Campaign Ends, Time to Get to Work

The longest and most expensive campaign season in American history has come to a close and whether you woke up this morning smiling from ear to ear because your candidate won, or barely wanted to roll out of bed because you candidate didn’t, the time to roll-up our sleeves and get to work has come.

The challenges we face are great but they are not any greater than our resolve to make our communities, our cities, our nation and, indeed, our world a better place.

I have often heard a saying, particularly in times like these, that always uplifts me and fills me with enthusiasm to take on a tough challenge. “Never doubt that a small group of concerned people can change the world… it’s the only thing that ever has.”

That small group of people is represented in many forms and in many places. It’s those who actively participated in their party caucuses, those who made phone calls, registered their fellow citizens to vote and worked the polls to ensure an organized, peaceful and fair election. It’s those who helped educate voters about the issues. It’s those who braved harsh weather and long lines. It’s those who chose to make their voice heard.

And now there is another group of concerned citizens who carry the torch going forward. Newly elected officials bring new ideas and fresh perspective. Incumbents return more knowledgeable and with a new resolve.

Congratulations are in order for all the successful candidates, parties and supporters. Our appreciation also goes out to those who were not victorious but who had the courage to throw their hat in the ring and offer their service, their experience and their perspective to make our lives better.

Whether you consider your voice to have been victorious in this election or not, now is the time to come together as never before. Let the campaign cease and the governing begin.

The 2009 Legislative session is fast approaching. The Salt Lake Chamber is anxious to partner with our local leaders to improve Utah’s business climate and quality of life. In the coming weeks we will reach out to elected officials to form a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at keeping our economy strong and adapting to the coming challenges. Our statewide membership and professional staff work tirelessly to advocate public policies that promote private sector growth, lower tax and regulatory burdens on business and make Utah an outstanding place to live and do business.

Our top priorities for the 2009 General Session are:

- Reforming Utah’s health system
- Strengthening Utah’s capital city by advancing the Downtown Rising vision
- Supporting the Utah Performance Center on Main and cultivating art and culture throughout the state through the development of an ongoing funding mechanism
- Resolving fundamental problems with our immigration system
- Improving infrastructure for transportation and energy
- Investing in workforce development

The Chamber provides a clear outline of the policy priorities of the business community. The 2009 Salt Lake Chamber Public Policy Guide will be published and distributed in early January. This guide has been a valuable tool for legislators in understanding the positions of Utah’s business community as new legislation is crafted, considered and brought to vote.

Having spent 12 years in the Utah State Senate, I know how grueling the work of a “part-time” legislator can be. I commend elected officials throughout the state for their dedication to our community.

The Salt Lake Chamber stands as the voice of business throughout the state and is eager to work with government officials to ensure the long-term and immediate benefit of our community. Business leaders who wish to join us as in this effort can make their voice heard by joining the Chamber. (For more information, click here.) The Chamber represents one in three jobs in the state of Utah and has a long track record of taking on big issues and making positive things happen. We welcome new members and we are eager to hear their point of view.

The one thing I take issue with in the saying I cited above is that the group of concerned citizens does not have to be small. Our system of government is designed to include us all—the key is involvement.

The voice of the people has been heard.

Let’s get to work.