Spencer Cox’s plan for the first 500 days of his term as governor brings up many questions.
Why the billion dollar rainy day fund? Many in Utah are hurting now, with little state sponsored relief. What is this for?
Why is there a tax at all on Social Security? Utah is one of only 13 states to double tax our money like this. That tax should be eliminated for everyone.
How will political appointees benefit the state school board?
What’s with the state reserve system for dirty fuels? Instead of working toward a cleaner energy portfolio, he wants to use tax dollars to perpetuate pollution of our air and water?
Why isn’t there a word about improving water and air quality in his plan?
Where is the water going to come from for the ill conceived Lake Powell pipeline? And who’s going to pay for it?
How does the Inland Port remotely qualify as a “rural” issue? Does “local control” apply to this port?
How can Cox ask for “local control” of “Utah’s public lands”, when he opposes the restoration of Bears Ears, when the two counties most connected to that land support the full restoration of the desecrated monument? And aren’t these America’s public lands, not just Utah’s?
Is the “aggressive” vaccination effort going to take 500 days?
Why the need for a “comprehensive review of Utah’s coronavirus response”? Wasn’t Cox in charge of our dismal response?
Is the role of “chief innovation officer” just front door access to lobbyists?
Why is there nothing about police reform?
Why is there nothing about addressing the lack of affordable housing and the homeless crisis?
I guess Cox isn’t as centrist as he sold himself to be — this plan pushes an exclusive far right agenda. I’m disappointed. But hardly surprised.
Mike Coronella, Moab
