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The defeat of Initiative One on Election Day should in no way be interpreted as a mandate for abandoning efforts to preserve vital pockets of open space in Utah.
A majority of voters, obviously, took to heart the anti-tax increase message of the measure’s opponents. Despite what happened November 2, KSL hopes the overall intent of the open space initiative will remain alive and vibrant!
Let’s not forget another million people are expected in Utah by the year 2020. With them will come more development and lots of pressure on the area’s natural resources.
The initiative’s defeat only amplifies the urgency to protect critical land around rivers, lakes and streams, as well as many of the family farms and ranches that are methodically disappearing.
KSL urges those lawmakers and organizations that rallied to defeat the measure to sincerely reflect on how the initiative came to be in the first place. Contemplate the wide range of support it garnered among environmental, political, hunting and fishing, and agricultural interests. And realize many likely voted against it more because of its structure rather than its intent.
In KSL’s view, preserving open space is essential to the quality of life in Utah, now and in the future. Finding a way to do it must remain a high priority.
