OCR Text |
Show The Signoff 13 1 Utah Legislator Doug Peterson takes politics 4k.t Ufl I J A JL I I rrnm vu y 1 1 to qthtq oo June 2, 1993 By Kelly Famsworth Signpost Editor in Chief Soug Peterson not only impacted the Weber Sta te Uni versi ty student body, he is now setting his ground as a member of the Utah legislature. Delaying his graduation from high school to work at the state capital was the first taste of politics Peterson received. "That's what perked my interest in political science," Peterson said. He ended up finishing high school the following summer, and has since added a long list of credentials which include being elected the young-est member of the Utah legislature last fall. Peterson attributes some of his political success to WSU professors who encouraged his getting involved in politics. "I learned a lot in school which has helped me ttSnore effective as a legislator," he said. Twenty-six- "The overall experience has been tremendous, I can't think of another experience that has been as intense as this one. " Doug Peterson Utah legislative Rep. R-Roy, and WSU student year-old Peterson, began attending WSU in the spring of 1988 after returning from an LDS mission to Melbourne, Australia, and says he has been going to school off and on ever since. He began his involvement in the WSU student activities by serving as the Convocations chairman during the 1989-90 school year. Peterson was then was elected ASWSU president the following year. Along with numerous other accomplishments, he placed much of his focus on improving the Stewart Library and was responsible for expanding parking on campus. Peterson also served on the WSU board of regents during the 91-92 year. However, his biggest political challenge came just last year when he decided to run for the Utah State Legislature. "A week before the filing deadline the republican party approached me and encouraged me to run," Peterson said. "I didn't think I could win, and that's the main reason I didn't want to run, but after an agonizing week and receiving about 30 phone calls I ended up filing five minutes before the dead line," he said. Peterson was elected Nov. 3, 1992. "It is a big challenge," he said. " But I was worried it would be a bigger challenge than it turned out to be, but theoverall experience has been tremendous. I can't think of an- other experience that has been as intense as this one." Even though he is considerably younger than many of the other representatives, Peterson seemed to fit right in. In fact he passed his first bill the last day of the 1993 Legislative Session, which made the records of previous sex offenders available. Peterson's bill was drafted after a known sex offender filed a law suit against a school district which refused to hire him because of an expunged criminal record. , 1 . ; - . i -v- : x i i s Peterson will be unable to attend school next fall and winter quarters because the Utah Legislature will be in session for 45 days. "That's when we do most of our work," he said. Peterson's future plans include graduating spring quarter of next year with a JD (Juris Doctrine) and an MPA (masters of public administration.) He then plans to take the LSAT and attend law school. "I would like to get into higher education of some sort, but I really don't want to prac tice law," Peterson said. As far as continuing a career in politics, Peterson seems reluctant. "Politics as a life style is so unstable becase you are constantly under public scrutiny and you would never know if you would be out of a job in a few years," he said. r O 'ft frlli. BEST SERVICE LOWEST PRICES GREATEST VALUE m 3 n J?i C4 ANNOUNCEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY DECORATION Chase's Todd's 394-0619 WVV9-7528 WE NEED YOUR HELP! THERE IS A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF PLASMA EARN $120' AND HELP SAVE LIVES - x o. II a m'-mm fwim ifn m iniiini'MiiiiMiHlMfiwniMiiMnni inn rr 'n , C k Backed by 36 Years in L J 1 1 m DO YOU KNOW? From Plasma , Cutter Biological produces the only treatment lor emphysema caused by genetic deficiency. 20,000 hemophiliacs in the United States rely on Plasma produced Anthemophic Factor concentarate. Thousands of infant deaths have been prevented by the using RHo(D) immune Globulin prepared from Plasma. 120.000 burn victims, 200,000 heart surgery patients and shock victims annually rely on (he use of Plasma- produced Albumin for fluid and protein replacement. Based on 8 Donations for the month of May Ogden Plasma Center 2262 Washington Blvd. 393-8606 Ogden, UT Backed by 36 Years in Business and 77 Combined Years of Experience Pi? Come down and we'll make you a great deal on any diamond and ring in stock, and we can probably get one you've seen somewhere else for a great price too. v A, 'You Can't Buy a Diamond for Less" 2419 Washington Blvd. 621-7666 Because of some editing problems the Jason Kapps Mission Reunion was misplaced We'll see you next year! |