Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 7 pm, neighborhood meetings will be held across the state to elect representatives, or delegates, to the County and State Conventions. House District 57 (Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, SE American Fork) will meet at the Pleasant Grove Junior High School.

Important to this bi-annual process is a brief Q & A session between the candidates running for these delegate & leadership positions and those members of the caucus who will vote during the “neighborhood” meeting for these candidates. Candidates should be honest and open with their answers. Questions should include what the person does for an occupation, if a person was a member of another political party (what party and how long ago did they change affiliations), whether they support the Party’s Platform, if elected will they perform the work required of precinct leadership or delegates, etc…Questions should be probing but not intimate in nature.

There are many “One Issue Candidates” who will attempt to run for these delegate positions; however, it is important to remember that government requires people who can look at the “big picture” and keep a general perspective of what they believe good government should be. The caucus system is designed to “flush out” factionists.

State and County government is more than just one issue. State and County government includes Education, Immigration, Tax Policy, Transportation, Healthcare Issues, and on and on…

A well-rounded, informed candidate is easy to identify. Our Neighborhood, City, County, and State Representatives should embody the best we have to offer.

My plea…get out and participate in the process. Choose wisely your representatives. Oh…and have fun while you’re there.

Why would anyone in their right mind run for public office?

I received this fun little advertisement in my e-mail the other day:

Help Wanted:  Full-time job, less than part-time pay.  45 days – minimum, 16 hours per day at $130 per day in pressure packed environment.  20 hours per week during rest of the year virtually for free.  Competence in state government -education, health care, transportation, taxation, etc.- a must.  Multitasking required.  Expect a lot of negative feedback.  Persuasive debate skills and ability to communicate effectively are helpful.  Every detail of your life will be subject to media scrutiny and you are expected to endure lies, rumors and innuendo without complaint.  Straining to marriage and family life will most likely occur.  Every two years spend about $15,000 to run for office with substantial stress and fatigue.

Why would anyone want this job?

The answer is simple…”it’s a pleasure to serve at the will of the people.”  To represent my friends and neighbors is a distinct honor and privilege.  Therefore…I announce my candidacy for Representative of House District 57 (Pleasant Grove, Cedar Hills, SE American Fork).

Since my first mid-term delegate election and subsequent appointment to the Legislature in early 2003, it’s been nothing more or less than a thrilling rollercoaster ride.  My family and I have “enjoyed” the experience.  And, we’re in line to ride, again!

Thanks for allowing us to serve.