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American Independence: The Second of July

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 fascinat
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2022 Utah County Republican Primary

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 republican nomin

Principles of Election Administration

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.