Can’t get into Zions or Bryce? Try Provo

Many of us have looked at our at federal government with great frustration and disdain over the last week or so as the Fed’s have shutdown our national parks.  With the federal government owning so much of our land in Utah, this is a big deal.  The surrounding communities near the Parks rely heavily on those tourist dollars to sustain their local economies.  It appears a short term solution from our Governor will temporarily fund the national parks. I’m pleased to see the proactive measures he’s taken.

While people were literally locked out of our great parks I wondered why more people don’t consider visiting Provo?  Provo Canyon’s colors are wonderful right now.  Sundance and Deer Creek Reservoir are just minutes away. The Canyon boasts two beautiful waterfalls – Bridal Veil and the Upper Falls with one of the best river trails in the country.  And let’s face it, if Rock Canyon were anywhere in Southern Utah it would be a state park or a national park by itself – it is that beautiful, and has a number of great hiking trails, and rock climbing features for climbers of all skill levels.

Oh, and did I mention the huge fresh water lake on our western border?  Boating, fishing, and camping are all available. 

In the Economic Development Strategic Plan the hospitality and tourism industry was cited as a potential economic opportunity for Provo to pursue.  With all our wonderful amenities I say why not? 

Provo is blessed with a number of natural treasures.  We may not be Zion’s or Bryce but I invite all those who are disappointed to not be able to see our national parks to spend a few days in the heart of Utah County.  I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Shutdown Solution - Let's get Local

Last night after dropping some campaign door-hangers with my family we went to Macy's for ice-cream (I've found ice-cream is the primary currency with my kids when it comes time for campaign help).  I think I might as well set up my campaign headquarters at the Macy's Deli because I probably bumped into six or seven supporters that stopped to ask me how the campaign was going.

One friend lamented how frustrated she was at the Federal Government shutdown.  Although, I'm running for local office this topic often comes up during my discussions on people's doorsteps.  Having spent some time back in Washington DC, first as a graduate student on the Senate side, and then as a Legislative Analyst on the House side a few years later, I can certainly sympathize with the frustration.

Even working on Capitol Hill I could sense how difficult it was to truly make a difference.  Even a member of Congress was still just one of 535 people clamoring to be heard; let alone the single citizen trying to petition the Federal Government for some sort of change.  That's why I'm excited for the potential opportunity to serve locally.

Speaker Boehner and Nancy Pelosi will never drive our streets. Their children and grandchildren will never go to our schools.  They are so far removed from our daily lives that in many respects it's insulting when they claim they understand what the average family or small business needs or goes through everyday.

While we all feel a sense of helplessness regarding our government at the federal level let's do what we can in our local communities.  We best understand our local challenges and are better equipped to come up with solutions. Heck, I'll take Mayor John Curtis over Harry Reid any
day!

So to Congress, I say - grow-up, get back to work, and try to stay out of our way would you?