Politics As Usual?

This past week, Utah's partisan legislature failed to fund $2,000,000 in Medicaid dental services for Utah's most needy - the disabled, blind and elderly, instead choosing to allocate $15,000,000 for a parking structure. Even though Governor Huntsman found the necessary funding in the *already existing* health department budget, partisan infighting and power struggles resulted in arrogance and a lack of character to do the right thing. It serves clear notice that Utah needs change, or the future will only bring more of the same.
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It is frustrating to know that in this time of plenty, when the state of Utah had surpluses in excess of $1 billion that we won’t take care of the neediest in our community. The Republican Legislature's failure to vote on basic health care for the poorest among us sorely disappointed the citizens of Utah. Providing the extra Medicaid funds is the right and moral thing to do.

Governor Huntsman did the right thing by putting the item on the special session Call and was able to find the funds within the current Health Department budget. But on party line votes — Republicans opposing the spending, Democrats for it — the $2 million bill was defeated without even letting it be voted on the floor of either chamber.

The Republican infighting was about politics, not serving the interest of our people. We need legislators who stand up for Utah and not their own political interests. Not only was their action a failure on humanitarian grounds, it was a return to backroom deal-making and the lack of courage to allow a floor debate.

I do not subscribe to "petty partisan politics" and will always stand on principle, pledging to always do the right thing for Utah's families.

Let the Campaigning Begin!

Well, it's official - the State Conventions are over and campaign season is underway. Since the Republicans will have a primary in some of their races, we get to use this time to get organized and get ready for the *real* party. I had a great time at the JJ Dinner and Convention this weekend, met lots of fabulous people, and am energized more than ever. Here's a sneak preview of my booth and my banner, you'll be seeing this a lot in the coming months.

The Beautiful Patricia Jones

I had the *pleasure* of meeting with Representative Pat Jones the other night. She was in St. George and agreed to do a training for Washington County legislative candidates. Afterward, she asked to take my husband and I for dinner, where we could talk about my campaign and she would give me strategies to WIN!

Mark and I were so impressed with Pat and we hung on every word that she had to say. She is also running for the Utah Senate in her SLC district. I will be watching everything that she does. The best part about meeting with her is that Mark and I realized... we are on the right track! We bounced all of our ideas off of her and we feel like we're definitely headed in the right direction.

This is going to be a fun 6 months.

On the Campaign Trail

In April, I had more fun than a person should be allowed. I started off my month in New York City, where I was visiting with my sister. My mom and I flew out to NYC to help her re-decorate her apartment, and then we went to see a musical "A Light in The Piazza." Exploring the city was so much fun, and I just love Angela's Brooklyn neighborhood.

When I returned home, I immediately started to get ready to move into my new house! I am all settled now, and am getting back into the swing of my life and my business.

But the fun really started as I had the opportunity to visit several County Conventions in my Utah Senate District. Let's just say right here and now that Utah's citizens are wonderful. I enjoyed meeting everyone at the conventions, I loved learning what is important to you, and I can't wait to do it again very soon. There are 6 counties in my senate district: Iron, Beaver, Millard, Garfield, Kane, and 1/2 of Washington County. Lots of ground to cover, but I have the energy and the drive to get it done.

I particularly enjoyed listening to Mr. Pete Ashdown speak at each convention. Man, we have to get this guy elected. Not only does he have something to say, but I am PROUD to be on the same ticket as this man. One quote of Pete's that I am particularly fond of:

"All in all, I find myself more closely aligned with Democrats, but wish we didn't have a party system at all. I believe it prevents representatives from acting and thinking for their constituents' best interests. Nevertheless, its what we've got and I don't envision change from the two party system in my lifetime." - Pete Ashdown, Candidate for US Senate

Me and Pete - Millard County Convention

Today I am getting ready for the State convention on May 12 & 13 - I have been on the committee to organize the Jefferson Jackson Dinner - and again, more fun than a person should have. I have met some *wonderful* people, but have a new found appreciation for what goes into these major events.

I am working on getting signs and banners printed so that I will have them for convention. Of course this takes cash, and I have a lot of it to raise. I did recruit a good fundraiser, so I think we're ready to get moving. In the meantime, contact me if you would like to donate to this good cause.

Ok, let's start blogging!

This is my first blog as a candidate for the Utah Senate. This is where I'd like to invite everyone living in Utah to tell me what is important to them, and how we can change the world!

What are the issues that concern you the most?If you could change anything what would it be and how would you do it? If I gave you the power to improve your own world, what would you do with it? If I gave you a magic wand and said "make your change!" where would you wave it?

In my real life, I have the best job in America. People come to me to help them look good. I am a web site designer and marketing specialist, which means I take people’s ideas and then turn around and make them look really great. I plan to take the same approach as a State Senator. Come to me, tell me your ideas. And then I will work hard to make your ideas heard, and to make your dreams for Utah Come true.

Blog away, folks!