LeBaronLogic

A Day at the Legislature

Today was the annual "Local Officials Day at the Legislature". Also attending were Youth City Councils from throughout the state, including American Fork. The following is a brief schedule with comments. . .

• 6:15am ... meet at AF high School and depart for Capitol, (can't believe I woke up at 5:20)?
• 7:00....... arrive at Capitol (brrr, 12 degrees), register, network with other youth councils. Also met Rep. Dougall who visited with us. Mingled and nibbbled at the continental breakfast in the Gold Room.
• 7:30........ Orientation at the steps below the Supreme Court Chambers. The Capitol restoration is awe inspiring. The engineering and isolation stabilization making the building able to sway in an earthquake is amazing for the 92 year old building. See www.utahstatecapitol.utah.gov.
• 8:00....... Observed Legislative Committee Meetings. The hallways and rotunda were busy with Legislators, young people, staffers and local elected officials.
• 9:00....... Observed Senate and House Proceedings. The youth were also able to visit with Rep. Sumsion during this time. Some went on a brief tour of the Capitol.
• 10:30 depart from Capitol to the Grand America Hotel
• 11am.......City Youth Council Meeting with Political cartoonist, Pat Bagley. Pat shared some of his famous cartoons lampooning utah culture, politics and a smattering of national matters with stories. Shortly before the end of the session, youth council members visited with and had pictures with Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert.
• 12:15 ..... Luncheon joined with Mayor Thompson with legislators, local elected officials and other youth councils. Governor Huntsman addressed the gathering encouraging the youth to be involved in the process of community and state government. The keynote "speaker" was President George W. Bush (ok, Steve Bridges, the hilarious impersonator). See www.stevebridges.com for some comic relief. Among many of his zingers were; " Ya know I take alot of criticism. Bob Woodward wrote a book entitled "State of Denial". Come on, we all know Denial is not a state (pause); its a river (pause) in Africa (pause)."
• 2p.........Return home to American Fork with added information, appreciation and contacts regarding this great state and community we live in.

Now a Word(s) from Ann Coulter . . .

I admit it, I am kind of an Ann Coulter fan. She calls it like she sees it, albeit in a sometimes insulting, abrasive offensive way. But politics is a nasty business and she doesn't let the liberals get away with anything. Her latest article "The Elephant in the Room" at www.AnnCoulter.com is worth a read.

A New American Fork Youth City Council

Tuesday evening the City Council appointed a new Youth City Council, then had a nice and brief swearing in ceremony. These are outstanding young people who will add another thread to our wonderful community fabric. Those appointed were:

• Evan Nuttall, Youth Mayor
• Mikayla Orton, Youth Council Member and Youth Mayor Pro Tem
• Steven Mitsuda, Youth Council Member
• Christie Bruening, Youth Council Member
• Richard Flores, Youth Council Member
• Bethany Richards, Youth Council Member
• Kaylee Bromley, Youth Council Recorder

Also appointed as Youth Council Advisors were Eric and Julie Nuttall.

The American Fork Youth City Council will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 5:30pm to 6:45pm at City Hall. Their first meeting is this coming Tuesday January 15th. The public, both youth and adults are welcome. Our Youth Council will be joining other Youth City Council's from across the state in the Local Officials Day at the Legislature event on January 23rd. See this Download local20officials.pdf . The young people are now studying their charge and mission and seeking interested youth to serve on various committees. Download youth_councilcommitteel_application1.doc