David Rodeback's Blog

The Utah Election and an American Fork Vote
It's Ellis, Chaffetz, and a big NO to rezoning the Carson property in American Fork.

City and Surpha Sign Sale Agreement
Surpha now owns a municipal broadband system; American Fork City doesn't. (Does this mean it's not municipal any more?)

American Fork Sells AFCNet
The deed is almost done. The buyer is Surpha. The vote was unanimous. The price is $500,000.

What's in an Agendum? (The Carsons Are Back)
The new proposal reportedly is more reasonable, but I wonder: Have the strong-arm tactics and the abuses of ecclesiastical authority ceased?

AFCNet/Surpha Agreement on May 27 City Council Agenda
It's pretty big news for American Fork's municipal broadband system. UTOPIA is in the news, too.

American Fork Municipal Broadband Update
Negotiations continue, and an agreement may be coming soon.

Zoning, Licensing, Nuisances
A recent Deseret News story raises some important issues about certain laws and their enforcement in American Fork.

I Came, I Saw, I Caucused
Will they have square donuts and left-leaning water at the Utah County Republican Convention again this year? I'll let you know.

Alpine School District's "What Counts?" Forum
A local gathering of fellow-travelers and critics to discuss what constitutes great schools. I'll tell you what that has to do with last night's meeting of an unrelated American Fork City committee.

American Fork City's Next Two Years
There's a particular sort of progress we need to see in our City government.

Ah, the Humanity!
I could use a vacation. Show them you're the most important person in the room. And mind those foreseeable opposite consequences. (A veritable verbal mosaic of awareness ribbons, congressional deserters, cell phones, state and local legislators, defenseless wild bunnies and birdies, zealous residents, and boring neckwear.)

NIE, AF, Gitmo, AF the Movie, and More
. . . including a lawnmower analogy and the phrase, "if headlines were fishes" . . .

About Town: Music, Negotiations, Ballots, and Irrigation
Catching up . . . and some thoughts on the American Fork Symphony's latest concert.

American Fork Wins. Utah Schoolchildren Lose.
Thoughts on today's election results.

Respect vs. Political Expediency
On respecting some places too much to take our politics there.

Mr. Porter Owes Seven American Fork Officials Another Apology
If he's going to post foolish accusations personally online at the Daily Herald web site, accusing officials of dishonesty and a coverup, he's fair game for bloggers, including this one.

David's Little November 2007 Election Guide
How I voted (early), and the outcomes I predict in American Fork, Salt Lake City, and statewide in the voucher matter.

Provo's Municipal Broadband, and a Happy (Unrelated) Lawsuit Verdict
Two news stories of note.

Further Notes on the Statistics that Weren't and the Press Release that Wasn't
The latest non-avian flap in American Fork -- and then a few words about the avian one.

Dolphin-Free Oil Now Available in American Fork
World Class Auto Service on Main Street welcomes a new neighbor. Will Good Earth Natural Foods reciprocate? It might be amusing.

Electronic Voting, and a Candidate's Homework that Didn't Get Done
First, I voted early, just to see if I hated it, and because I had already chosen all my votes. Second, here is a detailed look at actual data, which contradict one city council candidate's wild claim about violent crime American Fork.

Meet Three-Fifths of the Candidates Night
Incumbent American Fork City Council candidates Rick Storrs, Sherry Kramer, and Shirl LeBaron field questions.

Meet the American Fork City Council Candidates, and Millie
The only thing these two topics have in common is that I mention them in the same blog post.

Miscellany: Wi-Fi, Econ., Signs, and Spam
That is, municipal wi-fi, economics vs. politics, campaign signs, and e-mail spam.

Politics and Punch III: Vouchers and Other School Issues
Most of this post is devoted to gaping holes in school district officials' anti-voucher arguments, but there are a few other topics, too.

Politics and Punch II: City Council Candidates and Issues
Streets. More streets. NIMBY, by gum. Water. Other stuff. First impressions of candidate Jason Porter. Three endorsements and a choice I'll have to ponder.

Politics and Punch I: Setting and Cast
Here I tell you who was there, where "there" was, what questions I submitted that didn't get asked, and so forth.

American Fork Broadband Notes
Tonight's meeting, a small dose of basic economics, AFCNet as an example of infrastructure, and a little debunking of municipal wireless broadband.

Political Facts of Life in American Fork
A quick look at some other folks' primaries, followed by a discussion of major ongoing issues in American Fork, as they relate to the election.

La Vigna da Campania
"The Vineyard of Campania," that is, if my Italian is correct. (Warning: I have never learned Italian.)

Local Miscellany
I brag a little, then I turn to broadband, Gandolfo's, 9600 North, college football, a very old skeleton, SOBs in American Fork, and a very intelligent discussion of Mormonism on the national stage.

American Fork City Council Candidate George Brown Withdraws
The candidate field for the three available full-term seats is down to four.

Utah Premier Brass
American Fork's summer concert series ends impressively.

American Fork Poll Results
Interesting poll results are now on the information side of this site, instead of at my blog, since they constitute a scientific sampling of everyone's -- well, 401 residents' -- views, instead of my own.

The Battle of 9600 West
Somehow I manage to incorporate chemical warfare, invasion, trade sanctions, and passive resistance into a discussion about widening a street in Highland. (I'm having fun. Are you?)

American Fork Notes: Music, Arts
A very good band, a positively amazing band, and a major advance behind the scenes for the local arts community.

Random Dissenting Thoughts
. . . on the war in Iraq, the local loan sharks, and yelling at the radio.

Concerts in the Park, and Bringing the Dead to Life in the Cemetery
You don't always have to pay for quality entertainment in American Fork.

Candidates for American Fork City Council
I'm not scooping anyone with this belated post, but here's a fairly early look at American Fork's 2007 City Council candidates, with one no-brainer endorsement and a few predictions thrown in.

An Early Look at American Fork's City Council Election
The two-week filing period is half gone . . .

Orson Scott Card on How We Live and How We Ought to Live
Foreign oil, domestic poverty, and no highway is ever wide enough . . .

Catching up About Town
Blogging energy, Sherry Kramer, SOBs, a tragic bear attack, a restaurant that isn't an In-and-Out clone (we promise -- wink, wink), and an update on the concrete monstrosity.

Recycling Change
In short: Tuesdays, not Fridays.

I Have a Few Questions (and Then Some)
. . . to ask of the applicants for that interim American Fork City Council appointment, that is.

Candidates for Interim American Fork City Council Appointment
Here is a list of the six candidates who submitted materials for consideration.

The Paul Burnside Band and Other Local Notes
A band, an empty seat, and a long-awaited improvement in American Fork.

American Fork's New Logo
On Tuesday the American Fork City Council adopted a new City logo. Here it is. How do you like it?

American Fork Municipal Broadband Update
The earlier engagement to PacketFront broke down; the new suitor is Surpha.

One Less Good Man in Our Politics
American Fork City Councilor Jimmie Cates passed away this morning.

Random Smokin' Thoughts
First, I have to say positive things about the Utah Jazz, because 'tis the season. Then I present my two-part plan for a kinder, gentler, less littered society. Preview: It's a pair of truces.

A Little, Concrete Test of American Fork's Commitment to the Rule of Law
The concrete is actual concrete. The law is an ordinance passed by the American Fork City Council. And in a small city that has been committed only selectively to the rule of law over the years, the rule of law seems now to have a fighting chance.

The Arts, the Jazz, the Debates, the Veto
Had I done any blogging at all last week, here are some things I might have blogged about.

Briefish Thoughts on Several Subjects
Relatively brief musings on a time machine, Vice President Cheney's speech, his detractors, Superintendent Henshaw and the "extremists," and what could cause me to leave the Republican Party after tomorrow.

A Mulligan
I respectfully ask the chair's permission to revise and extend my remarks . . .

Dorothy, This Ain't Panguitch Any More (Revised)
J C Penney wants to come to the Meadows in American Fork, along with some mixed-used development. This happy news prompts some more general thoughts about attitudes on the Wasatch Front.

Family Honk Evening
I knew the story of the Ugly Duckling, of course, but hadn't seen the musical. The bullfrog was standing ovation material.

American Fork City Attorney (Civil) Kevin Bennett Resigns
He's off to take a similar position in LaVerkin, Utah.

New on the Web: American Fork Recycling Calendar
You can't find it at the City web site. You can find it here.

American Fork Recycling Calendar

Monday Evening at the Historic American Fork City (Recital) Hall
A pleasant Monday evening concert for the family, in American Fork's newest recital venue.

The Latest on Municipal Broadband in American Fork
The letter of intent has expired, the original RFP will be reissued . . . I don't recall anyone promising a complete broadband solution in American Fork would be easy or immediate. It's not bad news. It's just news.

Miscellaneous Political Thoughts
Recycling in American Fork. The UEA checks its manners at the Capitol door. Who really represents me? An Oscar and a Nobel. And, finally, I manage to work the phrase barking moonbat into a sentence.

The Sublime and the Quotidian
Vocal Works, the Crescent Super Band, a Maynard Ferguson tribute, and a church talent show.

More Groundhog Day Lore
Limerick contest winners, a local groundhog alternative, and more.

Traffic School
Will Traffic School Guy be coming soon to a comedy club near you? He almost could. Here is the latest chapter in the continuing saga of my life as an alleged scofflaw.

One Councilblogger's New Year's Resolution (and Other Notes on the Local Blogosphere)
Something in this post will lead you not to "purple mountains' majesty," but to "a pulsing pustule on the public posterior." I'll let you discover what. I can only say, hapless we would be, indeed, without alliteration!

Some Sample Limericks
I couldn't resist -- I didn't really try -- and I am quite unapologetic.

Two or Three Recent Encounters with Local Government
Water, water . . . well, not exactly everywhere. Hot chocolate is also mentioned. And then there's my recent life on the other side of the law in the People's Republic of Rockyland.

More Local Notes
A quick report on the newly renovated City Hall, talk of two local jazz bands, and news of a skateboard park.

Notes from American Fork
False alarms, a zoning overlay, dark fiber for ASD, a much-improved inner-block development, and, most interesting of all, American Fork leans on UDOT.

An Italian Deli, a Classic Movie, and a Little Christmas Gift from the American Fork City Council
Tony's Italian Deli on Main Street in American Fork, that is; and The Princess Bride; and . . . well, read it for yourself.

Now That's Growth
You might say it's a lot of hair dryers.

Proposed New Logo for American Fork
American Fork City is contemplating a new logo. So far, they like this one best . . .

The Other Wise Man
Contemporary American chamber opera, professional wrestling, beauty, and power meet in my review of The Other Wise Man. (The production itself has all but one of these. Guess which.)

Wasatch Winds Wow
Okay, that's too much alliteration, but they wowed me tonight at their Christmas concert.

I Don't See . . .
I've tried. I just don't.

The American Fork Symphony's Christmas Concert
Here's my brief, selective review of tonight's concert, which I definitely enjoyed. Best of all were the vocal soloists. (Hats off, gentlemen. I said hats off!)

Musings While Trying to Fly Home from Albany
Superb customer service, a unusual late-November lightning storm, and comments on upstate New York cuisine . . . Not very political at all, really.

Three Big Wins for the Heber Thompson Administration
American Fork City is three-for-three in the big battles this year. This post looks at those three and suggests some things on which the City may focus next year.

Here's How My Predictions Fared
I got all the easy ones and broke about even on the hard ones -- which is better than the Republican Party did nationally, by the way.

David's Little Election Guide
Here's a quick look at all the races and propositions on my ballot, plus a few more which might be on yours.

E-Interviews with School Board Candidates
The only contested race for a seat on the Board of the Alpine School District is between incumbent Keith Swain and challenger Tim Osborn, in the district which includes American Fork. LocalCommentary.com sent the two candidates the same questions, with an offer to publish their answers. Here they are.

Benjamin Franklin Is Alive! In American Fark!
First some water-bond related housekeeping, then some fun. At least, you'll hope I'm having fun.

The Republican Rally and My Dark Inner Thoughts
How my political career ended yesterday before it even wanted to be begin, and my dark thoughts on the occasion of a Republican political rally.

A Primer on the American Fork Water Bond, Part III
Here I address political questions related to the water bond issue proposition: What question is really on the ballot? Why are some leaders acting as if the question is something else? What happens if the proposition fails? And I offer a list of good and bad reasons to vote against the bond issue, even though I intend to vote for it. A word of warning: I have trouble being perfectly serious even when addressing serious matters, so brace yourself for a cameo post-Halloween appearance by . . . ahem . . . Satan.

A Primer on the American Fork Water Bond, Part II
Here I explain how American Fork residents' water bills will be increasingly considerably, whether or not the voters approve the bond issue to build a pressurized irrigation system.

A Primer on the American Fork Water Bond, Part I
Here we look at the situation, the range of possible approaches, and the reasons why the City Council has preferred a citywide pressurized irrigation system.

I'll Have My Longhair Music in Bright Orange, Please
I'm not a great fan of Halloween, but last evening's concert by Vocal Works, entitled "Wicked Good," was easily one of the best concerts I have attended in American Fork, besides being a lot of fun.

What's New at LocalCommentary.com
Newest is a forum, The Water Cooler, for your discussion of issues and for poll questions. Also new is our own little book list and bookstore, The Well-Read Citizen.

Notes on Last Evening's Water Meeting
Here are some of my notes from last evening's American Fork town meeting on secondary irrigation.

Last Night's City Council Meeting as Civic Education
A school teacher berated the Mayor and City Council of American Fork last night for teaching his students bad things. Here's my view of what his students might have learned at the City Council's meeting, including some lessons that very teacher should not have been teaching.

Of Nuts with Nukes, and Lesser, Local Things
I look for principles, patterns, and parallels in government and politics. Even if the scale and some essential attitudes are radically different, I think I see a similarity between US attempts to restrain North Korea's nuclear aspirations and the impotence of American Fork's boundary agreement with Pleasant Grove. I fear the explanation is somewhat lengthy.

Broadband Decision
American Fork will now enter negotiations with PacketFront for the sale of the municipal network and the lease of some of the City's fiber-optic lines.

Questions on My Mind
Here I muse on several questions of recent occurrence and dubious note, from the cosmic to the American Forkic. Watch for cameos by Oprah, Satan, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Times Are a-Changing in American Fork
Some want in. Some want out. Either way, landowners and developers are noticing a difference between American Fork and neighboring communities. I think it's a good difference.

Locally: Five Short Notes
Broadband, 900 West, HDTV, Paris, and a meaningless statistic. Did you know lumpenproletariat is one word?

People Will Say We're in Love . . .
Now that was a fun evening.

I Joined the Math Wars
Here's the text of a letter I sent last week to the principal and teachers at my children's elementary school.

Do They Rehearse This Stuff?
A reliable source says this actually happened.

My Neighbors, Gas Prices, a Correction, and . . . Somebody Needs to Read the Law
My politically active neighbors get along. Oak Norton actually lives in Highland. Some American Fork landlords are trying to get sued. And CostCo is lowering local gasoline prices. But the longer version is . . . more fun. Or at least longer.

Another Pleasant Musical Evening in American Fork
In describing the last of the season's concerts in the park -- actually, in the amphitheater in the park -- I manage to use the words expatiate, toddlerhood, and Klingon. Beat that. I dare you.

Another Broadband Update
I attended an interesting, technically public meeting on Thursday. Here I report some of what I saw and heard.

Concerts in the Park: Excellent!
A fine new community band, a renowned local brass band, and a young, local country singer shared the stage Monday in American Fork. Together, they made a fine musical evening.

The Nice Guys Finished First
All that really happened is that a proposed zoning change was denied. But there was plenty of drama along the way.

Last Night's Budget and Tax Hearing in American Fork
The difference in public demeanor was night and day between last night's tax and budget hearing and the recent town meetings on the same subjects. It was an evening to be grateful for representative government, as opposed to direct democracy, and for being governed at least for a while by intelligent adults.

And the Winners Are . . .
Here are the winners in the two primary races of national interest and the two American Fork issues I mentioned in today's earlier post.

Votes to Watch Today
Lieberman, McKinney, American Fork's tax increase, and that 900 West thing all are voted on today.

Why the Carson Properties on 900 West Should Remain Residential
As to substance, I see merit on both sides of the question. As to tactics, I think the side which has played dirty should lose on that basis alone.

Little Rants
. . . about federal agencies and a piece of silliness local to American Fork.

Is It Fair that All Taxpayers Pay for Everything?
Sometimes a good test of a principle is to attempt to follow it where it leads.

Good News for American Fork Taxpayers
35 is better than 50, and 20 is better than 35 -- at least when we're talking about tax increase percentages.

American Fork Municipal Broadband: Update
Here I fill in a few details -- nothing earth-shaking -- and ask a question I haven't heard anyone ask yet. (That might mean it's a dumb question. You decide.)

Notes from the Town Meeting on the AF City Budget
I went to one of the City's two town meetings last week on the budget and the proposed property tax increase. Here are some of my notes, along with some promises to address larger issues in the near future.

A Minor Broadband Update
Here's what little I can add to the American Fork municipal broadband picture this week. Just to prove it really is a slow news day, I also express my hope that a certain city councilman will show up at a future meeting in a kilt.

Two Deadlines for American Fork: One Real, One Proposed
One quick thought each about American Fork's broadband and preserving historic buildings.

Briefly, on Broadband: A Referral
This post is so short that it could be its own teaser.

Quickly, Those Election Results
In case you haven't heard or seen them elsewhere, here are a few election results from yesterday's primary.

I Voted -- Electronically, this Time
Here's my report on the new electronic voting machines.

Apropos Tomorrow's Primary
The only incumbent I'd vote for in tomorrow's Republican primary is in a Congressional district I don't live in.

American Fork Broadband: Unanswered Questions and Unexplored Possibilities
We can only guess how important AFCNet, properly managed and extended, could be to the long-term economic viability of American Fork and to its residents' quality of life. What if, years down the road, it turns out to have been crucial, and we find that a decision to divest was made too early, and that the picture would have looked much different if we had kept it for one more year?

Broadband: Hindsight and AFCNet's ISPs
Is the ISPs' tempest at last week's American Fork City Council meeting and a related hearing too little, too late? What could they have done sooner?

Miscellaneous Notes, Mostly Local
A local blogger, gravel roads, possibly offensive movies, and a letter that got a guy fired.

Observations on the State of American Fork City Government
Three thumbs up, one thumb down. It's good progress, if anatomically incorrect. But the thumb down is fairly serious and arguably urgent.

Grab Bag
Short notes on several topics, at home and abroad.

One Local Pol is Blogging Again
That would be Heidi Rodeback of the American Fork City Council, whose furniture I sometimes repair.

Scattered Thoughts
American Fork broadband in the DTM, another local alpha geek, and elected officials who are too busy to blog.

Who Was That Masked . . . Bus?
Last evening, from about 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., a chartered tour bus led two officers in an AFPD patrol car on a low-speed, meandering tour of American Fork's central neighborhoods . . .

American Fork and Broadband: Political Realities
In a year which will already feature a substantial tax increase and the need to pass a bond issue to pay for a water solution, American Fork officials may have only one choice in resolving the broadband problem.

Miscellaneous Thoughts
Scattered thoughts which accumulated during a busy week -- on loan sharking, municipal broadband, science prowess, professionalism, and anti-Muslim graffiti.

"Aw, Don't Think Like That! . . . Think Like a Pirate!"
Or, rather, don't think like an accountant. Think like an economist! A few more thoughts about municipal broadband.

Municipal Broadband: Questions and Answers
How big a deal is telecommuting? Is wired broadband technology obsolete? Could American Fork have had its municipal broadband free, with a little more patience?

Broadband's Impact on American Fork's Economy and Quality of Life
Here is a list of activities which broadband Internet access enhances or enables. All have economic implications; most also affect the quality of life.

Notes from the Utah County Republican Convention
Results of the convention and miscellaneous notes. Even bagpipes are mentioned favorably.

Broadband's Economic Impact: Public vs. Private
In comparisons between municipal broadband systems and private industry's broadband offerings, measuring their respective economic impacts, it turns out there is a clear winner and a sound economic reason why.

Speech to the American Fork City Council, April 23, 2006
This is the speech that received an ovation at Tuesday evening's American Fork City Council meeting.

Broadband's Economic Impact: Haves vs. Have-Nots
Today's broadband Internet question is: What is the economic impact of broadband availability and use in a community, whether publicly or privately provided?

To Have or not to Have Municipal Broadband: That Is the Real Question
This first in a series of articles about American Fork's municipal broadband system, AFCNet, sets the stage for considering a variety of related questions in more detail.

Scattered Thoughts
A bit of free association, almost, on income taxes, people who don't back up their data, a new local wetland, strong-arm tactics in South America and American Fork, and words that hurt worse than sticks and stones.

Exceeding the Bounds of Authority
The Sutherland Institute wants the Utah Legislature to assert authority that no government rightfully has. The Mayor of Kanab and a senior local church leader in American Fork seem oblivious to the bounds of their authority.

First Impressions of County Republican Candidates
Early notes on candidates for County Commission, County Attorney, County Treasurer, and County Clerk/Auditor. I'll even tell you which way I'm leaning on each -- but so far, I'm just leaning.

Notes from Utah's Dixie
Miscellaneous notes from Saint George, Utah, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns midyear event.

Notes from Upstate New York
Random observations from New York.

My Precinct's Caucus and My Party's Platform
I wasn't particularly pleased with either. The caucus was poorly attended and the platform is poorly written, whatever one may think of its political content. Do I expect too much?

Prizewinning Science and Verse Bring Glory to AF High
Granted, the Intel Science Talent Search and KUER's limerick contest are on somewhat different scales, but American Fork High School can boast of winning both this week.

Do Little Things Matter? And Avionic Flu . . .
In professional settings, how much does spelling count? How about typeface? How about good writing generally? And you'll want to read up on "avionic" flu.

Governor Huntsman, Sign HB77
Here's why I urge Governor Huntsman to sign HB77, which provides a mechanism for local governments and their voters to split school districts.

Recent Experiences with State and Local Governments
For once, American Fork City provided a happier experience than the State of Utah. I hope the good half of that is a trend.

It's Crunch Time for American Fork's Broadband System, Part II
Part Two looks at indirect revenues and economic development -- and why AFCNet doesn't necessarily need to be revenue-neutral in the long run -- and why that doesn't help in the short run.

It's Crunch Time for American Fork's Broadband System, Part I
A business plan for AFCNet, American Fork's municipal broadband system, is under construction. The bond money which has mostly funded the system is running out. Here's a look at short- and long-term issues and possibilities.

Notes on the Science Fair
Miscellaneous notes on the science fair and the scientific method, and some apt words from Thomas Edison.

Miscellaneous Short Thoughts
Quick comments on American Fork City government, the law of gravity, Mr. Justice Alito, a couple of bills before the Utah Legislature, etc.

It's Science Fair Season
It's that time of the year again. You may wonder: Have the PC police, those self-appointed gurus of unfounded self-esteem, had any success denaturing the local science fair?

Notes on Professionalism in American Fork City Government
Two quick observations about the spread of professionalism in American Fork City goverment.

How Can Part of the Constitution Be Unconstitutional?
Some propose the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which provides for the direct election of US Senators by the people of their states. At least a few of them call the amendment "unconstitutional." This doesn't seem to make sense . . . but we'll follow it where it leads.

Musings and Readings on the Quality of Teachers
More would be quite wonderful, but most children can probably get by with just several effective, motivating teachers scattered through their school years -- just enough that they learn to learn, and learn to love learning. This brief discussion includes links to some further discussion of teacher quality, which seems to suggest that in the present system a child is lucky to have those several fine teachers at all.

Real Progress Is Often Slow, and Other Thoughts
Random thoughts on nuisance abatement, the Daily Herald's new Web site, pipe organs made locally, etc.

An Unsolicited Referral
I was going to blog today on a topic of my own, but then I read this post by DaltonGirl. I suggest you read hers today, not mine, especially if your child attends Barratt Elementary in American Fork.

The Rule of Law, or 'Living' Is Libspeak for 'Dead'
Our question today is, "Is the US Constitution a living document or not?"

Things to Watch for in American Fork
I suppose that quite a number of American Fork residents who are interested in their city government, as I am, are watching the new Mayor and partly-new City Council . . .

The Daily Herald's Web Site: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Generally speaking, for the past few years the Provo Daily Herald's Web site has been excrucriatingly slow and difficult to use. Now there's a new look and better performance.

The Peaceful Transfer of Power
In our democratic republic, we take for granted the peaceful transfer of power to duly elected leaders, as if it were the norm in world history. It's not. . . . Today I watched it in American Fork.

Happy New (Blog) Year!
The 2005 blogging year ended for me much sooner than I intended. . . . Here are some thoughts on stuff that happened during my unexpectedly long absence from the blogosphere.

A Minor League Team, er, Symphony, Is a Good Thing

My First American Fork Symphony Concert

A Splendid Evening of Music in American Fork

The Music School and a (Crescent) Super Band

Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Another Noteworthy Bit of Progress

Notes on the Election

Election Day Miscellany and Two Related Thoughts

Endorsements

One Part Shallow Fairness, One Part Ineptitude, One Part Malice

Campaign Ads and Slogans That Didn't Make the Cut

Now It's Dirty

Blogus Interruptus, and Some Housekeeping

Miscellaneous Notes on American Fork's Campaign Season

One Last Round with American Fork Mayoral Candidates

More Good Readings

Three Bad Ideas Which Sound Good

Three Philosophical Matters about Representative Local Government

I Met the City Council Candidates (Again)

Eating Pizza in the Public Library with Candidates

Some Overdue Housekeeping: Commander in Chief, Open Meeting Statutes, a Flyer, and Selecting a New Police Chief (Not Necessarily in That Order)

Meet the Remaining Candidates, PTA Style, Part II

Meet the Remaining Candidates, PTA Style, Part I

A Spectrum of Political Courage

Questions I'd Like to Hear Tonight

In Praise of Local Candidates Who Blog

Big Personnel Decisions at American Fork City

Small and Large Surprises in American Fork Primary Election Results

I Voted. So Should You.

Party Affiliations of Local Candidates

A Puzzling LeBaron Campaign Strategy

I Met Even More Candidates, Part II (Or Is It V?)

I Met Even More Candidates, Part I (Or Is It IV?)

Silly Symbols (and Good Stuff to Read)

American Fork's Broadband Internet Revisited

I Met the Candidates, Part III: Contenders

I Met the Candidates, Part II: Harold Smith, a Special Case

I Met the Candidates, Part I: General Impressions and the Also-Rans

American Fork's Campaign Finance Rules More Rational than USA's

Math, Meyer, Manager, and I Can't Find a Word for UN that Starts with "M"

Miscellaneous Thoughts, Local and Larger

Counting Voters Brought a Pleasant Surprise

A Local Note, and Readings on John Roberts, Crisis Management and Katrina, Poverty, the Constitution, and China

Scrambled Eggs and Boiled Spinach (or Why Primary Elections Matter)

Post-Katrina Notes, Some Local

Internet Access at Home and Abroad (Mostly at Home)

Flooded Basements in Mountain Meadows Are a Bigger Problem for the City than for Homeowners

Yes, I Would Vote for a Druid

Good News for American Fork: A Strong Field of Mayoral Candidates

American Fork Candidates

How's That Again?

No, We're Not Trading Park Land (This Time)

54th with an Asterisk

A Busy Day at the Blog, Part III: The Unnatural Spring in Downtown American Fork

Maybe They're not Completely Tone-Deaf, and Two Brief Notes on the War in Iraq

American Fork Police Chief Terry Fox Resigns

Recycling Really Is Coming to American Fork

The Great American Fork Chili Cook-off, and Dick Durbin and John McCain Cook Off, Too

Language Matters in Politics, and Fact-Checking Matters in Journalism

As I Was Saying . . .

That Billboard on Main Street, American Fork

My Ideal Candidate for Mayor of American Fork - Part IV

My Ideal Candidate for Mayor of American Fork - Part III

My Ideal Candidate for Mayor of American Fork - Part II

My Ideal Candidate for Mayor of American Fork, Part I

Earth Day and Recycling in American Fork

An Uncertain, Potentially Ominous Signal

The Weird Arts in American Fork, Revisited

Tom Hunter Goes, Jimmie Cates Comes

Another Lawsuit (Now It's Solicitors)

Developer Sues American Fork City

It's Time to Save the Harrington School

A Polite Young Pedestrian

A New Psychic in American Fork

Thinly-Veiled Mayoral Contempt for the People

Whatever Happened to the Greenwood Neighbors Initiative?

Nuisance Abatement in American Fork

Contrast: A Public School Ponzi Scheme and the Emperor's New Math

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