lives. Persuading them that their interests are being served by disruption has become as important as making AI models better.” — The Economist
For decades, Americans and Utahns were subjected to the fear associated with artificial intelligence, whether through entertainment, commentaries or by Big Tech gurus who used the process themselves.
The printing press, steam engine, telegraph, electricity, the internet, etc. are all disruptive transformations that altered human lifestyles and caused intense trepidation. Artificial intelligence now ranks among these major innovations. Americans and Utahns understand that AI has advantages but also have latent worries. They want a government that can protect them.
Candidates are already scouring for the right language to appease frustrations. Until more political and business leaders have forthright discussions with citizens, this will remain a political issue with consequences that make us vulnerable to our adversaries.
Stephanie Hollist, the attorney who won the three-way Republican primary against Senate President Stuart Adams and Braden Hess, posted a commentary in the Deseret News. She claimed her victory was “not just about Adams” but because voters rejected a process that too often shuts them out. This includes a lack of transparency, distrust, civility, etc. Did Hollist correctly analyze Utahns’ views, or were other factors involved in her election victory?
Cowley: Hollist wrote, “Good policy only happens with good process.” On that point, I could not agree more. As a bona fide political insider, I see firsthand how the sausage is made. 90% of the time, it’s a very open and transparent process. In the infrequent occurrences where it isn’t — like the Stratos project, Utahns notice — and that too is an important part of the process.
Read more Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz gear up for Las Vegas bout against AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards
First District Democratic candidate Ben McAdams called Republicans “fat and lazy.” For very different reasons, I believe he’s not entirely wrong. Some lawmakers relied too heavily on the advantages of incumbency and full coffers rather than engaging in good ol’ fashion retail politics.
We saw evidence of Republicans resting on their laurels in the one-sided deal struck to take the union referendum off the ballot, and again in Republicans’ failed initiative attempt to eliminate the redistricting committee. Even fundraising is lazy, using an exhausted Rolodex of habitual deep-pocketed contributors rather than earning small-dollar donations from everyday folks. It’s time Utah Republicans heed the call to reform or die.
Pignanelli: I congratulate Hollist on her hard-fought victory. As a 40-year veteran of the legislative process, I do wish to set the record straight.
Adams is one of the finest lawmakers in Utah’s history, with an impact on the entire state. He helped ensure an efficient transportation system, helped fund numerous higher education and cancer research programs, co-sponsored anti-discrimination amendments, and advanced economic development. Utah received many awards because of his leadership.
At the Capitol, I am invigorated by the many citizens participating in legislative hearings and meetings with lawmakers. The website is a remarkable window into the state’s decision-making process. I dispute any allegation by any party or individual that the legislature is a star chamber of secrecy.
Hollist identifies the unfortunate perceptions held by many voters. Hopefully, legislators will focus more on public relations so the constituents understand just how available the process is to them.
What issues will resonate in the general election (i.e. Iran, data centers, etc.), and do election results give us insight into what the hot topics will be this legislative session?
Cowley: Military Installation Development Authority criticism is not only ascribed to Kevin O’Leary’s data center. This unique taxpayer-funded entity is mired in controversy for building a luxury ski resort and the most opulent equine facility this cowgirl has ever seen. Expect the legislature to revisit MIDA’s governance structure or processes.
Pignanelli: Unless policymakers educate citizens about artificial intelligence, it will continue to percolate into the session. Only the economy will be a greater concern.
Read more Future University of Utah golfer Ben Wilson captures medalist honors at State Am