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PDF version(UNEDITED) Isn't it interesting that a group of educated people that make up the editorial board of the Standard Examiner can consider that a 22 year old whose only qualifications are a few months on Rob Bishop's staff, could play a major role in the governing body of the largest city in Davis County? This same editorial board found it prudent to endorse Adam Gardiner for Layton City Council in, "Our View," Oct. 24 edition of the newspaper.
At 22 yrs old how much experience could he, or anyone, possibly have to offer as a potential lawmaker? Your article states, "His youth, though, doesn't mean he doesn't know how government works," and that, "he knows the ins and outs of government." How did you ascertain all of this from one single interview? "He bluntly stated that he is beholden to no one politically because, 'he's not bought and paid for.'" This statement infers to these readers that everyone else running for office IS bought and paid for. We take exception to this. We the readers place trust in the editorial board who endorse political candidates to guide us in the educational process to choose the right candidate, and we understand that this is the reason for such endorsements. You say "the average age in Layton is 27." Obviously this includes children, so wouldn't it be more important to use the average age of lawmakers who will affect those children in the next generation?
Clearly, there is another candidate, who is more qualified for this job. That candidate is Barry Flitton. We believe that the governing of a city is very much like the management and operation of a multi-million dollar, multi-state company. Barry Flitton was the Vice President of such company for over 17 yrs. His political motto is, "He Will Listen," we believe he will listen, and will act upon issues for the benefit of the people and the community. We feel that the experience he has accumulated during his professional career as well as his vested interest in Layton, makes him the obvious choice for our vote.
Craig & Nancy Glauser
and others
Layton
Politics
I understand the concerns that some have for electing someone who is young and inexperienced. I also believe this is the exact thing that most political offices NEED, and that this is what our political system was designed for.
What we have currently is a "professional political" system. Each politician gets into office at some point, maybe even as a 22 year old "kid". Then they go on to serve in ever increasing capacities until they get "to the top" which is either the House, Senate or Presidency. Many stop at the House or Senate as they can serve for the rest of their lives there...
The problem with this is, they ger comfortable and complacent. They start to look after their own interests instead of the interests of those they are supposed to represent. I have been told, by more than one politician, that it isn't what "I" want that is important, but what "they" think is best for me that is important. This is wrong and totally backwards.
Our system is "of the people, for the people, by the people" which means that we SHOULD HAVE the COMMON PEOPLE serving in the Government.
I have the statistics around here somewhere, but most of the politicians (at the state and national levels) are already self made and wealthy, then they get paid over $100,000 on top of that...with special retirement and medical coverage that "the common person" cannot get, and other perks and benefits. This means that we are governed by people that don't really understand the plight of the "average American". It is, in essence, a Plutocracy.
"We're not a democracy. It's a terrible misunderstanding and a slander
to the idea of democracy to call us that. In reality, we're a
plutocracy: a government by the wealthy." -- Ramsey Clark, former U.S.
Attorney General
While I believe that inexperience can sometimes be a hardship in Government, I also believe that it is less of a risk than electing those that don't understand what it is to be "average". I am all for "new blood" in politics, and support it as best I can when I find someone who I feel is "in touch" with the bulk of Americans (or Utahans).