| Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert addresses the audience. |
The Emery County Republican Party held their annual Lincoln Day breakfast on Saturday. Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert was the guest speaker. The event began with the flag ceremony by Orangeville Troop 300. The National Anthem was sung by Miss Emery Shala Pitchforth.
Party chairman, Bill Dellos introduced Dave Hansen who is the campaign manager for Sen. Orrin Hatch who was unable to attend the event due to another commitment. Hansen said Sen. Hatch tried to attend some of the Lincoln Day dinners around the state, but was unable to attend the one in Castle Dale. Sen. Hatch was speaking at a memorial to thank the soldiers for their sacrifices and he felt it important to be there considering the sacrifices so many soldiers have made on our behalf. Hansen promised that Sen. Hatch would come back to the county during the next Senate recess in early April.
Sen. Hatch feels he still has a lot left to do and that is why he is seeking reelection. Hansen reported that Sen. Hatch is excited and energized and ready to contribute what he can to get things accomplished. One of the issues Sen. Hatch feels strongly about is not bringing nuclear waste to Skull Valley and he has worked hard to keep Utah from becoming a dumping ground.
Sen. Hatch is also interested in developing energy resources that lessen the dependency on foreign sources of oil.
Sen. Hatch plans to campaign hard and do what he can to help local candidates. Hansen also spoke about Lt. Gov. Herbert and how he spends time around the state and is putting in the time and effort to help Utah grow.
Hansen said the local parties are the backbone that moves the party forward and makes it function.
Lt. Gov. Herbert spoke of the importance of local government. He spent 14.5 years as a Utah County commissioner and knows first hand the challenges at the local level. “Utah is one of the best managed states in the United States.” Herbert attributed this management to past governors. He is impressed with the Washington contingency representing Utah. Lt. Gov. Herbert said he became acquainted with Sen. Hatch while he was on a Mormon mission to Pennsylvania. Sen. Hatch later returned to Utah. The first time Sen. Hatch ran for office he was the underdog against incumbent Frank Moss. Sen. Hatch was victorious and has maintained his Senate seat since that time. Lt. Gov. Herbert also complimented Sen. Robert Bennett and Rep. Rob Bishop. “They are doing a great job, as I travel around some states aren’t always so proud of their representatives as Utah is.”
“I pay tribute to someone who is willing to stand up and run for office. Politics is not for the faint of heart or those with thin skin. It’s tough to get people to run for office.”
| Orangeville scouts present the flag at the event. |
“Gov. Jon Huntsman came into office with a simple idea of growing the economy and making better jobs. He wanted to stop exporting our children out of state for work. The governor has focused on economic development. The state is growing at 3.5 percent and looking good. The development of natural resources is on the upside. In Sevier County a billion barrel oil find has been made. Developments in mining and oil shale are moving.
“Last legislative session the problem was how to spend the surplus; more revenue to pay bills without raising taxes. We put more money into transportation from the general fund than ever before. These funds will build new roads and capacity. In education we need to train young people to compete in the global market place. They are competing against China and India. In this legislative session we put the most money in education than in the last 15 years. Money also went into Utah Science and Technology research. Great things are happening. We are also giving money back to the taxpayer. We’ve done this in the last 15 months. We’re giving a large tax cut, that’s pretty good for 15 months. Gov. Huntsman said Utah has an attitude of optimism and the door is open to new business. We have challenges but we are addressing them. Utah has the right idea and is doing things correctly. Utah is a great place to raise children and to have a business,” said Lt. Gov. Herbert.
Lt. Gov. Herbert spoke about President Abraham Lincoln and his Gettysburg address. He said the speech almost didn’t take place. They wanted to have a ceremony to dedicate the 17 acres where a great civil war battle had taken place. A popular speaker was asked to talk named Edward Everett. He gave a two hour speech. President Lincoln was asked to address the audience as almost an afterthought. He had written a short address which he revised several times before actually delivering the talk. It took two minutes and was 272 words long and it became one of the most long remembered speeches of all time. Lincoln thought the speech was a failure.
Lt. Gov. Herbert said that longer is not necessarily better when it comes to speeches. “It is the preparation that counts as we prepare for responsibility it will have an impact over time. Who knew Everett? Sometimes the impact of what was done takes time to appreciate. I believe that will happen with Pres. Bush and the conflict we are now in,” said Lt. Gov. Herbert.
Lincoln hoped that he would be remembered as someone who pulled thistles and planted flowers along the way wherever they would grow.
“Take responsibility, make the commitment, do your part to make Utah a great place to live and raise children and families. Let it be a beacon on the hill. We have the responsibility to do that. You are responsible for yourself. The government is not responsible for you. We need those principals embodied today.
“We have the opportunity to contribute. We can work together to make Utah the greatest place in America to live. Thanks for all you do,” said Lt. Gov. Herbert.
| Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert speaks with Emery County commissioner Drew Sitterud at the Lincoln Day breakfast. |
Party vice-chairman Phil Fauver introduced the other speakers. Kay McIff and Gordon Topham, Republicans have filed for the seat soon to be vacated by Brad Johnson for legislator in District 70.
Derek Beagley running for Commissioner A spoke as well as Michael Hurdsman also running for Commissioner A. Running for Commissioner B, Eric R. Anderson and Jeff W. Horrocks spoke.
Incumbents for assessor, Kris Bell and recorder Dixie Swasey spoke.
Republican candidate for sheriff, Gordon Bennett spoke also.
Fauver commended those running for office for their courage to do so.
They reminded everyone of the caucus meetings in the precincts on March 21 and the county Republican convention on April 5.