For the next 45 days or so, your elected representatives are going to get togetherin well-lighted marble rooms at the Capitol to hammer out laws that will no doubt dominate the evening news. But why not witness the people's business for yourself? To aid in these efforts, several groups will host events to give the public a schooling on how to elbow their way into the legislative process. But before the Legislature gets going, attend a meeting of the Salt Lake City Police Civilian Review Board, which, in the wake of another fatal police shooting, could be electric.
Police Review Board
Thursday, Jan. 22
Salt Lake City's Police Civilian Review Board will receive some training on the state's Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA), and hear a report from its last quarter of business—both interesting, but not typically hard-charging topics. But you will be given the chance to speak your mind during the public comment section in regard to the Jan. 8 fatal shooting by Salt Lake City police of a snow-shovel wielding man.
Plaza 349, 349 S. 200 East, Suite 150, Jan. 22, 5 p.m., SLCGov.com/civilianreview
Legislative Involvement
Multiple Dates
Opportunities abound to learn how to participate in the upcoming 45-day legislative session. The first, sponsored by the Coalition of Religious Communities, is this Friday. The League of Women Voters of Utah will host a crash-course meeting Jan. 26, the opening day of the legislative session. If you miss this, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, along with several other organizations, will host a training session Feb. 2.
Coalition of Religious Communities, Utah Capitol, 350 N. State, second floor, Jan. 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m.; League of Women Voters, Copper Room in Capitol Senate building, Jan. 26, noon; ACLU, Capitol boardroom No. 240, Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Watch the First Pitch
Monday, Jan. 26
Time has taught Utahns that anything can happen when the Beehive State's elected leaders all get together in the same place. What these politicians do, and how they do it, is your business. When they strip money from education or degrade open-government laws, they do it in your name. Pick a meeting, go, and grab an ear or two while you're there.
Utah Capitol, 350 N. State, Jan. 26-March 12, Le.Utah.gov
