Election Aftermath and The Art of Governing

The 2003 elections are history. Across the country the citizens have chosen those who they think will best represent the people. I remain in awe of our brilliant form of government - a democracy within a republic, a balance between the will of the majority and the rule of law. As we look to the future and a transition of power there is an opportunity for both a clean slate and for the introduction of new ideas and new personalities into the public policy process. I believe these regularly scheduled transitions are healthy for our society in many ways.

Eagle Mountain is a young city; in many ways it has behaved - or at least many of its elected officials have behaved - immaturely in the past. I have high hopes that these elections will signal that Eagle Mountain is growing up, that the quality of representation is improving. To that end I offer some suggestions as to how Eagle Mountain can break from the unfortunate governing style of the past and provide better service the citizens in the future.

One hallmark of Eagle Mountain government has been the immediate resort to confrontation rather than cooperation when different interests clash. In law school I was fortunate to take a class called "Negotiations and Settlement." Our grade was based on the results of a series of negotiating exercises wherein the law students drew different roles to play. There was a management/labor scenario, a business merger situation, a legislative hypothetical, a plea bargain, etc. We did not score points by name calling, by driving our counterparts into court, by browbeating our opponents into submission, by arguing to a stalemate, or by simply giving in. Rather the grades were scaled to real life, where solutions were sought that minimized damage to all sides and maximized the benefits for each party. Just as in life, cooperation succeeded, confrontation failed.

I am pleased that during my two years in office I have developed cordial, even friendly, relations with many of those who do business in our city, those who risk millions of dollars to build streets, sewers, parks and homes for those who live here, and those yet to come. There have been times as a councilman when I have had to sit across the table from developers and others in tough negotiations. But legitimate entrepreneurs expect that, they don't resent it. And when it's done in good faith -- and doesn't end with government officials throwing a tantrum or demanding extortion - the interests of all parties can be protected and everyone can still enjoy each other's company. Governing is the art of balancing interests, priorities and limitations, and applying sound principles, to accomplish the greater good, while protecting the rights of each. I hope after these elections Eagle Mountain government will grow up and see the future of the City as a partnership between its residents and its developers, facilitated by a city government that serves them both.

A personal postscript. Although I was not up for reelection this time, some candidates and their supporters apparently felt it would be to their political advantage to attack me, put words in my mouth, project the worst motives on me, and otherwise attempt to smear my reputation and my character. They seem unable to argue against the positions I take and the principles I espouse, so they turn on me personally. I have undoubtedly struck a nerve with some, and I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. I did not choose to be an issue in this election but since my critics and attackers did, I now have the satisfaction of enjoying the election results as a vote of confidence from the people.

I am grateful to the people of Eagle Mountain for electing me two years ago. I am grateful for the tremendous encouragement and support I have received from residents in the last two years. And I am grateful that the people have selected individuals of integrity, intelligence and maturity with whom I will be honored to serve for the next two years.