Thoughts from a Utahn on strengthening the economy, building community, and promoting civil society.

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Count My Vote victories

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/21/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. Utah’s primary election is a week away, but it’s already time to celebrate. Thanks to the Count My Vote compromise (also referred to as SB54), more candidates appear on the primary election ballot this year. When asked about it, former Gov. Mike Leavitt said, “Better choices mean better government.”…

Making the most of life’s messes

By Natalie Gochnour | 06/08/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. Summer is off to an unsettling start. A series of events have caused us to feel ill-at-ease. The presidential election hasn’t helped. Many find the choices unfathomable. But it’s more. The long security lines at airports remind us people still want to harm us. Our smartphones ping almost weekly…

Minimum Wage Debate: Utahns should consider alternative ways to lift families out of poverty

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/31/2016

Originally published in Utah Business. Many times in public policy we share a common goal, but choose a different path. This is the case with the minimum wage debate. Utahns share a sincere interest in helping low-income families secure a more stable future. Some policy makers choose the minimum wage policy path to lift these…

A plea for a more policy-oriented governor’s race

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/18/2016

Originally published in the Deseret News. I pay a lot of attention to the Utah governor’s race because of the importance of the chief executive to the success of our state. I want to make a plea for a more policy-oriented governor’s race. My plea is born of experience. Governors matter. They set the direction…

The soul of our city

By Natalie Gochnour | 05/13/2016

Originally published in Utah Business. I’m a native Salt Laker, so I should know how to describe Utah’s capital city to someone new to our state. Still, when I’m asked by a non-Utahn to describe Salt Lake City, I struggle with the right response. Salt Lake City, for all its stereotypes, is difficult to fit…

Utah and Salt Lake City Policy Innovations

Athena Remarks

Here are reasons why Utah should host another olympics

Christmas reminder: Success in life depends on human kindness

Finding peace in God’s love

Singing my mother to heaven