I have yet to meet a tea party member who wants to see me “hanging on a tree,” as U.S. Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana recently suggested. He says the tea party considers me a second-class citizen. In truth, as a black conservative woman in Utah, I have been welcomed into the arms of a freedom-loving movement. The tea party reflects the principles of freedom and prosperity black Americans have long fought to win.
Today, however, some members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are more interested in igniting racism than extinguishing it. Especially during a time when we reflect on the unity and common resolve our nation mustered in the aftermath of 9/11, we should be finding ways to bring people together, not tear them apart. Far from promoting freedom or unity, though, the CBC’s agenda calls for ever-increasing levels of animosity and, for black Americans, dependency. We will never win the fight for equality by asking to be singled out.
Carson’s comments, along with those of Rep. Maxine Waters of California telling the tea party to “go straight to hell,” send a disturbingly hostile message. As the only conservative member in the 43-member caucus, Rep. Allen West of Florida has urged the chairman of the CBC to condemn “hate-filled comments” of some members. West is still waiting for a response from the caucus, but what he really needs are reinforcements in Congress who will better reflect the diversity of views held by black Americans.
The principles reflected in the tea party are not at odds with the values of black Americans. You don’t have to be white — or black, or Hispanic, or Asian, or anything else — to care about the important issues facing our nation. My priorities of fiscal discipline, personal responsibility and smaller government draw upon my own experience as an American.
My parents immigrated to this country from Haiti with nothing but a strong family and a solid work ethic. My father, who took two jobs to help pay for my education, was a living example of personal responsibility. He is proud to say he didn’t take a handout. When I graduated from college, my father told me, “You will not be a burden to society. You will give back.”
The CBC’s vision statement reads: “We envision a world in which the black community is free of all disparities and able to contribute fully to advancing the common good.” While people of all races should have equal opportunities, the CBC legislative agenda calls for ever-increasing levels of dependency for black Americans through federally initiated entitlement programs.
I respect the desire of the CBC to provide for the needs of the poor communities they serve. However, I reject the notion that dependency on government is the answer. We spend nearly $1 trillion a year on means-tested poverty programs in this country. But those programs have done little to stem the tide of poverty in America. We can no longer afford to keep spending money on programs that aren’t working. Trimming government and getting it out of the way of economic recovery is the best way to create jobs and wealth that enable people to pull themselves out of poverty.
Personal responsibility, as demonstrated by my father, cannot be omitted from the equation. More importantly, as leaders in black communities, members of the CBC must stop demonizing those who promote such values. I join Florida Rep. Allen West condemning the comments made by senior members of the CBC.
The inflammatory rhetoric and class-warfare agenda of many of today’s CBC members do not reflect the values upon which this country was founded. As an American who is also black, I am proud to align myself with the forces of freedom.
Mia Love, the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, is the first black female mayor elected in that state. In August 2011, she announced the formation of an exploratory committee to consider a 2012 run for U.S. Congress.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Utah County to gain in Senate, Provo/Orem to lose in House
SALT LAKE CITY -- If the Legislature approves two proposed maps, Utah County will have five Senate seats of its own, but two legislators' districts will be combined in the House.
Rep. Ken Sumsion, R-American Fork, House chair for the Redistricting Committee, said the districts of Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, and Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, had to be combined because of population numbers. The numbers in Orem and Provo showed a need for districts to be combined, while areas in the north end of the county called for a new district to be drawn. Sumsion said that Herrod was one of his closest colleagues in the House, but the numbers showed a district in the Provo/Orem area had to go.
"We went out to dinner with our wives just a few days ago," Sumsion said. "I'm hopeful I'll still have a friend when this is done."
Sumsion revealed that the Sandstrom-Herrod district was a result of the fact that the committee was planning on Sandstrom running for a seat in the U.S. Congress. Sandstrom had been planning to run for the seat of Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, if Chaffetz chose to challenge Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Chaffetz backed off the challenge, though, and has said he will run again for his House seat. Sandstrom has said he will not challenge Chaffetz, thus leaving him in Herrod's district and possibly forcing a race between the two close House members.
Sumsion also said that under the current House map that two new House seats would be created in the north end of the county, one seat centrally located in Lehi and another that covers the Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs areas.
The House map also shows a loss of House seats in Salt Lake County. Currently there are 30 seats in the state's most populous county, but the numbers call for the county to lose two seats. One of those seats will head to Utah County.
The Senate map approved by the committee was basically the same map that was presented to the committee last Wednesday. The committee stalled on a decision to approve the map last week after hearing concerns from residents in Tooele County. Committee members spent the remainder of last week trying to find a way to not divide the county but in the end said the map put Utah in the best situation to avoid a lawsuit from parties that were upset about how the lines were drawn.
"We looked very hard at the Tooele County area, looked at many options for potential changes in that area. ... Anytime we did it affected at least two other districts," said Sen. Ralph Okerlund, R-Monroe, the Senate chairman for the committee.
The maps still are subject to change, though. The committee reserved the right to make minor tweaks to the base maps, which will only serve as a guidelines for the full bodies of the House and Senate to consider when they meet in a special session in October to adopt the boundary lines. The current Senate map does preserve all the seats for the current incumbents in Utah County.
Both maps were approved unanimously by the committee made up of 14 Republicans and five Democrats. The committee is set to meet again on Sept. 22 to go over the boundaries for Utah's four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state's current members of the U.S. House have been invited to that meeting to present their own maps on how their districts should be drawn.
Rep. Ken Sumsion, R-American Fork, House chair for the Redistricting Committee, said the districts of Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, and Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, had to be combined because of population numbers. The numbers in Orem and Provo showed a need for districts to be combined, while areas in the north end of the county called for a new district to be drawn. Sumsion said that Herrod was one of his closest colleagues in the House, but the numbers showed a district in the Provo/Orem area had to go.
"We went out to dinner with our wives just a few days ago," Sumsion said. "I'm hopeful I'll still have a friend when this is done."
Sumsion revealed that the Sandstrom-Herrod district was a result of the fact that the committee was planning on Sandstrom running for a seat in the U.S. Congress. Sandstrom had been planning to run for the seat of Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, if Chaffetz chose to challenge Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Chaffetz backed off the challenge, though, and has said he will run again for his House seat. Sandstrom has said he will not challenge Chaffetz, thus leaving him in Herrod's district and possibly forcing a race between the two close House members.
Sumsion also said that under the current House map that two new House seats would be created in the north end of the county, one seat centrally located in Lehi and another that covers the Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs areas.
The House map also shows a loss of House seats in Salt Lake County. Currently there are 30 seats in the state's most populous county, but the numbers call for the county to lose two seats. One of those seats will head to Utah County.
The Senate map approved by the committee was basically the same map that was presented to the committee last Wednesday. The committee stalled on a decision to approve the map last week after hearing concerns from residents in Tooele County. Committee members spent the remainder of last week trying to find a way to not divide the county but in the end said the map put Utah in the best situation to avoid a lawsuit from parties that were upset about how the lines were drawn.
"We looked very hard at the Tooele County area, looked at many options for potential changes in that area. ... Anytime we did it affected at least two other districts," said Sen. Ralph Okerlund, R-Monroe, the Senate chairman for the committee.
The maps still are subject to change, though. The committee reserved the right to make minor tweaks to the base maps, which will only serve as a guidelines for the full bodies of the House and Senate to consider when they meet in a special session in October to adopt the boundary lines. The current Senate map does preserve all the seats for the current incumbents in Utah County.
Both maps were approved unanimously by the committee made up of 14 Republicans and five Democrats. The committee is set to meet again on Sept. 22 to go over the boundaries for Utah's four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The state's current members of the U.S. House have been invited to that meeting to present their own maps on how their districts should be drawn.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Saratoga Springs candidate told not to use officers quote
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Controversy has erupted in Saratoga Springs over a statement in one city council candidate's campaign literature.
Ryan Peltekian quoted police Corporal Aaron Rosen as saying, "Ryan exudes confidence and humility; he had a warrior mindset," in a campaign brochure under the heading of "Endorsements."
The police department refuted the endorsement with a posting on the department's Facebook page. The posting states, "It has come to our attention that there is a member of the community, currently running for city council, that has inappropriately quoted a member of the SSPD on the campaign materials. We must clarify this is not consistent with the policies and procedures of the SSPD. The quote was used by the candidate out of context and does not reflect an endorsement for public office.
"The officer whose name was used in the flier was never previously contacted for permission, nor was permission granted by the officer to use his name or affiliation for campaigning purposes. SSPD take pride in supporting EVERYONE whose intention it is to serve in the public arena. It is a noble desire. However, we do not endorse any one candidate for any public office."
The quote comes from an award Peltekian received from the SSPD for his involvement with the Explorer Unit. He received the Explorer of the Year award.
Peltekian says he didn't previously know about the non-endorsement policy, but understands now. He still feels some city government and police department members are "trying to use any way possible to hurt my campaign."
Peltekian says "Transparency is my No. 1 goal. Transparency with the city and the police department in the things they're doing."
"I feel the rights of the citizens have come last in the goals of the city recently. Citizen is the most important political office. It seems Saratoga Springs has forgotten that," he said.
There is no law preventing police officers from giving political endorsements. This is a Saratoga Springs department policy. Law enforcement associations such as the Fraternal Order of Police often give endorsements in elections.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department did not return a call from the Herald for comment.
Ryan Peltekian quoted police Corporal Aaron Rosen as saying, "Ryan exudes confidence and humility; he had a warrior mindset," in a campaign brochure under the heading of "Endorsements."
The police department refuted the endorsement with a posting on the department's Facebook page. The posting states, "It has come to our attention that there is a member of the community, currently running for city council, that has inappropriately quoted a member of the SSPD on the campaign materials. We must clarify this is not consistent with the policies and procedures of the SSPD. The quote was used by the candidate out of context and does not reflect an endorsement for public office.
"The officer whose name was used in the flier was never previously contacted for permission, nor was permission granted by the officer to use his name or affiliation for campaigning purposes. SSPD take pride in supporting EVERYONE whose intention it is to serve in the public arena. It is a noble desire. However, we do not endorse any one candidate for any public office."
The quote comes from an award Peltekian received from the SSPD for his involvement with the Explorer Unit. He received the Explorer of the Year award.
Peltekian says he didn't previously know about the non-endorsement policy, but understands now. He still feels some city government and police department members are "trying to use any way possible to hurt my campaign."
Peltekian says "Transparency is my No. 1 goal. Transparency with the city and the police department in the things they're doing."
"I feel the rights of the citizens have come last in the goals of the city recently. Citizen is the most important political office. It seems Saratoga Springs has forgotten that," he said.
There is no law preventing police officers from giving political endorsements. This is a Saratoga Springs department policy. Law enforcement associations such as the Fraternal Order of Police often give endorsements in elections.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department did not return a call from the Herald for comment.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Update on Blog
After having several people ask me about this blog, I've decided to start updating the blog again. It mostly provide articles relating to Saratoga Springs, Utah, but will also include personal articles and potentially articles from others in the city. I believe strongly in having a resource for residents of our city to stay informed of what's going on in our great city. I hope you find it useful.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Saratoga residents unite against UDOT project
Saratoga residents unite against UDOT project
Cathy Allred - Daily Herald
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Saratoga Springs residents are upset that the Redwood Road Expansion Project could severely impact their homes and safety, and they have organized to fight for changes.
Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Geoff Dupaix said they hope to address residents' concerns at an open house today from 6-8 p.m. at Saratoga Shores Elementary.
In February, UDOT staff met with nearby Redwood Road residents about the highway widening project. Initially, UDOT planned on constructing a drainage ditch down the side of Redwood Road (State Road 68) where a strip park exists but since the February meeting has changed those plans to place the drain culvert in the highway median, said Doug Graham, chairman of a road expansion committee organized by Saratoga Springs subdivision homeowners association members.
"People were concerned about ruining the 10 years of growth trees and grass, and a jogging path that many people use on a daily basis," he said.
Now there are more concerns about the expansion project.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to resolve some of those concerns at the meeting tomorrow, where those improvements will be, how they will change the rest of the plan and to improve safety," Dupaix said.
He said that since February the plans for the highway have been slightly shifted to the west, farther away from the neighboring subdivision.
Graham said he isn't holding his breath for improvements.
"With that expansion are several considerations, including my home," he said. "There is a safety factor that no one seems to be considering."
He said vehicles traveling along Redwood Road have twice veered off the highway slamming through fencing into residents' backyards. Graham said his group is concerned there will be additional risk after the expansion is completed because UDOT wants to raise the road to resolve flooding and drainage issues.
"We have the safety factor; it's an obvious big issue," he said. "There is also the aesthetic issue."
Residents not bordering S.R. 68 have raised another issue.
Pepita Ridgeway lives in the Saratoga Springs planned community near the HOA pool. Her family regularly bikes as an activity with their three young children. With ongoing construction for State Road 73 effectively blocking the Jordan River Parkway bike path and now the addition of the S.R. 68 expansion project, Ridgeway said she's frustrated.
"We'll have to just, I don't know, drive up to Provo Canyon, something like that," she said. "There's isn't much else we can go ... unless we just ride on the road, but you know what that's like. Motorists are not very cyclist-aware, I'd say."
Dupaix said UDOT's goal is to not take out the trail but to improve the road without significantly impacting the trail.
Graham said he and other residents will be at the open house tonight.
"I don't think they were expecting the reaction that they got," Graham said. "People are really concerned."
Cathy Allred - Daily Herald
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Saratoga Springs residents are upset that the Redwood Road Expansion Project could severely impact their homes and safety, and they have organized to fight for changes.
Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Geoff Dupaix said they hope to address residents' concerns at an open house today from 6-8 p.m. at Saratoga Shores Elementary.
In February, UDOT staff met with nearby Redwood Road residents about the highway widening project. Initially, UDOT planned on constructing a drainage ditch down the side of Redwood Road (State Road 68) where a strip park exists but since the February meeting has changed those plans to place the drain culvert in the highway median, said Doug Graham, chairman of a road expansion committee organized by Saratoga Springs subdivision homeowners association members.
"People were concerned about ruining the 10 years of growth trees and grass, and a jogging path that many people use on a daily basis," he said.
Now there are more concerns about the expansion project.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to resolve some of those concerns at the meeting tomorrow, where those improvements will be, how they will change the rest of the plan and to improve safety," Dupaix said.
He said that since February the plans for the highway have been slightly shifted to the west, farther away from the neighboring subdivision.
Graham said he isn't holding his breath for improvements.
"With that expansion are several considerations, including my home," he said. "There is a safety factor that no one seems to be considering."
He said vehicles traveling along Redwood Road have twice veered off the highway slamming through fencing into residents' backyards. Graham said his group is concerned there will be additional risk after the expansion is completed because UDOT wants to raise the road to resolve flooding and drainage issues.
"We have the safety factor; it's an obvious big issue," he said. "There is also the aesthetic issue."
Residents not bordering S.R. 68 have raised another issue.
Pepita Ridgeway lives in the Saratoga Springs planned community near the HOA pool. Her family regularly bikes as an activity with their three young children. With ongoing construction for State Road 73 effectively blocking the Jordan River Parkway bike path and now the addition of the S.R. 68 expansion project, Ridgeway said she's frustrated.
"We'll have to just, I don't know, drive up to Provo Canyon, something like that," she said. "There's isn't much else we can go ... unless we just ride on the road, but you know what that's like. Motorists are not very cyclist-aware, I'd say."
Dupaix said UDOT's goal is to not take out the trail but to improve the road without significantly impacting the trail.
Graham said he and other residents will be at the open house tonight.
"I don't think they were expecting the reaction that they got," Graham said. "People are really concerned."
Monday, April 6, 2009
Eagle Mountain commuters face construction delays
Eagle Mountain commuters face construction delays
April 6th, 2009 @ 1:25pm
By Randall Jeppesen
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Commuters in Eagle Mountain are facing a double dose of road construction.
The intersection known as the four corners in Saratoga Springs is a major route for motorists to and from Eagle Mountain. Redwood Road and State Road 73 in the area both are under construction. Both roads are being widened.
"It takes 15 more minutes, 15 to half an hour longer," one motorist said.
But Scott Thompson of the Utah Department of Transportation says when it's all completed, today's delays will lead to a much better drive.
"(They've) got a new Wal-Mart going in out there. You have a lot more people coming back and forth," he said.
Redwood Road is being widened from Bangerter Highway on the north to 400 South in Saratoga Springs on the south. It should be finished by this fall.
The S.R. 73 work should be wrapped up in June.
April 6th, 2009 @ 1:25pm
By Randall Jeppesen
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Commuters in Eagle Mountain are facing a double dose of road construction.
The intersection known as the four corners in Saratoga Springs is a major route for motorists to and from Eagle Mountain. Redwood Road and State Road 73 in the area both are under construction. Both roads are being widened.
"It takes 15 more minutes, 15 to half an hour longer," one motorist said.
But Scott Thompson of the Utah Department of Transportation says when it's all completed, today's delays will lead to a much better drive.
"(They've) got a new Wal-Mart going in out there. You have a lot more people coming back and forth," he said.
Redwood Road is being widened from Bangerter Highway on the north to 400 South in Saratoga Springs on the south. It should be finished by this fall.
The S.R. 73 work should be wrapped up in June.
UTA buses begin new route on west side of Utah Lake
UTA buses begin new route on west side of Utah Lake
April 6th, 2009 @ 5:44pm
By Randall Jeppesen
EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- For the tens of thousands living in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, there's finally a new way to get to Salt Lake for work. A new express bus route is rolling.
"That's good, probably a good idea. If you work uptown or something, that's probably the way to go," one man told us.
Some residents are saying anything to reduce traffic, and that will allow them to leave the car at home, is a good thing and needed; others not so happy about the price to ride.
UTA says the cost of a one-way express bus fare is $4.50 and a monthly unlimited express bus pass is $162.00. "I don't think it's worth it for the price they're charging," another man said.
Right now, there are only two buses that make the trip, but several residents say it's a start. They hope to see more buses added as more people jump aboard. [Click here to see a map of the new route]
April 6th, 2009 @ 5:44pm
By Randall Jeppesen
EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- For the tens of thousands living in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, there's finally a new way to get to Salt Lake for work. A new express bus route is rolling.
"That's good, probably a good idea. If you work uptown or something, that's probably the way to go," one man told us.
Some residents are saying anything to reduce traffic, and that will allow them to leave the car at home, is a good thing and needed; others not so happy about the price to ride.
UTA says the cost of a one-way express bus fare is $4.50 and a monthly unlimited express bus pass is $162.00. "I don't think it's worth it for the price they're charging," another man said.
Right now, there are only two buses that make the trip, but several residents say it's a start. They hope to see more buses added as more people jump aboard. [Click here to see a map of the new route]
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