Who can say no to more money? or Why am I running?

People ask me why I am running for the Utah House of Representatives. Well, go to http://gva1.utah.gov/disclosures, select PUBLIC SEARCH then select Candidates and OfficeHolders and look at the 2010-Primary Report of Contributions and Expenditures. You will see seven reasons why (large contributors from outside the district). I want a representative who is not encumbered with contributions from special interests and organizations from outside the district. District 50 deserves a representative that will listen and represent the members of this community.

There should be no doubt that I am not beholden to anybody but to those who live in District 50 (There were unsolicited donations from outside the district which I returned to sender). It should be clear that if I am elected it will not be business as usual. I firmly believe that I can be effective without compromising my commitment to not accept contributions from outside the district or any type of gift from lobbyist and special interests. I don’t want you to have any doubts about who is influencing my decisions.

If you give me the responsibility of representing you, I can, without hesitation promise that it will not be business as usual at the capitol. It is time for a change. We can do better. We must do better. I ask you to help me do that beginning next Tuesday. Thank you.

Steve Roberts
Candidate for Utah House of Representatives, District 50
www.robertsfor50.com
steven80roberts@gmail.com

Heavy Artillery

Heavy Artillery

The big guns came out last week. I am talking about money. Mailers and flyers and more signs. There was more money spent last week by the other candidate than I have spent on my whole campaign. I knew this day was coming because she had the money and that is the way traditional campaigns are run. But as I went out last night and talked to people in the district it became apparent that these are not traditional times and people are frustrated with politicians that have the time to prepare mailers but don’t have the time to talk to them. The fight goes on.



Saturday morning I volunteered at a Flag Day celebration. I was reminded that this is what I am fighting for; I am fighting so the voice of people who are willing to volunteer and sacrifice for their State and Country is heard above the money and special interests. This is a great country and great state because of people like those who were there Saturday morning honoring our flag.

Sign Wars

Campaign signs are popping out of the ground, especially for school board candidates. We are all desperate to have people see our names. I guess the fear is that a voter will see our names on the ballot and think "never heard of him". Of course the voter thinking "I have seen his signs" is not much better. There are alternatives such as standing on the corner with a sandwich board and yelling at cars as they drive by or driving up and down streets with a sound truck like they do in some Latin American countries. Any other suggestions?

I am only putting my signs on peoples yards so at least I talk to one person per sign about why I am running and why they should vote for me. I may try a business here and there. So far I have resisted the temptation to put them on every vacant street corner.

Campaign Guilt

Friday I took the night off from Campaigning and helped my Mother-In-Law move furniture. What was supposed to have been only a few hours ended up lasting until 9:30 pm. I kept thinking that I should be campaigning. I keep running into people who are not aware that there is a primary for House of Representatives District 50. There is only two weeks left. I need to talk to 25,000 people.

Hope and late nights

Hope and Late Nights

Wednesday was graduation for Bingham High School. About 780 graduates. It was an impressive group that included 22 students with 4.0 grade point averages. Principle Hicks said that over $4 million dollars of scholarships have been offered to these students.

I spent the night with about half of the graduates at Noah’s. Staying up until 3:00 am did not seem to bother them. The South Jordan Police Officer that was there to ensure the peace had nothing to do. The kids enjoyed themselves without causing problems. It was actually a very nice evening. Getting up to go to work the next morning was not so enjoyable.