Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- In less than two months, Salt Lake City residents will decide whether or not to build a new public safety complex. Two years ago, voters rejected the idea, but right now a majority say they will vote "yes" for Proposition 1.
A week ago, the Utah Taxpayers Association endorsed the $125 million bond proposal. It's very rare for the organization to back any plan that costs taxpayers more money. This week, residents polled say they will support Proposition 1.
On Nov. 3, city voters will decide the measure that would give the OK to build a new public safety building, emergency operations center and underground parking structure.
Helen Langan, senior advisor to Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, said, "As a city, we see our job as helping get the information out there to help voters make an informed decision on a really important issue."
So, the mayor's office is encouraged to see broad awareness and support. In an exclusive Dan Jones Poll for KSL-TV and the Deseret News, 60 percent of potential voters said they back Proposition 1, 25 percent oppose it, and 15 percent don't know.
For Salt Lake City voters, this may be the issue that brings them to the polls in this off-year election.
The proposal this year is $67 million less than it was in 2007 and would cost the owner of a $260,000 home about $6 a month, or $75 a year.
"We found every opportunity to build an efficient building that gets at the most urgent needs of the city in terms of emergency preparedness," Langan said.
The preferred location, if the bond passes, is the block of the Barnes Bank Building, the 400 block of 300 East. You can take a tour of the building, if you like.
Right now, KSL is not aware of any organized opposition to the proposition. If it passes, the city could build the complex within two to four years.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
