I am new to Utah — Christian but not Mormon.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop’s campaign manager, Andy Pierucci, stated Bishop’s consistent support is due to Bishop “representing the values and views of the majority of the district.” I do not understand this. Bishop is rude and seems to pride himself in his rude behavior. My Mormon friends are not rude. Nor are most the people with whom I interact in Ogden. Good manners seem a key value for Mormons.

I love that Mormons honor their bodies and model healthy practices for their children. Most Ogden folks I know are concerned about how Utah air is impairing our health. The American Lung Association has given us an F for air quality. If Bishop brings more mining and oil industry into District 1, just using common sense, do you think our air will get better or worse? Will this reflect your values?

Utah is a destination state, known for its natural beauty, recreation, and sports competitions. I researched job and income stats from the U.S. Census Bureau for the 1st Congressional District. The latest data is from 2014. Combining jobs in retail, recreation, accommodation and food, District 1 had more than 66,000 jobs in those fields. Looking at job income from these industries, nearly $1.3M in taxable income was generated in District 1. Here is my point. Common sense tells me that if you begin to reclaim federal lands and move oil and mining into Utah, over time, the character of this state will fundamentally shift — as will the economics. Will the income shift benefit you? Will the change reflect your values?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. I grew up in a Republican home. Whatever is happening to the Republican Party, it is now “Republican” in name only. I sent a note to Mitt Romney telling him I will always hold him in the highest esteem because he has proven himself to be a man of true integrity. More than a Republican, Mitt Romney is a true American.

Please make sure you are electing leaders you deserve and that truly represent your values.

Victoria Hayden

Ogden