Western Editorial Sampler: Prisons. Poor. Pay. Pot. Education ...

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

— Utah State Prison: Be skeptical of relocation scheme — Salt Lake Tribune Editorial ... If someone talked you into an investment that cost you upwards of $400 million, and left you short by more than $300 million of that, then that person's next address might be at the Utah State Prison in Draper. Unless, of course, the Utah Legislature goes along with a plan to tear down that facility, sell the land and create a new lock-up somewhere further off the beaten path. It is an idea that deserves to be greeted with a great deal of skepticism, a lot of questions and some sharp pencils. ...

— Food stamp numbers alarming — Ogden Standard Examiner Editorial ... The onus is on the private sector to increase wages for Americans as the economy improves and get the food stamp numbers decreased.

— Pay commission — Deseret News Editorial ... Utah's governor and other elected officials may very well deserve a raise in pay, but a proposed salary jump of 36 percent would be a tough sell, both politically and as a matter of policy. ...

— Leave marijuana regulation to states — Colorado Springs Gazette Editorial ... We only know that President Obama has spoken and should keep his word. The federal government should stay out of it and allow Colorado law enforcement, politicians and their constituents to work this out among themselves. It's confusing enough without mixed messages and veiled threats from Uncle Sam.

— To boost diploma success, go young — (Portland) Oregonian Editorial ... More broadly, the district is becoming more data-driven and goal-oriented, which makes it easier to track successes and failures. This is no small feat in a district that, historically, has tried everything and measured nothing. ...

— Music programs benefit everyone — Prescott Daily Courier Editorial ... Consider that learning a musical instrument, through practice, coaching and performances, teaches children responsibility, structure and math, among other benefits. Yes, math, which also helps them academically. ...