As many of you are aware, a private group named "Utah Crossing" has proposed a privately owned toll bridge across Utah Lake. Apparently the only approval they need at this point in order to start construction is approval from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and then negotiate a lease for an easement across Utah Lake from the State of Utah, since the State of Utah owns the actual land under Utah Lake.
You can submit your comments either for or against the bridge across Utah Lake from now until Nov. 30, 2009 at this web site:
http://www.ffsl.utah.gov/sovlands/utahlake/commentform.php
Also, the private group "Utah Crossing" apparently had a web site up making their side until recently, but it has apparently been taken down. You can still find it if you Google "Utah Crossing" and click on the cached link.
There is also a group opposed to the current bridge proposal across Utah Lake, and you can find their web site here:
http://www.fightthebridge.org/
Posted in the comments below are the comments I formally submitted to the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands explaining the concerns I would need to have satisfied before I could support a bridge over Utah Lake.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Kicking the Hornet's Nest
Blog from Daily Herald report Joe Pyrah here:
http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-on.html
Text of blog below:
I skipped doing a published story on Joel Wright's formal announcement as candidate for county commission because he didn't announce an opponent. (I did mention his intention back in September on the Grinder.)
It's not too easy to write a story when you can't stack someone up against an opponent. It's either Steve White or Gary Anderson, but those guys are so different that it's not like Wright can make a blanket statement that covers them both.
But today, Wright poked the hornets nest to see what would happen. At the weekly commission meeting, he got up during the public comment portion and said that while commissioners did a good job with the 2010 budget, they should have rescinded the 2008 salary increases to ease the burden on taxpayers.
"The market right now, I think, would not lead to many employees leaving," he said, then added he'd put the raises back in place once the economy improved.
Anderson went straight into campaign mode, claiming that the employees didn't get a raise in 2009 or 2010 which amounts to a 5 percent pay cut because of the increase in cost of living. (I reject that methodology as public employee BS, but whatever.)
He leans into the mic and says "I appreciate our employees doing more with less."
Of course, it's hard to convey the mood of a room and the passive-aggressive nature of Utah politicians, but it made for a fun 30 seconds.
MY COMMENT ON BLOG ABOVE:
I appreciate our County Commissioners balancing Utah County's budget for 2010, and I also appreciate they had to make painful cuts in order to do so. But those cuts were simply insufficient given the current state of the economy.
Our County Commissioners raised our property tax rate about 8.5% in 2009 in order to keep their property tax revenue steady. That's like feeding your horse less, but still expecting it to do just as much work.
If the County Commissioners had already cut everything they could, then it would be defensible, but they haven't.
All county employees, including the County Commissioners, got a big raise in 2008, just before the biggest recession of our life time set in. At a minimum, they should roll that salary increase back entirely before raising our property tax rates in this this tough economy.
Very few, if any, Utah County employees are going to quit right now if their salaries go back to 2007 levels. There just aren't that many other jobs out there. Note further that we are experiencing deflation now, so a salary decrease becomes more reasonable. Note also the Utah State Legislators cut their salary earlier this year when they were cutting everyone else's budget.
Bottom Line: Until the County Commissioners have cut everything they can, they should NOT raise our property tax rates. And I believe they can still reasonably cut all salaries, including their salaries, back to 2007 levels.
http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/2009/11/game-on.html
Text of blog below:
I skipped doing a published story on Joel Wright's formal announcement as candidate for county commission because he didn't announce an opponent. (I did mention his intention back in September on the Grinder.)
It's not too easy to write a story when you can't stack someone up against an opponent. It's either Steve White or Gary Anderson, but those guys are so different that it's not like Wright can make a blanket statement that covers them both.
But today, Wright poked the hornets nest to see what would happen. At the weekly commission meeting, he got up during the public comment portion and said that while commissioners did a good job with the 2010 budget, they should have rescinded the 2008 salary increases to ease the burden on taxpayers.
"The market right now, I think, would not lead to many employees leaving," he said, then added he'd put the raises back in place once the economy improved.
Anderson went straight into campaign mode, claiming that the employees didn't get a raise in 2009 or 2010 which amounts to a 5 percent pay cut because of the increase in cost of living. (I reject that methodology as public employee BS, but whatever.)
He leans into the mic and says "I appreciate our employees doing more with less."
Of course, it's hard to convey the mood of a room and the passive-aggressive nature of Utah politicians, but it made for a fun 30 seconds.
MY COMMENT ON BLOG ABOVE:
I appreciate our County Commissioners balancing Utah County's budget for 2010, and I also appreciate they had to make painful cuts in order to do so. But those cuts were simply insufficient given the current state of the economy.
Our County Commissioners raised our property tax rate about 8.5% in 2009 in order to keep their property tax revenue steady. That's like feeding your horse less, but still expecting it to do just as much work.
If the County Commissioners had already cut everything they could, then it would be defensible, but they haven't.
All county employees, including the County Commissioners, got a big raise in 2008, just before the biggest recession of our life time set in. At a minimum, they should roll that salary increase back entirely before raising our property tax rates in this this tough economy.
Very few, if any, Utah County employees are going to quit right now if their salaries go back to 2007 levels. There just aren't that many other jobs out there. Note further that we are experiencing deflation now, so a salary decrease becomes more reasonable. Note also the Utah State Legislators cut their salary earlier this year when they were cutting everyone else's budget.
Bottom Line: Until the County Commissioners have cut everything they can, they should NOT raise our property tax rates. And I believe they can still reasonably cut all salaries, including their salaries, back to 2007 levels.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Deseret News article on Campaign Announcement
Article available here: http://bit.ly/1vvlo4
Text of article below:
Former Cedar Hills councilman Wright to run for Utah County Commission
By Sara Lenz
Deseret News
Published: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 10:53 a.m. MST
Former Cedar Hills City Councilman Joel D. Wright has announced his candidacy for the Utah County Commission.
Wright, a 37-year-old lawyer, said he will run against Gary Anderson or Steve White in 2010 for a seat on the commission.
Wright, who grew up in Provo, returned to Utah County five years ago after living in New York and Washington, D.C. He said he made his decision to run for county commissioner about six months ago.
"I think Utah County deserves more effective solutions and focus on regional problems," Wright said. "There are regional issues that need to be pushed right now."
Some of those issues, he said, include removing obstacles to economic development, creating better transportation, improving accessibility of Utah Lake and fighting crime locally.
If elected, Wright said one of the biggest items on his agenda will be looking at changing the structure of Utah County government. Instead of having three full-time commissioners, he suggests that Utah County have one full-time mayor and five part-time county council members.
Wright said that would reduce the cost of government officials by one-third, and each council member could represent a region in the county.
The father of four has been involved with the Utah County Republican Party as a state and county delegate and has been on the Utah State Board of Regents and Utah State Charter School Board.
Wright received a bachelor's degree in economics and political science at BYU and a juris doctorate at New York University.
THIS IS THE COMMENT I POSTED ON THE ARTICLE ABOVE:
As the article stated, I believe we need regional solutions to regional problems. Right now, we send too much tax money to Washington DC or Salt Lake City, and then have to hope they send a little bit of our money back to us.
Utah County has 550,000 residents now, and will likely have over one million in 20 years or less. We are rapidly becoming an urban county, and we need to prepare for it. For example, there is no good reason why the State should own or manage the roads in Utah County that do not cross county lines. Instead, Utah County should keep their share of the gas tax, and manage these roads on their own. In addition, it is clear we can not count on the State or Federal governments to effectively stop Ponzi schemes in Utah County before they have mushroomed. We need to give our Utah County Attorney and Sheriff the resources and training they need to fight and prosecute these crimes. Finally, we need a Utah County government based on the principles of the US Constitution, with separate executive and legislative branches.
Text of article below:
Former Cedar Hills councilman Wright to run for Utah County Commission
By Sara Lenz
Deseret News
Published: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 10:53 a.m. MST
Former Cedar Hills City Councilman Joel D. Wright has announced his candidacy for the Utah County Commission.
Wright, a 37-year-old lawyer, said he will run against Gary Anderson or Steve White in 2010 for a seat on the commission.
Wright, who grew up in Provo, returned to Utah County five years ago after living in New York and Washington, D.C. He said he made his decision to run for county commissioner about six months ago.
"I think Utah County deserves more effective solutions and focus on regional problems," Wright said. "There are regional issues that need to be pushed right now."
Some of those issues, he said, include removing obstacles to economic development, creating better transportation, improving accessibility of Utah Lake and fighting crime locally.
If elected, Wright said one of the biggest items on his agenda will be looking at changing the structure of Utah County government. Instead of having three full-time commissioners, he suggests that Utah County have one full-time mayor and five part-time county council members.
Wright said that would reduce the cost of government officials by one-third, and each council member could represent a region in the county.
The father of four has been involved with the Utah County Republican Party as a state and county delegate and has been on the Utah State Board of Regents and Utah State Charter School Board.
Wright received a bachelor's degree in economics and political science at BYU and a juris doctorate at New York University.
THIS IS THE COMMENT I POSTED ON THE ARTICLE ABOVE:
As the article stated, I believe we need regional solutions to regional problems. Right now, we send too much tax money to Washington DC or Salt Lake City, and then have to hope they send a little bit of our money back to us.
Utah County has 550,000 residents now, and will likely have over one million in 20 years or less. We are rapidly becoming an urban county, and we need to prepare for it. For example, there is no good reason why the State should own or manage the roads in Utah County that do not cross county lines. Instead, Utah County should keep their share of the gas tax, and manage these roads on their own. In addition, it is clear we can not count on the State or Federal governments to effectively stop Ponzi schemes in Utah County before they have mushroomed. We need to give our Utah County Attorney and Sheriff the resources and training they need to fight and prosecute these crimes. Finally, we need a Utah County government based on the principles of the US Constitution, with separate executive and legislative branches.
Salt Lake Tribune article on Campaign Announcement
Article at: http://bit.ly/2k6SOk
Or complete text below:
Wright to run for county commissioner
Government » Candidate wants to adopt a county-council form of government.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 11/19/2009 09:26:28 AM MST
Provo » The 2010 election is still months away, but one Utah County Republican has thrown his hat in the ring for County Commission.
Joel D. Wright, a former Cedar Hills city councilman, announced his plans to run for one of the two seats currently occupied by Commissioners Gary Anderson and Steve White.
If he's elected, Wright said he would push for a change in county government. His idea: Adopt a county-council form of government.
"We need to have a county government that reflects a county of almost 550,000 people," Wright said. He said a county council would better address regional issues.
White, the incumbent, said dropping the three-member commission for a county council would be a bad idea.
"I'm not for change for the sake of change," White said. "I'm for change for improving service." While he would be amenable to enlarging the commission to five members, White said a county council would be costly for residents. He said Salt Lake County saw its budget increase $6 million when it switched from a commission to a council.
He said the commission doesn't govern all Utah County residents; only the 11,000 who live in the unincorporated areas.
Wright said the commission form served the county well about a century ago. But it lacks a system of checks and balances, as well as giving residents someone who represents their area on the body.
The commissioners serve as at-large members.
Another reason to go with a council-mayor form of county government: A better representative to make the county's case on the state and national level.
"A county mayor could get in the face of the Legislature and Congress," Wright said.
White said he has no problems representing the county before the Legislature or the state's congressional delegation.
"I have the cell phone numbers of our two [U.S.] senators and our [congressional] representative in my Blackberry," White said.
Wright said if he is elected he would promote economic development in the county, make Utah Lake more accessible and bolster the Utah County Attorney's Office's ability to prosecute white-collar crimes such as Ponzi schemes.
Wright is an attorney with Kirton and McConkie.
MY POSTED COMMENT ON THE ARTICLE ABOVE:
Glad to get the conversation going! Let's discuss a few of the points above:
1. New form of County Government? Both Commissioner White and I agree that the current form of county government, with just 3 commissioners, needs to be changed. Right now, the law requires that 2 county commissioners vote to put the issue on the ballot. If the voters approve it, then a study commission would be created which would propose a new form of county government. Maybe they would recommend Commissioner White's form (expand to 5 county commissioners) or maybe they would recommend my proposal (mayor and county council). But the voters would decide. Let's start that process.
2. "Salt Lake County saw its budget increase $6 million when it switched from a commission to a council." That's because they love to tax and spend in Salt Lake. Instead of having 3 commissioners paid $102,000 a year, we could switch to one part time mayor, and five part time county council members, and pay them all the same as we do our State Representatives - that would actually cut the costs in half.
3. "[White] said the commission doesn't govern all Utah County residents; only the 11,000 who live in unincorporated areas." Really? Then why is every property owner in Utah County paying property taxes to the County? Why does Utah County own so many roads in Utah County? Why did they approve borrowing $45 million to build a convention center in Provo yesterday? I guess it depends on how you define "govern".
4. Commissioner White is effective at representing Utah County before the Legislature and the state's delegation. But I would go further, and ask the federal and state governments to STOP taking so much of our money through taxes, and let us keep our own money to solve our own problems. For example, the State should not own or operate any roads that do not cross county lines. Instead, the county should own roads crossing city lines, and get our share of the state gas tax.
Or complete text below:
Wright to run for county commissioner
Government » Candidate wants to adopt a county-council form of government.
By Donald W. Meyers
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 11/19/2009 09:26:28 AM MST
Provo » The 2010 election is still months away, but one Utah County Republican has thrown his hat in the ring for County Commission.
Joel D. Wright, a former Cedar Hills city councilman, announced his plans to run for one of the two seats currently occupied by Commissioners Gary Anderson and Steve White.
If he's elected, Wright said he would push for a change in county government. His idea: Adopt a county-council form of government.
"We need to have a county government that reflects a county of almost 550,000 people," Wright said. He said a county council would better address regional issues.
White, the incumbent, said dropping the three-member commission for a county council would be a bad idea.
"I'm not for change for the sake of change," White said. "I'm for change for improving service." While he would be amenable to enlarging the commission to five members, White said a county council would be costly for residents. He said Salt Lake County saw its budget increase $6 million when it switched from a commission to a council.
He said the commission doesn't govern all Utah County residents; only the 11,000 who live in the unincorporated areas.
Wright said the commission form served the county well about a century ago. But it lacks a system of checks and balances, as well as giving residents someone who represents their area on the body.
The commissioners serve as at-large members.
Another reason to go with a council-mayor form of county government: A better representative to make the county's case on the state and national level.
"A county mayor could get in the face of the Legislature and Congress," Wright said.
White said he has no problems representing the county before the Legislature or the state's congressional delegation.
"I have the cell phone numbers of our two [U.S.] senators and our [congressional] representative in my Blackberry," White said.
Wright said if he is elected he would promote economic development in the county, make Utah Lake more accessible and bolster the Utah County Attorney's Office's ability to prosecute white-collar crimes such as Ponzi schemes.
Wright is an attorney with Kirton and McConkie.
MY POSTED COMMENT ON THE ARTICLE ABOVE:
Glad to get the conversation going! Let's discuss a few of the points above:
1. New form of County Government? Both Commissioner White and I agree that the current form of county government, with just 3 commissioners, needs to be changed. Right now, the law requires that 2 county commissioners vote to put the issue on the ballot. If the voters approve it, then a study commission would be created which would propose a new form of county government. Maybe they would recommend Commissioner White's form (expand to 5 county commissioners) or maybe they would recommend my proposal (mayor and county council). But the voters would decide. Let's start that process.
2. "Salt Lake County saw its budget increase $6 million when it switched from a commission to a council." That's because they love to tax and spend in Salt Lake. Instead of having 3 commissioners paid $102,000 a year, we could switch to one part time mayor, and five part time county council members, and pay them all the same as we do our State Representatives - that would actually cut the costs in half.
3. "[White] said the commission doesn't govern all Utah County residents; only the 11,000 who live in unincorporated areas." Really? Then why is every property owner in Utah County paying property taxes to the County? Why does Utah County own so many roads in Utah County? Why did they approve borrowing $45 million to build a convention center in Provo yesterday? I guess it depends on how you define "govern".
4. Commissioner White is effective at representing Utah County before the Legislature and the state's delegation. But I would go further, and ask the federal and state governments to STOP taking so much of our money through taxes, and let us keep our own money to solve our own problems. For example, the State should not own or operate any roads that do not cross county lines. Instead, the county should own roads crossing city lines, and get our share of the state gas tax.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Should Utah County change its form of government?
As many of you are aware, Utah County currently has the default form of county government in Utah, which is three full time County Commissioners. Is that the most effective form of government? Should we change it?
I think our Founding Fathers got it right with our US Constitution, which includes separate branches of government, checks and balances, as well as regional representation. In sharp contrast, the Utah County Commission has “executive, legislative and judicial” powers according to their own web site, with no regional representation in a county with over 500,000 residents.
Fortunately, none of us get to decide. Instead, if two Utah County Commissioners, or 10% of the voters on a petition, request a change in the form of government, then it would go to the ballot, and the voters in Utah County would vote on whether a study commission consisting of individuals chosen by the cities, county and state legislators should be formed to propose a new form of government for Utah County. The study commission would then review the issue, and could recommend one of the following changes:
1. Five or Seven full time County Commissioners (former Utah County Commissioner and Governor Gary Herbert publicly supports changing to five full time County Commissioners in Utah)
2. Full time Mayor or Executive and part time County Council (what Salt Lake County and Cache County have done)
3. Full time unelected Executive, with a part time elected County Council (what Wasatch, Summit, Morgan and Grand counties have done)
Then, that form of government would be on the ballot again, and if it was approved by the voters then within two years new elections would be held to implement the new form of county government. I will admit I lean towards the Mayor or Executive with a County Council form of government right now, but I think the voters should decide the issue.
I believe a change in the form of Utah County's government could do the following:
1. Increase public awareness and involvement (especially if County Council members were assigned to certain geographic areas)
2. Increase the legitimacy of the Utah County government to represent us on regional planning issues, and make them a better negotiator with federal, state and local governments
3. Lower the cost of government - a full time mayor and part time county council would cost less than three full time commissioners. Note also that the actual salary for the new form of government would be on the ballot as well, so the voters would know if they were approving a government that would cost more than the current form of three county commissioners.
4. Economies of scale - many things could potentially be done most effectively at the County level, including roads, public transportation, bicycle trails, Utah Lake, airport, etc.
If any of you have lived or visited in Orange County in California, or Fairfax County in Virignia, then you may have noticed that they have a number of thriving cities, but they also have a relatively effective county government handling many of the issues I identified above. But what do you think? Can you even recognize a Utah County Commissioner if they walked by you? Does that matter? Do we need Utah County to lead out on the issues now that we have over 20 competing cities in Utah County? Is Utah County ready for more than one million residents in 20 years or less? Very interested in your thoughts.
Some have claimed that any change in the form of government would cost the tax payers more, citing claims that Salt Lake County's budget increased after 1990 when they adopted a Mayor and County Council form of government. I believe the budget increased because Salt Lake County is much less conservative than Utah County, and they simply elect officials who are much more liberal in their approach to spending. In sharp contrast, three full time county commissioners cost Utah County $312,000/year in salary, while a full time Mayor at $104,000/year, and five part time county council members at a salary of $20,000/year would only cost Utah County $204,000/year, resulting in substantial savings and what I believe is a better form of government.
I think our Founding Fathers got it right with our US Constitution, which includes separate branches of government, checks and balances, as well as regional representation. In sharp contrast, the Utah County Commission has “executive, legislative and judicial” powers according to their own web site, with no regional representation in a county with over 500,000 residents.
Fortunately, none of us get to decide. Instead, if two Utah County Commissioners, or 10% of the voters on a petition, request a change in the form of government, then it would go to the ballot, and the voters in Utah County would vote on whether a study commission consisting of individuals chosen by the cities, county and state legislators should be formed to propose a new form of government for Utah County. The study commission would then review the issue, and could recommend one of the following changes:
1. Five or Seven full time County Commissioners (former Utah County Commissioner and Governor Gary Herbert publicly supports changing to five full time County Commissioners in Utah)
2. Full time Mayor or Executive and part time County Council (what Salt Lake County and Cache County have done)
3. Full time unelected Executive, with a part time elected County Council (what Wasatch, Summit, Morgan and Grand counties have done)
Then, that form of government would be on the ballot again, and if it was approved by the voters then within two years new elections would be held to implement the new form of county government. I will admit I lean towards the Mayor or Executive with a County Council form of government right now, but I think the voters should decide the issue.
I believe a change in the form of Utah County's government could do the following:
1. Increase public awareness and involvement (especially if County Council members were assigned to certain geographic areas)
2. Increase the legitimacy of the Utah County government to represent us on regional planning issues, and make them a better negotiator with federal, state and local governments
3. Lower the cost of government - a full time mayor and part time county council would cost less than three full time commissioners. Note also that the actual salary for the new form of government would be on the ballot as well, so the voters would know if they were approving a government that would cost more than the current form of three county commissioners.
4. Economies of scale - many things could potentially be done most effectively at the County level, including roads, public transportation, bicycle trails, Utah Lake, airport, etc.
If any of you have lived or visited in Orange County in California, or Fairfax County in Virignia, then you may have noticed that they have a number of thriving cities, but they also have a relatively effective county government handling many of the issues I identified above. But what do you think? Can you even recognize a Utah County Commissioner if they walked by you? Does that matter? Do we need Utah County to lead out on the issues now that we have over 20 competing cities in Utah County? Is Utah County ready for more than one million residents in 20 years or less? Very interested in your thoughts.
Some have claimed that any change in the form of government would cost the tax payers more, citing claims that Salt Lake County's budget increased after 1990 when they adopted a Mayor and County Council form of government. I believe the budget increased because Salt Lake County is much less conservative than Utah County, and they simply elect officials who are much more liberal in their approach to spending. In sharp contrast, three full time county commissioners cost Utah County $312,000/year in salary, while a full time Mayor at $104,000/year, and five part time county council members at a salary of $20,000/year would only cost Utah County $204,000/year, resulting in substantial savings and what I believe is a better form of government.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Why I am running for Utah County Commissioner
Dear Utah County Voter,
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Utah County Commissioner in 2010. I hope to earn your vote. Below is my initial campaign statement. I welcome your thoughts, comments, encouragement and especially criticism.
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
801-368-5385
FOR RELEASE AFTER 5 AM ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Contact: Joel Wright
Phone: 801-368-5385
Email: wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com
Campaign Statement from Joel Wright
My name is Joel Wright, and I am a Republican candidate for Utah County Commissioner in 2010. I am running because I love Utah County, and believe it has enormous untapped potential. In order for Utah County to thrive, we need to think about our county as a broader, unified entity. Very few of Utah County's half million residents live, work and play in a single city in Utah County. We need a county government that understands this, and is willing to effectively lead on the key regional issues. Below I share the key issues I will focus on, the principles that will guide me, and my experience. But, most importantly, I need to hear from you.
Please email me at wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com and let me know what issues matter to you, and visit my initial campaign web site (http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/ ) and review the issues posted there. I am also available on Facebook (search for Joel David Wright), or follow me on Twitter (as JoeldWright).
Key regional issues include:
1. Removing Obstacles to Economic Development. Economic development is not the responsibility of government. But an effective government can remove the obstacles to economic development. We need to create opportunities worthy of our young and talented work force, or we are going to lose them.
2. Transportation. We are growing faster than we are solving our problems. Utah County is at the mercy of both the federal and state governments on this issue. Our federal and state government should not be involved with roads that do not cross county lines. Instead, the federal and state governments should return the gas tax they take from us based on a simple formula, which would allow us to build our own roads and infrastructure.
3. Utah Lake. Utah Lake is the crown jewel in the middle of our county. We need to make it more accessible with trails and beaches, improve the ecosystem of the lake and build on the progress made to date.
4. Reform County Government. Utah County still has three full time county commissioners, which is a primitive form of government that was instituted by default over 100 years ago. This form of government is not modeled after the US Constitution, and the Utah County Commissioners have “executive, legislative and judicial” powers. In other words, no separation of powers, no checks and balances, and no regional representation. The voters could decide to change this form of government if the county commissioners were willing to trust them, and put this issue on the ballot.
5. Fighting Modern Crime: I think it is critical we give the Utah County Attorney and Sheriff the resources and training they need to fight modern crimes in Utah County. Specifically, we need law enforcement capable of stopping ponzi schemes and fighting prescription drug abuse. We cannot rely on state or federal authorities to solve either of these problems.
Key principles that will guide me are:
1. Government cannot solve all, or even most, of the world’s problems. Government should do well what it is supposed to do, and then stop.
2. Balance the budget, no tax increases. This is obvious, but worth repeating.
3. Local control of local issues. Utah County has nearly 550,000 residents. We simply don’t need, or want, the “assistance” of the federal or state government to solve most of our problems. Both Washington DC and Salt Lake City are taking too much money from us, and then either ignoring our problems, or trying to solve our problems their way.
4. Public Input, Public Information. I will actively seek public input on every major decision. All information I get will be made public unless I am prohibited by law from doing so. I will send out a monthly email explaining what I have done the previous month, and maintain an active web site where I will post and discuss issues with the voters in Utah County.
Experience:
1. Professional. Partner with the law firm Kirton & McConkie in their Orem office where I focus on real estate matters. Named by Utah Business Magazine to Utah’s Legal Elite.
2. Utah County Republican Party. Legislative District #57 Chair, State Delegate, County Delegate, Precinct Vice-Chair, Utah County Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Utah County Platform Committee Member and Alternate National Delegate.
3. Public Service. Utah State Board of Regents, Utah State Charter School Board and Cedar Hills City Council.
4. Education. Timpview High School, Brigham Young University (B.A. in Economics and Political Science) and New York University (J.D.).
5. Personal. Married to Marisa Wright, and we are the parents of four children. My wife and I were both raised in Utah County, and we wanted to raise our children here as well.
6. Other. Former Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. Eagle Scout. Coached baseball and soccer teams on many occasions. Member of the Utah Taxpayers Association. Adopted Canyon Road (SR 146) in Cedar Hills with my family, and pick up the trash there on a regular basis.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
801-368-5385
wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com
I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Utah County Commissioner in 2010. I hope to earn your vote. Below is my initial campaign statement. I welcome your thoughts, comments, encouragement and especially criticism.
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
801-368-5385
FOR RELEASE AFTER 5 AM ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
Contact: Joel Wright
Phone: 801-368-5385
Email: wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com
Campaign Statement from Joel Wright
My name is Joel Wright, and I am a Republican candidate for Utah County Commissioner in 2010. I am running because I love Utah County, and believe it has enormous untapped potential. In order for Utah County to thrive, we need to think about our county as a broader, unified entity. Very few of Utah County's half million residents live, work and play in a single city in Utah County. We need a county government that understands this, and is willing to effectively lead on the key regional issues. Below I share the key issues I will focus on, the principles that will guide me, and my experience. But, most importantly, I need to hear from you.
Please email me at wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com and let me know what issues matter to you, and visit my initial campaign web site (http://wright4countycommissioner.blogspot.com/ ) and review the issues posted there. I am also available on Facebook (search for Joel David Wright), or follow me on Twitter (as JoeldWright).
Key regional issues include:
1. Removing Obstacles to Economic Development. Economic development is not the responsibility of government. But an effective government can remove the obstacles to economic development. We need to create opportunities worthy of our young and talented work force, or we are going to lose them.
2. Transportation. We are growing faster than we are solving our problems. Utah County is at the mercy of both the federal and state governments on this issue. Our federal and state government should not be involved with roads that do not cross county lines. Instead, the federal and state governments should return the gas tax they take from us based on a simple formula, which would allow us to build our own roads and infrastructure.
3. Utah Lake. Utah Lake is the crown jewel in the middle of our county. We need to make it more accessible with trails and beaches, improve the ecosystem of the lake and build on the progress made to date.
4. Reform County Government. Utah County still has three full time county commissioners, which is a primitive form of government that was instituted by default over 100 years ago. This form of government is not modeled after the US Constitution, and the Utah County Commissioners have “executive, legislative and judicial” powers. In other words, no separation of powers, no checks and balances, and no regional representation. The voters could decide to change this form of government if the county commissioners were willing to trust them, and put this issue on the ballot.
5. Fighting Modern Crime: I think it is critical we give the Utah County Attorney and Sheriff the resources and training they need to fight modern crimes in Utah County. Specifically, we need law enforcement capable of stopping ponzi schemes and fighting prescription drug abuse. We cannot rely on state or federal authorities to solve either of these problems.
Key principles that will guide me are:
1. Government cannot solve all, or even most, of the world’s problems. Government should do well what it is supposed to do, and then stop.
2. Balance the budget, no tax increases. This is obvious, but worth repeating.
3. Local control of local issues. Utah County has nearly 550,000 residents. We simply don’t need, or want, the “assistance” of the federal or state government to solve most of our problems. Both Washington DC and Salt Lake City are taking too much money from us, and then either ignoring our problems, or trying to solve our problems their way.
4. Public Input, Public Information. I will actively seek public input on every major decision. All information I get will be made public unless I am prohibited by law from doing so. I will send out a monthly email explaining what I have done the previous month, and maintain an active web site where I will post and discuss issues with the voters in Utah County.
Experience:
1. Professional. Partner with the law firm Kirton & McConkie in their Orem office where I focus on real estate matters. Named by Utah Business Magazine to Utah’s Legal Elite.
2. Utah County Republican Party. Legislative District #57 Chair, State Delegate, County Delegate, Precinct Vice-Chair, Utah County Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Utah County Platform Committee Member and Alternate National Delegate.
3. Public Service. Utah State Board of Regents, Utah State Charter School Board and Cedar Hills City Council.
4. Education. Timpview High School, Brigham Young University (B.A. in Economics and Political Science) and New York University (J.D.).
5. Personal. Married to Marisa Wright, and we are the parents of four children. My wife and I were both raised in Utah County, and we wanted to raise our children here as well.
6. Other. Former Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. Eagle Scout. Coached baseball and soccer teams on many occasions. Member of the Utah Taxpayers Association. Adopted Canyon Road (SR 146) in Cedar Hills with my family, and pick up the trash there on a regular basis.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Joel Wright
801-368-5385
wright4countycommissioner@gmail.com
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