Separation of Church and State

"Sometimes we take the notion of 'Separation of Church and State', which is NOT in the Constitution, too far. This Nation was founded on the belief in Religious freedom and tolerance. When Thomas Jefferson wrote of 'Separation of Church and State' it was to warn against a mono-theocracy overshadowing democracy, not to take God out of Government. As the principal writer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution he ADDED God to the founding documents. I find it interesting that fresco's of Moses, Mohammad and all of the great law givers throughout history surround the ceiling of the U.S. Supreme Court Chambers as a reminder of all of those who have served as Judges of Man despite their religious affiliation. Whether a monument to honor the Ten Commandments is erected or a Cross to mark a fallen Officer is placed along the highway, I believe we should be tolerant to allow such expressions to occur."

- Warren A. Vaughn

Warren Out On The Hill

Since the Utah Legislature has been out of session, I have been reviewing the Utah League of Cities and Towns success and loss rate. During the 2008 regular session we supported 32 bills on the Hill that affect Cities, 28 passed and 4 failed for an 87% success rate in passing bills. We opposed 17 bills that affect Cities, 00 passed and 17 failed for a 100% success rate in stopping bills. We remained neutral or no position on 28 bills, for a total of 77 bills that affect Cities this year. It was a GREAT year culminating the Leagues efforts for the last year. Thanks go to our League Staff for their work all year long. (Information accumulated from the 2008 General Legislative Session Wrap-up pamphlet by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.)

Frontrunner Inaugural Trip

Michelle and I got to ride the Inaugural Run of the Frontrunner commuter rail. It was Great! Double decker cars wifi internet throughout the whole run and hook-ups. Senator Bennett and Senator Hatch sat behind us, we got to chat a little. It was a smooth ride at speeds of up to 80 mph. It was great to see us passing cars on I-15 at Centerville through Salt Lake. Each stop the Mayor of that City had a reception and spoke. The news crews rode with us and channel 13 helicopter followed us. At Salt Lake Central Station, one block west of Gateway, you could get on Trax light rail going east to University of Utah. Michelle and I chose to walk the block to the Gateway to have lunch and shop:) Soon they will offer an express train from Ogden to Salt Lake that wont stop in between. That will be nice, a straight shot at 80mph. Even with all of the stops they anticipate the trip will be 58 minutes. You can spend 40 minutes during rush hour on the freeway sitting at Centerville. Mass transit is the way:) Attached is a photo of the train that I took before I got on.

Happy Rails to ya!

Warren