Originally published in the Deseret News.
Yesterday we celebrated our nation’s birthday. In less than three weeks we will celebrate what in Utah is an even bigger holiday — Pioneer Day. July is the month for patriotic revelry and pioneer celebration. As we think about our past and what others did for us, we should also think about our future and what we can do for others. Narrowing the cultural divide in Utah is a great place to start.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
We are fortunate in Utah to have had great governors through the years. I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with three of them — Norm Bangerter, Mike Leavitt and Olene Walker — and advising two of them — Jon Huntsman Jr., and Gary Herbert. I grew up admiring the service of Govs. Cal Rampton and Scott Matheson. To a person, Utah’s governors protect the public trust and serve as remarkable stewards of our state.
This stands in sharp contrast to a major state like Illinois where four of the past seven governors have served prison time. Leadership matters, and Utah is well led.
Continue reading Don’t rely on Utah’s best run state accolades
Originally published in Utah Business.
In less than six months, many of the most critical components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, will begin. Mandates for coverage, the end of pre-existing conditions, a community rating and richer subsidies take effect next year. As we move closer to 2014, many Utahns and Utah businesses sense the mighty change. I’m telling people to buckle up—one of the largest social policy changes in our lifetime is here.
Continue reading Buckle Up: Obamacare Will Be Here in Six Months
Originally published in the Deseret News.
The Boston marathon bombings remain on our minds even though it’s been nearly three weeks. We can’t seem to get it out of our heads that two misguided brothers cooked up pressure cooker bombs and hurt, maimed and killed innocent people. In our hearts we echo the words of the mother of bombing victim Krystle Marie Campbell, “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Continue reading Boston bombings remind us not to judge unfairly
Originally published in Utah Business.
I’m frequently asked about the likelihood of inflation raising its ugly head in response to the massive infusion of money by the Federal Reserve since the 2008 fiscal crisis. The recession ended nearly four years ago and yet the Fed continues to intervene aggressively.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
The start of spring signals transition. The foothills turn green, we wear brighter colors and the blue sky makes us all feel just a little bit better. Spring brings barbecues, baseball and backyard gardening and, with any luck, the NBA playoffs for the home team. It’s a time of renewal, and after a long, cold and snowy winter, we are ready for the change.
Continue reading Utah falls short in dealing with at-risk students
Originally published in Utah Business.
I recently interviewed with Joel Kotkin, the famed demographer, author and columnist who is frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Daily Beast. Kotkin was doing a media tour and had spent the prior two days meeting with community leaders to get a pulse on Utah. As we finished the interview he said, “Salt Lake is very self aware and it serves you well.”
Originally published in Utah Business.
The Utah Legislature—with all of its individuality and nuance—can now boast the nation’s second fastest-growing economy. That’s right. Utah leads every state but North Dakota in the rate of job growth, and the Utah economy gets stronger by the day. Years of economic leadership are paying off and Utah families are the winners. It’s time to take a pause and thank Utah legislators for their service.
Originally published in Utah Business.
January is one of my favorite times of the year. I relish the chance to push the reset button and begin anew. I use it as a time to reflect about what worked in the prior year and what can be done in the coming year to make life better.
Looking back at 2012, two major public issues rattled my sense of rightness: the negative campaigning in the 2012 elections and the posturing about the fiscal cliff. Both issues call for an infusion of feminine values into the public square.
Continue reading A Fresh Start: Let Your Feminine Values Shine in 2013
Originally published in Utah Business.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more.” – Melody Beattie
Three years ago this month, a large and diverse group of community leaders gathered at the Utah State Capitol to affix their names to The Utah Compact. For those in attendance, the Utah sun beamed a little brighter that day as our community adopted a more gracious approach to the complex issue of immigration reform. Since then, Utah has followed a more compassionate, constructive and civil immigration discussion that has lifted Utah to a higher, better place and set an example for others. For this we can all be grateful.
Continue reading A Time of Thanksgiving: Reflections on The Utah Compact