Murray Journal | August 2023

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Whilemost of Murray was anticipating the annual Independence Day parade on State Street, even to the point of staking out spots, much to Murray PD’s chagrin, days in advance, folks in Murray’s eastside Hyland Lake neighborhood were anticipating another parade.

In the pleasant suburb surrounding Tanner Lake, a tradition has germinated and blossomed over the last two and a half decades, binding the community together in a heartfelt celebration of unity and patriotism. This tale traces back to the vision of Carola Groos, whose aspiration to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie in her community led to the birth of an annual neighborhood parade. This tradition has been cherished and anticipated since its beginning in 1997.

According to Groos, the parade’s inception was fueled by two central motives. “At the time, I was in the LDS Primary Presidency, which meant I was working with a lot of children,” Groos said. After partaking in a parade during her previous residence in West Jordan, she recognized the joy the experience brought to the children, lighting the spark for a neighborhood parade. However, the idea was not merely about the delight of children. She envisioned the parade as a bridge, a platform for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members and non-member neighbors to strengthen their bonds.

“I had only been in the neighborhood for a short time and realized everyone was busy with their own activities. We needed an activity that would include everyone,” Groos said.

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Greg Bellon steps up as general manager to navigate Murray City Power through financial

strain and rate hikes

Newly appointed General Manager of Murray City Power, Greg Bellon, brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to a utility that has recently faced significant financial challenges. The challenges have resulted in a $5-million transfer from the city’s power fund to assist Murray City Power in meeting the increased costs associated with purchasing power. Bellon views these challenges as an opportunity to impact and reshape the utility’s future positively.

Drawing on over three decades of experience in the municipal power industry, Bellon is confident in his ability to navigate the complexities of the utility sector. Bellon said, “With a solid technical and public administration education, I have developed a diverse background that has prepared me to lead a utility like Murray City Power.” He further noted, “The decision to take on the role as the new director at Murray City Power was motivated by my desire to make a positive impact on employees and the community.”

Murray City Power’s financial situation has led to the proposal of a rate hike, which might naturally concern its customers. However, Bellon aims to alleviate potential dissatisfaction through transparent and comprehensive communication.

Bellon said, “We want our customers to be well-informed, so we can build trust and work toward finding solutions that balance affordability with reliable service.”

Bellon is not just looking at immediate financial challenges; he has his eyes set on the future. Part of his forward-thinking strategy is a commitment to transition toward renewable energy sources. “Promoting renewable energy sources and sustainable practices is a priority for Murray City Power,” Bellon declared. “This includes increasing the percentage of

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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

renewable energy in our power generation mix so that we can contribute to a greener and more environmentally friendly future.”

Another facet of Bellon’s strategic plan is the development of a long-term outlook for Murray City Power that includes infrastructure improvement and a more efficient operation.

“We are currently developing a master plan that will provide a comprehensive longterm outlook. This plan serves to evaluate the existing power utility and provide recommendations on how the city should prepare for the future by examining energy procurement, infrastructure improvement, funding, energy conservation and energy management,” Bellon said.

One of the significant challenges Bellon is well aware of is balancing the need for infrastructure upgrades with maintaining affordable power rates for customers. “The master plan will include a comprehensive evaluation of our infrastructure needs and will prioritize investments based on critical needs and long-term benefits,” Bellon said. “By making strategic investments and finding innovative solutions, we can strike a balance between infrastructure upgrades and affordable power rates.”

An important element of Bellon’s strategy for success involves nurturing and developing the workforce at Murray City Power. “Employee development and promoting a positive working environment are important to the success of Murray City Power. Our employees are offered training in apprenticeships, certificates of completion, safety training, tuition reimbursement, as well as other utility-focused training,” Bellon said.

Lastly, Bellon emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration with local government entities. “Engag-

ing and collaborating with local government entities and community organizations is crucial for transparent and effective communication about our utility,” Bellon said. “We want all stakeholders to be engaged and informed.”

Bellon’s appointment comes on the heels of former Murray City Power General Manager Blaine Haacke’s abrupt resignation after 16 years of service to the city. Bellon had served as Murray City Powers Assistant General Manager.

At the time of Haacke’s resignation in March, Murray City Chief Communications Officer Tammy Kikuchi said, “Murray purchases wholesale power through contracts

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with other power generating plants. Over the winter months, the cost to purchase wholesale power increased dramatically. The increases are primarily due to higher natural gas costs, the drought affecting the Colorado River power generation, and curtailments of coal plants because of supply chain issues. Purchased power costs exceeded Murray City’s budget by over $7 million between December and March. Fortunately, the city has healthy reserves to absorb these increases. The city expects future costs to stabilize but still remain high. Consequently, the city has hired an industry consultant to conduct a rate study and recommend future rate increases.” l

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Newly appointed Murray City Power General Manager Greg Bellon speaks at the June 27 Murray City Council meeting. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Grant fourth-grade students take last ‘voyage’ to France

Whenthe plane touched down, it made history.

After 34 years, it was the last mock flight to Paris.

Throughout the school year, Grant Elementary teacher Ginger Shaw has introduced French vocabulary and traditions to her traditional fourth-grade classroom. The cumulation is a mock day in Paris, where students use the material they’ve learned integrated with other subjects for a day filled with new experiences and French culture.

Shaw holds it on one of the last days of the school year.

“It’s considered a free day, but instead of just turning on a movie, we’re still exploring and engaging in learning,” she said. “We learn about geography with map assignments, art and math with drawing the Eiffel Tower, science as we learn about snail habitats before tasting escargot, history, language and in so many ways, it ties into curriculum.”

Shaw gives the students passports, using their school photos, and inspires them to explore the world beyond their community.

“By learning some words in other languages and learning a little about the French culture, it encourages students to be more curious. Anytime when they learn another language, they increase the chances of getting a job and are more accepting of others with different cultures and backgrounds,” she said. “It started with just teaching a few words and evolves to introducing French cuisine, having luggage claim tickets they need to read, and learning traditional French songs.”

Now, the cups that held popcorn and drinks were gathered a final time by sixth-graders who returned to their fourth-grade classroom to serve the in-flight refreshments. The chairs, arranged to assemble passenger seating, are put back in their upright position.

Shaw is retiring.

She, along with fourth-grade teacher

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Jeanne Simpson and first-grade teacher Jennifer Simpson, will leave a void in the classrooms at Grant Elementary. Jennifer Simpson has been teaching 37 years, one year more than Shaw and Jeanne Simpson; the latter Simpson will continue part-time as an art instructor.

Shaw’s entire time teaching has been at Grant.

“What was funny is Jeanne and I had classes at BYU (Brigham Young University) together, so we knew each other, and then, we both ended up starting here,” she said. “I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to watch them grow. I’ve had so many blessings teaching students.”

Shaw also is known as “The Origami Lady,” having started her own business more than 30 years. She can fold more than 300 different items around animals, themes and holidays and annually decorates at least one tree at Festival of the Trees that benefits Primary Children’s Hospital.

Her passion began when her sister taught her how to make the bird with flapping wings when she was in seventh grade. Since then, she has read books and exchanged designs with others and even created seven of her own — a flying fish, ghost, alien, lantern, rocking horse, sleeping cat and pocket owl — and numerous modifications.

“It has just snowballed from there,” she said. “I can pick up a piece of paper, a brochure, a dollar bill and create something memorable for someone.”

Shaw teaches her schoolchildren how to twist, fold and crease a piece of paper into origami creations as well as teaching them names of different geometrical shapes through jingles she has created.

“Everything I do is teaching-oriented,” she said. “The little sayings and songs are a fun way to remember the shapes and students remember them longer — and music opens up another level of creativity.”

Shaw uses music intertwined in much of her teaching. She sets lines about these and other subjects her students are expected to learn to familiar melodies, such as “Old McDonald Has a Farm” or “Camptown Races.” She has 74 songs students sing to remember what they’ve learned such as, how many pounds are in one ton, the difference between adjectives and adverbs and the different kinds of clouds.

One tune, the “Utah County Song,” was recorded for the Utah State Board of Education to share on a blog.

“I make sure the vocabulary they need to know as well as the concepts are in the song so they can get a grasp on what they’re learning,” said Shaw, who is in the process of working with sound artist Matt Cropper to record all the songs.

Learning often extends beyond the classroom. She has encouraged her students to find out about pioneers in their own families and why they have settled in the Murray area before

going to the Murray Museum.

“We learn about Utah history in fourth grade, so it’s important to learn the story of our own community where some of their relatives may have lived,” Shaw said, adding that students learned more about the area from holding a fair about Utah counties that includes students making PowerPoint presentations, salt dough maps that include landmarks in the state and giving poster presentations.

They also go to This is the Place Heritage Park, the state capitol and even a resort to ski through Ski Utah.

“We begin that on the first day of school. I give them a map of counties and I ask them to name all the counties. Usually, they don’t even know one, not even Salt Lake. In three days, every child can name every county and find its location on a map,” she said.

Shaw also does it with a United States map as well through a story of a backpacker traveling through all the states and their capitols.

“It’s just a fun way and the kids memorize it. We go over it and I give them ways to remember it. It’s repetition that helps. We have a song master who selects three songs every morning and we sing those and remember the things we learned,” she said.

Shaw intermixes science, such as the study of clouds, into her songs and often, integrates subjects that students are learning. This past spring, she videotaped chicks at her home hatching and taught them about their habitat and environment.

“Then, the kids went into different classrooms for 15 minutes to explain the embryology to other students. They practiced their public speaking, they answered questions and used that knowledge they learned to share it. They loved it,” she said.

Shaw’s classroom is known to hold chess tournaments, Battle of the Books competitions and to learn about Pi on Pi Day before eating a slice of pie.

“One of my students, Stockton Pehrson, was so motivated that he memorized it out to 25 digits on his own,” she said. Learning also is intertwined in their visit to Paris.

Fourth-grader Scarlet Bohman was doing a French crossword puzzle.

“It has all these French words we learned this year in it,” she said, adding she has also learned French phrases. “We are drawing the Eiffel Tower; I’m trying to draw mine to scale. “

Scarlet said they learned the tower was built as part of the World’s Fair and it was initially planned to be torn down.

“We learned about the Arc de Triomphe as an entrance to the city,” she said. “We ate snails, which were disgusting, but the best thing about this day and the entire class is Ms. Shaw.”

Her classmate, Clark Cameron, who also had a similar thought about escargot — “gross” — said he’s glad he’s learned how to make butter to learning French this year.

“She makes learning fun,” he said.

Fourth-grader Kennedy Pixton said she has appreciated learning and singing about math while doing origami, learning some sign language and watching the chicks hatch, but going to France has been her favorite experience. She has been inspired by Shaw to learn more.

“We started learning French words the first day of school,” she said. “We know our alphabet; we can count and sing songs in French. I love all the French posters she has on the wall, the books, the flags and everything she has about it. I want to learn more of the language and go there someday.”

Before they departed their mock airport or classroom, Shaw reminded them to gather their luggage — a suitcase the size of their hand filled with goodies — and pictures, one even trimmed as a postcard, of the day — as souvenirs of their visit to Paris. l

Grant fourth-grade teacher Ginger Shaw gets a hug from her students at the end of their mock flight to Paris shortly before she retired. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Ginger Shaw, a fourth-grade teacher at Grant Elementary, shares her passion for origami with her students as well as library patrons seen here in December 2011. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

100 Companies Championing Women recognizes equitable policies and practices

In April, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity announced it had reached its goal of designating 100 Companies Championing Women, recognizing businesses in Utah with women-specific policies and practices that allow women to advance as leaders in their fields.

“These individuals and businesses represent the very best Utah has to offer,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a media release announcing the 100 companies. “They work tirelessly and continually step up to meet new challenges, and the results make our state a thriving place for women to do business.”

Whether it’s providing flexible schedules, part-time benefits, pay equity, leadership programs, child care support or family leave, these companies have forged a new direction in how women are hired, trained and supported in the workplace.

Salsa Queen in West Valley City (2550 Decker Lake Blvd.) was one business selected in the 100 Companies Championing Women. Maharba Zapata, who has legally changed her name to SalsaQueen, was a single mother, a talented chef and the mother of

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

seven children when she decided to turn her hobby into a career.

Her boyfriend, and now husband, Jim Birch, encouraged her to sell her delicious salsa as a way to bring in some extra income. It turned into a career Zapata never expected and her salsa can be found in grocery stores across the country. Now, she’s made it her mission to help women step into their roles as leaders.

“In our company, we want to promote the same way that Jim did for me. He believed in me, he gave me some wings to fly,” Zapata said. “Unfortunately, we don’t all have the same opportunity to have somebody that believes in us and because somebody believed in me, I want to give back to everybody else. They have that power within themselves, they just don’t know.”

Salsa Queen’s female employees are encouraged to take leadership positions, even when it’s uncomfortable. Zapata hopes to change the mindset that women are less important or less valuable than men in the workplace, and she has that discussion with the women themselves.

“I don’t know what it has to do with

being a woman but it’s almost in our genes to be doubtful and self conscious and put ourselves down and think we’re not good enough,” Zapata said. “I didn’t have a career, I didn’t have job experience, I didn’t even finish high school and I was able to become successful. I want to empower a woman to feel that same way and to be able to shine.”

Clearfield City was one of only two municipalities listed in the 100 Companies Championing Women. Along with St. George City, Clearfield was recognized for its flexible leave benefits, family-friendly schedules and women’s pay equality.

More than 170 women are employed at the city with two dozen in supervisory or management positions. Several women in the city have been invited by their supervisors to attend Clearfield’s leadership academy and tuition reimbursement is available to help women cover education costs.

After the city conducted a compensation study to ensure equitable pay based on position, not gender, city leaders implemented policies that were more family-friendly and flexible.

“We wanted to make sure women in the

workplace were taken care of and earning what they should,” said Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd. “Our council’s goal is to have a highly trained and motivated workforce, and that means all of them. It means doing what we can do to ensure that happens.”

Other businesses recognized as one of the 100 Companies Championing Women include Instructure (Cottonwood Heights), Booksmarts (Kaysville), CHG Healthcare (Midvale) and AVIVA (Millcreek).

With on-site child care, female representation in leadership positions, flexible schedules and generous family leave, the 100 Companies Championing Women set the stage for growth and equity. For a complete list of businesses, visit inutah.org/100-companies.

“Times are changing where women are becoming more powerful and more independent,” Zapata said. “For me, it’s about giving women a voice to create their own happiness, their own ending story, their own success.”l

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity recognized 100 Utah businesses that provide flexible schedules, pay equity and leadership opportunities to help advance women. A list of the 100 Companies Championing Women can be found at inutah.org/100-companies. (Stock photo)

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Sen. Karen Kwan is still adjusting to that new title, following her quick shift from the state house earlier this year

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Ofcourse, we are all familiar with the pejorative definition of a “Karen”—some highfalutin, self-centered person, who seems to enjoy making life difficult for others, for no particularly good reason.

But anyone who’s worked with Karen Kwan on Utah’s Capitol Hill—or with the Karen she replaced in the state senate last winter, Karen Mayne—will tell you, these two Karens aren’t, well, “Karens.”

In the world of Utah politics, Kwan and Mayne are the underprivileged, the underdogs. Sure, sure, for starters, they are female. But more significantly, Karen and Karen are Democrats.

“In the last (state legislative) session, there were 14 Democrats in the Utah House, along with 61 Republicans,” Kwan said. “In my new body, the State Senate, I was one of six Democrats, along with 23 Republicans.”

If ever a Karen deserved to act like a “Karen”—put upon and in an unfair, uphill position—it would seem Kwan had that right. But despite her undisputed position of political underprivilege, the freshman senator is proud of year one in her new post.

“Even though we are in the minority, Democrats still get things done in the legislature,” Kwan added. “I stick to fixing problems. I’ve always been able to work with Republicans. We’re able to find common ground. The number of bills you get passed on Capitol Hill does not reflect how hard you are working. A couple of the bills I was going to introduce never were, because the issues were taken care of in other ways.”

Kwan had just returned from a family vacation last winter, when her political world was turned upside down. Fellow Karen, Mayne, had just been reelected to the Utah Senate a couple of months earlier—but chose to retire from her

post, for health reasons.

“Karen (Mayne) and I were both reelected in November; I was all set to go, in my House 31 position,” Kwan said. “Then, just after returning from our holiday trip, Karen announced her retirement. That led to a whirlwind special election. I was one of about nine people who entered the race and the only candidate who was a current member of the legislature.”

Kwan says about 60 Democratic Party delegates cast ballots in the election. The vote was non-binding, as Gov. Spencer Cox would appoint Mayne’s replacement. But everyone expected him to do what he did—appoint the leading vote-getter.

“My first session in the Utah House was in 2017, so I had plenty of experience there,” Kwan said. “But now, suddenly, I was shifting literally as this year’s session began. Even now, with the session over, I am still learning some of the differences between the house and senate. Honestly, I’m still learning my exact senate district boundaries. It is, roughly, from 3500 South to 5400 South, and from the Jordan River to 5600 West. I know I used to have about 40,000 constituents (in House District 31), and I now have about 100,000 (Senate District 12) constituents.”

As she learned the ropes at the “other end” of the state capitol building last winter, Kwan says she had a lot of mentors who were happy to help her out. Atop that list was Taylorsville’s “other” state senator, Wayne Harper. Just like Kwan, he shifted to the senate after several years in the Utah House.

“I got along very well with Wayne when I was in the House and he was very gracious to work with in the Senate,” she added. “In general, I found the entire Senate to be very collegial. I don’t mean to bash the House but it always felt like a competition there. In the Senate, it feels more like we work together on policy.”

“Karen Kwan has been a good asset to both the House and Senate,” Harper said. “She works hard to represent her constituents. Sen. Mayne is a hard person to replace, but Karen is doing a good job.”

Harper is proud of the fact, state senate policy discussions include the entire body. In other words, those six Democrats—including Kwan—are not cast to the sideline.

“We respect each elected official and are willing to work together,” he said. “We look for what unites us. Karen (Kwan) has been at the table. She’s been talking. Sometimes I slipped and called her ‘Rep. Kwan.’ But she’s doing a good job for her district.”

Because Kwan was appointed by the governor following a special election, she must now face the general electorate next fall. And although state senators are normally elected into four-year terms, even if she’s elected in 2024, Kwan will have to return to the ballot in November 2026. Only then would she be seated in

the state senate for a full, four-year term.

“That part of it is like being in the House again—running every other year,” Kwan said. “I know the Republicans will be gunning for my seat, because I am new. But I believe my constituents will see what I am doing for them. I love being a senator. But I would return to the House in a minute, if Karen Mayne could still be here. I miss her hard work and energy, every day.”

Sen. Harper had equally complimentary things to say about his former colleague.

“Karen Mayne was a champion for the west side,” he said. “I had the privilege to work with her for many years. Every year, we sat down ahead of the upcoming session to chat one-on-one about what our priorities should be for the west side. Then we worked independently in our different caucuses to get those items covered. She knew her principles. But she could also work across the aisle to get things done.”

For the record, following Kwan’s special election to the senate, West Valley City resident Brett Garner won the special election and was appointed by Gov. Cox to fill her House 31 seat. He was one of the handful of opponents Kwan defeated for the senate post.

On his website, Garner reports, “I am a fifth-generation Utahn, descended from Utah pioneers. My wife Shannon teaches special education resource at Taylorsville High, her alma mater. I’ve worked to improve educational opportunities and fought against threats to our students’ success.”

Like Kwan, Garner will face the general electorate in 16 months.

After another couple of months of legislative interim meetings, Kwan will return for her second Utah State Senate session. Mayne is expected to remain in retirement. And the rest of us will have to keep in mind, not all Karens are “Karens.” l

Karen Kwan has represented Taylorsville in the State Legislature since 2017. This past winter was her first on the senate side of the State Capitol building. (yahoo.com)

After being appointed to fill a state senate seat by Gov. Spencer Cox earlier this year, Karen Kwan will face her first general election vote for the post in November 2024. (kwanforsenate.com)

Sen. Karen Kwan was among the speakers at this year’s annual Utah Asian Festival. (Karen Kwan newsletter)

Dr. Angela Dunn still serves the public, just not so publically

Her job is still to protect the public, but her role these days is a little more Clark Kent than Superman, and that’s just how she likes it.

She’s Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah State Epidemiologist, and the face many still associate with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even now when I meet new people they’ll say something like, ‘I feel like I should get your autograph,’ and that’s always a little unsettling to me,” Dunn says, indicating that public servants don’t serve for celebrity status, either positive or negative. “Heck, I dyed my hair blonde so I wouldn’t be as recognizable, but the hair thing is too much work, so I’m going back to brunette.”

Still, she feels a little bad about being associated with a public health crisis, with the years that were quite possibly some of the hardest ever encountered by our country, our state and the community-at-large.

The role of State Epidemiologist is, by nature, an outwardly focused one. Dunn’s duty was to share directly with the public emerging and science-based suggestions for containing any public health crisis. She just happened to get a global pandemic. She, and other health officials countrywide, worked against a political movement that belittled scientific expertise. This drew controversy from local detractors who circulated her address on social media and gathered in front of her home to protest.

“It was scary and wrong that someone would feel comfortable sharing my personal information,” Dunn told the Salt Lake Tribune in late 2020. “That people would think it is OK to harass civil servants.”

About that time she realized the controversy had diminished her ability to be perceived as a neutral figure, so in 2021 when the county’s executive health director, Gary Edwards, announced his retirement, and Dunn had the opportunity to move into a less visible role, she took off the cape, so to speak. Still a superhero

She’s now two years into her position as the Executive and Medical Director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, one of the largest local health departments in the nation, serving nearly 1.3 million residents. This new role is significantly different in that she is more behind- the-scenes, ensuring that the “best 500 public health practitioners,” those involved on the frontlines, have the resources to protect and improve the well-being of all county residents. She problem-solves in a team environment, doing big picture planning for the future of public health.

Services provided under the umbrella of the County Health Department are vast and seemingly jack-of-all-trades, ranging from expected things like screenings and immunizations, to more obscure services like: noise pollution, noxious weed control, tobacco prevention, bee inspection and water quality.

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

Or according to the department website, “Every day we immunize children, inspect restaurants, keep tobacco out of the hands of minors, encourage physical activity, teach proper nutrition, protect our water and air, and provide culturally appropriate services to a multitude of disparate populations.”

Dunn believes that, “these different divisions fit well together because, when combined, they touch the health, lives and livelihoods of every single person.”

Casting a community-focused web

Dunn’s first year in her new role was focused on adjusting to the aftermath of the pandemic, on helping staff to process the complex emotions after the adrenaline rush and heartbreak.

She now hopes to apply the lessons learned from those tumultuous years. She is working toward a change in perspective. Rather than applying top-down health objectives to all communities, health workers are now being strategically placed to reflect the unique communities they serve. They will be in a position to communicate with local trusted leaders, with the intent of proceeding from people toward policy (rather than the other way around). The goal is to ask about specific community-focused priorities and needs, then address those needs, then focus on health literacy so the information and services provided will be easily understood and used.

The hope is to build back trust lost during the pandemic, to be engaged with communities over the long term, to be in a positon to let people know why and how recommendations come about and may change, and to innovate and move faster when confronted with another health crisis.

Hero’s journey

Dunn was born in Texas. Her father was in the oil business and his job moved the family from state to state, so by the time she was 7, Dunn had lived in nine different houses. She learned to adapt to change, a trait she still uses in her profession.

Dunn received her medical degree from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, and completed her residency training in general preventive medicine and public health at the University of California San Diego. She also holds a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University and a B.A. in international relations from Brown University.

After her education she served as an epidemic intelligence service officer for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she responded to the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. In 2014, she accepted an epidemiologist assignment with the Utah Department of Health and she became the state epidemiologist just four years later.

Along with her executive director position at the county, she’s currently the president of the Council of State and Territorial

Epidemiologists, or CSTE, which held their annual conference in SLC in June. Unmasking the superhero Dunn’s perfect day would start with an unhurried, unstructured morning of breakfast, reading and cuddling with her sons, ages 11 and 6. She loves trail running, so she might get a little exercise someplace like City Creek, on a trial with a bit of elevation and a perfect combination of shade, sun and views. She loves that she can access mountain trails from her back door, something she realizes is not found in many cities.

If she had a bit of extra free time during the day, she might listen to an audio book to allow for multitasking. Her favorites are not medical thrillers (because she sometimes feels like she’s lived it) but spy or crime novels. Or she wouldn’t mind watching a show. Dunn’s Covid-19 binge series was “Homeland,” which she enjoyed because the main

character’s job woes felt even more daunting than her own.

For dinner she’d go to HSL, where she loves the food and the décor. She’d choose one of the groovy high-backed booths for an easy, private conversation with friends and/or family.

These days Dunn no longer wears a mask at the farmer’s market, on a plane, or while attending the theater. She’s a hugger and is happy to get back to that norm. What she loves is that at this stage we have a better understanding of Covid-19 and tools to fight it. Individuals, knowing their prior conditions, risk factors and vaccination status, can take the proper precautions. We can mask or unmask, and she says, “Isn’t it refreshing that masks can now occupy a more politically neutral space?” l

Dr. Angela Dunn and her son represent the Salt Lake County Health Department at Pride. (Photo Angela Dunn)

SLCC exercise science student Erin Jackson aiming to repeat speedskating gold medal at 2026 Olympics

Erin Jackson is the first Black American woman to win a winter Olympic gold medal in an individual sport. She claimed the 500-meter speed skating gold at Beijing in 2022.

“It was a lot of shock, disbelief,” she remembered one year later. “It was surreal. I felt a lot of pride; I saw my dad’s face, then my coach, my teammates, those who supported me along the way. This was a group win, for sure.”

Jackson hopes to add another medal at the 2026 Olympics in Italy. Recently, she took one month off to recover from surgery.

“I get that itch to get out and do something. I’m being active by going for long walks and spending time on the bike. I’m taking it step by step,” she said. “I always tell people to take that first step right because if you think about your goals as these big long-term things like wanting to go to the Olympics that seems like an insurmountable goal. But when you just take that first step to what you’re trying to accomplish, then the next step comes a little easier. Then the next thing you’re snowballing into your goals.”

Jackson is an exercise science student at Salt Lake Community College.

At 30, she already has graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s materials science and engineering program and earned an associate degree from SLCC in computer science.

“I’m a naturally very lazy person. If I don’t have enough things to fill my day, I’ll just sit down and watch TV. I feel like keeping a few things on my plate helps me with time management,” she said. “My career goal is biomechanics; I want to work with prosthetics. I know a lot of Paralympians and I’m always asking questions, trying to figure out the ins and outs of their prosthetics and devices.”

Jackson, who was named United States Olympic Committee Female Athlete of the Year for Roller Sports in 2012 and 2013, followed a lot of skaters who transition to ice to pursue the Olympics. However, she needed some persuasion.

“I didn’t see that in my future. I always thought I’m happy on my skates, my inlines. I hate being cold. Why would I switch over to the ice? I was focused on getting my degree,” she said, remembering she shifted to ice when she was convinced she “could possibly go to the Olympics.”

With four months of speedskating experience on ice, Jackson qualified for the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang. In 2021, she became the first Black American woman to win the World Cup in the 500 meters. Her Olympic speed skating gold medal is the first since Chris Witty in 1000 meters in 2002 and the first American woman to win the women’s

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

500 meters since Bonnie Blair in 1994.

The student-athlete was part of a keynote panel for the post-COVID-19 return of SLCC’s exercise science conference, sharing her insights with fitness instructors, personal trainers, students and other exercise enthusiasts.

“I don’t really like to eat my vegetables, but if I do, I just douse them in ranch,” Jackson told them. “Dr. Jen told me it doesn’t hurt to do that, just because you’re dousing them doesn’t negate the fact that you’re still getting your nutrients.”

Her diet and exercise are monitored by the U.S. speedskating team. Two members SLCC Assistant Professor “Dr. Jen” Day, a certified specialist in sports dietetics, and SLCC Associate Professor Carrie Needham, a doctorate who has worked in exercise science for more than 25 years — joined Jackson, describing how they support Olympic excellence.

Day traveled with the speedskating team and watched Jackson win her gold medal.

“It was a really cool moment,” she said. “I was crying and screaming. It felt Erin just brought the whole world together, and everyone celebrated with her. I’m very grateful to be a part of it. It’s probably one of the top 10 experiences of my whole life.”

Day said her role is to pair sports nutrition with the science of exercise physiology and science of nutrition for the 20- to 30-member speed skating team, ages 15 to 36, who not only practice on the ice, but often cross train, biking up Big Cottonwood Canyon in the summer.

“It’s a big difference in fueling needs if they’re out on the bike on a hot day in July compared to doing intervals in a cold, dry environment on ice. There’s a lot of education that goes into teaching them depending on their environment, what kind of training they’re doing, what phase of training there and what their nutrition needs are going to be,” she said.

Day provides healthy diet counseling individually as well as team talks.

“I’m teaching these athletes how to eat a baseline healthy diet,” she said, adding that the team also undergoes regular body composition testing, including girth measurements.

Jackson supports a healthy diet and proper training.

“I wasn’t the best athlete before I joined the skating team,” she said. “I relied mostly on talent so when I came out to Salt Lake City, the coach had all these different ideas about training such as warming up and cooling down. I said that I never warmed up and cooled down. My thoughts around exercise and training changed completely. Now, I’m one of those athletes who always asks a lot of questions. I learn why we’re doing certain things. That’s also why I’m pursuing this degree in exercise science; I feel as a top-level athlete, it’s important to know the science behind what I’m doing every day. I’ve learned fueling can be one thing that people kind of overlook. When it comes to training and being a top-level athlete, people think that you win in the gym, but refueling

is one of the most important things. Your muscles are still working and breaking down after training until you refuel them to repair the muscle fibers.”

Day shops and packs food for the athletes and monitors their supplements.

“It is important for them to have access to food that’s going to support their training and I don’t just willy-nilly get everyone on supplements. We supplement based on need,” she said. “I focus on food first. I’d rather them get their vitamin C from a whole orange because it contains carbohydrates, healthy fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants, right? All of these are perfectly packaged in a little health snack. Where if they take a vitamin C supplement, they’re only getting vitamin C. So, I have a food first approach always.”

By monitoring athletes, she has a better understanding of what is needed.

During the Olympic year, Day noticed Jackson was “getting tired all the time. She needed multiple naps a day. We did some blood work, and it wasn’t surprising to see that her iron levels had tanked.”

With a change of diet and supplements, she was able to increase her level and along with it, Jackson had improved energy.

“We have comprehensive labs so we can see all angles of what’s going on and we have a doctor that provides guidance for us,” Day said. “We work a lot with the physiology of exercise, so we understand what the body is going through when it’s stressed with exercise.”

Salt Lake Community College student and 2022 Olympic 500-meter speed skating gold medalist Erin Jackson shared her story with attendees at the school’s annual exercise science program conference. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Salt Lake Community College student Erin Jackson earned her Olympic gold medal following the nutrition and care of the school’s exercise science program. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Despite the humble beginnings, the parade was a spectacle of community participation. This year, leading the parade was a flatbed trailer decked out as a float and graced by 15 local musicians under the direction of Gavin Barrows.

“We didn’t have a band. We had two boomboxes with synchronized marching music on cassette tapes that we had recorded,” Groos said.

The music, laughter, and anticipation resonated through the Hyland Lake neighborhood as children on bicycles, scooters and roller skates, decorated in patriotic colors paraded down the streets, fostering a festive atmosphere.

“I remember children coming on their bikes with no decorations. We would hurriedly pull out crepe paper so they wouldn’t feel left out,” Groos said.

The procession culminated at Woodstock Meadows Park, a not-so-well-maintained area at the time. Someone generally leads the parade in costume. They had Uncle Sam, Abe Lincoln, Betsy Ross and the Statue of Liberty at different times.

“The County kept the bathrooms locked, and I would have to get the key from the house across the street,” Groos said, reminiscing about the early days. “We would have to go early to make sure the pavilion was clean—

sweeping and painting over graffiti.”

The park has since been upgraded and is now managed by Murray City.

This year, partly cloudy skies comfortably shaded, and the entire neighborhood gathered for a giant potluck. The local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward contributed over 300 hamburgers and hot dogs, augmenting the array of food brought by the attendees.

“We had one 5-gallon container of Country Time lemonade and one 5-gallon container of water. We did not have money for juice or milk. Everything was donated,” Groos said, recounting the picnic’s early days.

Games were organized for the children with small prizes for the winners. “We made sure everyone won at least one prize,” Groos said. As several hundred participants chattered, patriotic musical numbers echoed around the park, complete with a vocalist singing the national anthem.

The journey, however, was not without its fair share of challenges. Organizing such a grand event with limited resources was a daunting task.

“First, there was no money, so everything from flyers to costume rentals to food to paper products to prizes had to be donated,” Groos said.

Despite the hurdles, the perseverance and dedication of Groos and the community ensured the event’s continuity and success.

“That year, my daughter and I personally delivered all the flyers to 296 households, and the turnout was huge,” Groos said.

Groos believes that their annual parade goes beyond just a local event. It celebrates the country and its melting pot of diverse cultures. As someone whose parents were immigrants from the Netherlands, she deeply respects the unity in diversity. “This event was to celebrate this country, all its people, and the freedoms it provides,” Groos said.

Though Groos could not keep track of all

the children who participated over the years, their return to the parade with their kids was proof of the event’s impact. “I believe they are building strong families and passing a sense of pride in this country to the next generation,” Groos said.

One of Groos’ special memories was one year as they ate breakfast: “The jets from Hill Air Force Base flew right over the park. It was funny because people thought I had arranged it and commented, ‘Wow, Carola, you’re good.’ I just laughed,” Groos said. l

Needham said that exercise science can support Olympians as well as any population since the concepts are the same.

“I look at how can we take that research and apply it in a real-world setting,” she said, saying it is the same whether it’s for somebody who has a chronic disease and needs to improve their lifestyle through an exercise program or if it’s “training for athletes so that they can improve their time by 1% to make it onto the podium. The job of the exercise or sports scientist is to answer questions from the coach or from the athlete. We can look at research and find answers. We can do testing and find those answers. But

when we can answer the questions for the coach and the athletes, then we are giving them valuable information that they can use in their performance.”

Her programs are individualized, matching the physiological profile to the athlete.

“We have to know what that physiological profile looks like and the type of athlete they are. Do they have more fast twitch muscle fiber or slow twitch muscle fiber? What are the demands of the sport? Is it more of an aerobic sport and they need to be able to do that for long periods of time? Or is it a more explosive sport and they need to have

that quick, powerful movement,” she said, adding they run tests, including oxidavitve systems, lactate threshold and aerobic capacity. “That’s valuable information for coaches, for athletes, for a personal trainer, for an exercise therapist, to know what we’re doing is making a difference in that training.”

Jackson said she gives “a solid effort” when it comes to testing.

“Testing is really important because our sports scientists, they use this data to help me achieve my goals,” she said, adding that she also makes sure she gets plenty of rest, stretches and massages her muscles for the next training session. “I used to sleep five to

six hours a night because of being a student and staying up late doing homework. I had to work on getting eight hours of sleep a night.”

As Jackson looks ahead to her skating career and the possibility of the Olympics returning to Utah, she’s pumped.

“I’m currently 30 years old and I want to skate forever, but that’s not feasible. I would love to have the Salt Lake Olympics in 2030 and be able to compete on home ice,” she said. “If it’s 2034, I’ll likely be on the sidelines, but I’ll be supporting Salt Lake’s Olympics 100%.” l

Carola Groos conceived an idea to bring neighbors together on Independence Day with a children’s parade and picnic 25 years ago. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Children participate in the annual Hyland Lake neighborhood Independence Day parade. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

The Hyland Lake neighborhood Independence Day parade gears up to start. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Granite Technical Institute’s student wins national pitch competition; new CEO program ‘lifechanging’

Skyline High student Harleen Saini already knew she wanted a career in business when she applied for the inaugural year of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, or CEO, program at Granite Technical Institute.

“In a lot of the business classes I’ve taken and the Academy of Finance I’ve been a part of, I learned foundational information; the CEO program really brought that all together,” she said.

It also taught Saini the practical applications to become an entrepreneur, starting with her business pitch.

The Taylorsville senior is the national champion in the pitch contest of the CEO program, which has provided more than 4,700 high school graduates nationwide with opportunities to become entrepreneurs through partnerships with businesses and mentors.

This is GTI’s first year of participating; it is one of 70 programs nationwide.

At 6:30 a.m. shortly before the end of the school year, GTI hosted a CEO pitch watch party, where the 17-member class also had a national third-place finish with Nadia Ferguson, a Skyline High classmate of Saini’s with Nadia’s Necessities’ body-wrap towel, and honorable mention with Austin Beverley, a Cottonwood High senior who pitched BlackTine taxidermy cleaning services.

“It was a video submission from all these students across the nation. There were 398 competitors, including me,” said Saini, who also is a Skyline High service scholar. “I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just super thankful to my CEO class, my mentor and my teacher, Ms. (Erin) Paulsen,

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

because they believed in me.”

Before the pitch competition, students watched a video from the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, who created the CEO program, instructing them how to structure their business pitches.

“They reminded us to state the problem, that our solution needed a hook and other tips,” she said. “We were given free rein of how we wanted to present our products what we wanted in the video. It just had to be under 30 seconds in one take and there could be no edits.

Saini was able to share her business, STEM for Seedlings, a kit that combines garden seeds with STEM experiments for children, with the kick line, “Stop worrying about your child’s screen time and watch them get hooked on green time,” in 29 seconds.

“One of the main reasons I’ve wanted to make my product a business is so I can give back to the community that has supported me and donate a bunch of kids in Title I schools. Volunteering has taught me so much and I’ve learned the importance of doing that,” she said.

The submitted videos were reviewed by three business owners from across the country.

“Through my leadership experiences throughout high school and the competitions I’ve done, I learned how to speak publicly so I don’t have that fear anymore,” she said, referring to her positions she has held with DECA and FBLA business chapters at her school. “From the pitch competition, I received $1,000 for winning that I can put toward my business, which was amazing. All three of us also were given options to take leadership workshops. I’m planning to take mine in August.”

Saini, who plans to continue her business while studying finance at the University of Utah, said that during the CEO program, she and her classmates met weekly with business owners and representatives, toured local companies, and were paired with business leaders as mentors to learn entrepreneurial skills.

“Andrew Thomas, who was my mentor, works as a chief risk officer for Foursight Capital. He was super helpful helping me start my company and gave me a bunch of financial advice on what I should be doing,” she said. “Having all these opportunities by networking with so many business leaders, I was blown away. I gained much more than I was ever expecting.”

By the end of the program, six students had registered their businesses and all students participated in GTI’s first trade show, where they got to showcase their businesses and sell items to the public, said Paulsen, GTI’s CEO program facilitator.

“The students took what they learned from professionals to elevate their business concepts and turn them into realities,” she said. “It was cool to see them navigate the process. At first, many of them were scared and nervous. They’re engaged and got involved in their own learning. Through this, they learned how to fail and how to turn it around and succeed.”

Senior Austin Beverley created his business to fill a need in the industry.

“As time goes by, people’s taxidermy collects dust, oil and even bugs that potentially destroy their mounts, so there’s a need for a professional cleaning service,” he said. “I made a business plan, a marketing plan and figured out what my profit margins would be when I set up the business.”

Already, Beverley has been offered a partnership with an existing company, which he turned down, so he could continue to run his business while attending Utah State University where he will major in outdoor product and design.

“I’d love to expand the service from not just serving Utah, but also southern Idaho and into Wyoming,” he said, adding that he’d like to have a booth at an upcoming hunting expo.

Beverley said he took about one month to prepare his pitch, which included one of his family member’s trophy — a mounted deer — on the wall, for the national competition.

“I included the problem, the solution, and what I had to offer them,” he said about his services that also include bear and cougar rug cleaning. “I was shocked to see all three of us be recognized nationally.”

Beverley applied to be in the program at the urging of a friend.

“Once I got in, I was all in,” he said, adding that he gave up golfing on the school team to devote more time to the program. “I used to

be such an introvert, but through talking to my classmates and needing to talk to my mentor (Downeast CEO Rich Israelsen) and business leaders, I’m anything but that now. My mentor is someone I trust, and he believes in what I’ m doing. Whenever I need assistance, he’s there 24-7 and said he would continue to be so when I’m in college.”

Beverley also credits the support of his classmates in the program and Paulsen, who allowed us “to see what we can do on our own in the real world.”

“The CEO program has made the biggest impact on my life; it has changed my perspective on business as well. I learned every business leader has a story and there is meaning to it. It inspires people like us to start our businesses and excel. This program has been the biggest lifechanging course I’ve ever taken. I’m so engaged in it, and in my business. Before I didn’t have the knowledge, the mindset nor the discipline I do today. I don’t know what I’d be doing if it wasn’t for the CEO program,” he said.

Paulsen, who introduced the program to the school district, also is grateful to the community’s businesses to be part of the partnership between businesses and education.

“It’s been awesome to work together. The business leaders are so willing to support the kids and give them feedback,” she said. “It’s been a benefit to see these kids apply what they learn in the real world. They have enthusiasm for what they’re doing. It’s been lifechanging for them.” l

Granite Technical Institute and Skyline High senior Harleen Saini won the national CEO pitch contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Granite Technical Institute and Cottonwood High senior Austin Beverley received honorable mention in the national CEO pitch contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

We were absolutely elated that so many of you came to our Grand Opening for the new City Hall! Thank you for taking the time to tour the building and enjoy the festivities! In case you missed it, here are some of the pictures from that event. We hope you will be able to visit in the near future.

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murray.utah.gov

Murray City Public Works has several projects underway through summer/fall 2023. We appreciate your patience as we work to complete these projects.

Murray’s water line replacement on Winchester Street from 300 West to State Street has been underway and will be completing the segment from I-215 to State Street. Following the waterlines, the pavement will be restored through street reconstruction and maintenance this fall.

A new storm drain line is being installed from 1070 West along 5400 South to the east and then north to Clover Meadow Drive. This project is the second phase of a project completed in early 2022 on the north side of 5400 South to improve stormwater capacity.

Deer eld Road and Woodshire Circle are being reconstructed with new curb and gutter and a roadway surface, as well as spot sidewalk repairs through September. Walden Wood Drive is also being fully reconstructed with spot sidewalk repairs. Roads will be closed to local tra c only.

The bridge deck at Commerce Drive/300 West and 4150 South over Big Cottonwood Creek will begin late summer and extend into fall. This project replaces the existing bridge deck that has been load rated due to its poor condition. One-way agged tra c is expected but alternative routes are encouraged.

Sidewalk repair and replacement has begun in the Walden Hills neighborhood on Chaparral Drive, Aspen Heights Drive, Quaking Aspen Drive, White Springs Drive, and Apple Vale Drive.

Midvale City, in conjunction with the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, are connecting a waterline from the intersection of 700 West and Winchester Street to Midvale City along 700 West. The work began in late July and is expected to last through October. It will result in directional closures at both the intersection and on 700 West. Please see Midvale’s project site for updates and project contact information: www. EngageMidvale.com/700w-waterline-project.

Murray Senior Recreation Center

10 E 6150 S, Murray, Utah 84107 • 801-264-2635 mcreg.com • seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center

Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thurs 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. • Closed Sat and Sun

Check our website for any changes in programs.

DAILY LUNCH By Chef Omar Limon

Date: Tuesday through Friday

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

MONTHLY BRUNCH

Date: Monday, Aug. 21

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Price varies; prior registration not required

SPECIAL EVENTS

FAMILY CONCERT SERIES

Date: Monday, Aug. 14 – Company B

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; no appointment needed open to all ages and doors open at 6:00 p.m.

CLASSES

CERAMICS

Date: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies

GRIEF SUPPORT

Date: Friday, Aug. 11 and 25

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

VITAL AGING: Chronic Disease Management

Date: Tuesday, Aug. 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; register now

NUTRITION: 7 Foods to Eat in 7 Quick Recipes

Date: Tuesday, Sep. 5

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; register now

SCIENCE CLASS: Electromagnetic Radiation & Spectroscopy

Date: Thursday, Sep. 7

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; register now

DANCE

LINE DANCE: BEGINNING

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 for the month; register now

THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE

Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays

Date: Thursdays

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $5

Message from the Council CITY COUNCIL

Dear Residents of Murray District 5 and Greater Murray City,

The last 18 months on the Council have been a rewarding experience and I am so proud of what we have accomplished for Murray. To name just a few of our accomplishments, we:

• Reduced the proposed property tax increase from 20% to 15%,

• Funded the Murray Theatre and Armory renovation, and

• Increased Murray employee pay to keep pace with in ation.

What does all of that mean for you? A reduced tax burden on you and your family while still balancing the budget, creating and protecting community spaces for you, and ensuring that we are keeping the best public servants in our city.

This year, I was proud to be elected the chair of the Council. As Chair, I pledged to improve transparency and improve ordinances. So far this year, we have:

• Added 2 additional police o cers and one additional re ghter/ rst responder because public safety is always my top priority

• Proposed and passed a reasonable travel policy that caps council member spending and brings all council travel into one budget, improving transparency and ensuring we are spending your tax dollars wisely

• Passed an update to power ordinances to allow larger solar panel arrays on commercial buildings so that businesses, reduce environmental impacts and support our local businesses.

With just under 5 months remaining in the year, I am optimistic about what this Council can achieve. We will continue to be proactive by eliminating unnecessary ordinances, supporting our city departments, and keep Murray thriving while continuing that small town, friendly, quaint feel. I welcome your thoughts and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Garry Hrechkosy,

Murray City Council, District 5

Council District 1 Philip J. Markham 801-518-1719 pmarkham@murray.utah.gov

Council District 2 Pam Cotter 801-541-8364 pcotter@murray.utah.gov

Council District 3 Rosalba Dominguez 801-330-6232 rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov

Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-635-6382 diane.turner@murray.utah.gov

Council District 5 Gerry Hrechkosy 385-800-1796 ghrechkosy@murray.utah.gov

Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622 jkennedy@murray.utah.gov

Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

Free evening of fun for everyone. Join us at this educational event for activities, food, displays, and live demonstrations sponsored by Murray City and a liated local agencies. See up close the landing of a medical helicopter, learn bicycle safety, observe a S.W.A.T. and K9 demonstration, and view a vehicle extrication and house re live burn demonstration, plus much more.

SENIOR CENTER CONTINUED

PROGRAMS

KICK-OFF FOR WALKING CLUB: Itty Bitty

City Scavenger Hunt

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 2

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $20 for August – October

Murray Arts Beat

For additional information, please contact Lori Edmunds at 801-264-2620

HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME

Date: Mondays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

BRIDGE LESSONS

Date: Mondays

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES

HAIRCUTS

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $12; advance appointment required

MASSAGE THERAPY

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $20 for half-hour or $40 for hour; advance appointment required

TRAVEL

WENDOVER

Date: Thursday, Aug. 17

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $30

ARTS IN THE PARK!

Individual tickets, Concert Series Pass and Summer Season Pass are available at the Murray Parks & Recreation O ce (296 E Murray Park Ave) or online at: murraycity.smashpass.com (scan QR code)

Full schedule and more information at: www.murray.utah.gov/853/Arts-in-the-Park

YOUTH & FAMILY YOUTH & FAMILY

TRIATHLON TRIATHLON

SEPTEMBER 4TH

Begins at 7:45AM

Ages: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+

(age group as of 9/4/2023)

$30 PER PERSON

Deadline August 21

CROSS

BEGINS SEPT 5

TUES, THUR, FRI

AGES: 6 - 14

$45 RESIDENT

$55 NON-RESIDENT

Deadline August 15

FALL COED ALL

SEPT 9 - OCT 7

SATURDAY

AGES: 6-7, 8-10, 11-12

$40 RESIDENT

$50 NON-RESIDENT

Deadline: August 21

PICKLEBALL LEAGUE

Session 3

TUESDAY

AUGUST 29-OCTOBER 3

9:15AM - Women's 2.5-3.0

6:15PM - Mixed 3 0-3 5 6:15PM - Women's 3.0-3.5

THURSDAY

AUGUST 31 - OCTOBER 5

9:15AM - Women's 2.5-3.0

6:15PM - Mixed 3.0-3.5

$30 RESIDENT

$40 NON-RESIDENT Murray outdoor pickleball courts

SEPT 12 - OCT 21

Tuesday & Saturday Divisions: 6-7 years

8-9 years

10-12 years

$35 RESIDENT

$45 NON RESIDENT

Utah’s first, only boxing woman referee ‘knows the ropes’

She’s Utah’s first and only woman boxing referee — and she’s about to step out of the ring.

Becky Suazo jumped into the ring 29 years ago, joining her brother, Pete, to officiate. She has officiated more than 4,000 bouts of amateur boxing ages 8 and older, locally to nationally. She served as a judge and timekeeper for the Olympic trials as well.

Suazo has refereed some of the big names of boxers in the state, watching them grow up in the ring. She also has refereed stars in the boxing world, such as Belinda Montoya, Darlene Chavez, Whitney Gomez and Ernie Flores, and judged two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion Claressa Shields and world champion Andre Ward.

Her love of boxing began early.

As two of the oldest children in a family of eight kids, her eldest brother — the former state senator — and she would watch boxing bouts locally and on television. Her brother also boxed as did other relatives.

“My dad only lost one bout,” Suazo remembered her father telling her. “He only was in one, too. He was much more into watching boxing than being in the ring.”

While Suazo never took to the ring, she, too, was a fighter — leaving an abusive first husband and fighting to gain custody of her six children and supporting them — in a time where it was uncommon to speak of domestic abuse.

“My dad and Pete were there to support me when I was ready. I was scared because when I tried leaving before, my ex-husband would find me, drag me back and then he would just beat the hell out of me. It was frightening, but when I did it, I didn’t look back,” she said. “I picked up my life and moved on. It made me a strong woman.”

That included returning to school to get her high school diploma — “when I turned 30, I cried and cried because I hadn’t accomplished anything.” She continued to earn her associate degree in minority human services from Salt Lake Community College and her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in women’s studies from the University of Utah.

Through every step, her brother was there to support her and her kids.

“He was a father figure to my kids, my nieces and nephews, all the kids. He would take them trick-or-treating, camping, be at their games,” she said. “He helped me find jobs and cheered me on in school.”

As a working professional, she started a preventative intervention for Hispanic youth and their families, advocated for mental health with minorities, coordinated volunteers at a family support center, and has managed a multicultural center.

She also has volunteered for the Utah AIDS Foundation, Planned Parenthood,

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Centro de la Familia, a peer court adviser, and has been a speaker for a rape crisis center and against domestic abuse.

“I’ve tried to be involved in the community as much as I can,” said the recipient of the 2009 Midvale Exchange Club’s Appreciation Award of Service to the Community. “Everything I did was for a reason, but I never knew why. I used to go into the welfare office when my kids were little to see what resources there were. Then, when I worked in the field, I could tell the parents to utilize the resources that I knew about firsthand.”

When her kids got older, she added boxing official to her volunteer list. Volunteering was a lesson she shared with her kids.

“I had them volunteer. I wanted them to give back, to be involved in the community,” she said. “I also passed along something my parents taught me — voting. I told them, ‘You don’t vote, you don’t have a say.’ I didn’t tell them how to vote, just to take the opportunity to vote.”

In fact, the first thing she did when she returned to the community after leaving her husband was to go to an event for Democratic leader Scott Matheson with her brother.

“Pete got me back involved,” she said, adding that when they were growing up, her parents had pictures of the Kennedys hung in their home. “I loved going to the election party headquarters and being there after the election, waiting for results.”

The two both registered voters and attended events; she has twice attended the National Democratic Convention. He entered the state legislature; she became a poll worker.

Pete Suazo served in that position, and

as state chief of officials in boxing, until he died about 20 years ago when his ATV flipped.

“He was my mentor my whole life. I always looked up to him. He went to state wrestling (for West High School), and he was a jockey, racing horses. But our family always would go to boxing matches at the coliseum at the fairgrounds, so he got into it. (Longtime boxing trainer and coach) Tony Montoya got him into officiating in 1989,” she said. “When Pete died, he had just become an international official representing the United States.”

After his death, his sister, who had been officiating for about a decade, took over as chief of officials for the next six months.

“Pete got me into officiating, and I did it because it was fun, but I didn’t like being the chief,” she said. “I officiated the pros for about a year; It was a different atmosphere, and I didn’t feel the connection with the boxers like I did with the kids growing up.”

Suazo started as an official for two years before she entered the ring. She would check the boxers’ gloves, be a timekeeper or a judge, or she would score the bout — at first, scoring was done on her fingers, then with a clicker before it became computerized.

“I had to learn it all when I started. Before that, I could pick the winner, just from watching it all the years with my family and

listening to it on the radio with my dad and grandfather, but I didn’t know all the rules. It was just a sport I loved,” she said.

In the gyms, she would watch referees in the rings and learn from them.

“I wanted to start referring, but I was nervous. When Ray Silva, who then was the chief of officials for the country, came to do a clinic, Pete introduced me to him and told me, ‘This is your time,’” she said.

She got into the ring and the approval from Silva.

“He taught me to stand on my toes so it’s easier and faster to turn,” she said.

Her brother’s friends — Silva with USA Boxing and the National Olympic Committee, Angel Villarreal with USA Boxing, and professional referees Russell Mora and Mike Rosario — became her friends too.

“We’re a boxing family and it truly is a family. The women I’ve met in boxing are amazing; we’re so close,” she said, adding that many of them not only supported her through the funeral of her brother and her daughter — even though she wasn’t a fan of the sport. “We officiate for the kids. You see them win and you see him lose and you see that they don’t give up. When they win, they have that glow. I want to see that excitement. When they’re older, many of them stay in the sport to coach or officiate.”

Her first bout she refereed was a local

As the only female and Latina boxing referee, Becky Suazo, who has served as a role model for others, indicates the winner of the bout. (Photo courtesy of Becky Suazo)

Becky Suazo has been an official in more than 4,000 bouts from local “smokers” to national championships and Olympic trials. (Photo courtesy of Becky Suazo)

Murray City trims proposed tax hike: Time for taxpayers to chime in

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Whilesome may grumble that it is still a tax increase, at the June 27 City Council meeting, Murray City proposed a less-than-originally proposed tax hike. City revenue increased, causing the city to adjust its projections to 3.22%. Residents will now have a say on the proposed property tax hike at the Truth and Taxation meeting scheduled for Aug. 22.

Murray City Finance Director Brenda Moore told the council that the Salt Lake County Auditor had released the proposed tax values for the city, revealing a 5% growth in property value over the past year.

“The proposed tax increase aims to strike a balance between generating necessary revenue and considering the impact on taxpayers,”

Moore said.

Moore, grappling with the large numbers involved, explained that property values in Murray had grown by 5% during the previous year. The tax levy for the year before stood at .001513, while the proposed levy, with no increase, is .00167. The connection between property value growth and a decrease in the tax levy was highlighted as a reason for implementing the concept of “truth and taxation.”

Further details were provided regarding the library property tax. It was revealed that the library tax net levy now stands at .00331, a decrease compared to the previous year’s .00342. To ensure the library’s operations are adequately funded, the city plans to increase its revenue and Capitol Buildings expense by

$39,000, allowing for necessary replacements and repairs. If no replacements are made, the funds will be allocated to the library’s reserves.

Moving on to the general fund property tax, the original budget increase was $545,000 or 5%. However, the new growth figures reached $193,740, marking the highest increase in recent years at 1.78%. In reporting to the county, the city requested a net revenue increase of $351,554 or 3.22%.

“We wanted 5% total revenue, which is in line with the 5% increase in property values. The general tax fund levy will remain at .001513, and there is no change to the tentative budget,” Moore said.

The average house in Murray, assessed at $520,800, can expect a $13 annual tax increase due to these adjustments. Breaking it down further, Moore said, “That’s approximately a little over a dollar a month.”

To provide clarity, Moore presented examples of the impact on businesses. For a business worth 1 million dollars, the proposed tax increase would amount to $48. It is important to note that this is not a fixed increase for all businesses but depends on their respective property values.

The proposed tax increase has been adjusted from the initial 5% to 3.22%. This adjustment aims to balance generating necessary revenue and considering the impact on taxpayers. Moore said, “The proposed tax increase of 3.22% ensures that we can continue providing essential services and maintaining the city’s infrastructure.”

Afterward, the city council also considered an ordinance amending the city’s fiscal year 2022-23 budget. It was clarified that this

amendment was the last in a series of adjustments made throughout the year. In addition to the tax increase discussions, attention was drawn to the future relocation plans for the local museum. The official noted that $17,330 had been allocated from the general fund reserves for the specific purpose of the museum’s relocation. This allocation adheres to a previously identified contract that acknowledges the need for the museum to move from its current location at City Hall in the future. By accepting this contract, the city is committed to utilizing the funds for the intended purpose of the museum’s relocation.

A significant allocation from the power fund was mentioned during the budget discussion. It stated that $5 million would be transferred from reserves to cover a portion of the increased costs of purchasing power.

Murray Power will propose a rate hike to its customers in a separate upcoming meeting. l

“smoker” in 1993.

“When I first started — for years and years and years — they always gave me the little kids, because ‘this is a man’s sport.’ I was OK with it because I loved the kids. I loved doing refereeing from the first time I ever stepped in the ring,” she said.

She also learned a lesson from her brother that first bout.

“I had their hands ready to announce the winner when I looked over at the other one who got hurt pretty bad and I said, ‘Are you OK, mi hijo (my son)?’ When I got out of the ring, Pete said ‘Don’t you ever call him that. He’s not your son. He’s a boxer,’” she said.

Suazo has seen officiating as well as the sport itself grow. Currently in the state, there are about 733 boxers and 26 officials in USA Boxing.

“When I started nationally, there were three other women referring. Now, there are hundreds nationwide,” she said.

Women’s boxing also began to grow while she’s been officiating. Her first national tournament refereeing was the first women’s tournament in Atlanta in 1997.

“Two women from Utah became champions there,” she said. “I like refereeing women. They’re more disciplined, easier to read. You don’t have to stop them to pull them apart. They’re good boxers.”

Through the years of being in the ring — and only being grazed once by a fist there has only been one call that had seemed controversial.

“I had a boxer who was a Florida state champion and he kept picking up the boxer and wrestling with him,” she said. “I kept giving him caution after caution. I told him, ‘You’re holding him; that’s why you’re getting the call.’ He didn’t stop. I gave him warning after warning and you can only give three warnings for disqualification. I disqualified him; he didn’t give me a choice. The coach jumped upon the ring and called me all kinds of names. I received an escort out of the ring and venue. When I checked out of my hotel and the person behind the desk said, ‘Oh, you’re the one who disqualified the boxer.’ There was even a news article about it because it was a qualifier and since he was disqualified, he couldn’t go to

the Olympic trials. My supervisor said that I did the right call and that I had a ringside seat, the best seat in the house to see those boxers. I learned you just have to use your best judgment.”

Officiating didn’t come with compensation.

“I spent thousands. We pay our own way to officiate or judge. If you are amongst the best and were asked to officiate, you’d get some compensation — either travel or room and board. People give up their vacation to do this. That’s how committed people are to the sport,” she said. “My dad loved to travel with me. The last time he went to the U.S. championships with me, we gave an award in Pete’s name. I’ve done it every year since he died,” she said, adding that now there is a boxing gym, the state boxing commission, a business center, a U of U social work scholarship and street (a section of Redwood Road from North Temple to 2400 South) named after her brother.

Suazo, who is a master national official and once designed the USA boxing patch worn on the officials’ white uniform, now

teaches state clinics on how to officiate. She referees about five tournaments per year. After that, she will continue to officiate.

“I love timekeeping. I get to see the whole bout instead of just seeing the punches as a referee. Refereeing is my favorite job, but that’s just seeing not watching,” she said.

Before she steps out of the ring, she plans to work the National Junior & Youth Golden Gloves in August in Florida and the USA Boxing National Championships in December in Louisana.

“I’m the only woman referee in Utah, period. I’m the first. I’m the first Latina. When I leave there, we don’t have a woman who will step in and that’s the saddest part. There’s no one to pass the baton to, but I don’t want somebody just say what the hell is that old lady doing in there? I don’t want to be the one to get knocked down and have somebody give me an eight count,” she said. “When I think about it, I’ve held on to this longer than I have any other job and never got paid a dime. There’s something to be said about that. You do this because you love it.” l

Mayor Brett Hales responds to questions during the June 27 Murray City Council meeting. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

City Councilor Diane Turner comments during the June 27 Murray City Council meeting. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray High graduate honored for World War II service – 78 years later

His senior year, Larry Limberg played football for Murray High.

“The cheer back then was ‘We were the Smelterites and we smell alright,” he said with a laugh.

As one of five children of the assistant fire chief, they grew up in Murray, attending Arlington Elementary and Murray Junior High. They attended school dances, skied, went to parades, fished in Little Cottonwood Creek, and picked carrots and potatoes from their victory garden.

Limberg worked after school until midnight at the Rio Grande Railroad, dismantling trains so new parts could be installed, to earn money for a motorcycle.

His family often gathered around the radio to listen to programs. Limberg remembered former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats “where he would inspire everybody.”

Then, came FDR’s infamous “Day of Infamy” speech.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow.’ We were all shocked and I got a little scared,” he said.

Limberg graduated and was drafted in 1945. His older brother, Ray, and sister, Mae, already were in the Coast Guard, and his oldest sister, Joyce, was a nurse.

“We all knew we were going into service because they needed everybody at that time,” he said, adding that later his younger brother, Bob, served in England. “This was getting to be the end of the war, but the Japanese part didn’t end until August.”

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Now, 78 years later, Limberg was awarded the World War II Victory Medal as part of a recent Utah Honor Flight. At the time of his service, they had run out of medals, he remembered.

“At the Honor Flight banquet, they gave us three World War II vets victory medals because we all served in the war. I’m kind of proud of it,” he said.

It was the first time Limberg has been honored for his service.

He recently returned from the Honor Flight that took him and 73 other veterans to Washington, D.C.

According to the website, the mission of the Honor Flight is to enable veterans to visit war memorials built in their honor. The inaugural Honor Flight in May 2005 flew 12 World War II veterans. Now, more than 2,000 veterans have been honored. Donations are made with respect and gratitude to their service and sacrifice, so it doesn’t cost the veterans anything.

Limberg’s two-day Honor Flight was sponsored by Brigham Young University’s nursing program, whose students also served as medical staff and chaperones. His granddaughter, Rebecca Martin, accompanied him.

“There always was something going on; it was amazing,” Limberg said.

On the way to Provo Airport at 5:30 a.m., the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah stood with American flags in their honor as family and friends sent them on their way.

During the flight, there was a mail call, reminiscence of his days in the service. Family and friends of the veterans wrote them letters. Martin had secretly gathered letters from her mother, siblings, grandkids, great-grandkids and his stepsons to turn over to the Honor Flight crew.

“They had these big envelopes of letters for everybody on the plane; that was very special and neat way to be honored by your family,” she said. “There also were letters from Sen. Mitt Romney, Sen. Mike Lee, local state legislators and elementary kids. It was touching; he teared up.”

When they landed, the local fire department gave them a water salute, shooting their hoses over the charter plane.

That evening was the banquet, complete with a band and an acapella group that sang, “Sentimental Journey,” in honor of the World War II vets.

“That’s when the three of us that were in World War II got our victory medals,” Limberg said. “They made it a big honor because we’re the oldest ones. The other two are both 95 and I was 96. They really spoiled us. I just thought, ‘I was in the war, but I don’t deserve this.’ I didn’t do much, but I accepted it to honor all the people who were in that war as a symbol. Most of them, they’re gone now and I’m still chugging

along.”

The group was up the next day early for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Martin said.

“There were a lot of school kids so as we were walking around there, they just looked at him in his World War II veteran hat like he was a museum exhibit. Then, he started waving to the kids. It was cute,” she said. “A lot of people would stop and shake his hand and say, ‘thank you for your service,’ which just made me cry literally every time.”

At the World War II memorial, the group was greeted by an honor flag guard and elementary students lining the walkway clapping for the veterans, with those who served in World War II leading the way. The eight who served in Korea came in next, followed by the 63 Vietnam veterans.

Sen. Mike Lee shook hands with the veterans.

“Grandpa had a long conversation with Mike Lee about social security. He said, ‘You got to fix this,’” she said.

Limberg agreed: “I kind of chewed him out. I wasn’t shy telling him what I think.”

The group went to the Vietnam Memorial, where Limberg was amazed at the names on the wall. Sen. Mitt Romney met with him there.

“I got to tell him to run for president again,” Limberg said. “He told me ‘I’ve already run twice and they didn’t want me.’ I said, ‘The third time to charm, run again.’”

A nearby woman told Limberg that he should be Romney’s campaign manager, Martin said.

“Then Sen. Romney asked, ‘Should I announce my candidacy right here?’ And Grandpa said, ‘Yeah, do it right now.’ It was a highlight for him,” she said.

They also saw the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Korean War Veterans and Lincoln memorials, with Martin pushing her grandfather in a wheelchair as a precaution since “there was a lot of walking.” The group visited Fort McHenry National Monument before departing for Utah.

Back in Provo, the veterans received a second water salute from Provo Fire Department before disembarking. Once on land, friends, families, a band playing, and the Patriot Guard Riders welcomed them home.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney takes a moment to speak with Murray resident and World War II veteran Larry Limberg and his granddaughter Rebecca Martin at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (Photo courtesy of Larry Limberg family)

Murray resident and World War II veteran Larry Limberg recently took part on a Utah Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Larry Limberg family)

Limberg’s grandson and three of his great-grandchildren along with his neighbor, Mary Williams, who recommended him for the Honor Flight, were there in the crowd.

“Hundreds of people with balloons and flags were cheering these veterans back home,” Martin said. “It was amazing. There were these cute ladies in 1940’s dresses who wanted their picture with him; there were military officers saluting him; and the bikers were shaking his hand. It was really special. Grandpa was having the time of his life, but I was bawling. It was fantastic to go to Washington, D.C., and have these veterans be honored for their service to our country. For me, it was great to spend this time with my grandpa and to enjoy honoring him for his service.”

Limberg’s service began at Sheppard Field in Texas.

“I was in the Army Air Forces and trained to be a bomber on B-29s and as a radio operator, but when they dropped the big bombs on Hiroshima, they didn’t need any more gunners,” he said, remembering that “everybody hollered when they announced the bombing of Japan on the loudspeaker.”

With Japan’s surrender in August 1945, Limberg was transferred to the Army Transportation Corps “where I guarded German prisoners,” he said.

Limberg was assigned to Fort Devens, Massachusetts that housed prisoner-of-war

camp for German and Italian military from 1944 to 1946.

“I went up in the tower to guard them,” he said. “Once, when they got too close to the fence, another guard took his machine gun and shot right along their feet — boy, did that scare them. He was a hardened veteran; he had just come back from the war.”

He, too, learned his lesson from experienced officer when he fell asleep next to a fire he built in the lookout tower.

“That was probably the time I was most afraid. I heard an earful, but fortunately, that was it,” he said.

Limberg transported the prisoners from their bunk beds in the barracks to the surrounding area.

“I took them out in a truck and had them help local farmers pick apples. I’d sit on the front porch and have coffee and pie and count them to make sure they didn’t run away on me,” he said.

In February 1946, Limberg and other soldiers escorted the German prisoners back to Europe. They sailed the rough winter seas of the North Atlantic, three to a bunk, to the port city of Le Havre, France. Then, they traveled on a train to Germany.

“We put them in boxcars that held 40 people or six horses. We were jammed in one or two, too,” he said, remembering that the multi-day journey stopped on the outskirts of Paris, so they allowed the prisoners to run around. “We went all the way up to

the to the German border where they (the Germans) picked them up in a truck.”

Returning state side, Limberg was stationed at Army Camp Kilmer in New Jersey. His assignment was driving cars and trucks for supplies into New York City.

“I was just a private, a PFC (Private First Class), they only gave me one stripe. But it was a real adventure as a teenager driving a truck into New York. Back then, New York City treated us enlisted men and veterans like heroes; everything was free. We’d go to the ballgame, and you were a hero. My buddies and I, we’d go to the Giants on a weekend, and we’d whistle at the girls. We were only 19. We went to dances, ate free food and saw some free shows,” he said, remembering his favorite was the Rockettes.

When Limberg was discharged in fall 1946 he had to find his way back home.

“Since I was listed in the Army Air Forces at the start, I was able to go out to the airport to bum a ride. I got one to Denver; I had to sit on the floor flying back on bomber planes, a B-25. They gave me a parachute to sit on. Then I had to wait at the airport till another was going to Hill Air Field. I hitchhiked home from airfield,” he said, remembering that he didn’t tell his family that he was discharged. “The service gave me money to go home on, but I wanted to keep that in my pocket.”

After the military, Limberg attended a

commercial art school and was employed lettering signs that advertised grocery store sales. He eventually opened his own business, Sign Art Studio, downtown. He also served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone.

Limberg has been recognized for his volunteer service as a watercolor teacher at several area senior centers and Murray Heritage Center. His artwork also has been on display at Murray City Hall.

He has volunteered at the local hospital where he delivered flowers and wheelchaired patients to their rooms. He took a break from helping, but he plans to return soon.

“I still drive. I have a little arthritis, but I can still get around. I can’t believe I got this old. Everybody asks what’s your secret? I don’t have any secret; I just eat whatever. In four more years, I can make 100. That’s my goal,” Limberg said from his house, the former home of Murray Mayor Larell Muir. “I think back, and I never felt I was in serious danger at all. Those guys who were coming back from the war, they had been through hell. This Honor Flight was something that was really cool. I feel like I don’t deserve this because I wasn’t in the trenches like others, but I did serve my country. It was something to remember.”l

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During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

Murray City Council elections: Candidates compete across three districts

Asthe Murray City Council primary elections draw near, residents of Murray City are gearing up to cast their votes and choose their representatives for the City Council. With candidates vying for positions in three districts, the election presents an opportunity for residents to shape the future of their city. Districts 1, 3 and 5 have diverse candidates, each bringing unique qualifications, visions and plans for the respective districts.

Murray residents in Districts 1 and 3 will vote in the special primary election on Sept. 5 and the municipal and special general elections on Nov. 21. The last day to register to vote online for the primary election is Aug. 25.

The Utah State Legislature changed election dates to accommodate a special election to replace Rep. Chris Stewart in Congress this year. The solution that state lawmakers have landed on is to push back this year’s municipal election dates for the primary and general elections. However, Stewart’s Congressional district is outside Murray, and residents won’t be voting in that race.

District 1

City Councilor Phil Markham has nixed any re-election effort to his interim role with the council since January. Markham was appointed to fill the position of Kat Martinez, who moved before her term was through. District 1, which covers the city’s northwest corner, will eliminate one of the following candidates in the special primary election.

At the July 11, City Council Committee of the Whole meeting it was announced that Markham would take over Community and Economic Development after its Director Jared Hall was fired. Markham had previously served as a member of the Planning Commission.

Paul Pickett, who declares himself a longterm resident of Murray, is currently a manager at BYU-Pathway. He taught secondary school for 22 years, including four years in Murray.

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Pickett attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He graduated from the University of Utah and holds a master’s degree from Washington State University.

David Rodgers has experience in municipal governments at both the city and county levels. Rodgers received his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Southern Utah University and recently completed his master’s of Public Administration from Southern Utah University. Rodgers serves as a Transportation Planner for Salt Lake County.

Aaron Thompson, according to his candidate biography, claims two decades of corporate risk management. Thompson has worked with the Utah Attorney General’s Office in Consumer Protection and Commercial Enforcement, Headwaters Incorporated, KSL TV Broadcast Group, and Vivint Solar. Thompson has served on the West Jordan General Planning and Parks and Open Lands Sub Committees.

District 3

Who won’t be running in District 3 City Council election? District 3’s City Council race in Murray has attracted considerable attention, with five candidates vying to challenge Rosalba Dominguez, who currently holds the seat. District 3 covers the northern part of Murray, including the evolving downtown area. In the special primary election, District 3 voters will be able to narrow down the field by eliminating four candidates.

Jim Brass seeks to reclaim his old council seat. Ten votes defeated Brass in the last primary election, in which Dominguez was eventually elected. He was Murray’s longest-serving city councilor, with four terms on the council. After leaving the council, he helped organize the Murray Children’s Pantry.

Clark Bullen is no stranger to Murray politics either. In the last municipal election, he challenged Brett Hales for Murray’s mayor

office. Bullen served on the Murray Arts board and is the Director of Implementation at CUI Benefits; and has a degree from the University of Utah.

Rosalba Dominguez currently serves as the City Council Member for District 3 starting in 2020. Dominguez has been involved in the community through her work with the State of Utah Hispanic Advisory Council, serving as Vice Chair of the Salt Lake County Hispanic Democratic Council and is a member of the I.J. & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center.

Scott Goodman is a 30-year Army veteran who currently holds the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) rank and leads an Army Reserve unit of 1,200 soldiers in Ohio. Additionally, he is employed at G.E. HealthCare and serves on the Murray City Public Safety Advisory Board.

Leann Parker-Reed has a degree from Weber State University. With a background in Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Studies, Parker-Reed has also been involved in various community initiatives, including serving as a U.S. Census Enumerator. Her community involvement includes participation in organizations such as the Murray Children’s Pantry and Spartan Closet.

Janice Strobell, a Murray resident for over 30 years, is a frequent commentator in city meetings, particularly on Murray’s downtown and historical preservation issues. Strobell founded Preserve Murray, a historical

preservation group.

District 5

With only two candidates, voters in southern Murray’s District 5 will wait to decide between the two candidates in the special general election. Both candidates faced off when the city council voted for one of them to fill a council vacancy.

Adam Hock, a 10-year resident of Murray, teaches at Murray High and Hillcrest Junior High. He holds a master’s in American History from the University of Utah. He has chaired Hillcrest Junior High and Longview Elementary community councils and coached basketball and baseball for Murray Rec youth sports programs.

Garry Hrechkosy, the current incumbent, was appointed to fill the vacancy of Brett Hales when he was elected to the Mayor’s office in 2022. He is seeking his first full term as an elected official. Hrechkosy is the Vice President of Accounting and Controller for MX Technologies and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Hrechkosy holds an honors bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Utah.

Voters can view candidate profiles and links to campaign websites at www.murray. utah.gov/1904/2023-Candidate-Profiles. To learn more about voter registration and the special election, visit the Salt Lake County Clerk’s website, slco.vote.l

Candidates for Murray City Council meet residents at the Murray Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Candidate Night.” (Photo courtesy of Historic Murray First Foundation)

Murray residents gathered at Murray Park for the Murray Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Candidate Night.” (Photo courtesy of Historic Murray First Foundation)

Did you get your property tax statement and feel overwhelmed trying to understand it? Every year we get calls from residents who need help making sense of their tax statement, so here is some info that might be useful.

The county treasurer is responsible for collecting taxes for over 70 different entities, not just Salt Lake County. That means that your city/township, school district, water districts, and other entities show up on your property tax statement. Once we get the money, we distribute it to the different taxing entities.

One great thing about our state is that Truth-in-Taxation is required. That means you will be notified if a government entity is trying to raise your taxes. This concept is all about transparency and making sure the government is open and honest about how your tax dollars are being used. Taxation is necessary for funding various public services, such as schools, parks, roads and public safety. But as taxpayers, it’s crucial for you to know where your hard-earned money is going.

Just because a tax rate stays the same, doesn’t mean your taxes won’t increase. After your property is assessed, the county adds in additional growth and then divides all the property values by the proposed budget amount. That is how we get the tax rate. Government cannot collect more than what they

Understanding your property tax statement

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

did the previous year without a Truth-in-Taxation hearing.

If property values and growth are going up, your tax rate would go down if there was no additional tax increase. When taxing entities tell you the rate hasn’t changed, that still could mean a tax increase from that entity. Don’t worry, though… it should be crystal clear on your property tax statement if it’s an increase. If there is a public meeting, that entity is raising your taxes this year.

As part of this process, governmental agencies are required to hold public hearings to discuss tax-related matters. These hearings are an excellent opportunity for you to voice your opinions and concerns regarding how tax dollars should be allocated. But how do you find out when these hearings are taking place? That’s where your notice of valuation comes in.

Notice of valuation is a document sent to

homeowners that provides information about the assessed value of their property. It’s an important notice because it includes details about upcoming hearings related to property taxes. These hearings give you the chance to speak up and let your elected officials know what you think about the tax rates and how they affect you.

So, why is it important for you to notice when public hearings are available and take the opportunity to comment? Well, simply put, it’s your chance to be heard. By attend-

ing these hearings or submitting comments, you can influence the decisions that impact your community and your wallet. Your voice matters, and by actively participating, you can help shape the future of taxation in Salt Lake County.

Remember, your voice matters, and by participating in the process, you can help shape a fair and transparent system that benefits everyone in Salt Lake County. Together, we can create positive change and ensure our tax dollars are used wisely.

Women who work outside the home are supernatural shapeshifters. One minute they’re closing the deal on a $5-million property and the next minute they’re on the phone with their 5-year-old daughter who’s upset because the parakeet won’t talk to her.

I think we can agree women are in the workplace. I think we can agree most households need two incomes to afford the basics like food, shelter and Netflix. I think we can also agree that mothers take on the biggest load when it comes to child care. Well, our country’s child care system is failing women in a spectacular SpaceX explosion kind of way.

This disparity was highlighted during COVID, an infuriating pandemic where millions of women lost their jobs. As child care centers closed, women were usually the ones to step away from their careers to become full-time school teachers, nurses, referees, short-order cooks, video game experts and day drinkers.

Single mothers always draw the short straw when it comes to child care choices. If you’ve never been a single mom who has to decide between using a vacation day or leaving her sick 11 year old at home alone, consider yourself lucky.

Care.com reported on child care costs in the U.S., showing the average family

It Takes a Village

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

spends 27% of their income on child care with the majority spending around $18,000 each year. Utah’s costs are a bit lower than the national average but we make up for that by having one bajillion children.

There are always people who say, “Women should be home raising their children. Problem solved.” Guess what? Problem not solved because most families need two incomes to get by, even adding in the cost of child care. When women choose to stay home, it takes a big bite out of the household income.

To combat this, parents work multiple jobs, alternate work schedules with a spouse or partner, rely on family members to babysit and hope their toddler becomes a child star to cover living expenses.

Employers, do you know how often moms worry about asking for time off to take kids to dentist appointments, doctor visits, parent-teacher conferences, lobot-

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omies, etc.? It’s constant. There’ve been times when I was shamed by my boss because I needed to deal with a situation at home. That should never happen.

Women and families need child care support and it’s about damn time to get

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Let’s start with free (or low-cost) onsite child care. Let’s throw in flexible and remote schedules that allow parents to be home after school. Let’s address the stupid 40-hour work week that’s not only a waste of time, but a drain on families.

Kim Kardashian pays each of her nannies (she has at least four on call 24/7) nearly $100,000 per year. She got it right. That’s what women should be paid for watching children because it’s mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting. But the average family can’t afford ONE nanny for even half that price.

And, yes, sometimes it’s the father who stays home with the kids (and they struggle, too) but the majority of child care responsibility is placed on mothers.

Mothers are expected to work competently at a full-time job and turn into Mary Poppins/Mrs. Doubtfire/Amelia Bedelia the minute they get home. We’re tired of shapeshifting. It’s making us cranky.

If employers want to hire shapeshifters, they’d better be prepared to offer flexibility, creativity and full value for that skill or we’ll take our talents and go home. And then nobody wins.

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