A New Year to focus on issues important to you
W
e’re well into the new year, and that means new opportunities to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. In January I was also sworn in to serve another term representing you on the Salt Lake County Council. Thanks to those of you who supported my re-election. To those who did not, please know that I take the charge to represent ALL my constituents very seriously, whether you voted for me or not. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I commit to being accessible and responsive to my constituents, and to bringing renewed vigor to the great tasks ahead of us as a community. For the coming term, as well as this legislative session, here are some of the key issues I’ll be focusing on. I’ve fought for our trails and open space, and I’m pleased to see added resources for the gem of the west side: the Jordan River
Trail. As I represent the county on the Jordan River Commission, I’ve had opportunities to support additional trails, a bike rental program, and added law enforcement along the river. I will continue to push for additional resources, because we need to keep this a fun and safe place for people and families to recreate. I also serve as a board member for Prevent Child Abuse Utah, and I’m a big proponent of education in our schools on this important topic. One in five kids in Utah will be sexually abused before age 18, and I’m determined to reduce this startling statistic. For free parent education, go to pcautah.org. I’m eager to see continued work at the state level for mental health crisis resources. Suicide is the most preventable cause of death, and I’ll be particularly interested to support legislation or county initiatives that can help curb this epidemic. As I serve on the
state’s mental health crisis commission, I will continue to push for things like more mental health counselors in schools and receiving centers in the valley. I also chair the county’s intergenerational poverty task force, where we’ve been collaborating with local leaders in human services, education, mental health, and local and state government to improve resources for impoverished families and remove any barriers to their success. Any legislation that supports families stuck in a cycle of poverty, in a fiscally responsible way, ought to be supported. We also need to keep the momentum strong on criminal justice reform, through improved substance abuse treatment programs and enhanced mental health tools in the community, so that those incarcerated don’t become repeat offenders. This, while still providing sufficient jail bed space to en-
able police to do their jobs, is vital. A safe community is my top priority. Another pressing issue that’s top of mind this time of year is our air quality. For the quality of life as well as overall health, increasingly working to curb emissions is something we can all get behind. Sensible government policy ought to be part of the equation, but all of us can do our part today by being more mindful of how much we drive and seeking to reduce trips. All of these issues, and many more, are intrinsically tied to the current and future success of our county and our state. I’m optimistic about the future of Salt Lake County and Utah because I’ve seen the goodness in our people, the strength of our economy, and the courage in our hearts to work even harder to build a bright future for our kids. Thanks for putting your trust in me to serve you once again! l
Protek Fire & Systems Protek Fire was started in 2015. After watching how expensive corporate companies were for less than great service our owners created Protek. We believe in giving the best products and services to our customers. We believe in high quality work and we have partnered with the leading manufacturers to offer the systems we can stand behind. Each owner brings over 15 years experience. We strive to always be the best in the fire alarm industry. We would love to help you with all your fire alarm and extinguisher needs. PleaSe call 801-718-1055 to Set uP an aPPointment.
www.protekfs.com
WestJordanJournal .com
February 2019 | Page 21