#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Jennifer Fresques Office Sought: Salt Lake County Assessor Issue: Most people don't know what the Assessor does or who the current Assessor is. One of my goals would be to change that, to make the office more accessible to the public. The Assessor's office has struggled to retain and attract experts in our field. This makes valuation more difficult. It also makes it more difficult for us to hold the valuations on higher valued properties which could result in undue burden on all others. Unfortunately, because people don't understand the role of the Assessor, they often don't really care who runs the office. This makes running for this office difficult. The Assessor plays an integral role in running the office as well as with the public. Within our office there is a desperate need for positive changes. The public needs to understand that without the right leadership, they will be affected. Customer service may suffer and the values may suffer. It's important to get the values correctly assessed in order to spread the tax burden equitably and without undue burden to our working class families. Bio: My name is Jennifer Fresques. My husband Rich and I have two incredible sons, a dog and a cat. We love spending time together as a family whether it’s watching a movie, playing board games or cards or having snowball fights. I love reading. I love laughing with my husband and kids. I am also passionate about surrogacy and our family was fortunate enough to be able to help three families grow when I was a surrogate for them. I have a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and I am a Certified General Appraiser. I have worked in the Salt Lake County Assessor’s office for 12 years. While in the Assessor’s office I have worked in various positions in the Commercial Department. I have been in leadership roles for several years now. I feel passionately about the work we do and about the people that I lead. My background in the county and in the Assessor’s office as well as my Certified General licensing makes me an excellent candidate for Salt Lake County Assessor. I have spent years observing the challenges in our office and speaking with my fellow employees about the issues they have in our office. I have striven to become a leader with an open door, ready to listen and always willing to advocate for our employees. I strongly believe the Assessor’s office needs fresh perspectives in management in order to make positive changes within the organization. The better our organization and the more effective and efficient our employees can become, the better our customer service and valuation can become. The closer the assessor’s office can get to the true fair market values of all properties, the better the tax burden can be fairly spread. My oath as a leader: I will lead with integrity and honesty. I will be the “fix it” leader who not only fixes things, but empowers others to fix things as well. I will set clear expectations and make certain that those expectations are clearly communicated to those I lead. I will provide the knowledge, tools and guidance to help build up those around me. I will strive for positive communication, transparency, consistency and competency. Website: jenniferfresques.com Facebook: @jennifer4assessor Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fresques Instagram: @jennifer4assessor #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Brian Moench Issue: Right now it's the pandemic and whether to open schools. Normally it's air pollution and the climate crisis. I've been involved in trying to raise awareness of the health consequences of air pollution/dirty energy, and shape public policy to improve Wasatch Front air quality. We're not doing anywhere enough to reduce pollution, and much more must be done. The proposed inland port will be the biggest new source of pollution in 50 years. Bio: Medical Background: - Graduate of U. of Utah Medical School - Internship in Internal Medicine at LDS Hospital - Residency in Anesthesiology at Mass. General Hospital - Fellowship in Intensive Care Medicine Mass. General Hospital - Former instructor in anesthesia, Harvard Medical School - Former Chairman, Anesthesia Dept., Holy Cross Hospital - Private practice in anesthesiology since 1981. Environmental expertise: - Former adjunct faculty member, U. of Utah Honors College, teaching public health and the environment. - President and founder, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, (UPHE). Since 2007 UPHE has become the largest civic organization of medical professionals in the Western US. We have been actively engaged in many environmental battles throughout the country and Western Canada. UPHE has worked closely with numerous national environmental groups like the Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and WildEarth Guardians. - Board Chairman, Doctors and Scientists Against Wood Smoke Pollution - Nominated by Pres. Obama as a finalist for the Award, Champions of Change, for my work on public health and the climate crisis, 2013. Writing and lecture experience: - I have had about 110 Op Eds published in newspapers throughout the country on numerous issues related to the environment and public health. - I have been the principal author of extensive and heavily referenced comments submitted to federal and state agencies on various types of environmental rule making, and courts briefs written for environmental lawsuits on behalf of UPHE. - I am the author of the health chapter in a soon to be published book, Air Pollution in Utah: Issues and Solutions. The book is under contract with the University of Utah press. - Author of the non-fiction book, Death by Corporation, an expose' of the dark, and all too often lethal business practices of major international corporations. - I have appeared on national television, MSNBC, Fox Business Chanel, to discuss the relationship between neonatal death and pollution from fracking. - I have been quoted in numerous national newspapers, appear regularly on local television and radio programs discussing the health consequences of air pollution and am well recognized by the Utah public as an expert on air pollution and health. I give dozens of lectures a year on numerous issues related to environmental contamination. - I have testified as an expert witness in environmental lawsuits, and am currently an expert witness on the effect of environmental contaminants on brain function for defendant in a murder trial. - On a lighter note, I was the first political opponent of the now infamous political guru for George W. Bush, Karl Rove, at Olympus High School, SLC, 1968. - I was the creator and founder of a humorous greeting card company, In Your Face Cards, which sold 35 million cards over 11 years. As a physician, humorous cartoonist, and creator of In Your Face Cards, CNN did a personal profile on me in the late 1990s. - I am an ongoing thorn in the side of Utah state government, industrial polluters, oil and gas drillers, and wood burners. Website: UPHE.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.moench.1 #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Samuel Winkler Office Sought: House District 42 Issue: Managing growth and what comes with it. The air has become more polluted and our roads are clogged with traffic. Our schools are overfull and I have a concern for the amount of water we actually have left. We need to manage growth to ensure that we will have water for future generations, that developments include transit, education, and commercial elements. Bio: Sam Winkler was born and raised in Utah, married with three children ages 2, 6 and 13. Sam graduated Magna Cum Laude from Weber State University with a bachelors in Criminal Justice and enjoys spending time with his family camping, fishing, and just hanging around. Sam is a police sergeant for a local police department and has worked serving our community for over 20 years. Sam currently supervises the School Resource Officers, Traffic Unit, Community Outreach and fills in as a Public Information Officer. Sam's career has allowed him to see first-hand many of the issues we all face in our communities today - whether it's needing to invest more in education, to our deteriorating air quality, or growing pains and infrastructure. Even today, Sam has great ideas to work with the community on criminal justice and law enforcement reform. Sam will listen to all of the evidence and weigh all of the facts to make the best decisions for the people of our district and the State of Utah. Website: www.vote4samwinkler.com Twitter: @SamuelUtah Facebook: @SamWinkler4UTHouse42 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-winkler-b0924716/ Instagram: @SamWinkler4UTHouse42 #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Iris Widlansky Issue: School safety. My school had to shelter in place because somebody brought a gun to school last fall. Guns were invented to kill people and animals. They don’t belong in our communities. Bio: I’m Iris Widlansky and I’m a student at West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. In my free time, I enjoy acting, reading, dancing, and writing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in social justice. I am an activist, and I try to stay informed about injustices in the world around me and how I can help people. Whether I’m going to a protest, signing petitions, or listening to members of marginalized communities, I try to help people as much as I can. A few months ago, my dad told me about Devin’s political campaign. I looked at his website and saw that he was looking to address many of the issues I was interested in (climate change, affordable healthcare, gun violence, etc.) and I wanted to get involved. I’m super excited to be working with Devin and his team, and to be making a lasting impact. Instagram: @a.little.messy #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Suzanne harrison Office Held: State rep Office Sought: State rep Issue: Feeling heard and prioritized. Bio: I grew up in Provo where my parents both spent their careers working at BYU. I went to Timpview High School and then attended Stanford University where I met my husband, John, who was raised in Centerville, Utah. After Stanford I graduated from medical school at the University of Utah, and completed my residency in anesthesiology at Harvard University. We’ve lived in District 32 for over a decade. Our children attend local public schools. John works as a Senior Director of Engineering at Lucid Software. I am a board-certified anesthesiologist at Riverton Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center. I also volunteer at our children’s schools and sports leagues and in our church. Website: Votesuz.com Twitter: @votesuz Facebook: @votesuz Instagram: @votesuz #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Tim Chambless Office Sought: 2018 Utah State Senate District 2 Issue: Climate Change impacting the nation's demographics. I have observed erratic weather and temperature changes for half a century. The time to act is now. Bio: University Professor. Taught over 30,000 in 35 years. Utah resident 49 years. Involved in over 30 political campaigns. Worked for a Utah Governor, U.S. Senator and Utah Congressman, and Salt Lake City Mayor. Married and father. #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Doug Owens Office Sought: Legislature, House District 36 Issue: Conservation. Started non-profit to help find common ground with people on the other end of the political spectrum. We can win friends to conservation by highlighting the importance of outdoor recreation for the economy. Bio: Doug Owens was born and raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from the University of Utah and Yale Law School. He and his wife Cynthia Smart Owens have four children and are proud to call Millcreek their home. As an attorney, Doug has three decades' experience resolving complex commercial, environmental, and employment issues. Twenty-five years ago, Doug took two years off from his career to stay home with three little boys while Cynthia finished medical residency. Cynthia currently practices medicine at St. Mark’s Hospital. Doug is committed to improving education, keeping Utah’s economy strong, protecting our air, and preserving the places that make Utah special. Doug is the founder of Utah Outdoor Partners, a non-profit organization launched to raise awareness of the value of Utah's outdoors and promote the creation of parks, trails and other recreation infrastructure to keep pace with population growth. Website: dougowensutah.com #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Olivia Jaramillo Office Sought: Utah State Representative, House District 14 Issue: The impact of population growth and the economic and social changes its bringing and impacting the middle class. This is bringing to surface many issues that are difficult to deal with such as poverty and everything associated with it like bankruptcy. We need to address our economy, and make it more friendly to our middle class. Bio: Olivia Jaramillo is the Democratic candidate for the Utah House of Representatives, House District 14. Olivia was born and raised in Mexico, and immigrated to the United States when she was 14. She joined the United States Air Force in 1999. She has served tours to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 7 years in Europe, and humanitarian missions into Sub-Saharan Africa (Mozambique, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa). She has written Military Legislation at local and regional Military levels. She retired from Active Duty Military Service after 20 years in March 2019. She currently Chairs the North Davis Communities that Care Coalition, has created a Veterans Benefits Fair in Davis County, in conjunction with Davis County Commissioners, founded and leads the Davis County Multicultural Committee; and is currently working with Davis County Sheriffs and all 15 City Mayors and City Councils on reforming their first responder training to include Implicit bias/race relations sensitivity education.. She was recently nominated to be the State’s PTA Diversity & Inclusion Board Specialist. She is committed and advocates for the preservation of Constitutional American Rights, the middle class, a proper State tax reform, public education, the environment, and minority communities such as Veterans of war, and the correction of public perception towards legal immigrants. Olivia lives in Syracuse, Utah with her 9 year old son Oliver. Website: www.oliviaforutah.com Twitter: @oliviaforutah Facebook: facebook.com/oliviaforutah Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/olivia-jaramillo Instagram: @oliviaforutah Photo credit: Hassison Spendlove #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Chase Hansen Issue: How to overcome despair and human suffering. I see it around me. Complex challenges can we solves through listening and empowering others. Bio: When he was four years old Chase Hansen founded KID LABS, "a social impact corporation with a mission to be a global FORCE FOR GOOD." Of course, he had a little bit of help from his mentor and sidekick, a.k.a. his dad, John Hansen. The idea developed in 2013, when Salt Lake City - based father and son visited FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention and decided they too could be superheroes - now they focus on empowerment projects to create meaningful change in the world. Together they champion for others and take on unique social challenges through; innovative business development strategies, awesome collaborative marketing ventures, and creative social experiments. Website: http://bit.ly/Project_Empathy Twitter: @chiefkidofficer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/chiefkidofficer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-hansen-72471111/ Instagram: @chiefkidofficer #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Kevin Perez Office Held: Vice Chair Utah County Dems Issue: Electing Democrats. The job as part of the EC is to elect democrats Bio: Kevin Perez is a 26 year old native from San Diego, CA who moved to Orem, UT at a young age. The son of Mexican immigrants, raised by a single mother. He has worked hard to make it through school and help raise his younger brother. Due to the hardships he’s faced his main concerns are that of every other american. Rising costs of education, Worsening pollution, Shrinking Health Care Coverage, and the 11.5 Million undocumented immigrants who live in the shadows. These are the issues that Kevin is the most passionate about, issues that should have been resolved years ago. Website: https://utcountydems.com Twitter: @utcountydems Facebook: https://facebook.com/utcountydems Instagram: @utcountydems #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Emily Hase Office Held: Chair, Salt Lake County Democratic Party Issue: Voter education. Ensuring voters are educated on how to cast ballots, and the importance of voting in down-ballot races is important for electing Democrats in all offices. Bio: Emily Hase serves as the Chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party by night, and as a business analyst for a Fortune 100 company by day. She got her start in Utah politics in 2013 when she managed the re-election campaign for the great JoAnn Seghini, and has been working to elect local leaders ever since. She has worked on campaigns from city council to Governor, and serves on committees for the Salt Lake County and Utah Democratic Parties, local issue and identity caucuses, and the Young Democrats of America. Website: https://www.slcountydems.com/ Twitter: @emily_j_hase Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emily.Hase.UT/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhase/ Instagram: @emily.j.d.hase #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Chris Peterson Office Sought: Utah Governor Bio: Chris' government and policy experience include: · Working as a Special Advisor in the U.S. Department of Defense where he helped lead the Pentagon’s efforts to protect military servicemembers from predatory lending. The Secretary of Defense awarded Peterson the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence for his efforts on behalf of military families; · Serving in the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau where Peterson’s team stopped deceptive and abusive practices by Wall Street banks, payday lenders, and debt collection agencies. His team won $12 billion in refunds and restitution for Americans who were victimized by illegal financial practices; and, · Leading at the University of Utah where he worked as an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs with managerial responsibility for the educational mission of the University’s College of Law. Peterson is a national leader and authority on consumer protection. He has published several books including a university textbook on consumer law and an award winning book on predatory lending. The National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, an association of state and local consumer law enforcement agencies, gave Peterson its national consumer advocate of the year award for his public service. Chris lives in Salt Lake City with his amazing wife and three wonderful kids. He's a fifth generation Utahn with deep pioneer roots. Chris was born and raised in West Valley City and attended Utah’s public schools. A father of three, Chris is married to Tera Peterson who is also a practicing attorney. Tera is an Assistant Solicitor General in the Utah Attorney General Office’s Criminal Appeals Division where she works to protect crime victims including especially abused children. The Petersons enjoy skiing in Utah's mountains and hiking our state's majestic deserts. Website: https://petersonforutah.com/ Twitter: @PetersonUtah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetersonforUtah/ Guest: Karina Brown Office Held: City of Nibley Planning Commissioner Office Sought: Lt. Governor Issue: Democrat elections Bio: Karina is President of the Cache County Friends of the Children's Justice Center Board and was a founding sponsor of the Medicaid Expansion ballot initiative (Proposition 3) adopted by Utah voters in 2018. She also serves on the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is Co-Chair of the Cache Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee. She is a Planning Commissioner for the city of Nibley, Utah. And she is the co-founder of the Cache Valley United for Change organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement. Karina also currently serves as Co-Chair of Cache Celebration of Women's Suffrage 2020, an organization working to celebrate the centennial of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. The organization is dedicated to educating Utah students about voting history including the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and 1870 when Seraph Young of Utah was the first woman in America to vote under an equal suffrage law. The Women’s Suffrage 2020 curriculum includes an educational exhibit available to school districts across the state. Brown has an M.S. in Human, Environmental, and Consumer Resources from Eastern Michigan University and a B.S. in Family Resources and Human Development from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Karina is married to Dr. Karl Brown, a physician and Air Force veteran and is a mother of four fabulous children in Nibley, Utah (Cache Valley). Her hobbies include fitness, spending time with family, listening to audio books, and playing violin and guitar. Twitter: @petersonutah @karinaforutah Facebook: facebook.com/karinaandelinbrownforutah Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-andelin-brown-23067aa6 Instagram: @karinaforutah @petersonforutah Photo credit: Alina Brown #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Alan Naumann Office Held: Chair, Environmental Caucus, Chair, Flip 7 Committee Office Sought: Support Utah House races Issue: Air Quality. Health is threatened. Need to drastically reduce burning fossil fuels Bio: Solar and EV charging contractor, Chair, Environmental Caucus, Chair, Flip & Committee Twitter: @alanrnaumann Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.naumann.90 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-naumann-72608b45/ #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Brian King Office Held: Representative, House District 28, Utah State Legislature; Leader, House Minority Caucus Office Sought: Re-election to that office Issue: Public education, clean air, quality outdoor life, economic development, access to health care. They are critically important quality of life issues. I am in favor of all of them! Bio: Brian S. King serves in the Utah state House of Representatives. He graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1985 and has practiced law in Salt Lake City for over 30 years. Most of that time he has represented individuals suing health, life, and disability insurers and self funded employee benefit plans. This work usually involves the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"). He has lectured across the country and written frequently on the topic. Mr. King was invited to testify before the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. regarding proposed changes to ERISA's claims and appeals procedures and also testified before the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury about changes to the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. He has been lead counsel in hundreds of trial and appellate cases across the country involving health, life, and disability claims. Mr. King has also been lead counsel for plaintiffs in over a dozen class actions, mostly involving ERISA cases. He has represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court and in many Federal Circuit and District courts. He is a past president of the Utah Association for Justice (formerly the Utah Trial Lawyers Association). He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rape Recovery Center and on the Board for the ACLU of Utah. In 2008 Brian was elected to the Utah State House of Representatives as the Democratic representative for District 28 in Salt Lake City. He is a member of the House Judiciary and Business and Labor Standing committees. He also serves on the Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, the Constitutional Defense Council, and the Federalism Commission. He was elected by his Democratic House colleagues as the Leader of the House Democratic caucus in 2014 and continues to serve in that position. Website: www.kingforrep.com Twitter: @RepBrianKing Facebook: Facebook.com/Brian.king.7528/ Instagram: @briansking #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Mandar Apte Issue: Promoting peace, compassion, nonviolence and social justice. Violence affects everyone - me - you - everyone - irrespective of our socio-economic status, political views, or where we live. We have to come together to end systemic racism and promote compassion, nonviolence and harmonious co-existence Bio: Mandar is a former Shell GameChanger who used to manage Shell's investment portfolio on social innovations that create shared value - both social impact and business value. After working at Shell for 17 years, Mandar became a Visiting Scholar at George Mason and started an innovation lab on the Business for Peace that provides innovation consulting to brands to find novel ways to make peace profitable. Currently, he manages a nonprofit peace consultancy 'Cities4Peace' that actively promotes peace and compassion in cities across the world. His flagship work in 2019 was in Los Angeles - working closely with the LAPD and the LA Mayors Office for Gang Reduction in Los Angeles. In 2017, Mandar produced/directed a documentary film 'From India With Love' (now on Amazon Prime). The documentary showcases the journey to India that he hosted for the parents from the Sandy Hook school, Black Lives Matter activists and a former gang member from LA to study nonviolence. Website: www.cities4peace.org Twitter: @mandarapte108 @cities4peace Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarapte108/ #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Susi Feltch Malohifo'ou Office Held: Executive Director, Co-Founder Website: https://pik2ar.org/ Facebook: facebook.com/pik2ar Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susifmalohifoou/ Instagram: @pik2ar #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Daniela Larsen Bio: National Geographic Certified Educator. Passionate about exploring the world through science and the human story. Current projects include creating online education, marketing the right causes, conservation and historical preservation. Executive Director The Hutchings Museum Website: johnhutchingsmuseum.org Twitter: @museumhutchings Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-larsen-natgeo/ #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Elizabeth Weight Office Held: State Representative Office Sought: State Representative Issue: Fair, safe, and sustaining employment. I have had the opportunities for education and employment that provided income to support a household and also health and retirement benefits. What my security has done is give me a basis for comparison and realization of the precarious nature of jobs, not to mention benefits, for so many people in my House district as well as across the state. Also, as a woman and single household wage earner, I have experienced the impact of gender bias in employment as well as the seemingly chosen ignorance of policy makers about the economic as well as household impacts that working women must navigate. A common point of view is that people choose their employment paths by acquiring education and working toward career goals. My own parents succeeded with hard work and integrity. However, somewhat from my experience, but also from my observations of my students' family situations, there are numerous traditions and presumptions that simply avoid realities of inter-generational poverty, limited access to healthcare, and, as we have been reminded recently, racial biases. I regularly hear people use the phrase "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" but I know too many situations where there are no boots. We can see from the course of economics in my lifetime that Capitalism does not create even its own best support system. When public policy assures more equity for education, healthcare, and employment, it builds fundamental elements for strong economy. Bio: Elizabeth Weight is a sixth generation Utahn with family roots in Sanpete County. As her parents moved from ranching to other business careers, she and her three sisters attended public schools in Fairview, Brigham City, and Bountiful. She holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in English Language Arts Education and taught for thirty-two years in Davis and Granite School Districts. Along with her teaching, she served as a department chair, state and local test item-writer and curriculum designer, as a member of her school community council, and in other teacher-representative positions. While in the classroom, she was a member and leader in the American Federation of Teachers Utah, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, where she gained formal training in political action, organizing, and leadership. An AFT member still, she currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Utah Federation of Labor and a member of the union-sponsored Labor Day Picnic organizing committee. After moving to West Valley City, Elizabeth volunteered regularly with the Salt Lake County Democratic Party and worked on election campaigns, including that of former Representative Larry Wiley. She followed his suggestion that she consider running for office, and, in 2016 was the only Utah Democrat to flip a House seat. Elizabeth is definitely interested in education issues, especially from perspectives of the teachers, students, and families affected by the policies created in government. She recognizes and defines the strong connection between learning and all that students bring to school from their families’ experiences with safe and sustaining employment, healthcare, housing and food security, and the various effects of environmental conditions. She is excited for the opportunities as a Utah Representative to develop relationships and provide perspective among her colleagues and government staff. She is also proud to serve with the amazing guides in the Capitol Tour team … which allows her to continue in a teaching role with thousands of students and visiting tourists each year. Website: Liz4Utah.com Twitter: @RepEWeight Facebook: facebook.com/elizabeth.weight.1 Instagram: @repeweight #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Alex Miles Issue: Immigration. Specifically DACA. My girlfriend is a DACA recipient. We need to act with compassion and empathy and find a solution that leads to a pathway to citizenship with all recipients. Bio: I am Alex Miles. I was born and raised in Sandy, Utah. I graduated from Lyon College with a degree in Political Science. Since graduating I have attempted to do the most good with my time and in my profession. This has led me to being on campaigns that inculde: the Nevada State Democratic party, Josie Valdez for County Council, Cory Booker's Presidential Campaign, and Mike Bloomberg's campaign. Now I have joined Devin Thorpe for Congress. Twitter: @alexmiles26 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.miles.75 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-miles-a7503b164/ Instagram: @alexmiles8787 #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol
#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Jacob Dunford CW: Suicide Issue: Suicide prevention/mental health and building safe spaces for everyone. I am personally affected by this issue by: my own coming out story as a gay man, my work in the LGBTQ+ non profit space (Encircle & LOVELOUD), and all the amazing people I have been able to learn from. I feel that if one of us hurting we are all hurting. This pride month is especially important to me. This years pride feel different. Feels less like a celebration on the dance floor & more like a call to action. This pride month we are standing arms locked with our black and brown LGBTQ+ community as we continue to demand justice against racial and gender inequalities. Some people are posting on social media. some protesting. Others donating. And some are having tough conversations with those close to me. A revolution has many lanes - be kind to yourself and to others who are traveling in the same direction. Just keep your foot on the gas! Also, More importantly - I was sitting here at my desk wondering what I could do to help educate folks on the importance of voting and being more mindful of who are elected officials. Thank you for being an exceptional leader and example in the community Devin! We need more folks like you running things. Bio: Jacob Dunford is personally interested in ensuring every LGBTQ+ individual understands their value and is able to find a sense of community. Jacob loves what he does and will work tirelessly to cultivate a more inclusive Utah for everyone. Jacob prefers the pronouns He/Him. Website: www.EncircleTogether.org Instagram: @jacobdunford #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol