In what appears to be an ongoing theme of hypocrisy this legislative session I present to you SB 243 – Historic Areas or Sites Amendments as proposed by Senator Wayne Niederhauser (R – Sandy, District 9). I know you may be shocked at this, but let me explain.

You know how Republicans have been hooting and hollering about how they feel the federal ‘guvment is encroaching on the states right to govern itself? And do you remember how they feel that government should be as local as possible, saying that the people have the right to govern themselves without outside interference? Yeah, I remember the protesters and the current proposed resolutions talking about such issues.

That is why I find it odd that Republicans such as Niederhauser would support such a bill because, after all, this bill seems to completely ignore that.

For those of you who have not been paying attention, Salt Lake City is looking to make portions of the Yalecrest neighborhood an historic district, the result being that it is difficult for owners to make modifications to their homes in an attempt to make sure the area maintains its charm and not suffer from McMansion Syndrome. Some property owners balk at the idea while others embrace it – I, as a Salt Lake City resident, think that the area should be maintained the way it is. Senator Niederhauser (again, from Sandy) thinks that the state should step in to prevent such an atrocious affront to property rights.  That is why his bill would prevent any city from “designat(ing) an historical area or site on or after May 10, 2011 and before May 8, 2012.”

But, if you truly believe in local control of government, why would Senator Niederhauser (again, I want to point this out, who is from Sandy) want the state to interfere with what is almost the definition of a city issue. The state has nothing to gain one way or the other. Now if it property rights Senator Niederhauser (did I mention he was from Sandy?) cares about, why allow the creation of historical districts on May 9, 2012?

It is almost as if Senator Niederhauser (from Sandy) does not really care about either of these things. Rather he wants the state to stick its nose into Salt Lake City’s business. But why, esteemed Senator from Sandy, do you want to do this? What do you have to gain?

If you care about the protection of local rights, you should not like this bill – even I, the bleeding heart liberal from Salt Lake City that I am, know that this is an infringement on local control. This bill should be abandoned like the many mammoth homes I am sure Senator Neaderhauser sees around his Sandy neighborhood.

Urgency Score:

Click here to contact Senator Nedierhauser (email works in Sandy).