My interest in politics began at a young age. My Mom discussed current issues and politics when visiting my Grandmother Betty. Remembering Former Senator Merrill Cook picking up my Grandmother to play Bridge with his wife, politicians were often visiting and creating a buzz around the house.

Merrill Cook is a unique individual. He represented the Republican Party. Later he joined the Democrat Party. Remembering organizing a grassroots project, he became an Independent because of his fiery viewpoints. One day my Mom and I went to the park. He was speaking in front of a large group of people. It was exciting being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

My Grandmother also befriended Former Senator Greg Beasely and Samuel Taylor. Providing optimism and interesting viewpoints on a wide variety of current subjects they encouraged me to write an article about Light Rail. It was published in Deseret News.

After working for several years on projects associated to the Township, Light Rail and Olympics my family lost hope. They worked hard only to end up failing, by their standards. Light Rail was built and the Olympics were held in Utah. Millcreek is still holding firm on Township laws. Neighboring cities cannot take our tax base while leaving people’s homes in unincorporated county. Even my Grandmother’s achievement of getting almost ten percent of the vote when running for County Clerk is mocked. She blocked the incumbent so Sherry Swenson won. They accomplished the goal; however, she didn’t win. That’s what people care about.

Merrill Cook went back to the Republican Party to win a seat in the Senate. It was a last recourse to stop the Light Rail from being built in Salt Lake City. Now he is most known for being a flip-flopper. Despite all of this, the citizen’s voice is still heard. The Olympics were handled with greater respect to everyone, because it was a topic of interest. The Light Rail was built in a reasonable, cost efficient manor, because Former Senator Merrill Cook was in charge of the committee.

Sometimes the win is a compromise in which both sides get part of what they need. We do not always get exactly what we want. It is a time consuming process. The grassroots cookbook for fund raising mainly took up space on the grocer’s magazine rack; however, we are better off than not trying at all.

As an adult this experience helped me resist the negative attitudes of my peers strengthening my resolve to fulfill my civic duty. Being politically active is fun and spontaneous. After becoming an election judge, several of my friends registered to vote for the first time. It was rewarding seeing how not giving into the hype empowered others to regain confidence and hope for the future. Even the average citizen has the ability to influence government and make the United States a better place.

Political Overview