A candid conversation with Utah Senator Scott McCoy
Scott McCoy said...Mark, on point one, I have no idea what went on or goes on in the county clerk's office, so who knows. As for the whole which party is first on the ballot thing, GOP clerks in other counties put GOP candidates first all the time. Look, if it is such a big deal, and the GOP controls the legislature, right? Why not just change the law to say it is random how candidates are listed on the ballot? Well, probably because that would take away the GOP ballot listing advantage in all the GOP controlled clerk's offices. So I think it goes both ways. On point two, I am not in IHC's or any other insurance company’s pockets and am free to tell it like it is just like Joe is so no advantage for Joe on that score. On point three, what makes you think the GOP is going to let Joe succeed on policies they fundamentally disagree with? Do you actually think Joe will be able to convince the Senate and House to pass universal, single-payer health care as they are currently constituted? Steve Mascaro couldn't get the PEHP bill through last year and Leadership shut him down on a preferred drug list too, what makes you think that Joe is going to have a magic wand that will make it happen? As for getting things through the House and Senate, we'll just have to see what happens over the next four years. Scott8:49 PM
The Spyglass said...Scott, on point one we can both agree that it's not fair, and actually stinks. I would support legislation that now we are using new technology voting machines, I'm certain they could be programmed to randomize the ballot to address this issue. On point Two comparing your's or for that matter any other current legislator's understanding of reimbursement, adjudication, sliding fee structure's, Medicare/ Medicaid coverage etc would be like comparing my understanding of the Law to your's. I know just enough about the Law to get in trouble, it will be nice when Carrie graduates and I can have a full time in-house attorney to pester. I have nearly 25 years of experience in claim adjudication, medical records, and coding, and I can honestly say Joe knows more than I or anyone else I have talked with including the current State Health director. Joe should have been tapped for this position, but the fix was already in. Let's talk a second about Steve's bill. The Insurance lobby put pressure on Steve and he folded. They didn’t want to give up the 25-50 employee policies, and they made it clear to drop it or suffer the consequences. The Rx industry is totally corrupt, and they can be very persuasive (make you an offer you can't refuse) if you catch my drift. Steve's livelyhood is Valley Mental Health, and well.....It would be the same for any other practicing MD in Utah that is reimbursed by the Insurance industry. You need to have a spouse who is a Shareholder at Ray, Quinney, Nebeker, and financially Independent.On Point Three, it's politics. You know full well that being one of only 29 votes carries alot of influence. Even though you are in the minority caucus, being a State Senator just like a US Senator you have to have the votes to get anything passed. Leadership will want Joe "GOP" to succeed in Salt Lake City, and you the "DEM" not to. You will get Legislation to pass out of commitee on the Senate side because they may need your vote for their legislation. But over in the House is another matter. The folks down in Utah County will make sure every piece of sponsored, co-sponsored, endorsed, or remotely connected to you will never see the light of day. I’m not saying its right, or fair, it's just reality...Sorry
Mark12:16 AM
Scott McCoy said...Mark, you have given me an idea. I will start co-sponsoring all the bills I don't like so that the House will kill them. Scott10:37 AM
Lars Larson said...Dear Scott, Great idea! Would you please introduce legislation that would mandate all new highways built in the state be funded by making them toll roads? I personally would like to see that idea go away as soon as possible. Everyone in the state had to pay for the existing roads through taxation whether or not they would ever use the road in question. It's not fair, now, that the rules be changed so that only certain folks have to bear the lion's share of the cost for a new road. It strikes me as being unjust. What do you think?3:01 PM
The Spyglass said...Scott, you are now beginning to understand how this game called politics is played, good for you. If you are elected I would expect nothing less than holding up any legislation, nomination, etc until Salt Lake City receives its fair share of the tax revenue collected here. It would be no different if I was elected. Look at how James Evans was successful for SD1. I would be the burr under the saddle. There are enough votes in the Senate to stop any extreme legislation; you just need to play the game.11:12 AM
Anonymous said...Scott, Oh so Joe won't be able to turn around health care in the first week? Wow, we should vote for you because I thought that Joe would not only get the health care system perfect pretty easily. What we need is Joe. He knows what to do, and what is the right step. He can guide us on that first step towards getting health care for all. And I have listened to Joe; he has never said anything derogatory about lawyers in appealing to voters to elect a doctor.2:46 PM
