2010 Weber GOP Convention

Notes from the 2010 Weber County Republican Nominating Convention
10 April 2010

THE SHORT VERSION
507 attending out of 524 possible. 96.76% attendance.

County Race Results
Treasurer (504)
Kruitbosch – 34.92% (176)
Bond (I) – 65.08% (328)

Clerk (505)
Hatch – 63.76% (322)
McEwan (I) – 36.24% (183)

Sheriff (503)
Thompson – 66.80% (336)
Haycock – 33.20% (167)

County Commissioner (503)
Gibson – 74.95% (377)
Bischoff (I) – 25.05% (126)

Straw Poll
Senate (466)
Bennett – 22.75% (106)
Bridgewater – 10.3% (48)
Cook – 0.86% (4)
Eager – 27.68% (129)
Fabiano – 6.22% (29)
Lee – 32.19% (150)

Congressional (467)
Bishop – 91.65% (428)
Ridgway – 8.35% (39)

Governor (464)
Herbert – 90.73% (421)
Martin – 1.94% (9)
Van Oaks – 6.90% (32)
Schanze – 0.43% (2)

THE LONG VERSION
[My notes in brackets.]

10:10 AM – Called to order
We sang all four verses of the national anthem. [I can't remember the last time I sang all 4 verses of the national anthem. Sure, it makes the song four times as long, but it's nice to do once in a while.]

The rules for the convention were adopted without discussion or debate. There were one or two nays, but otherwise it moved forward without incident. [It was a refreshing change from the interminable motions and debate that are so prevalent in Utah county... before the agenda is even adopted!]

Senator Hatch had another engagement and may not have been able to stay until his scheduled speaking slot at the end of the elected official reports. It was requested and moved that he speak immediately after the credentials report. The motion carried with one Nay vote. [There's always one.]

10:31 AM – The credentials report was: 507 attending out of 524 possible. 96.76% attendance.

The Chair, Matt Bell, pointed out that we had 80 minutes of speeches ahead of us.

One person was late to register. That person was denied being granted credentials by a vote of the convention.

[Standard caveat on my notes from speeches: People typically talk faster than I type. As a result, many of my notes aren't exact quotes, and I will leave some parts out because I can't capture it all. My intent is to relate as much material as close to the intent of the speaker as I can.]

Senator Orrin Hatch
I’m very concerned about the country. My wife works in the temple two days a week. She tells her friends that “Two days a week I go to heaven. Every day Orrin goes to hell.” We have a charming president, but he’s leading our country down to destruction. There is an arrogance in power that I haven’t seen in my entire time in the Senate. Having 60 votes is big. By the Obama administration’s own reports, they will actually double the deficit in five years and quadruple it in ten. We have never had a fiscally conservative majority since Reagan, Bush 1, Bush 2 & some instances under Clinton. In 2020, by their own studies, we’ll be $1.3 trillion in debt. $900 trillion of that will be for interest alone. We’ve got to band together and do everything we can to fight back. I’m tired of them treating terrorists like American citizens. This state does and will make a difference. As long as I’m there we’ll continue to fight against this type of stuff. We do make a difference I appreciate you for participating.

UTAH SENATE
Tim Bridgewater
I grew up in a trailer park. I ended up working in the Reagan administration. I’m running because we are in a very bad time in our country. In the ’70′s we had double digit inflation. There were gas lines as far as the eye can see. Many people thought our best days were behind us. Then Reagan came in and sparked the largest peacetime economic expansion we have ever seen. Today, for the first time we have parents who think things will be worse for their kids than it is for them. We need to cut entitlement spending. We need to privatize social security. People are rising up. Kennedy’s seat went to a Republican. Harry Reid is 15 points down. I will cut spending dramatically. I will cut earmarks to special interests. The federal government has been negligent in the protection of borders.

David Chiu
Did not attend.

Merrill Cook
You know what I will do when in the Senate. I was in the US Congress for four years. I piled up the most conservative reputation of anyone in the inter-mountain west delegation. I spent 4 years on the banking committee. I saw up front and personal how awful it was to put taxpayers behind Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. Then the housing bubble burst, followed by the housing collapse, then the financial meltdown. Instead of telling private financial companies to sort it out, we covered them with TARP, which the incumbent voted for. I have a background in finance. I will use my education and business experience to solve this problem. There was something else I noticed in Congress. As much as I like trade, our country decided that it would sell American industry down the river by telling us to vote for most favored nation status with China. I told them I would vote no, and was sent down to the Whip’s office.

Cherilyn Eagar
[NOTE: Cherilyn Eagar was scheduled to speak after Merrill Cook, but had not arrived from an event in Davis county yet. She actually spoke after Gov. Herbert, but the notes from her speech are included here to keep the Senate candidates together in the narrative.]
I just got in from Davis county. We have lots of events going on. I have had several recent visits to Washington D.C. There were 150 policy organizations I’ve spoken to. Afterwords, people approached me and said “We are desperate for a conservative woman in the Senate. There are none.” In the past 30 years of experience, I’ve had a lot of experience fighting radical feminism. When a conservative woman walks in the room, it neutralizes the arguments of radical feminists. Let’s put Barbara Boxer in her corner for a change. My father was a surgeon, and he talked about dangers of socialized medicine. We need to repeal Obamacare. Then we need to dismantle the Department of Education, then the Department of Defen… (whoops!) not the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, then of the Interior. We the people are standing up and saying “no more big government.” I’m running as an American passionate about defending out sovereignty on the world stage. Defending the 70% of public land that has been taken away from us. As mom and grandma, protecting the future for our children.

Leonard Fabiano
I’m from South Jordan. I was born & raised in New Jersey. When I was 18, I served in the Korean War in the Air Force. I was assigned to air-sea rescue as a flight engineer. Then I went to California. I stopped in Colorado, met my wife, and never got further. We have eight children and 31 grandchildren. I’m running a different kind of campaign. I’m not accepting donations. If elected, I will not accept wages or retirement. Once an old king was addressing his people just before he was ready to die. The service he put in, he wasn’t a burden to his people. He said that “When you are in the service of your fellow man, you are only in service of your God.” Doing it this way will be a mission. There needs to be a change. Spending, etc, needs to be cut. We needs to go back to a time when the federal government goes back to the responsibilities assigned by the Constitution. The need to get out of the business of the state.

Jeremy Friedbaum
I’m a delegate from Orem 27 [Not sure I heard the number right]. I did not come here today to ask you to vote for me. I came to ask for your help. I ask you to plead with Senator Bennett to accept the will of the people to end his career the same way he began it… with the will of people instead of fighting against it until the better end. Now that you know where I’m coming from, I’d like to ask you to do something. Please do it reverentially. If you are a state delegate, please stand or raise your hand. Those willing to vote for someone other than Bennett, please raise your hand. Those voting for Bennett raise your hand. [There was a lot of heckling and calls to end his time and sit down.] That looks like a lot less than 40%. I love Senator Bennett. At the end of my speech, instead of applauding for my time being over please applaud for Senator Bennett as a show of thanks.

Mike Lee
The federal government is too big. It costs too much money and plays too big a role in our lives. We’re working three, four, five months out of the year just to pay taxes, then just to be told that we’re still $13 trillion in debt. For too long Congress has been overlooking the Constitution. The Constitution is only as effective as Congress is willing to pay attention to its restrictions. They need to stop going with what the Supreme Court will let them get away with. Our founding fathers were subject to a national government that was too far from us, out of touch, and that failed to pass laws regulated by local legislative bodies. Natl governments inevitably become tyrants. That is true whether you have a king, or an elected president, or an elected president who thinks he is a king. I was in Lindon. My wife told me that the last questioner needed to be a young girl who had sat patiently for a long time with her hand up. She asked, “What happens to us if we fail to follow the Constitution?” Congress has an idea that it can solve all of our problems. So it starts to redistribute our wealth. Try as they might to redistribute, that violates the Constitution.

Bob Bennett
I have the job and they all want it. If I believed all the things being said about me, I wouldn’t vote for me either. It’s not a question of who has the best soundbite, or who loves the Constitution more. It’s about who can do the job; who can deliver. Your Republicans have been getting rid of welfare and cut the capital gains tax. We’ve had rivers of revenue as result, and we cut the debt. We have had no attacks since 9/11. It was a Republican president and Congress that did that. You state delegates have a serious responsibility to perform. The decision of who will be the state nominee is up to you. You have the responsibility of deciding who will meet this challenge in the next few years. Our debt to GDP ratio will rise to 100% in the next few years. Have I made mistakes? Yes. But I have made every decision on the basis of what is Constitutional and what will make us stronger. I am proud to support Mitt Romney. With every decision I make, I ask the question “Will this strengthen America?” It’s time to have a veteran on the floor to make sure that we don’t have someone that will take us away. We have a rookie president. I’m not sure we need a rookie senator.

UTAH DISTRICT 2
Mike Ridgway
I’m the only Republican running against Rob Bishop. I stand before you with a heavy heart. As reported in the Salt Lake Tribune, Nancy Lord, former (long list of positions held), and who has been dedicated to making sure that candidates have a level playing field. She was stripped Thursday night of ability to serve. Because I and 7 other members of the state central committee filed a lawsuit because party leaders fail to follow rules in the state party constitution. The state party constitution prohibits party leadership from stealing delegate spots. (Listed several counties.) Because Nancy Lord is a plaintiff to remove automatic delegates, she cannot speak at the state central committee, and cannot serve on the state level. My website is mikeonamission.com. My phone number is 801-438-4139. Rob Bishop is one of the reasons we have this problem. Allow me to take these same principles to Congress. I didn’t see Bishop standing up against Bush when he was destroying our country.

Rob Bishop
President Obama has said we are the party of “no.” He’s wrong. If you listened to John Boehner, you’d see that we are the party of “hell no!” Pelosi won’t allow us to debate on the floor. The feds prohibit the border patrol from doing their job with restrictions on public lands borders. One third of our border lands are off limits to Americans because they are controlled by the drug cartels. The founding fathers saw our day. I am committed to suing for our position to restore balance between the state and federal government. In every chapter in American history, people have underestimated America. The Lord has brought forth heroes where we have not only survived, but thrived. You are those heroes. Together we can write this new chapter in American history. Individual freedom and individual liberty. We won’t just survive, we will succeed. Thank you for being part of the process.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Greg Bell
When we thought about what America’s big challenge would be in the ’70′s and 80′s, we thought of the Soviets, or maybe a Japanese hegemony, or maybe a falling of our currency. What would take this nation to its knees? Would we ever think that we would bring ourselves to our knees with our own budget? Our own cash flow doesn’t pay for critical federal programs. In Utah, we haven’t followed that course. We’ve bitten the bullet and made the hard choices. We reversed course when our pension fund took a hit. With your leadership and Governor Herbert, we have faced these things and faced this budget. We don’t deficit finance. We won’t. Utah is government that works. It’s small, limited, and responds to the people. I am inspired and flattered to be part of it today. If you sat down with Governor Herbert, you’d agree on 80-90% of the issues. After he explained his position on things, you’d likely agree with him. If not, you’d at least understand where he’s coming from.

GOVERNOR
Richard Martin
What a wonderful sight you are. Weber county, America. This is so great. Is there a Julie Stoneberg here? I just wanted to honor this woman. She’s a delegate. She’s gone through three conventions to hear the candidates so she could make a decision who she thought was best. By raise of hands, who believes that we can have a serious financial downturn in the next few years? Senator Judd Gregg from New Hampshire said in interview with the Washington financial times that we are heading for a financial meltdown. This will happen if we continue on this unsustainable course. How is our state preparing? Have they made provisions if we have a major downturn? We’ve only done marginal things. Since 2004, the state budget has increased 34%. California has gone up 21% in same time. In 2008 we lost $44 billion in investments. That is a huge amount for a state our size We need to prepare ourselves for a downturn. How? We need to rearrange our financial affairs. I have had my own financial company for 28 years. I’ve never had a client lose money in that time. If we do this right, we could be the richest state in the country. I have the knowledge and ability to make this happen and protect our state.

Daniel Van Oaks Jr.
I was moved by the opening prayer. I had a chill down my spine at the singing of the national anthem. My understanding is that 80% of delegates are doing so for the first time. Our founding fathers would be proud. Lincoln said “that a government of the people, by the people, for the people will never perish from the earth.” That means we need average, regular people to serve in government, not career politicians. Random people off the street could do a better job than those in Congress. Some say we’re doing good because our economy is better than Mexico’s. Or that our economy is better than California’s. I’ve been preparing for this for 18 years in the private sector. I’ve never served in elected office before. I know that cash in needs to exceed cash out. (Something about education funding.)

“Superdell” Schanze
Did not attend.

Gary Herbert
I brought the best first lady we’ve ever had. Let me just pick up on what Dan was talking about. Comparison is how we measure things. In the paper recently, they identified which state is least like California, and they said Utah. We have cut programs by 20%, which is over $1 billion. We went from a 1:18 to a 1:133 employee to citizen ratio. We have received accolades from independents outside of our borders. The Pew study said that Utah is the best managed state in the nation. According to Forbes, Utah is the best place for business. We understand free market principles. Utah is in the best position to come out of the recession. Good principles that have governed us over the past couple of decades put us here. It’s a focus on the Four E’s: Efficiency – We initiated the Bangerter commission to provide an outside/inside look on how to do better. Economy – Empower the private sector. Jobs. Education – The Education Commission has been formed to bring people together to stop fighting and find solutions. Energy – We have formed a ten year plan for energy development. My background and experience do make the difference.

WEBER COUNTY – UNCONTESTED RACES

COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Jan Zogmaister
I have been full time for almost four years serving Weber county. When I was elected, I made some commitments. I’m here to report back that I have kept those promises. There are two reasons to go to the website. I keep coming back for your continued support and feedback. I can’t continue to represent you unless you give me feedback. I’ve also listed goals for the next four years. Are these things important to you? We have done a fine job working within our means. I don’t want to go into detail, because I want to save time for those running a race. I am accessible and available. Thank you for allowing me to serve.

COUNTY RECORDER/SURVEYOR
Ernest Rowley
Four years ago I stated that a vote for me was a vote to reduce county expenditures, etc. I thought it appropriate to give a report on how I’ve done. I’ve consolidated the budget of both offices and reduced the budget by several thousand dollars. We’ve had a $100,00 annual increase in funds due to the use of a web application. Going paperless has reduced our costs by $4,000. The Recorder’s office primary function is protecting land titles. We have improved ways to protect the integrity of the records and have started using aerial photos. I testified before the legislature and lobbied representatives for bills in your favor for land rights. (List of achievements.) I have the leadership, experience & knowledge to provide Utah county with trusted land records.

COUNTY ASSESSOR
John Ulibarri
I’m excited beyond belief to have the opportuity to serve as your next county assessor. I was born and raised, and have lived and worked almost my entire life in Weber county. I worked in real estate, then worked in the assessor office for 10 years. I am a member of (various professional organizations). What I believe in. The U.S. is the best nation in the history of mankind. I believe in the Constitution and the Utah constitution. I believe in the Republican party platform, and that the Republican party is the party of logic and reason. We’re not just on the right, but we are the party of right. I believe in small and efficient government at the local level. I am a fiscal conservative. We eliminated a vacant position. I believe public service is a privilege. I report to you. I have a duty to earn your trust. Respect, like trust, is earned. I will perform my duties as they should be done. I believe in doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. I believe in always getting better, never resting on past accomplishments. I have done statistical testing beyond those required by the state. I have worked for a greater level of predictability in property tax. I am available for public speaking and reporting to city councils on an annual basis. Thank you for participating. This is where real change begins.

WEBER COUNTY – CONTESTED RACES

11:33 AM – Matt Bell
This is the part we’re here for. Please move the ballot boxes to the front of the stage. Open them, and show them to the audience. Then zip-tie them. You need to show your credential ID to put a ballot in the box. It will probably take 30 minutes to gather up the ballots. Then it will take an hour to count the ballots. Each candidate can have one representative from their team in the ballot room, which is in room 210.

TREASURER
Darcy Kruitbosch
George Kruitbosch – I’m George Kruitbosch, for those who didn’t answer the door. She’s my wife. In the time I’ve known her and watched her work as a single mom with two kids, she has been devoted to family and core principles. She’s also devoted to the party. She’s the chair of the Utah Federation of Republican women. I ask for you to support her and she will return that support.
Darcy Kruitbosch – I’m running for Weber county treasurer. I’m a lifelong resident. I have six children and two grandchildren. I am also a lifelong Republican. I’m committed to keeping the party something we can all be proud of. I have 18 years of experience in local and state accounting. I have a Masters in accounting, tax. I did not seek an endorsement from elected officials. I thought it was more important to receive your endorsement. Wouldn’t we be better at all levels if we elected good Republicans to replace incumbents before the people were ready to revolt? We have a lot of talented, creative thinkers. We’ve had the same administration for the past four terms. People should serve, then step aside. In line with Jefferson and other founding fathers…. (out of time)

John Bond
Nyla Dayton – I’m glad to be here and glad you are here. It is a pleasure and a privilege to nominate John Bond.
John Bond – My fellow Republicans. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the last nine months. I appreciate the confidence of the county central committee and county commissioners. One of my primary jobs is to keep your money safe. Another one is to keep your office running well. Your county money is safe. The financial crisis over the last few years has created significant financial pressure. We have maintained a conservative financial standing. We have reduced your tax burden by $1.3 million in interest. We are one of only three counties in Utah that has achieved a AAA bond rating. We keep public service and trust as high priority. We have hired employees that are responsive and nice. We are doing everything we can to earn your trust. We are scrutinized monthly by an auditor. We continue to pass every audit. In October you received a redesigned tax notice. It is easier to read, and reduced printing costs by $20,000. Our website is the envy of every county in Utah. We have had 300,000 hits. We have provided easy access to your tax information. We are safe, running an efficient and effective office, and treasure public service and your trust.

CLERK/AUDITOR
Ricky Hatch
Although this is a campaign speech, can I be honest for a minute? This is not a sexy office. I’m not sure if it’s even legal to use “auditor” and “sexy” in the same sentence. However, no other office is more important. No other office affects your personal and property rights more. While we have a good elections process it can be better and should be better. With me, it will have full executive support and we will make it be the best election process in the state. It’s your tax money, and we can make sure there are no leaks along the way. This is where my training as a certified information systems auditor is so important. I’ve been trained for 13 years. Why am I running? It feels like the right thing to do. I have an honest, sincere desire to take a good office and make it better. I have 13 years of experience as a CPA and ISA. I’m just an accountant that likes to roll up his sleeves and get work done. I’m part of the Weber 9/12, the Patrick Henry Caucus, and the Independence Caucus [I think those are the ones mentioned].

Alan McEwan
Bruce Anderson – Alan is a man of integrity. He believes in the platform. He’s a successful local businessman. He is someone I could go to to get things done without drama. He’s fiscally responsible. He supports strong accountability in government. I could always depend of full and on time reporting.
McCewan – I’m your current Clerk/Auditor. I appreciate your support over the past four years. Previous to this I was the county comptroller. I have a lot of experience and knowledge regarding the clerk/auditor office. I am a licensed CPA. I have experience serving in industry & government. I am experienced in all functions of the clerk/auditor office. I am now involved in all functions including elections, budgeting, property tax, marriage licenses, and passports. I am also a representative of Republican values and fiscal policy. I had a situation where an Obama person said “Here’s some money for a project.” I said, “We don’t have a project like that.” He said, “You can find one.” It’s against my principles to go out and find projects. I also reduced the cost of bonds by several million dollars.

SHERIFF
Brett Haycock
Terry Shaw & Greenwood – Nominated
Haycock – Thanks to Shaw and Greenwood for your support. I would be remiss if I did not thank some people (listed some names). I would also like to thank my family and friends for their support. I’m new to this process. Without your support, I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you for being involved. I encourage you to continue. I encourage you to believe with your help we can make our government better than it is today. I assure you that I will be more responsible with your tax dollars. I will put more officers on street. I will uphold Utah principles. I will demand that the sheriff’s office uphold integrity. Please join with me in getting back to basics.

Terry Thompson
Slater & ?? – Nominated for 28th Weber county sheriff. He is a man of impeccable ethics and demonstrated leadership. He is loyal to the citizenry. He is a humble and grateful man. He will be moving the office forward, making his own set of footprints.
Craig Deardon – Seconding the nomination.
Thompson – Thank you, delegates. I’ve never seen so many delegates so committed and engaged. I have heard much over the last few weeks about procedures, process & plans. These are all important for elected officials. When you get down to it, what is the most important? The Constitutional foundation. Everything we do is based on this principle. Why am I a sheriff? I love law enforcement. I love law abiding citizens. I will make my decision making process on constitutional principles.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Kerry Gibson
I always feel a bit better with an ice breaker. How many Obamacrats does it take to screw in a light bulb? One, but they screw it up in there really well! Rather than pull some high profile person onstage, I thought I’d introduce you to the most high profile people in my life. (Introduced family onstage.) I’m a lifelong resident of Weber county. Most of the things I learned I learned growing up on a dairy farm. I learned integrity, teamwork, and honesty. Six years ago I was elected to the state legislature. I believe it took my service to the next level. I’m proud to say Utah is the best managed state in nation. I’m proud to be a part of that. I promised I would get in and work hard, have an enthusiastic attitude and listen to people. In order to take back government from the federal level, we have to start at the local level. We need lower taxes and higher accountability. I will never vote for a tax increase. I wont vote myself a wage increase. I won’t make it a career or a retirement. I will listen to you and serve you.

Kenneth Bischoff
It has been a great opportunity to work with the current county commission. I want to vary from what I’ll say. It is very humbling. For those who came by my booth, thank you for your thanks. For those who don’t know me, you may ask, “What have you done and what will you do?” Consider a few things that are vitally important. We were the first county in the state to consolidate 911 call centers. This has saved money & lives. We capped the solid waste site and a installed gas recovery system. This has generated $100,000 per year in revenue. We have achieved a AAA bond rating. I went to San Francisco and lobbied for it. We refinanced the bonds. We worked together in the finance committee. The result was lower taxes. We made the building more efficient. Through conservative budgeting processes, we increased the rainy day fund from $2 million. Vote for me if you like what you hear.

[At this point we broke for lunch. At least, a lot of us did. I got caught up talking with other delegates from my precinct about Hooper. We talked for so long that I missed several speakers, listed below.]

REPORTS

Ken Bischoff – Commission Chair, State of the County Report
Darcy Kruitbosch – President, Utah Federation of Republican Women
Suzanne Ellison-Ferre – 1st Vice President, Weber County Republican Women Report
Ricky Hatch – Weber County Party Treasurer Report
Brad Dee – House Majority Whip, Utah State Legislature Report
Scott Jenkins – Senate Majority Leader, Utah State Senate Report

David Hansen, Utah State GOP Chairman
When we first started looking at hosting the Republican convention, the chance of hosting was 10% or less. Tampa was the front runner. After three days of presenting to the selection committee, and seeing the available facilities after the Olympics, and our leadership, I’d say our chances are about 50/50 now. The site selection committee will make their recommendation on May 18. Then the RNC meets the first week of August to make a decision. It’s so good to see so many delegates participating. You are not alone. We are seeing this throughout the state. Those at the caucuses were 75,000, where usually we have 30,000-35,000. There is more money being raised for local party organizations. Something good is happening and we need to carry it through. For those elected as delegates, your responsibility did not start on caucus night and it does not end today. It’s the same with state delegates. You need to continue that through the election. I have a challenge for you. Between now and the election, I’m not asking you to move the world. Do one thing every day to promote Republican candidates and the Republican cause. Just one thing, an email, phone call, yard sign, talk to a neighbor. They can be different things. Just do one thing. Think of the effect it can have on the Republican party and Republican candidates.

Senator John Greiner
I appreciate the kind words of Senator Jenkins. Frankly, Weber county is quite well represented. They are without a doubt the best team in the state legislature. Chairman Bell asked me to talk about the situation I found myself in. I truly believe public service is the rent we pay in our time on earth. We get in the arena of life and participate, and you are part of that . You showed us in the last go around that you care enough to get involved. For those that don’t know, there is a 70 year old act called the Hatch act. Not by Senator Hatch when he was a young man, though it could have been! In deference to him, he’s done a great job. In essence, you cannot have any potential oversight of a federal dollar and be involved in partisan politics. I don’t want to violate any laws, even archaic ones. It was a distinct honor on my part to be able to serve you for four years. The Weber county and Davis county Republican party has supported my completely. The Republicans in this state are wonderful people. The one thing you can do is eliminate the one Democrat in Weber county. He hasn’t been a very effective legislator. [Legislative District 9?]

RESULTS

Matthew Bell – County GOP Chair
Legislative District 6 is the only district with a Republican race. Provided a rundown and introductions of people running in other legislative districts.

STRAW POLL
Senate (466)
Bennett 22.75% (106)
Bridgewater 10.3% (48)
Cook 0.86% (4)
Eager 27.68% (129)
Fabiano 6.22% (29)
Lee 32.19% (150)

Congressional (467)
Bishop 91.65% (428)
Ridgway 8.35% (39)

Governor (464)
Herbert 90.73% (421)
Martin 1.94% (9)
Van Oaks 6.90% (32)
Schanze 0.43% (2)

Treasurer (504)
Kruitbosch 34.92% (176)
Bond 65.08% (328)

Clerk (505)
Hatch 63.76% (322)
McEwan 36.24% (183)

Sheriff (503)
Thompson 66.80% (336)
Haycock 33.20% (167)

County Commissioner (503)
Gibson 74.95% (377)
Bischoff 25.05% (126)

Resolution 1
A Resolution of the Weber County Republican Party Regarding Endorsements.
Voted down

Resolution 2
Freedom Resolutions – Weber County Republican Convention
Matthew Bell (Chair) explained an issue with the resolution. The issue is that the party is run by the central committee, and this resolution tries to grant that power to the delegates.
An amendment changed the word “direct” to “strongly recommend” in both instances. Amendment passed. Voice vote on the resolution was close. Division called. The resolution failed with a standing vote.

Legislative District 6
There was an open state delegate spot that was filled by election. Glen Willey was elected. Nominees were:
Jared Preisler – I have been a state delegate before. I understand the work and responsibility involved. I have the time available. It’s important to be involved this year and in the off year.
Glen Willey – Politics is really important. A wise man once said that political correctness is only tyranny with manners. It’s just another form of tyranny. We need to change that and get back to honest politicians.
Vanessa Murray – I’m a lifelong Weber county resident. I haven’t had a chance to listen to a lot of state delegates (sic). I will make sure we elect candidates that stay within constitutional bounds.
Garrett Lewis – I’ve lived in Westhaven for ten years. I work in Weber county locally. I would be honored to be your state representative to go and represent your views. I will take the time to look into the candidates and to really weigh their issues they have and be able to make an informed decision and fight for our rights as district and precinct members.
Christine Hunsaker – I’m a lifelong Weber resident. I’ve been a part of politics all my life. I’ve been a county delegate. I always wanted to take part in the state delegate role. I will research delegates with an open mind and get the choice of the people to them. I pride myself on looking into issues, and looking into concerns they have, education and finance.
Scott Penrod – I’ve lived in Utah for 34 years. I believe the reason the country is in the state it is in is because not enough people are taking an active role in politics. They’re letting others make the decisions. There has been a wake up call to get more involved and encourage others to get involved. I will vote for those that back the constitution like Mike Lee. Any constitutional candidate is one I would back.
Byron Mortensen – I’m proud of how we’ve revitalized our party. I would be honored to cast a vote for those people who would serve this county and its people best.

There was a question as to whether only delegates can vote for the open state delegate spot. It was ruled that only state delegates could vote.

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 6

Craig Call
First of all, thanks to (list of names). I ran this really low budget campaign. We have treated the money from friends like tax dollars. I appreciate Brad and Brent. The big issue for me is whether you want an independent representative. I’ve committed to not take a nickel from a lobbyist. I will not seek or take endorsements. I’ve done my darndest to be reachable. Somehow the old system has to change. I know it can be helpful. I’m grateful for the associations of those who get involved and fight for what they believe in. The founders believed that this system would work. That you would come and talk to me and I would be responsive to you. This is your chance to strike a blow against lobbyists. If a person like me can’t make this pitch to you and succeed in this race in Weber county, it won’t work anywhere. Protected property rights (out of time).

Brad Galvez
Lisa Galvez – Two of my favorite heroes are John Wayne and Ronald Reagan. Now I’m nominating another hero of mine: Brad Galvez.
Kerry Gibson – Second nomination. I’ve known Brad for several years. He is honest and trustworthy.
Brad Galvez – The current view of the government is that if something moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it. A lot of politicians today are shortsighted. They need to look ahead at how these things will impact our children and grandchildren. There’s an Aaron Tippen song [?] – Ya gotta stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. I stand for (something), fiscal responsibility, and private property rights. John Wayne said that courage is being scared to death and still saddling up. I hope I can earn your sacred trust and your vote.

Brent Ropelato
Thanks to those who have served in our Utah government so far. Thanks to Brad & Craig. They are great men, and I appreciate what they stand for. What I stand for and where I come from. I’m probably going to step on a few toes. When it comes to controlling spending, I’m probably the tightest bugger in here. Notice I have no signs up. At what point does that start? After you get elected? Another thing, I don’t want change. I want positive change. We need positive change to reinforce those things we hold dear to us and hold sacred. Most of you got my letter. We want you to stay involved when in session in Salt Lake City. Another thing, an example in the media this past week. We need to stop the government from getting into… lobbyists. They might be presenting a bill that there should be a cooling off period from when leaving office before they could become a lobbyist. We need to stop encouraging government to get into our business. If you want govt to stay out of your business, you need to stay involved in the government’s business.

[Kerry Gibson was invited to speak while the votes were being counted.]

Kerry Gibson
You’ve had the opportunity to meet with, get to know, and have a conversation with these men that are running today. I’m not a fan of “democracy” because its a mess. I’m a fan of our system, a republic. Sometimes when you leave what you love, you wonder how it will go. I’m not concerned with each of the three men that have stood up to serve. Each and every one of you have been a part of that process. I firmly believe that the government closest to us may have the most effect on us. This 129, minus whoever didn’t show up, will determine whoever our next representative will be. 80% of the delegates are new. Its a great process. I’m grateful for the new challenge and look forward to the opportunity to serve my community in a different way. Just a few things you might be interested in. The state budget has been a real challenge over the past couple years. I’ll take some credit. Our budget grew too fast and it became necessary to cut that back. It’s hard to do that because it usually means people and livelihoods. But we had a choice . In D.C. they can just pass the bill on to our grandchildren. In Utah, we made over $2 billion in cuts over the past two years. Last year we were able to hold education harmless. This year in education, there was no growth funded and a 0.5% cut in targeted areas. Some areas of the budget took a 20% cut. Some areas I oversee were even worse. It was a challenge. I think we made good decisions, in part from listening to you. I was a time killer and the ballots are in. I just want to say thanks one more time.

State Representative, District 6 (116)
Round 1
Call – 37 / 31.90%
Galvez – 68 / 58.62%
Ropelato – 11 / 9.48%

Round 2
Call – Withdrew to avoid a primary.
Galvez – Elected by acclamation.

3:02 PM – Done

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