Provo as a Model for the New GOP

Provo's own Jamie Littlefield wrote a thoughtful article in the Desert News this week featured in the "My View" section.  In the article titled "There's a good model city in Utah for the (New) Republican Party" Jamie outlines a number of things Provo has done to maintain its identity as a conservative town.

I'm not sure I've ever heard someone so succinctly and correctly describe Provo's style of conservatism as this:

"Provo has a unique brand of socially conscious conservatism: back-to-the-basics values that are practiced with people and practicality in mind.

For the past several years, Provo has succeed by ignoring extremist antics and staying focused on pared-down conservative ideals: practicing fiscal responsibility, focusing on individual freedoms, encouraging the private market and approaching social issues with reasonable solutions. Meanwhile, they're gaining traction with millennials by using social media and encouraging citizen engagement."

Back-to-the-basics values...and practicality in mind.  Amen!

In Provo we've been able to set ourselves apart from the rest of the country by following those basic principles. Jamie, goes on to list a number of examples of these principles in action - from back yard chickens to Google Fiber.

I was also encouraged to see Jamie comment that the younger generation, students, recent grads, and young families are really contributing to so many positive things happening in Provo.  If I'm elected I believe (I'll need to double check) I would be the only one on the Council with kids in elementary school - maybe even Jr. High.  I really feel we need that perspective represented on the Council.

I'm pleased to see this sort of article appear in the paper and do truly hope that those leaders in both of our nation's national parties do look to the good things we are doing here in Provo as a model for their own platforms and ideals.

Let's keep these good things happening in Provo and not roadblock progress.