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Our political system has gotten increasingly divisive. Some care more about “winning” than serving the best interests of their communities and constituents. Certain politicians and groups even purposely divide us for their political gain. I’m getting involved because I know there is a better way. I believe there is much more that connects us than separates us. Professionally, I’ve worked with people in our state, from across the country, well-known and even international clients. And the thing is, we’re all much alike. We do ourselves a disservice when we awfulize each other, unfairly judge other “sides,” and don’t take the time to have good old-fashioned dialogue and respect. Running for office takes some courage and vulnerability. I care about what’s happening in our communities and world, and I care about what we’re leaving for our children and future generations. I want to be involved and make a difference.
Our political system has gotten increasingly divisive. Some care more about “winning” than serving the best interests of their communities and constituents. Certain politicians and groups even purposely divide us for their political gain. I’m getting involved because I know there is a better way. I believe there is much more that connects us than separates us. Professionally, I’ve worked with people in our state, from across the country, well-known and even international clients. And the thing is, we’re all much alike. We do ourselves a disservice when we awfulize each other, unfairly judge other “sides,” and don’t take the time to have good old-fashioned dialogue and respect. Running for office takes some courage and vulnerability. I care about what’s happening in our communities and world, and I care about what we’re leaving for our children and future generations. I want to be involved and make a difference.
They are our future and they deserve at least what previous generations left for us. Young people are dependent on us in so many ways and often have little say in what’s transpiring around them. Keeping kids in mind in all of our policy decisions and planning is of the utmost importance. We cannot rob their future for the comforts, shortcuts, neglect and indulgences of today. Supporting families is vital; a well-rounded educational experience for all children is paramount; social-emotional support and mental well-being is key; and we must be good stewards of the land we enjoy around us to ensure it’s healthy preservation for generations to come. I’ve valued spending much of my career working with young people, their families, and volunteering among them. They have so much to offer and they deserve our best.
They are our future and they deserve at least what previous generations left for us. Young people are dependent on us in so many ways and often have little say in what’s transpiring around them. Keeping kids in mind in all of our policy decisions and planning is of the utmost importance. We cannot rob their future for the comforts, shortcuts, neglect and indulgences of today. Supporting families is vital; a well-rounded educational experience for all children is paramount; social-emotional support and mental well-being is key; and we must be good stewards of the land we enjoy around us to ensure it’s healthy preservation for generations to come. I’ve valued spending much of my career working with young people, their families, and volunteering among them. They have so much to offer and they deserve our best.
It’s no surprise our air problems are real. It’s easy to see this during smog-filled inversions over winter and summer, as well as during devastating forest fires, though it can be harder to remember when weather systems clear and the sun comes out. In August 2021, Utah had the worst air in the WORLD, and that’s not meant as a figure of speech. Just this December, Utah had the worst air quality in the country. The Greater Salt Lake Area consistently ranks among the most concerning in the nation. Our air quality is more than just a gloomy sight and downer on moods. It has real, tangible effects on both present and long-term physical health and brain function. And, it often impacts those most who create it least; our children and seniors, along with the accumulative effects it can have on all of us over time.
It’s no surprise our air problems are real. It’s easy to see this during smog-filled inversions over winter and summer, as well as during devastating forest fires, though it can be harder to remember when weather systems clear and the sun comes out. In August 2021, Utah had the worst air in the WORLD, and that’s not meant as a figure of speech. Just this December, Utah had the worst air quality in the country. The Greater Salt Lake Area consistently ranks among the most concerning in the nation. Our air quality is more than just a gloomy sight and downer on moods. It has real, tangible effects on both present and long-term physical health and brain function. And, it often impacts those most who create it least; our children and seniors, along with the accumulative effects it can have on all of us over time.
Some of the concerning consequences include increased risk of respiratory illness; heart attack and disease; stroke; lung cancer; shortened life spans; asthma attacks; developmental and long-term lung damage in children, including impaired neurocognitive development in infancy and childhood; low infant birth weight, premature birth and infant mortality; effects on immune system and organ development during prenatal exposure; cognitive decline and dementia later in life; impact on mental health; and various respiratory symptoms. This can have life-long consequences for young people. Studies also show children test lower in Math, English language arts, and other academic performance with significant air pollution exposure. Sometimes kids don’t get to go out and play at school or otherwise. These are serious impacts and are unacceptable for our families, friends and communities.
Billions of federal dollars are available to assist with these processes, including incentives, credits and rebates for cleaner technologies and design, including in housing and development, as well as things like clean school bus programs for zero or low emission models. Industry that contributes significantly to our state of air must also follow regulations and be held responsible to such. We need to work with them actively to mitigate the real consequences experienced by our communities. There is more we can do, from increasing sustainable energy diversification and infrastructure; EV charging access; improving building energy efficiency via methods like solar technology and geothermal energy; supporting transportation alternatives, and the bikeability and walkability of our cities. For those not ready to try things like electric, everyone still benefits from cleaner air choices by others. We all share the air.
Some of the concerning consequences include increased risk of respiratory illness; heart attack and disease; stroke; lung cancer; shortened life spans; asthma attacks; developmental and long-term lung damage in children, including impaired neurocognitive development in infancy and childhood; low infant birth weight, premature birth and infant mortality; effects on immune system and organ development during prenatal exposure; cognitive decline and dementia later in life; impact on mental health; and various respiratory symptoms. This can have life-long consequences for young people. Studies also show children test lower in Math, English language arts, and other academic performance with significant air pollution exposure. Sometimes kids don’t get to go out and play at school or otherwise. These are serious impacts and are unacceptable for our families, friends and communities.
Billions of federal dollars are available to assist with these processes, including incentives, credits and rebates for cleaner technologies and design, including in housing and development, as well as things like clean school bus programs for zero or low emission models. Industry that contributes significantly to our state of air must also follow regulations and be held responsible to such. We need to work with them actively to mitigate the real consequences experienced by our communities. There is more we can do, from increasing sustainable energy diversification and infrastructure; EV charging access; improving building energy efficiency via methods like solar technology and geothermal energy; supporting transportation alternatives, and the bikeability and walkability of our cities. For those not ready to try things like electric, everyone still benefits from cleaner air choices by others. We all share the air.
Fiscal responsibility is important to Davis County and it should be. Your funds need to serve you and the essential functions of our area. They are to enhance and benefit our residents, remain efficient, and ineffective usage needs to be mitigated. It’s important that we keep our budget balanced and prioritize the goals of the community. Some county budget items include Library Services, Buildings, Facilities, Roads & Transportation, the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Emergency and Paramedic, Corrections, Search & Rescue, Justice Court, Children’s Justice Center, Inmate Services, the Health Department, County Economic Development, Tourism, Public Works, Animal Care, Elections, Offices of the County, Home Buyer Assistance, Opioid Settlement, Sales Tax, State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Golf Courses, and community development grants from federal & state resources such as HUD, among others. As commissioner, I will be invested in maximizing benefits in funding goals and outcomes, as well as the prosperity of our County.
Fiscal responsibility is important to Davis County and it should be. Your funds need to serve you and the essential functions of our area. They are to enhance and benefit our residents, remain efficient, and ineffective usage needs to be mitigated. It’s important that we keep our budget balanced and prioritize the goals of the community. Some county budget items include Library Services, Buildings, Facilities, Roads & Transportation, the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Emergency and Paramedic, Corrections, Search & Rescue, Justice Court, Children’s Justice Center, Inmate Services, the Health Department, County Economic Development, Tourism, Public Works, Animal Care, Elections, Offices of the County, Home Buyer Assistance, Opioid Settlement, Sales Tax, State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Golf Courses, and community development grants from federal & state resources such as HUD, among others. As commissioner, I will be invested in maximizing benefits in funding goals and outcomes, as well as the prosperity of our County.
For the last 20 years I have worked in mental health, primarily with young people and families. This began when I was a college student working with children and adolescents in day treatment and residential programs under Primary Children’s. I interned in Washington, D.C. through the Hinckley Institute of Politics with a government contracting firm for domestic social services and international development. There, I continued to learn about government and helped with management of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, and the National Head Start Conference in D.C. As I entered my Master of Social Work program, I did group work in correctional settings at Adult Probation & Parole and a halfway house for adults who had committed offenses.
For the last 20 years I have worked in mental health, primarily with young people and families. This began when I was a college student working with children and adolescents in day treatment and residential programs under Primary Children’s. I interned in Washington, D.C. through the Hinckley Institute of Politics with a government contracting firm for domestic social services and international development. There, I continued to learn about government and helped with management of the National Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, and the National Head Start Conference in D.C. As I entered my Master of Social Work program, I did group work in correctional settings at Adult Probation & Parole and a halfway house for adults who had committed offenses.
My second year graduate internship was at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute (now the Huntsman Mental Health Institute) with the University of Utah Health. There, I worked in an intensive outpatient group program with teenagers who were struggling with substance use, their families, and a day treatment program for young people needing social-emotional assistance and support with learning differences. Additionally, I provided social work services on the inpatient crisis unit for young people and their families. After graduation and professional licensure, I was hired to stay and co-manage the IOP after-school program under clinical supervision. We provided an aftercare group and free community resource meeting for the public around substance issues. Thereafter, I was offered a position at an expressive arts residential therapeutic boarding school assisting families and young women facing depression & anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation and self-harm, disordered eating, learning needs, social and relational challenges.
When we moved to Western Colorado, I worked with a nonprofit counseling center providing outpatient therapy to under-privileged families who had limited access to care, for little to sometimes no cost. I also contracted and coordinated with the County for social work services and consultation assisting early Head Start children, their families and childcare centers. Additionally, I enjoyed teaching undergraduates as an adjunct professor with the local University, some of whom were first-generation students and came from a variety of social, economic, and racial backgrounds. Once returning to Utah, I helped direct a transitional house program and staff for young adult males attending Weber State who were struggling with anxiety and related disorders. Then, as a therapist with an affiliated program for adolescent boys and their families with similar needs.
Since, I have been working with adults, couples, adolescents and families in an outpatient therapy setting. As we know, mental health needs are a significant experience facing many of our youth, families and friends. They must remain a pressing priority for our community. The Davis County Health Department, Davis Behavioral Health and network of other mental health providers and agencies can help connect residents to services, including for emotional, mental and substance use issues; LGBTQ+ support; Spanish-speaking access; and for those having experienced violence, abuse and trauma. As I commissioner, I will be invested in continuing to strengthen mental health resources and well-being in our county.
My second year graduate internship was at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute (now the Huntsman Mental Health Institute) with the University of Utah Health. There, I worked in an intensive outpatient group program with teenagers who were struggling with substance use, their families, and a day treatment program for young people needing social-emotional assistance and support with learning differences. Additionally, I provided social work services on the inpatient crisis unit for young people and their families. After graduation and professional licensure, I was hired to stay and co-manage the IOP after-school program under clinical supervision. We provided an aftercare group and free community resource meeting for the public around substance issues. Thereafter, I was offered a position at an expressive arts residential therapeutic boarding school assisting families and young women facing depression & anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation and self-harm, disordered eating, learning needs, social and relational challenges.
When we moved to Western Colorado, I worked with a nonprofit counseling center providing outpatient therapy to under-privileged families who had limited access to care, for little to sometimes no cost. I also contracted and coordinated with the County for social work services and consultation assisting early Head Start children, their families and childcare centers. Additionally, I enjoyed teaching undergraduates as an adjunct professor with the local University, some of whom were first-generation students and came from a variety of social, economic, and racial backgrounds. Once returning to Utah, I helped direct a transitional house program and staff for young adult males attending Weber State who were struggling with anxiety and related disorders. Then, as a therapist with an affiliated program for adolescent boys and their families with similar needs.
Since, I have been working with adults, couples, adolescents and families in an outpatient therapy setting. As we know, mental health needs are a significant experience facing many of our youth, families and friends. They must remain a pressing priority for our community. The Davis County Health Department, Davis Behavioral Health and network of other mental health providers and agencies can help connect residents to services, including for emotional, mental and substance use issues; LGBTQ+ support; Spanish-speaking access; and for those having experienced violence, abuse and trauma. As I commissioner, I will be invested in continuing to strengthen mental health resources and well-being in our county.
The Great Salt Lake isn’t going to be solved by any one community. It requires the State Legislature, Governor’s office, other organizations and agencies, and the rest of us proximate to the GSL area. We’ve been the second driest state with some of the highest municipal water use per person in the nation. Davis County is unique in that the lake runs across our entire western boundaries. In fact, the lake, its wetlands, and Antelope Island make up the majority area of our county. If there were ever a community that should be invested in the well-being and vitality of the Great Salt Lake, it’s ours. The lake and its surrounding areas bring us beauty, recreation, industry and economy. It’s also the most important bird migratory lake region in the West with roughly 10 million birds stopping here annually, some of which fly from as far away as the the southern tip of South America.
The Great Salt Lake isn’t going to be solved by any one community. It requires the State Legislature, Governor’s office, other organizations and agencies, and the rest of us proximate to the GSL area. We’ve been the second driest state with some of the highest municipal water use per person in the nation. Davis County is unique in that the lake runs across our entire western boundaries. In fact, the lake, its wetlands, and Antelope Island make up the majority area of our county. If there were ever a community that should be invested in the well-being and vitality of the Great Salt Lake, it’s ours. The lake and its surrounding areas bring us beauty, recreation, industry and economy. It’s also the most important bird migratory lake region in the West with roughly 10 million birds stopping here annually, some of which fly from as far away as the the southern tip of South America.
The Great Salt Lake truly is an integral landscape phenomenon interconnecting both hemispheres. It hosts a multi-million dollar brine shrimp industry supporting a large bulk of prawn and shrimp farming around the world, as well as holds significant resources for other industries. Along with these valuable assets the lake brings to us and the natural world, the collapse of the lake could threaten our ability to live healthily along its borders. Already, toxic dust samples have been well-documented with high levels of arsenic and other contaminants in the lake bed. The more the lake recedes, the more surrounding communities are exposed. We must avoid a scenario where people are choosing between staying in our region and risking dangerous exposure, or moving to greener pastures.
We need not look further than other saline lakes across the world, including California’s Owens Lake that dried up last century. This created the worst dust pollution in the country and contributed to a nearby community becoming a ghost town. Another Californian lake and a sister of sorts to the GSL in characteristic and bird migratory importance, Mono Lake, is the largest source of human-caused dust in the nation, much of it due to diverting tributary streams and feeds away before they arrive. There are dire and consequential examples in other parts of the world as well. Simply put, Davis County would not be what it is without the Great Salt Lake. It’s integral to our past, present, and continued prosperity. When I was a young boy, the lake was at peak levels. Now, in recent years, it has reached record lows with two-thirds drying up in just a portion of many of our lifetimes.
Water use and management are paramount, as our region’s growth has profoundly impacted the lake in a very short time. The surrounding wetlands and shorelands remain a crucial part of the lake ecosystem and life it sustains. Additionally, a diminishing Great Salt Lake impacts weather patterns and precipitation, leaving our mountains, watershed, and recreation even more vulnerable to diminished snow, and our region and agriculture more exposed to regular drought. So much is riding on the health and vitality of the lake. We have the opportunity to do our part during this critical time in its history, both for people and the wildlife it’s home to.
The Great Salt Lake truly is an integral landscape phenomenon interconnecting both hemispheres. It hosts a multi-million dollar brine shrimp industry supporting a large bulk of prawn and shrimp farming around the world, as well as holds significant resources for other industries. Along with these valuable assets the lake brings to us and the natural world, the collapse of the lake could threaten our ability to live healthily along its borders. Already, toxic dust samples have been well-documented with high levels of arsenic and other contaminants in the lake bed. The more the lake recedes, the more surrounding communities are exposed. We must avoid a scenario where people are choosing between staying in our region and risking dangerous exposure, or moving to greener pastures.
We need not look further than other saline lakes across the world, including California’s Owens Lake that dried up last century. This created the worst dust pollution in the country and contributed to a nearby community becoming a ghost town. Another Californian lake and a sister of sorts to the GSL in characteristic and bird migratory importance, Mono Lake, is the largest source of human-caused dust in the nation, much of it due to diverting tributary streams and feeds away before they arrive. There are dire and consequential examples in other parts of the world as well. Simply put, Davis County would not be what it is without the Great Salt Lake. It’s integral to our past, present, and continued prosperity. When I was a young boy, the lake was at peak levels. Now, in recent years, it has reached record lows with two-thirds drying up in just a portion of many of our lifetimes.
Water use and management are paramount, as our region’s growth has profoundly impacted the lake in a very short time. The surrounding wetlands and shorelands remain a crucial part of the lake ecosystem and life it sustains. Additionally, a diminishing Great Salt Lake impacts weather patterns and precipitation, leaving our mountains, watershed, and recreation even more vulnerable to diminished snow, and our region and agriculture more exposed to regular drought. So much is riding on the health and vitality of the lake. We have the opportunity to do our part during this critical time in its history, both for people and the wildlife it’s home to.
Davis County as a population has bloomed in full fashion in recent decades, despite having the smallest land area of counties in the State. For some, loss of what once was is felt and missed, while others have experienced new opportunity. Growth and Conservation are commonly at odds with each other. However we grow, we must do it sustainably by thinking long term, not just in the now, and from the wisdom we may draw in understanding our history. For context, the County population has experienced many doublings in less than a century. From 16 thousand less than a hundred years ago in 1940, to over a third of a million now, we have experienced rapid accelerating growth. After World War II, the County doubled in the decade of 1940-50, then again in the next. Between 1960 and ’80, population growth doubled once more up to 147,000.
Davis County as a population has bloomed in full fashion in recent decades, despite having the smallest land area of counties in the State. For some, loss of what once was is felt and missed, while others have experienced new opportunity. Growth and Conservation are commonly at odds with each other. However we grow, we must do it sustainably by thinking long term, not just in the now, and from the wisdom we may draw in understanding our history. For context, the County population has experienced many doublings in less than a century. From 16 thousand less than a hundred years ago in 1940, to over a third of a million now, we have experienced rapid accelerating growth. After World War II, the County doubled in the decade of 1940-50, then again in the next. Between 1960 and ’80, population growth doubled once more up to 147,000.
The modern-day City of Layton exceeds the size of the entire County from the early 60’s. In 1990, Davis County had grown to 188 thousand, then nearly 239,000 at the turn of the century. As one of the fastest growing communities in Utah, we’re expected to reach nearly 400 thousand by 2030. Recent figures put us around 375 thousand as the third most populous county in the State. Imagine, in about 60 years, we have gone from close to 65,000 to 375,000, almost 6 times from what we were in less than a lifetime. With growth comes economy and development of many new things in our communities. It can also accompany new challenges and shrinking natural, open spaces. It’s always important for us to look at how and where growth is occurring. For many reasons, we need to be deliberate about our county planning and remain mindful about what we want to preserve.
Conservation and the value of open space is at the heart of many Davis County residents, and it is in mine. I want our children to be able to access what we’ve enjoyed and how it has shaped us. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Part of what makes our communities so attractive are the mountains to the east, the important shorelands and wetlands of the Great Salt Lake area to the west, and trails and recreation throughout. All it takes is a venture out to these beautiful spaces to be reminded of the value they hold in our landscape and the refuge they provide our spirit. If you’ve forgotten, get back out there and take it in.
The modern-day City of Layton exceeds the size of the entire County from the early 60’s. In 1990, Davis County had grown to 188 thousand, then nearly 239,000 at the turn of the century. As one of the fastest growing communities in Utah, we’re expected to reach nearly 400 thousand by 2030. Recent figures put us around 375 thousand as the third most populous county in the State. Imagine, in about 60 years, we have gone from close to 65,000 to 375,000, almost 6 times from what we were in less than a lifetime. With growth comes economy and development of many new things in our communities. It can also accompany new challenges and shrinking natural, open spaces. It’s always important for us to look at how and where growth is occurring. For many reasons, we need to be deliberate about our county planning and remain mindful about what we want to preserve.
Conservation and the value of open space is at the heart of many Davis County residents, and it is in mine. I want our children to be able to access what we’ve enjoyed and how it has shaped us. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Part of what makes our communities so attractive are the mountains to the east, the important shorelands and wetlands of the Great Salt Lake area to the west, and trails and recreation throughout. All it takes is a venture out to these beautiful spaces to be reminded of the value they hold in our landscape and the refuge they provide our spirit. If you’ve forgotten, get back out there and take it in.
As I entered my Master of Social Work program, I interned in correctional settings at Adult Probation & Parole and a halfway house for adults who had committed offenses. I commend the efforts of the Davis County Correctional Facility to provide more effective medical and mental health intervention for those in their custody and care via the newer Medical Observation Unit completed in 2022. Furthermore, I believe access to mental health support for first responders, emergency medicine personnel, military and veterans is an important priority. They also experience the trauma we as residents endure in times of crisis, emergency, tragic circumstances, or in service of our country. As an outpatient therapist, I’ve worked with individuals, couples and an agency resource networking care for those who serve our communities. They need to be able to get support without stigma and experience an accepting normalization around such.
As I entered my Master of Social Work program, I interned in correctional settings at Adult Probation & Parole and a halfway house for adults who had committed offenses. I commend the efforts of the Davis County Correctional Facility to provide more effective medical and mental health intervention for those in their custody and care via the newer Medical Observation Unit completed in 2022. Furthermore, I believe access to mental health support for first responders, emergency medicine personnel, military and veterans is an important priority. They also experience the trauma we as residents endure in times of crisis, emergency, tragic circumstances, or in service of our country. As an outpatient therapist, I’ve worked with individuals, couples and an agency resource networking care for those who serve our communities. They need to be able to get support without stigma and experience an accepting normalization around such.
I Listen to people for a living. I value all members of our community and want everyone to feel able to participate in the dialogue and direction of our County. Not only do I focus on relationships and listening in my approach, I think it’s important to support a culture of respectful discourse among us. This gives us the best chance of learning from each other and preventing the unnecessary walls of misunderstanding and judgments that may build between people. Communication and rapport is important on so many levels, from county and city/municipal coordination; positive working police officer relations with community members; health department messaging and information; and resident access and involvement in our community processes and planning. As Commissioner, I will do my best to listen to constituents and incorporate your interests in our community leadership. The more people are engaged, the more we can magnify the strengths, experiences, and perspectives everyone has to offer. Your voice is important.
I Listen to people for a living. I value all members of our community and want everyone to feel able to participate in the dialogue and direction of our County. Not only do I focus on relationships and listening in my approach, I think it’s important to support a culture of respectful discourse among us. This gives us the best chance of learning from each other and preventing the unnecessary walls of misunderstanding and judgments that may build between people. Communication and rapport is important on so many levels, from county and city/municipal coordination; positive working police officer relations with community members; health department messaging and information; and resident access and involvement in our community processes and planning. As Commissioner, I will do my best to listen to constituents and incorporate your interests in our community leadership. The more people are engaged, the more we can magnify the strengths, experiences, and perspectives everyone has to offer. Your voice is important.
Some candidates running for County Commissioner are advocating detached, single family housing at the exclusion of high-density housing. While detached, single family housing is great and I appreciate it’s value, many communities, including ours, need balanced access to a variety of economic and housing needs. Particularly in today’s housing market, purchasing and owning a home just isn’t viable for everyone. Sometimes this relates to stages of life or is just what’s economically viable. While I’ve enjoyed homeownership, I didn’t come out of high school and college being able to afford such, and that was when costs and interest rates were much lower.
Some candidates running for County Commissioner are advocating detached, single family housing at the exclusion of high-density housing. While detached, single family housing is great and I appreciate it’s value, many communities, including ours, need balanced access to a variety of economic and housing needs. Particularly in today’s housing market, purchasing and owning a home just isn’t viable for everyone. Sometimes this relates to stages of life or is just what’s economically viable. While I’ve enjoyed homeownership, I didn’t come out of high school and college being able to afford such, and that was when costs and interest rates were much lower.
When involved in a service period out-of-state as a young adult, I primarily lived in high and medium-density housing. After moving out of my parents’ home in college, likewise in several places with roommates. These were important steps for me as I juggled education, work, and starting a career, while learning important financial and social lessons along the way when saving for home ownership. This type of housing isn’t an economic privilege all have access to, nor at every stage of their lives. Everyone is an important part of our community regardless of their economic status and housing situation. The incorporation of balanced medium and high-density housing where needed is part of a thriving, growing community, as well as can be a means toward other housing opportunities in the future.
We need to be able to retain and attract young people and families in Davis County regardless of their ability to buy a home. They offer and bring the talent and future of our community’s workforce, economy, schools, churches and neighborhoods. Different housing options in our county also support our goals of land and water conservation with the limited open space that remains around us. There simply isn’t enough land and water certainty to maintain our quality of life and outdoor recreation with only large, individual lots for single families. Our cities can do a good job of supporting single-family neighborhoods and integrated housing opportunities that meet the needs and demands of all our residents. Additionally, this helps with supply & demand as we address the housing affordability crisis in our state.
When involved in a service period out-of-state as a young adult, I primarily lived in high and medium-density housing. After moving out of my parents’ home in college, likewise in several places with roommates. These were important steps for me as I juggled education, work, and starting a career, while learning important financial and social lessons along the way when saving for home ownership. This type of housing isn’t an economic privilege all have access to, nor at every stage of their lives. Everyone is an important part of our community regardless of their economic status and housing situation. The incorporation of balanced medium and high-density housing where needed is part of a thriving, growing community, as well as can be a means toward other housing opportunities in the future.
We need to be able to retain and attract young people and families in Davis County regardless of their ability to buy a home. They offer and bring the talent and future of our community’s workforce, economy, schools, churches and neighborhoods. Different housing options in our county also support our goals of land and water conservation with the limited open space that remains around us. There simply isn’t enough land and water certainty to maintain our quality of life and outdoor recreation with only large, individual lots for single families. Our cities can do a good job of supporting single-family neighborhoods and integrated housing opportunities that meet the needs and demands of all our residents. Additionally, this helps with supply & demand as we address the housing affordability crisis in our state.
While education is under the authority of the School Board, both State & County, as well as impacted by the State Legislature and funding decisions, as a resident and County leader, I will always advocate for these important school settings and children. Education is a value in our state and community, and has been for a long time. We’re efficient, innovative, and we care about families and children. Children are our greatest treasure and should be our greatest priority. The good people in education need our consistency and support, including matching these values with our resource and commitment. They’re driven by their belief in what they’re doing, their care of young people, and commitment to serving them well.
Educators don’t typically pursue these endeavors because it’s where the money is, which is noble. Still, we need to make sure teachers, administrators and librarians have the resources and support they need to remain effective, attract new and qualified employees, and maintain experienced personnel in these very important roles with our children. My mother, who was a librarian, always volunteered in our classrooms growing up. I remember her supporting some of my peers who were struggling with reading and how students always loved her kind warmth. I’ve enjoyed and valued my own opportunity to get involved in our local school. This has included serving in roles of secretary and Co-Chairing our School Community Council in collaboration with administrators, teachers and other parents, as well as volunteering in various classroom activities and school events.
While education is under the authority of the School Board, both State & County, as well as impacted by the State Legislature and funding decisions, as a resident and County leader, I will always advocate for these important school settings and children. Education is a value in our state and community, and has been for a long time. We’re efficient, innovative, and we care about families and children. Children are our greatest treasure and should be our greatest priority. The good people in education need our consistency and support, including matching these values with our resource and commitment. They’re driven by their belief in what they’re doing, their care of young people, and commitment to serving them well.
Educators don’t typically pursue these endeavors because it’s where the money is, which is noble. Still, we need to make sure teachers, administrators and librarians have the resources and support they need to remain effective, attract new and qualified employees, and maintain experienced personnel in these very important roles with our children. My mother, who was a librarian, always volunteered in our classrooms growing up. I remember her supporting some of my peers who were struggling with reading and how students always loved her kind warmth. I’ve enjoyed and valued my own opportunity to get involved in our local school. This has included serving in roles of secretary and Co-Chairing our School Community Council in collaboration with administrators, teachers and other parents, as well as volunteering in various classroom activities and school events.
I’ve been grateful for these opportunities to learn more about school processes, funding, needs and devoted efforts. In country-wide analysis from Autumn 2021, Utah had the highest student-teacher ratio of any in the country with over 22 students per teacher, compared to a national average of 15 and a some states as low as 10 – 11. For comparison, the states that followed Utah in higher classroom sizes were Arizona, California, Nevada and Alabama. This unbalanced ratio has been a feature of Utah education for many years, and we need to be aware of the challenges and limits it can pose for the needs of children and teachers alike. It’s also important to look at areas of need when considering our attention in education.
While Utah has done a commendable job with teacher retention, which also speaks to the commitment of our teachers, we do have trends of teacher shortages in vital areas. In the 31 years leading up to the 2021-22 school year, Utah reported teacher shortages in Special Education for severe needs almost every year; in Math, Speech Language Pathology, Special Education mild intervention, Special Education for Language, Speech or Hearing for roughly two-thirds of those years; Pre-K Special Education and Visual Impairment for half of them; and Science, such as Chemistry, Physics and integrated science for just over a third of that span. These represent some of our most vulnerable students where early and ongoing intervention are crucial to their development, as well as important STEM education, specifically Math and Science for all of our students.
I know there are schools in our district doing their commendable best to care and support these important children and families with significant needs. We must to be cognizant of the expertise, time and resource required to serve them well. From my personal awareness, Davis County School District provides supportive and helpful resources in the area of speech-language for children. These services are valuable, as access to private care are quite expensive outside of a possible insurance benefit some may have, and sometimes have waiting lists.
This is not just an afterthought either, as nearly 10% of children will or do experience challenges in areas of voice, speech-sound, language, swallowing, articulation and phonological disorders. Early detection and intervention is also paramount and most effective. Ongoing challenges in these developments can impact children’s communication, confidence, learning, and social-emotional processes in school and other settings. As a social worker and even as a father, I’ve become more aware of the impacts early childhood experience and their environments can have on their evolving future, for better or worse. We owe our children the best and the fruits of such will have lasting impacts on families for years to come.
I’ve been grateful for these opportunities to learn more about school processes, funding, needs and devoted efforts. In country-wide analysis from Autumn 2021, Utah had the highest student-teacher ratio of any in the country with over 22 students per teacher, compared to a national average of 15 and a some states as low as 10 – 11. For comparison, the states that followed Utah in higher classroom sizes were Arizona, California, Nevada and Alabama. This unbalanced ratio has been a feature of Utah education for many years, and we need to be aware of the challenges and limits it can pose for the needs of children and teachers alike. It’s also important to look at areas of need when considering our attention in education.
While Utah has done a commendable job with teacher retention, which also speaks to the commitment of our teachers, we do have trends of teacher shortages in vital areas. In the 31 years leading up to the 2021-22 school year, Utah reported teacher shortages in Special Education for severe needs almost every year; in Math, Speech Language Pathology, Special Education mild intervention, Special Education for Language, Speech or Hearing for roughly two-thirds of those years; Pre-K Special Education and Visual Impairment for half of them; and Science, such as Chemistry, Physics and integrated science for just over a third of that span. These represent some of our most vulnerable students where early and ongoing intervention are crucial to their development, as well as important STEM education, specifically Math and Science for all of our students.
I know there are schools in our district doing their commendable best to care and support these important children and families with significant needs. We must to be cognizant of the expertise, time and resource required to serve them well. From my personal awareness, Davis County School District provides supportive and helpful resources in the area of speech-language for children. These services are valuable, as access to private care are quite expensive outside of a possible insurance benefit some may have, and sometimes have waiting lists.
This is not just an afterthought either, as nearly 10% of children will or do experience challenges in areas of voice, speech-sound, language, swallowing, articulation and phonological disorders. Early detection and intervention is also paramount and most effective. Ongoing challenges in these developments can impact children’s communication, confidence, learning, and social-emotional processes in school and other settings. As a social worker and even as a father, I’ve become more aware of the impacts early childhood experience and their environments can have on their evolving future, for better or worse. We owe our children the best and the fruits of such will have lasting impacts on families for years to come.
While many seniors are socially connected, generally healthy, and actively involved in the neighborhoods and communities around them; others are experiencing significant change, such as loss, health challenges, isolation and loneliness. County resources and services are a vital asset for some seniors during processes of aging that we must prioritize. These include our County Senior Activity Centers; health & other education programs; supports for safe and independent living at home; health insurance counseling and prescription drug cost information; Caregiver support; medical transportation; Meals on Wheels facilitation; volunteer opportunities with, for and by seniors; and Ombudsman to protect the rights and dignity of of seniors in nursing homes.
When I was in my Master of Social Work program at the University of Utah, I was able to get involved in the Goodwill Neighbors Helping Neighbors program for older adults in the community to help support their quality of life. I enjoyed being assigned to a widow who lived on her own and was able to do home visits for social interaction, safety and other checks. This was a rich experience for me, and I hope an uplifting friendship for her. Interacting with June taught me things I didn’t get to experience in a lot of other ways.
Growing up, one of my grandmother’s lived with us on several occasions while she became afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Despite those challenges, she brought excitement, laughter, and valuable opportunities for empathy and understanding. My other grandmother lived to nearly 102, most of those years fairly independently. She enriched our family, her community and church, and also benefited from the neighbors and relatives who engaged with her around changing needs. Our older adults have given, and still give, so much to us. We owe it to them to provide the belonging, resources and supports that fit their evolving stages of life.
While many seniors are socially connected, generally healthy, and actively involved in the neighborhoods and communities around them; others are experiencing significant change, such as loss, health challenges, isolation and loneliness. County resources and services are a vital asset for some seniors during processes of aging that we must prioritize. These include our County Senior Activity Centers; health & other education programs; supports for safe and independent living at home; health insurance counseling and prescription drug cost information; Caregiver support; medical transportation; Meals on Wheels facilitation; volunteer opportunities with, for and by seniors; and Ombudsman to protect the rights and dignity of of seniors in nursing homes.
When I was in my Master of Social Work program at the University of Utah, I was able to get involved in the Goodwill Neighbors Helping Neighbors program for older adults in the community to help support their quality of life. I enjoyed being assigned to a widow who lived on her own and was able to do home visits for social interaction, safety and other checks. This was a rich experience for me, and I hope an uplifting friendship for her. Interacting with June taught me things I didn’t get to experience in a lot of other ways.
Growing up, one of my grandmother’s lived with us on several occasions while she became afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Despite those challenges, she brought excitement, laughter, and valuable opportunities for empathy and understanding. My other grandmother lived to nearly 102, most of those years fairly independently. She enriched our family, her community and church, and also benefited from the neighbors and relatives who engaged with her around changing needs. Our older adults have given, and still give, so much to us. We owe it to them to provide the belonging, resources and supports that fit their evolving stages of life.