Several friends have asked me for a copy of the speech I gave to the County Delegates at the County Convention on April 24, 2010. Below is a complete copy:
Hello delegates!
My name is Joel Wright. I am a candidate for Utah County Commission Seat A, and I’m here to ask for your vote!
I grew up in Provo, and am proud to have been educated by our local schools. I attended BYU, where I earned degrees in Economics and Political Science, and married my sweetheart. I then moved to NYC to attend law school. After working in NYC and Washington DC, my wife and I missed Utah County, and jumped at the chance to return to Utah County to raise our children here.
When I served on my City Council, I realized we needed more leadership at the regional level on transportation. Utah County has 550,000 people now, and we’ll have one million residents in 20 years or less. We simply must do better on transportation, and several other issues, which is why I decided to run for the Utah County Commission.
Let me tell you what I will stand for as your County Commissioner:
First, I will always tell you the truth. I have not hesitated to tell you the truth on any issue during this campaign, and I will continue to do so as your County Commissioner. I will send you a monthly email where you can respond to me, and host a web page where anyone can come and discuss the issues facing Utah County. You will almost certainly disagree with me at least once in a while, and that is when I most need and want to hear from you.
Second, you will be able to hold me accountable for how every tax dollar is spent. I know that every dollar government takes from you means you have less time to be a Scout master, or a soccer coach, or a Mother.
Third, I will always do what is right, regardless of the political consequences. At different points in my public service I have come under tremendous pressure to go along with the crowd, or keep my mouth shut. I have always refused to do so. I believe there are many things more important than myself, and I will always do what is right.
Finally, I promise to give more than I get. I love Utah County. Our ancestors made tremendous sacrifices so we could enjoy the freedom we have today. I am willing to make those same sacrifices.
Thank you so much for your service as a County Delegate. I humbly ask for your vote, and look forward to working with you to improve Utah County. Thank you!
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