Russ J Rampton

I'm running for Utah County Clerk as a Forward Party Candidate The Problem: Elections have become too politicized.  Election law and administration should be boring, neutral processes, efficiently executed. Unfortunately, the methods of elections are one of the most divisive topics in politics today. This is happening in Utah and in Utah County as a loud, but small faction gains greater control within the Republican party.  The Solution: A competent, pragmatic alternative. Rather than being selected by party activists in a process that limits participation, the Utah County Clerk should be chosen through a competitive general election, where all citizens have the opportunity to vote for this critical position. Once elected, the Clerk must be committed to their duties in facilitating elections, not in advancing a political agenda.  The Process: A lot of conversations, a lot of outreach. This campaign will be a slow and steady marathon leading up to November 2026. My goal is...

American Independence: The Second of July Towards the end of each calendar year we have a wonderful set of time nebulously referred to as “the holidays.” For most people it begins with Thanksgiving and concludes on New Year’s Day. Of course the center-piece is Christmas and everything that holy day entails. In the summer we should emphasize a similar “holiday season.” I propose that it begin with Juneteenth, newly recognized as a federal holiday that celebrates the freeing of slaves in Texas following the Civil War, and continues through Pioneer Day, a state holiday in Utah celebrating the entry of the full vanguard company of Mormon settlers to the Salt Lake Valley.  Of course the center-piece is Independence Day, which I personally choose to celebrate on the Second of July. Yes, I believe that Independence day is properly celebrated on the Second of July rather than the Fourth. The full story of the Second Continental Congress that declared independence from Great Britain is fasc...

Here are the candidates I support for the Utah County 2022 Republican Primary Election: Amelia Powers Gardner for Commission Seat A Brandon Gordon for Commission Seat B Jeff Gray for County Attorney Rudy Livingston for County Auditor  What follows is an analysis of each race and the candidates, followed by my thoughts on the county positions without primaries and some final thoughts on the process. Commission Seat A: Amelia Powers Gardner Amelia has the vision and skill set that is necessary to continue forward progress in Utah County. She thinks about the future and how technology can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of government while still remaining true to her principles as a small government fiscal conservative.  Meanwhile, Renee Tribe’s biggest talking points are about things she is against rather than what she is for. The county commission has little to no jurisdiction in those matters which include digital driver’s licenses, voting, marriage, etc. The republi...

I've thought a lot about election administration the past few months. Here are the key principles I've discovered: There is no "perfect" method of voting and administering elections. Every method of voting comes with a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. The facts supporting those advantages and disadvantages should be based on verifiable data, not hearsay, rumor, or speculation. Based on their personal experiences and personal value hierarchy, reasonable people can examine those same advantages and disadvantages and come to differing conclusions about the "best" method(s) of voting. Decisions about voting methods and election law should be made by legislative bodies. Executive officers should administer elections within the confines of those laws. We should continue to have robust public debate and discussion about voting methods. I personally welcome sincere discussions about elections.