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Show Hinckley Journal of Politics Spring 2000 Conclusion It has been reiterated throughout this discussion, in statements made by Representatives Garn, Becker, Koehn, and Arent, and by numerous other interest groups that the purpose of the Quality Growth Act is to help the state and local governments manage growth effectively. This, I believe, is where the question begins to be answered. With the passage of HB 119, the first step in managing growth effectively has taken place. It has overcome the first of many obstacles, which demonstrates a positive answer to a difficult question. Yes, we will find a way to manage growth effectively. So, what does the outlook for the future look like with the Quality Growth Act in place? On March 9, 1999, Governor Michael Leavitt announced the appointments to the 13-member Quality Growth Commission: Jon Huntsman Jr., Envision Utah Chairman and business owner; Kathleen Clarke, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director; Cary Petersen, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods Commissioner; Lewis Billings, Provo Mayor; Carlton Christensen, Salt Lake City Councilman; Shauna Kerr, Park City Councilwoman; Gary Herbert, Utah County Commission Chairman; Carol Page, Davis County Commissioner; Lee Allen, Box Elder County Commissioner; Dan Lofgren, Prowswood Companies President and CEO; Max Thompson, Mansell & Associates Realty, Ogden Branch Broker; Leland Hogan, hay and cattle producer; and David Allen, business owner in production, agriculture, real estate, and investments. The Commission is in place and ready to take action. Wilf Sommerkorn helped give light to the future outlook of the Quality Growth Act by saying, During each legislative session, a number of bills are proposed that adjust or allow or prevent local governments from taking certain actions in dealing with growth. Each is handled on a case by case basis, with little thought given to the overall effect on the rest of the planning process. The quality Growth Commission and the process set forth in the Quality Growth Act are needed to give some order and sanity to the actions proposed each year in the legislature on planning and growth management. The Commission will now begin looking at relevant information, discussing, and developing new ways to implement legislative action and public policy on growth. The tasks the Commission will face are bound to be difficult. The Utah State Legislature, Wasatch Front cities and counties, and the Commission have a lot of work to do, and undoubtedly, the future will be filled with tough new growth issues that will need to be addressed. The road that led to the passage of the Quality Growth Act was full of difficult challenges, and surely the road ahead will continue to be rocky. But, with this new legislation in place, the future is looking brighter for Utah. And, with the help of the Quality Growth Act of 1999, Utah can continue to be a place where we can grow and a place to call home. References American Planning Association, Utah Chapter. 1999. "Statement by the Utah Chapter, American Planning Association on the Quality Growth Act of 1999." February. Brubaker, Mac. 1999. Utah Association of Realtors, Memorandum. "HB 119-Quality Growth Act of 1999." 11 February. Davidson, Lee. 1998. "Homes in Utah among Least Affordable in U.S." Deseret News, 23 February. Davies, Brian. 1999. Envision Utah. "Information Relevant to the Quality Growth Act of 1999." 1 March. Dillon, Lucinda. 1998. "Envision Utah Is Outlining Ways to Prepare for Growth." Deseret News, 14 November. Dillon, Lucinda. 1999a. "Realtors Are Trying to Remodel Growth Act." Deseret News, 18 February. Dillon, Lucinda. 1999b. "Legislature's Top 10." Deseret News, 4 March. Envision Utah. 1998. "Questionnaire: Help Decide the Future of the Greater Wasatch Area." Fahys, Judy and Rebecca Walsh. 1999. "Growth, Open Space Bills Advance in Legislature." Salt Lake Tribune, 24 February. Garn, Kevin S. 1999a. "Talking Points." 1999 General Session, Utah State Legislature. Salt Lake City, 15 January to 3 March. Garn, Kevin S. 1999b. "Committee Speeches." 1999 General Session, Utah State Legislature. Salt Lake City, 15 January to 3 March. Jones, Dan and Associates and Insight Research. 1999, "Trust for Public Lands." Public Poll. 13-26 January. Karras, Marilyn. 1999. "Leadership, Not Lip Service Needed to Save Open Space." Deseret News, 12 November. Leavitt, Michael. 1999. "Right Steps Will Help Preserve Quality of Life." Deseret News, 28 March. Sommerkorn, Wilf. 1999. "Time Is Ripe for a Quality Growth Commission," Commentary Document. 22 February. Utah Code Ann. 1999. Sections 11-38401 to-304. Utah Foundation. 1998. Addressing the Challenges of Urban Growth: Republicans, Democrats and Envision Utah, Research Report: Report Number 620, December. Utah House of Representatives. 1999. Quality Growth Act of 1999. 1999 General Session, State of Utah, HB 119. Utah League of Cities & Towns. 1999. "Legislative Update: Taxes on Food, Quality Growth, Impact Fees...The Fun Just Does Not Stop!!!" 19 February. Wakley, Ralph. 1999. "House Oks Growth Bill." Ogden Standard Examiner, 24 February. 13 |