When an attorney representing the the LDS Church urged state lawmakers debating tax reform Thursday to keep a tax deduction for charitable giving in place, the message had the desired effect.

At word of the church's scheduled statement, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s advisers pulled back a team of economists prepared to propose a 4.6 percent flat tax.

Utah Taxpayers Association Vice President Mike Jerman went ahead with his proposal for a 4.9 percent flat tax which eliminates deductions for charitable giving. But he acknowledged afterward his plan will have to be tweaked to make it palatable to lawmakers.

For five months, state lawmakers and tax experts have been debating adopting a flat tax. The idea bogged down as groups complained of the consequences on those with lower incomes and on donations to nonprofit organizations. Lawmakers nearly gave up.

Huntsman and the Taxpayers Association had revived the idea this week - until the church statement.

REVERED RAPTOR

Utah has lost a favorite feathered friend.

Bud, a golden eagle beloved by thousands of Utah Scouts, students and other wildlife enthusiasts, died Sept. 9 from what is believed to be West Nile virus.

A frequent flier at schools, businesses and the Utah Shakespearian Festival, Bud was the nonprofit Southwest Wildlife Foundation's favorite partner for promoting wildlife conservation and the state's native birds of prey. In fact, Bud's prowess at publicity landed him last year on the floor of the Utah House of Representatives, where he was feted for his work.

SALT LAKE CITY

An independent auditor will examine whether Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson's office and library administrators violated state law or city policy in how they created a monument that honors organ donors.

Anderson's office didn't seek City Council approval before building the Celebration of Life monument at Library Square, even though city coffers may be tapped to pay the remaining $336,000. The council, not the mayor, is in charge of allocating money.

The auditors will explore whether city and state procedures were followed in approving the organ-donation monument and ways to avoid problems in the future.