Senator Mayne’s Funeral Services

Below is information about funeral services for Senator Ed Mayne who passed away yesterday. The public is welcome. Please call the Utah State Senate at 801-538-1035 if you have questions. (The “Roast and Toast” banquet for Senator Mayne scheduled for December 4th is still on.)

Visitation/Viewing
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
6:00-8:00 p.m.
UNION LABOR CENTER
2261 South Redwood Road
Salt Lake City

Visitation/Viewing
Thursday, November 29, 2007
6:00-8:00 p.m.
SENATE CHAMBER
State Capitol Complex, West Building, First Floor
Salt Lake City

Funeral
Friday, November 30, 2007
11:00 a.m.
UTAH CULTURAL CELEBRATION CENTER
1355 West 3100 South
West Valley City

End of an Era - The Passing of Senator Ed Mayne

by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader

Earlier this year, we reported that Senator Ed Mayne, Assistant Senate Minority Whip, had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Senator Mayne passed away yesterday morning (Sunday, November 25, 2007) at the age of 62, while serving in his fourth Senate term. We express our sincere condolences to his wife Karen, his children and grandchildren, his parents, and all members of his family.

His passing marks the end of the Ed Mayne Era in the Utah Legislature. He fought the good fight for Utah communities his entire life, and in the past several months, he has concurrently fought his own personal battle against a formidable opponent–cancer. We are so sorry the disease has prevailed.

It has been a privilege and honor to serve with Senator Ed Mayne, advocate of working families in both his profession and his public service. He led and inspired all who knew him. Ed was passionate and compassionate, a loyal friend, and a fierce contender, right to the very end. The void created by his passing will never be filled.

“Ed was a champion,” Senator Gene Davis, Senate Minority Whip, remarked. “When Ed spoke, he spoke for and to the working men and women of Utah. He stood up for families be it a working wage, health care, education, or seniors. Senator Mayne championed the common person.”

Senator Ed Mayne’s legacy dictates that we, the Utah Senate Democrats, attempt to continue to carry Ed’s Olympic Torch on behalf of the men, women, and children who reside in the great state of Utah.

Thank you, Paul Rolly, for your endearing tribute to Senator Mayne. Click here to read the article. Click here and then click on the link “View a collection of photos here” to view an outstanding slide show/photo album of Senator Mayne assembled by his son Paul.

Congratulations, Mayor-elect Becker

by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader

It has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? MAYOR BECKER

Congratulations to House Minority Leader Ralph Becker on snagging a new office in the City & County Building down the street from the Capitol. Ralph brings to the office many years of experience in public service. Although he will be missed on Capitol Hill, we look forward to working with him on issues pertaining to Utah’s highly regarded capital city. Way to go, Ralph.

Election Day Today

November 6, 2007 - Election Day

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Congratulations, Karen!

Our former caucus member, State Senator Karen Hale, has been chosen by the Utah State Democratic Party as this year’s recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Karen will be recognized October 26, 2007, for exemplifying the high standards and compassionate philosophy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

In the Utah Legislature, Karen led the way on many education and social issues and was well-liked on both sides of the aisle. Karen continues to demonstrate her dedication to public service and the Democratic Party.

Congratulations, Karen! You are certainly deserving of this prestigious award.

More Birthdays

Senator Goodfellow and Senator Mayne had birthdays in August and September. We hope they both celebrated their special day with family and friends doing just exactly what they enjoy most! (Well, second most for Senator Mayne–it’s not duck hunting season yet.)

A Fitting Tribute: The Calvin L. Rampton International Airport

by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two

Today I read an article in the Salt Lake Tribune suggesting that the Salt Palace Convention Center be named in honor and tribute to the late Governor Cal Rampton. While Governor Rampton surely deserves a lasting tribute, I don’t think the Salt Palace is the right fit. Sure there seems to be a natural alignment between Governor Rampton’s legacy as the champion of economic development and the Salt Palace as an engine of economic development for our state, but when I heard it, it just didn’t seem to ring true.

There is another option for a fitting tribute to this great man and civic leader. Our impressive international airport, the gateway to Utah, should be renamed the Calvin L. Rampton International Airport. The airport is as much a symbol of Utah’s modern economic ascendancy as the Salt Palace. I also think it simply has a better ring to it. It might also be easier to accomplish since the name of the airport falls under the purview of Salt Lake City.

Thank you, Governor Rampton, for your leadership and example. God Speed.

Way to go, Ralph!

by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader

Congratulations to House Minority Leader Ralph Becker on Tuesday’s victory in the Salt Lake City mayoral primary. Representative Becker and Dave Buhler are the final two in the race to be decided on election day, November 6. The upside is that if Ralph is elected mayor, Salt Lake City will benefit from his knowledge and expertise. The downside is that if Ralph is elected mayor, Capitol Hill will lose an outstanding legislator.

On behalf of the Senate Democrats, I congratulate Ralph and his fine election team. As I mentioned to Ralph yesterday in my congratulatory phone call, I wish him luck in representing the second best city in Utah!

How Community Planning Can Benefit Health

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate District 7

I am writing to address the problems of obesity and to offer some solutions. Nearly 2/3 of the American population is overweight or obese, and physical inactivity is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year. I contend some of the solutions to obesity lie with community planners in designing communities which are walkable, have trail opportunities, bike lanes, parks, schools and retail space. There are other solutions which require parents and other community participants. Parents and lawmakers can insist on having healthy snack alternatives in vending machines in our schools, encourage walking to and from school and talking with our youth about why it is important to eat healthy. Just as we condition our children to buckle their seatbelts when they first get into the car, we should be encouraging our children to think about eating more healthy and spending some time during the day exercising.

I was reminded about the importance of developing an active living community when I recently participated in the Salt Lake County tour which included visiting the Daybreak community. The Daybreak community is a good example of integrating healthy living and exercise into the development of a community. I would encourage you to consider looking at opportunities to add your voice to creating more active living places to work and live as the Daybreak community has done.

Finally, I encourage you to review the website www.activeliving.org. This website was brought to my attention as a state legislator, and I thought it was worth passing on to encourage further discussion about how to make our communities more active and healthy.

TOP SECRET

Last month, Senator Mike Dmitrich attended the Utah Mining Association’s 92nd Annual Convention in Park City. At the request of the Association, he presented two awards to legislators, one to Senator Howard Stephenson and one to Representative Wayne Harper.

Done-Finished-NOT!

Unbeknownst to Senator Dmitrich, a surprise was in the works! He was not allowed to exit the stage. He learned he was not only a presenter of awards but a recipient, as well. The Utah Mining Association awarded him a Prazen bronze statue (by renowned sculptor Gary Prazen) entitled “Coal in My Veins” for lifetime legislative achievement. He extends his sincere appreciation to the Utah Mining Association for acknowledging his contribution to Utah’s mining industry and government.

Congratulations, Senator Dmitrich!

“Coal in My Veins”

P.S. Click here for info about Gary Prazen, the sculptor.