Courtesy Eagle Mountain

By Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters in Utah County had cast their ballots in the midterm election.

The tradition of voting for our elected representatives at all levels of government is part of what makes the United States great, and it contributes to a sense of fairness, consideration and liberty that each of us ought to hold dear.

Now that the votes have generally been counted, I find it prudent to reflect on the results and consider how government — especially local government — might improve.

In my mind, city and county government are the lifeblood of our communities. These entities build roads, manage utility infrastructure, and provide public spaces for residents to enjoy. Local government has a knack for listening to residents in a way that the state and federal government do not.

My focus on strengthening local government persists for a simple reason: residents of Utah County deserve the highest-quality representation possible.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald file photo

Those who know me know that I love American history. A quote from President Theodore Roosevelt phrases my sentiments beautifully.

“This country will not permanently be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in,” he said.

Roosevelt was a supremely talented statesman, explorer, author and naturalist. His life can teach us some important lessons, but carrying out Roosevelt’s vision requires those with the knowledge and willingness to step forward.

Unfortunately, too many who run for public office do so with an agenda. That agenda is often based on misinformation or promises that cannot be kept. Too few aspire to hold public office with the intention of serving without an agenda.

We need people with substantial life experience in business, law, engineering, psychology, economics and government.

I am always encouraged when people reach out to me with an interest in being more involved with their local government. I am, however, more often contacted by ambitious young people looking forward to a career in politics than a retired businessman.

We could use more people who have been through the fiery furnace of life and now want to use their experience to serve others.

I do not want to discourage young people from running for office. Their energy is needed. But I implore our more seasoned citizens with valuable experience, solid nature and an unselfish desire to serve to seriously consider what you can do for your community.

Without this life experience, those running for local office regularly find themselves only able to make empty or misplaced campaign promises.

The biggest problem with campaign promises is that they are usually based on bad information or misleading slogans. This is a disservice to the community being served.

These promises linger, and the politician is regularly stuck – unwilling to admit their mistakes and change their mind.

Even worse is when I’ve spotted political aspirants running on a campaign that local government doesn’t care about residents. Only when that individual is in office do they learn the opposite is true.

Instead, they find there are rules, regulations, laws and procedures that must be followed to complete projects and respond to community needs. Sometimes this takes longer than anticipated. By the time this is figured out, the damage is already done.

Now that the midterms have concluded, and perhaps a few new representatives have been chosen, I’d like to encourage those with the necessary experience to consider running for office as soon as next year.

The dirty, unsavory side of politics might cause you to want to avoid it altogether. That is understandable. However, it will never change if good, honest people with a high moral and ethical standard stay away.

Should you decide that this point in your life is not the right time, then please prepare yourself so that you are ready when the time comes. I believe every American should prepare themselves for public service even if it that opportunity never materializes.

Read about our history, how our government works and study the essential ingredients to a healthy society.

When you are able, volunteer in your community, attend meetings and ask questions. Become a statesman.

Successful and effective government isn’t about power. It is about persuasion and understanding the needs and rights of every individual.

Service in public office, especially at the local level, requires understanding, openness, the ability to ask questions and a willingness to change your mind. The insights that come from this perspective are sorely needed.

Let’s make this a good place for all of us to live in.

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