LeBaronLogic

Background Checks for Council Candidates?

David Lifferth, councilman in our neighboring city of Eagle Mountain has suggested future council candidates in that city be subjected to a background check. Click here for the dnews article. Hmmm, is that a good idea? No doubt Eagle Mountain has had its share of problems with elected officials. The problem with a background check (notwithstanding constitutional grounds), is it would have a chilling effect on willing and able standout citizens who would like to serve but unwilling for good reason to be subject to 1. Arrest and conviction records, 2. Division of Child and Family Services data bank, 3. credit report and 4. neighbor interviews. (All of which would have to be made public). Wheww, and we thought our dog ocassionally slipping out the fenced back yard and pooping on the neighbors lawn is a problem. This is certainly a case of the ends not justifying the means. Hey, what if someone has a minor skeleton in the closet, i.e. a compulsive shopper former spouse who ran the household finances into the ground or __________________________ (fill in the blank). Here is what a "background check" would reveal about me......

• Watches "Law and Order" too much, but doesn't miss Fred Thompson.
• Splurges occasionally on Rocky Road ice cream.
• Is obsessed with golf, basketball, traveling and city politics (not necessarily in that order).
• Likes recreational gardening (interpreted means anything less than an hour or is something the Mrs. or children can do).
• Once lived in Price and Moab (beautiful part of our state; southern carbon county of course is where the first moon landing was filmed).
• Sometimes runs out in pj bottoms to retrieve the paper from the driveway.
• OK, I did have a parking ticket or 2 at BYU (was late for a class I was teaching, couldn't find a parking place except in Lindon and gasp, parked in A parking). Was lucky I wasn't towed.

David Rodeback's Endorsement

Yet another important endorsement for the re-election campaign to the city council of your author, to wit:

"This year I'm voting for experience -- and bloggers, where I can find them. This means Councilman Shirl LeBaron."

--David Rodeback, www.localcommentary.com

Brevity is great. David as many of you know is an avid blogger. I value his insight into the multi-faceted dynamics of municipal governing. Besides that, I am vying for being his SMFCC "Second most favorite City Councilor", of course my colleague Councilmember Heidi Rodeback being his first. "Not that there's anything wrong with that."  Now how is that . . . having your own post for an endorsement. Disclaimer: The quote above is a tit-for-tat, due to a Seinfeldism referred to in a recent posting on David's blog and has nothing to do with the subject matter of the original quote.

Sneak Preview

The following is my submission to the Daily Herald for their "Election Supplement" to be delivered on November 1 with their regular paper.

Q. How would you address the needs of your community?

A. As an American Fork City Councilman, I listen to all citizens who are willing to speak and all third parties that intend to impact the life of American Fork’s citizens. I study the issues in detail. I interface
with experts and others experienced in the topic at hand. I consult
with other members of the City Council, the Mayor, and City Staff who are
close to the issue. In the end, it is my duty to weigh both sides of
the discussion and make decisions in the best interests of all members of
the community specifically and for American Fork City in general. Some
decisions, such as water management, transportation plans, zoning,
public safety and other infrastructure and capital projects are far
reaching, and will impact generations of citizens. These decisions typically
have a serious impact on City and family budgets.  I will continue in
a second term to spend the time necessary to make difficult but
necessary decisions, in helping make American Fork City . . . even better, as
a place to live, work and play in. Please visit my campaign website at
www.votelebaron.com and my blog at www.lebaronlogic.com.

Q. How do you differ from the other candidates?

A. All but one candidate, including myself, are currently serving on the
City Council. These Councilmembers running to retain a seat on the
council are hard working, dedicated individuals who have a good grasp of the
issues and are committed to improving an already wonderful city.
Personally, I have experience having served for 4 years as a council member
assigned to the Finance Committee, Recreation and Fitness Center, Fox
Hollow Golf Course and the Steel Days Committee. I have also served as
Mayor Pro – Tem the last 2 years. This experience and skill set, will
allow a seamless transition into another 4 year term. Further, I have
served on the library Board, Planning Commission and on the Utah League
of Cities and Town’s Legislative Policy Committee. I also serve on
the Utah County Boundary Commission.  I am a proven, seasoned local
public servant, but yet I am not so entrenched as to not consider new and
fresh ideas and approaches.
I am the only lawyer currently serving or running. It is extremely
beneficial to have an additional legal perspective represented during
Council Meetings, work sessions, dialogues, negotiations, and in the overall
decision making process.

Early Voting Starts Today

Beginning today, American Fork voters can go to the AF Library at 64 S.100 E. from 3 to 7pm until Nov 1 or noon - 5pm on Nov 2.  Early Voters can also go to the Xango office at Thanksgiving Pt or to the Utah County Clerks office and cast an early ballot. The dates for registration have passed. The General Election is in 2 weeks on Tuesday, November 6, 2007.

City Endorsements

The following are my endorsements for the upcoming American Fork Municipal Election on Tuesday November 6, 2007:

Four year terms (4 candidates, 3 open seats)

1. Sherry Kramer,  "I have had the pleasure of serving with Councilmember Kramer. Sherry works hard studying the issues, making site visits and is serious about her responsibilities. She also enjoys her service to the community. In addition, Sherry considers others views before casting her votes. We are well served as a city with Sherry on the council. She should stay."
2. Shirl LeBaron,  See www.votelebaron.com. Click the tab for third party endorsements. I know, a self-endorsement is really exciting isn't it?
3. Ricky Storrs, "Ricky's relationships with city staff and citizens gives rise to institutional knowledge that is unsurpassed. Councilman Storrs' involvment in nearly every city department and committee gives him information and experience vital to the Council. His affable personality also is a plus. Re-elect Rick to the Council."

Two year term (1 opening to fill the remaining term of the late Jimmy Cates):

1. Dale Gunther, "Dale's availability, energy and financial acumen is a valuable asset to our community. His vast life experiences, business involvements and personal relationships have been used to further the interests and standing of our city. Councilman Gunther's skills should be further used in his service on the City Council.Vote to keep Dale on the Council."

Abigail's Advice

No, its not an advice column (perhaps). On the way to one of the inaugural meetings of the Continental Congress in early 1776, Abigail Adams wrote the following to her delegate husband John as he journeyed to Philadelphia to lay the blueprint of our now America;

You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to see you, an inactive spectator . . . We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.

--Abigail Adams

Likewise and even more so where essential city services are administered; municipal government much like the infancy of our democratic national government requires volunteerism and involvement. What with high finance and bonding, the complexities of interlocking highway jurisdictions, human resources dynamics and the myriads of state and federal codes not to mention local ordinances and land use/zoning rules and regulations. There are many "non-spectator" activities one can "cut their teeth" on in the city; i.e. Steel Days volunteering, Parks and Recreation work, planting of trees, senior citizen work, literacy helper, cleanup efforts, beautification, arts and cultural events, friends of the library and so on and so on. Elected office require 25-40 hours a month in preparation work, attending meetings and sub-meetings, returning phone calls/emails, site visits, citizen appointments, meeting with staff and outside consultants, reading and re-reading codes and general plan elements. Entry level it is not. 

What More People are Saying

"Shirl's long experience and legal expertise are of great benefit to the American Fork City Council."

      --Heidi Rodeback, Council Member, American Fork City

"I have known Shirl for 37 years. He is a man of action. He is wise, articulate and energetic. He should be re-elected to the City Council."

      --Dr. Douglas Mower, American Fork Physician

"Shirl has been a big supporter of Hunter Park and all of the parks.  He supported the residents when they asked the city council not to trade park land to developers."

      --Sherry Kramer, American Fork City Council Member

To view more endorsements click here http://votelebaron.com/Endorsements.html