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Richard Piatt Reporting Utah lawmakers are hoping for a Legislative session without tension. Chances are that's not going to happen; however, most are noticing an initial spirit of cooperation.
It's far from a Kum-Baya atmosphere on Capitol Hill, but behind the scenes, a lot of people are noticing things are a little different this year. There is less tension. In particular, relations between the House, Senate and Governor's office are starting out cordially.
House Speaker Greg Curtis says for him, it's that way on purpose.
Rep. Greg Curtis (R), Speaker of the House: "A lot of my colleagues didn't like the contention. They were stressed and asked if we could have a down year, if it could be a little easier going."
Curtis admits he aggressively pursued removing the sales tax on food last year. With that in mind, some are guarded with a 'trust but verify' feeling, especially among Democrats.
Rep. Brad King (D), House Minority Whip: " What will come out will be a compromise, not everyone will get what they want, and that's the way it was designed to be."
Differences are lurking over things like what kind of a tax cut there should be. But the large surplus has tempered the usual widespread angst.
Apart from money, Will Carlson of Equality Utah meets with Senator Chris Buttars, known for sponsoring anti-gay legislation. Carlson senses a gentler tone this time.
Will Carlson, Equality Utah: "We've always got to keep alert. But so far this session there seems to be a willingness to cross partisan lines and work together."
But in the end, conservatives like Buttars are also uncompromising over moral issues.
Sen. Chris Buttars (R), Salt Lake County: "I have no problem if you want to be a gay. But just don't try to change the world and try to take away all the traditions in America."
The reality is that in government, tension is built into the system. So far this year, there seems to be less tension than usual. However, the session is only hours old.
