In my life I have traveled to several foreign countries and met people from a wide range of places around the globe. The vast majority are gracious and kind. They care about other people and are willing to share when they see someone in need.

A recent survey announced on Utah Policy.com found that 48 percent of Utahns disapprove of the job of the state legislature, while only 41 percent approve. That is a significant drop in the past year. Legislators are in trouble.

The other day, I called my state legislator as a constituent. I was particularly concerned about the special session on tax reform and wanted to hear what his thoughts were. Before he was elected, I knew him to be a devoted family man and political moderate with whom I shared many values and viewpoints, and so I felt comfortable calling him.

By all typical definitions of a minor party, we should be ignored. For example, rarely does anyone see much news coverage of the Greens, the Libertarians, or Constitution Party, particularly outside of an election year. The United Utah Party should be treated the same.

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote later this week on a resolution that would outline the process for going forward with an impeachment inquiry into the actions of President Trump.  An impeachment inquiry is a grave step and it should be a rare situation for the nation.  Unfortunately, the controversy over this inquiry has divided across party lines.  Only a handful of Republicans, including Senator Mitt Romney, have noted that the president’s behavior is deeply troubling and require further investigation.

I want to thank those who have stepped up recently to serve as county officers—as county chair, vice chair, secretary/treasurer, and legislative district chair. There is not a higher calling in life than to serve others. Those who serve in these positions are serving not only the party members in their county and district, but also the voters in those areas.

I have a 16 month old granddaughter who is learning to walk. Right now, she walks like she is leaving a bar after too many drinks. And she falls down a lot. 

Last Saturday, the party hosted an issue summit on tax reform.  John Valentine, chairman of the State Tax Commission, made a presentation showing the growing gap between tax revenues and services that has been building for over 20 years.  Increasingly, the state legislature and the governor have cut taxes and created a pending severe budget shortfall.