Group Asks Governor to Call Special Session to Settle Jordan District Split

Jun 03, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) A group of west-side lawmakers, mayors and business leaders have drafted a resolution asking Governor Jon Huntsman to call a special legislative session following the stalemate over the Jordan School District split. South Jordan Mayor Kent Money says the split will set a precedent for the entire state.

"The whole thing came about on the basis that it was for our kids. There was better representation with smaller districts. But everything I've heard in the media, all the reports that I've been aware of, has to do with the dollar," Money says. "And that's not right. I think we need to step back and take the time to consider the kids."

The resolution states the division of Jordan District is far more expensive and complicated than originally envisioned. Binding arbitration is provided in the legislation, but the resolution states this will remove the decision-making process from local control. It asks for a special session to delay the Jordan District's split so lawmakers can complete an in-depth study of the process.

Senator Michael Waddoups, a Taylorsville Republican, says the law needs to be clarified to maintain education funding levels without taxing other communities to pay for the split. He says the property tax equalization bill passed during the 2008 Legislative session helps Jordan finance the split but penalizes other communities. Waddoups says he expects the Governor will approve a special session, though he says he has not received any formal response from the governor's office on the matter.

"Special sessions are typically called when there's an issue that has statewide concern or is impacting a large number of people in the state. This issue rises to that level in both instances," Waddoups says. "There are people talking to the governor. The governor typically does not call a special session until all the parties come together. This one is one that says they're not coming together and you should call a special session to facilitate them coming together."

In addition to Waddoups and Mayor Money, the resolution was signed by 16 southern Salt Lake County leaders, including Representatives Steven Mascaro, Wayne Harper, Merlynn Newbold and Carl Wimmer; Senator Chris Buttars; West Jordan Mayor Dave Newton and Herriman Mayor Lynn Crane.

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