Open Up!

I went to the House Democratic Caucus meeting today. It was fascinating. I've been before, as a reporter, but I'm wearing a candidate hat now. I introduced myself as a candidate for Salt Lake County Council and they gave me a warm reception.

Interestingly, on the floor directly beneath us at the Capitol the House Republican Caucus was also meeting--in secret. That's the way of doing business with the House majority. Apparently, the members decided to push their own version of a legislative ethics package, perhaps saving the citizens of Utah from deciding the issue for themselves on the 2010 ballot. It would have been great to hear the discussion surrounding the ethics issue.

I think the GOP may finally be getting the message. People are sick to death of business as usual at the Legislature. They're afraid to leave it to the voters.

And I'm glad the Democrats continue to hold open caucus meetings, where they are doing the people's business.

What do you want?

People I talk to in this campaign want these things (and this list is not even close to exhaustive!):

1. Clean air along the Wasatch Front. The whole state, for that matter.
2. Honesty. Please spend our tax money openly and with honest intent.
3. Bipartisan spirit. Yes, you are a Democrat, they say, but can you please play nice with the other party in the sandbox?

I'm only beginning. More TK.

Bright Starr

I've had plenty of help so far in this campaign, but mostly through informal channels. Today I hired Samantha Starr as my official campaign manager. Samantha comes with great cred. She managed state Rep. Laura Black's (D-Midvale) legislative campaign in 2008 and has done a great deal of work in grass-roots organization. She is just what this campaign needs: intellect, a great work ethic, experience, tenacity. I think it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!