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Show Wednesday, October 27, 2004 W LMi Ralph Okerliind (R) Ralph Okerlund is a lifelong resident of Sevier County. He graduated from South Sevier High School, and has a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Utah. He taught English and history at South Sevier High School. He married the former Cindy Gray, and the couple has three children and five grandchildren. e Okerlund became a farmer and dairyman in 1979. He has served as a Monroe City council member and mayor, is a volunteer fireman, and has served nine years on the county commisfull-tim- 20-ye- sion. 1. What do you see as being the most serious issue facing Sevier County in the next four years? Sevier County is experiencing inevitable growth and development We must build our infrastructure and tax base so we can handle this inevitable development and still be able to enjoy the lifestyle that our county has to offer. 2. In order of importance, what will be your top three priorities if elected? 1) My highest priority is to protect our lifestyle while creating a strong and diverse economy. We need to vigorously defend mul J Teresa on our public lands, w hich nuke up 83 percent of the county's tiple-us- e Teresa land. We must support our agriculture base while we improve our changing economy. 2) My next priority is to continue to improv e our infrastructure. We hav e made great progress in the last few years. Each of our cities and towns has made great improv ements, and I w ill continue to help and support each of our communities. 3) My third priority w ill be to create a thriving and diverse economy while supporting and protecting our current business and agricultural base. We must foster an atmosphere of progress and be and receptive to opopen-mind- portunities. 3. What single greatest strength will you bring to this office if elected? The greatest strength I can bring is my resolve. I have proven that I will not quit 1 will work for the citizens of this county. I w ill follow through and fight every issue, and we will have a voice on every issue that is important to me. 4. What is the greatest weakness or difficulty you will have to overcome in relation to the office you are seeking? The greatest difficulty that any Ralph Okerlund commissioner will have is to find the time to do what needs to be done. I have recently sold my dairy, which will allow me to spend full time as your county commissioner, and I pledge to do it. My office door is always open, and I am willing and able to listen to the concerns of those I represent 5. What distinguishes you from your opponent? My optimism is what distinguishes me from my opponent. Some scamper about crying, The sky is falling. All we have to do is look up and see a bright sky and a bright future for our county. I pledge to work for this bright future if I am elected. Gillmor-Spa- s Gillmor-Spa- was s H (D) orities if elected? My top three priorities if elected will be: 1) I want to better represent the needs and concerns of all county residents. One of the main reasons I decided to run for office is that I felt my serious concerns about this proposed power plant were devalued and passed off as only emotion. This plant would force my family to move and destroy our business. 2) I will explore diversified economic opportunities. 3) I will explore diversified educational opportunities. four years? I feel the most serious issue facing Sevier County in the next four years is the direction we will take our economic development. We are facing the decision of having a future where dirty, heavy industry will dominate this valley 4. What is the greatest weakness jou will have to overcome in relation to the office you are seeking? My greatest weakness that have to overcome is the same Ill as my strength: I w ill need to up- date myself on the current 3. What single greatest strength will you bring to this office if elected? projects. 5. What distinguishes you My single greatest strength is my fresh outlook on the challenges facing our county. What distinguishes me from my opponent is that I am not a career politician. from your opponent? arOs? Goals Make public education system U, work better V programs. Fair tax plan for business f, Ralph j Proven Leadership Experience Thanks for your support in the Primary. nV V 4, & promote youth & tax- payers alike. Safer communities for Utah. Hear all citizen viewpoints. Be available for Town & County meetings. Be a watchdog for growth, water & agriculture in all District 24 counties. Protect Senior Citizen Benefits & issues. Sevier County Commission 4V v w I economy. 2. In order of importance, w hat w ill be y our top three pri- j Okerlund 41V U pro-vid- N !$ & ZZ5T or a future of locally based, die, versified businesses that w ill to Governor according Olene Walker, a more stable raised in Salt Lake City. She attended school in Salt Lake City and began her higher education at the University of Utah, then received a bachelors degree in elementary education at Southern Utah University. She has lived and worked in Montana, Washington and Utah and has experience in teaching, managing staff, and organizing and running a personal business. Gillmor-Spa- s is the mother of two daughters. She and her family moved to Sigurd seven years ago and are working to develop their organic produce business and stay active in the community. 1. What do you see as bemost serious issue facthe ing Sevier ing County in the next -- sf 'T' C7 Supplement tn Salina Sun, Sanpete Messenger, and Sanpete MessengerGunnisDn Valley Edition V V V 4. 4 A trusted, hardworking, reliable public servant. V Stockton Police Chief. Served on Planning Commission & Board ofAdjusters. Chairman of Stockton Precinct Democratic Party & Vice-Chairm- KEEP BRAD WORKING AS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE FOR DISTRICT an of Tooele County Democratic Party. Proven experience in government work. 70 PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT PARKER FOR SENATE 1020, 27GMS VOTE WO OW INITIATIVE 1 ! The Sanpete County Farm Bureau follows the Utah Farm Bureau in its opposition to Initiative 1 for the following reasons: Initiative government is dangerous government. Our taxes are too high already We dont need another tax increase. Funds generated by this proposal will have no legislative oversight. Utah has generous amounts of open space. Over 75 is owned by the Government. More than $1 Billion dollars in the past 10 years has already been spent on clean water, clean air and land conservation with these funds If counties want to preserve open space, then tax themselves for a local initiative. Most rural areas will never see any money from this proposal. Many of the funds in this initiative will be spent on buildings - not on air, land or water. on-goin- Brad Johnson was exceptionally effective in the Utah Legislature and represented the people in his district very well. -- Speaker Marty Stephens Brads leadership in the Legislature and the rural caucus is important to the people of ihis area. -- Senator Leonard Blaclham Trusted Legislator Successful Businessman Devoted Family Man Proven Leader (5f ggq&Eg gGQ VOTE JOHNSON TUES. NOV. 2 JOB Paid for by the committee to Brad Johnson. g. READ THE VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLET BE INFORMED, AND VOTE Farmers and Ranchers opposed to Initiative Jay I. Olsen Russell Yardley Norman Jensen Steve Frischknecht Thomas Blackham Dean Hansen Rex Christensen Bob Bown Danny Boore Mardell Jensen Kim Pickett Russell Otten Elwood Sorenson Edwin Sunderland 1 |