OCTOBER 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE I switched on the TV to an ad intending to sully the record and reputation of Congressman Ben McAdams. A commercial soon followed running equally negative messaging directed at his opponent, Burgess Owens. I expect the negative tenor and frequency of political advertising to increase exponentially through November 3rd. It has caused a dramatic reduction in my TV consumption, an unintended benefit of this election. We all complain about these tactics, scratch our heads at the mudslinging, and yet it continues. In fact, each year the angry vitriol seems to ramp up. There can be but one answer; it must work! Appealing to our worst fears apparently persuades our vote more than a message of vision and hope- go figure! I raise this issue from a place of frustration and confusion. It seems in complete contrast to what I witness out in the community each and every day. The most
recent example occurred at the citywide cleanup on Saturday, September 12th. Our staff quickly organized the event to assist with debris collection following the windstorm. Hundreds of loads were delivered. We had some wonderful conversations over the course of the day with our Holladay residents. What really stuck me is how many of these individuals were hauling debris for their neighbors. There were so many individuals voluntarily pitching in, taking time on a Saturday to help those most in need. One of my pine trees came down, blocking the road. Two neighbors showed up with chain saws and a few hours later the road was once again navigable. There are hundreds of stories just like this one, not just in Holladay, but all along the Wasatch Front. So, after COVID, an earthquake, civil unrest and a massive windstorm, neighbor voluntarily helping neighbor was once again the theme of the day. I’m no psychologist, I do not understand how we can be so persuaded by hate and fear, yet act out of
General Election - November 3, 2020
By Capt. Dan Brown, Unified Fire Authoriity
• The deadline to register to vote or update your registration address and receive a ballot by mail is October 23rd.
Early Voting and Election Day Vote Centers will also be available for individuals who need to vote in person. The locations are listed on the website and on the letter included in ballot packets.
RETURNING YOUR BALLOT
• • • • Holladay has a drop box located in the north west corner parking lot of City Hall.
By Mail: • A ballot returned by mail must be postmarked no later than November 2nd, the day before Election Day! After this date, you can drop off your voted ballot at a designated location on Election Day during voting hours. Ballot Drop Box Locations: (Open until 8:00 pm on Election Day) • Drive-up ballot drop boxes throughout the County open 24/7 until 8:00 pm on Election Day. • Any Vote Center on Election Day, November 3, 2020 (open 7:00 am – 8:00 pm) A list of ballot drop boxes are included in ballot instructions and on the website: www.got-vote.org
Be Safe, Be Kind. – Rob Dahle, Mayor
October is Fire Prevention Month
The 2020 General Election is being conducted mainly by mail. Ballots will be mailed to active registered voters October 13th – 21 days prior to Election Day, which is the earliest date allowed according to Utah State Law. For information on registering to vote, or to update your registration address, visit: www.gov-vote.org.
• If you are already registered to vote in Salt Lake County and have moved within the county, you may update your address by calling or emailing the Election Division at 385-468-7400 or got-vote@slco.org.
compassion and care for those most in need. I do believe actions speak louder than words. What I witness in action more closely reflects who we are as a community than the messages transmitted through local and national media outlets. As long as we continue to acknowledge, through our actions, the divine in each and every human being, we have reason to be hopeful. During these difficult times, we should all take comfort knowing that Holladay has not waivered in this regard. So, as the ads ramp up, if you can’t dodge the hefty portion of negative messaging coming your way, remember that it’s what we do that counts. Its how we continue to serve one another that reveals our true character, which establishes who we are as a community.
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Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise fire safety awareness and help ensure your family has a plan ready. The campaign for October is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” This is very timely as many continue to avoid restaurants and cook more at home. Here are some facts and tips to keep safe during cooking. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Thanksgiving is the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen and check food regularly. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Additionally, here are some interesting facts about fire safety: • 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms • Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan • Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death • 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly • Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home • Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan • Thanks and stay safe, Holladay!