New commissioner takes office: Laurie Pitchforth takes oath of office

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The political season of 2008 reached its final step with the swearing in of the newly elected Emery County Commissioner, Laurie Pitchforth on Jan. 5 at noon by county clerk Brenda Dugmore Tuttle. Pitchforth said, “I am really excited and anxious to get started. This has been a real learning experience. I have learned a lot from Commissioner Gary Kofford. He’s very intelligent and on top of his game. Commissioner Jeff Horrocks has been very kind and supportive. I think we can really work well together and accomplish great things in the next few years.
“I am looking forward to working with the other elected officials and county employees. They are all great people who do a great job. I am excited to be here and work together with everyone. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. This is a humbling experience and I have a lot to learn,” said Pitchforth.
Commissioner Pitchforth lives in Ferron with her husband Shane and has been a resident of Emery County for 23 years.
In order to allow the county to get to know Commissioner Pitchforth better, the following is some information she provided during the campaign.
Pitchforth said, “We have four children Dillon, Clint, Cole, and Shala. We have four grandchildren. My commitment to family, hard work and community reflects the values that characterize the people of Emery County. I believe the value of the American family cannot be overstated. It is the responsibility of every citizen to support families and help instill in our youth the basic values of honesty, common courtesy, service, and patriotism. I feel every person should have a right to a decent, life sustaining wage for their labors, as well as a safe and healthy workplace. Everyone has a duty to support themselves and their families through honest labor.
“I feel that senior citizens whose labor made our country a great and decent place to live and Veterans who have risked their lives to protect our Republic should continue to receive special considerations. I believe in the multiple use management of public lands. Access to these lands is essential to our economy and lifestyle and is a large part of the heritage we have received from the settlers of this area. I feel that public lands should remain open to the public to which they belong whether the public uses the land for recreation, grazing, responsible timber harvest or the development of mineral rights. I also oppose the closing of existing roads or the withdrawal or preemption of existing grazing, water or mineral rights on these lands.
With my past experience in city government, I will bring a calm, reasoned voice and progressive viewpoint to the office of commissioner. As Coordinator for Volunteers of America, RSVP and Foster Grandparent program I have had the opportunity to work with some of Emery County’s finest citizens. They have taught me what a group of people working together for the common good can achieve as well as how each one of us can make a difference in the lives of others. I have worked with federal grants, and have worked with many nonprofit organizations. I understand how to work with a budget.
“I am open minded, approachable, and willing to listen to other’s concerns. I feel that a “public servant” is just that, they are here to serve; they must be accountable. A public servant must maintain a high degree of integrity emphasizing: true statements, honest motivations, and the understanding that you should always represent the best interests of all our citizens.