In this election, the west side has a rare opportunity. Paul Fordham has retired from Senate District 11, giving us two high-power candidates to choose from. The difference is where that power comes from.
This is an important district for the Democrats, having put forth a high-profile candidate. Ed Mayne, as head of the Utah AFL-CIO, has been deeply influential in the Democratic Party machine for years. Losing could be a real embarrassment to the Democrats. Perhaps this is why Mayne has committed to spend up to $75,000 to win, undoubtedly committed from various labor organizations. This must be a record for purchasing a seat in the Utah Legislature.It is, however, not surprising. Mayne is a strong supporter of the Clinton White House and the spending programs of our president and his liberal agenda. Mayne could obtain a forum to push both labor and non-labor related, liberal tax and spend policies. The stakes are high; the amount Mayne is willing to spend shows us that.
An alternative to Mayne is the Republican candidate, Craig Hall. Craig is intelligent, well-informed, conservative and hard-working. His power comes from within. He has a wide variety of support because everyone who has ever met him is drawn to him by his compassion and interest in them. He is a natural leader. He has been involved in his community in myriad capacities for many years. He is willing to listen to his constituents and represent their needs at the state level.
Let's not saddle ourselves with a liberal, narrow-issue senator like Ed Mayne. A vote for Craig Hall is a vote for diverse and rational representation on Capitol Hill.
W.M. Hutchinson
Salt Lake City