May 2008
Rosie’s $30,000 Reward
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
It began at a fund raiser for the Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA). I purchased a billboard donated by Reagan Outdoor Advertising as a contribution for UMBA scholarships. I intended to use the billboard for something such as acknowledging my wife’s birthday (which happens to be July 24th–so the whole state already throws her a party) or perhaps our 11th wedding anniversary, but something else came up.
A few months ago, I received a call from Frank Cordova, director of the Utah Coalition of La Rasa, asking if I could help publicize a $30,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person who killed Rosie Tapia. In 1995, Rosie was 6 years old. She was taken from her bedroom window and sexually assaulted. The next morning, her body was found in the Jordan River. Thirteen years later, the crime is still unsolved. For more information about Rosie’s disappearance and efforts to find her, click on these links:
City Weekly; ABC4 News; KSL News
Meadow Gold Dairy, the Salt Lake City Policy Department, and the FBI recently held a news conference and announced the $30,000 reward to find Rosie’s murderer. I was inspired by their generosity and called Reagan Outdoor Advertising and talked with Dewey Reagan about redeeming my billboard certificate. I also asked if Reagan would consider donating an extra month of sign time to highlight the effort of finding Rosie’s killer. Reagan agreed and also secured Vision International to donate the sign printing. You will now see the sign located at approximately 2100 South and 1200 West. It is on the right side of the SR 201 heading west. (Click here to see a copy of the billboard).
I hope this blog post will help spread the word about the reward money being offered to find Rosie’s killer so the Tapia family can finally have some closure.
Please spread the word about the reward. Call 801-799-INFO if you have any information.
Taxpayers Association Honors Senator Dmitrich
At the Utah Taxpayers Association annual conference May 13, 2008, Senator Mike Dmitrich received the Association’s Lifetime Service Award, recognizing his 40 years of distinguished service in the Utah House of Representatives and the Utah Senate and his constructive and cooperative leadership style as Minority Leader in both houses. Senator Dmitrich received a standing ovation from the 200+ crowd attending the conference.
Senator Mike Dmitrich announced in March that he would not seek re-election. He has served continuously in the Utah Legislature for the past 40 years and is currently the longest serving legislator on Capitol Hill. He represents Senate District 27 comprised of Carbon, Emery, Grand,
Congratulations to Senator Dmitrich and thank you to the Utah Taxpayers Association for acknowledging Senator Dmitrich’s outstanding contribution to Utah government.
Goodbye and Welcome
by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader
Gay Taylor, General Counsel for the Utah Legislature, is retiring effective the end of May. Last Wednesday afternoon, a reception was held in the Gold Room in honor of Gay’s 25 years of employment with the Utah Legislature. She has always provided superior service to the Senate Democrats. We wish her the very best in her retirement and hope she will have time to pursue her many interests that have undoubtedly taken a second priority to her professional career. Goodbye and good luck!
John Fellows will succeed Gay as General Counsel. John, too, has provided exceptional service to the Senate Democrats in a nonpartisan, professional fashion. In the last year, he has attended our caucuses and offered valuable advice and information as requested by our caucus members. We look forward to working with John in his new capacity as General Counsel. Welcome and good luck!
City of Taylorsville Honors Senator Karen Mayne
The City of Taylorsville held its 12th annual awards banquet last March to honor extraordinary residents and employees of 2007. Senator Karen Mayne received an award from Mayor Russ Wall for meritorious service to the community as a legislator and as a volunteer. Click here to read the complete story. Congratulations, Senator!
Torch of Freedom Award for Senator Romero
Last week, Senator Ross Romero was honored at the ACLU’s 50th Anniversary Bill of Rights Celebration. He received the Torch of Freedom Award for Progressive Leadership. Senator Romero received this recognition for his relentless efforts in the Utah State Legislature to bring attention to many critical community issues, in particular immigration and racial profiling. Click here and scroll down to read more about the event and Senator Romero’s award.