Loser: Last week, motorists who apparently broke traffic rules collided with TRAX trains on three separate occasions within two days. One of those resulted in serious injuries to the driver of a pickup truck.
In its five years of operation, TRAX has experienced relatively few accidents with either motorists or pedestrians. But there are some troubling intersections. The worst is at 900 South and 200 West, officials say. Despite warning signs, people seem to insist on turning illegally there, especially when a train is coming. Given the relative weight of a train and a car, that isn't wise.
Winner: It's always easier to budget with too much money than with too little. This week, the Utah Tax Commission said the state is running a $57 million surplus to date. That could eventually disappear if fuel costs or interest rates go up, but it is a definite sign that Utah's economy has begun a healthy rebound. If it continues, Utah will remain one of the few states to come through the high-tech bust without suffering disastrous consequences.
Winner: Lindon's City Council is considering the wise move of outlawing so-called ultimate fighting within city limits. If the ordinance is approved, no one would be permitted to stage such an event in town. It's not a far-fetched windmill-tilting exercise. Someone actually tried to hold such an event last year without the city's approval.
As in any other fighting competitions, ultimate fighting can result in severe head injuries or death. It provides little of redeeming value for a community. Besides, people get enough of the verbal version of this sport during the political season.