Legislator Neighborhood Meeting

Approximately 175 people gathered on Lincoln Academy, a public charter school in Pleasant Grove, to listen to state Representatives Craig Frank (H-57) and John Dougall (H-27), Senator John Valentine (S-14) and Congressman Jason Chaffetz (UT-3).

Rep Frank opened the meeting by discussing the state budget and answering questions from the audience about making cuts with a 9% decrease in the state’s operating budget. Representative Dougall addressed the audience by talking to them about chairing the state health and human services appropriation committee and working to cut programs who can not prove effectiveness. Several members of the public wanted to know about stimulus package funds and about attached strings. At least one expressed the hope that Utah become economically self-reliant and not reliant on federal funds and was greeted by applause.

Senator John Valentine addressed the crowd and discussed the alcohol reform laws that were passed this last legislative session. He talked about the Zion curtain – the 10 foot wall he proposed be built in restaurants that also served alcohol.

The number one question that kept being asked was “How do I get involved”, or a variation, “How can I make a difference?” There will be forthcoming information on that, but I will say this: Every little bit you do makes a difference. Every meeting you go to, every letter you send, every neighbor you talk to, every campaign you support, every blog you write – it makes a difference.

Congressman Jason Chaffetz finally addressed the crowd. A dynamic speaker, he talked about his recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. Security was tight; car bombings occurred in Baghdad the day he was there and transportation across the river had to be made by Black Hawk helicopter. After his visit in Afghanistan, he said that seeing it in person was an eye-opening process. He talked about the poppy-growing process and how farmers are “encouraged” to produce poppies: “Grow them, or get your head cut off”. Now there’s incentive for ya. Being able to find a replacement crop will be difficult. He also talked about areas where the illiteracy rate soars to over 90% and about the lack of infrastructure – roads, bridges, running water….It’s a difficult, difficult area of the world.

He also talked about the soaring utility bills we will face if the cap and trade plan passes – he announced that he will be proposing legislation that will require utility companies to provide that information in a single line-item, rather than grouping it with the rest of the bill.

At the conclusion of Congressman Chaffetz’ remarks, he got a standing ovation.

The meeting went from 7 pm to 9 pm, but all of the elected officials stayed at least an extra hour, with the last one – Representative Craig Frank – not leaving the building until 11:30 pm. It was a great opportunity for the folks in northern Utah county to meet and talk with their representatives, the Senator that covers that area and the 3rd district Congressman.