The World Series is over. What’s been happening in politics? Pignanelli & Webb

We’d much rather talk about baseball, but we’ll instead opine on politics.

Yes, more impeachment intrigue occurred last week. But, thankfully, it did not overshadow important municipal elections and a well-deserved parade for the World Series champs. We’d much rather talk about baseball, but we’ll instead opine on politics.

The Salt Lake City mayoral race ended as expected, with Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall earning a solid win. Do the municipal election results portend trends that will be manifest in the 2020 state and national political wars?

Pignanelli: “If elected I shall be thankful; if not, it will be all the same.” — Abraham Lincoln

To predict the future, fortune tellers use various tactics including tea leaves, tarot cards and roosters pecking grain. Similarly, political hacks (like us) rely on deciphering of polls, media statistics and election results to proclaim trends.

The West Jordan mayoral election may offer important insight. The popular incumbent, Jim Riding, lost to Councilman Dirk Burton substantially because residents were upset with a recent increase in water fees imposed by the city. Voters were unpersuaded by a policy of improving the water delivery infrastructure and expressed anger at the ballot box. Legislators should heed these lessons in the development of their tax reform proposals. (i.e. There can never be too much well-crafted messaging on such issues.)

The Salt Lake City mayor’s race was a clean uplifting battle between two competent visionary women. Unfortunately, such niceness did not prompt voter turn out. All hope this does not encourage negative campaigns but more creative efforts to encourage the electorate. Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell won a tough election by reminding constituents about the renaissance his city is experiencing.

Understandably, politicos are weird but at least we are not using Haruspicy (examining the livers of sacrificed animals) to make predictions.

Webb: The overall low voter turnout means citizens are generally happy with the performance of their city and town governments, in contrast to their feelings about the federal government. In fact, recent polling conducted by UtahPolicy.com shows Utahns have vastly higher trust in their local governments than the federal government and significantly more than state government.

The people most interested voted, and those who weren’t motivated didn’t. That’s just fine with me. Let knowledgeable people who care about the issues determine the future.

Salt Lake City, my home for many years, is a vibrant, growing city and will do just fine under Mayor Mendenhall. From what I’ve seen, she will listen and govern in a collaborative fashion, seeking to work effectively with all city stakeholders, including the city council, the business community, the Legislature and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She appears to be progressive, but reasonable.

The usually mild-mannered Utah Congressman Chris Stewart is gaining media notoriety for his strong defense of President Trump in the impeachment proceedings. Is this smart politically for Stewart, or does it harm his re-election chances?

Pignanelli: The impeachment hearings of the House Intelligence Committee will dominate the news for many months. Stewart, as a member of the committee with bona fide experience in military and security matters, will garner serious national media exposure.

History documents others who occupied similar roles in congressional deliberations generated hatred from opponents, but displays of competence returned them to office.

Webb: Stewart is a responsible, honest politician who is seeing the evidence and doing what he thinks is right. It might be better politically for him to be more neutral and less outspoken. But he’s the kind of person who speaks up when he sees injustice and hypocrisy.

He knows that Trump is no angel. I don’t think he likes Trump’s style or personality. But he honestly doesn’t believe the Ukraine imbroglio rises to the level of an impeachable offense. He also correctly sees a lot of duplicity in the Democrats and the national news media. Good for Stewart for doing what’s right instead of hiding in the weeds.

Will Stewart’s high profile and Democrat Ben McAdams’ impeachment posture inject a massive infusion of money by outside special interest groups into their 2020 races?

Pignanelli: Utah’s roaring economy will feel another big bump in 2020 as multiple right and left wing groups hire staff, print literature and bombard the airwaves with predictable messages for or against these politicians. They will not care most voters will tune out the repetitive mantras as their primary goal is securing funds for the fight, not the outcome.

Webb: The Republicans are already targeting McAdams and Democrats will target Stewart. It will be even more intense if impeachment proceedings drag on into the election year.