Burley Wolfe campaign attracts another Top Dog Democrat

If David Litvack's presence in District 47 wasn't enough of a feather in our cap, we're pleased to tell you we had another feather added recently. Rob Miller, Vice Chair of the Democratic Party came down to canvass with us. He scored some lawn signs and persuaded voters. Great job Rob and THANK YOU for the support!

Rob had a unique situation on the campaign trail of having worked with Representative Mascaro, and and telling voters that even though he knows and likes the incumbent, that I'm the stronger voice and better choice for District 47.

Thanks again Rob!

The Institution of Marriage Will Surely Outlast Senator Buttars

This past week I attended a Meet the Candidates event held by the West Jordan Chamber and the PTA. No surprises that even with about 25 guests in the room, with only 4 questions total, a question came up about gay rights.

I ask you one more time: is gay marriage a pressing topic for the West Jordan Chamber?

When Senator Buttars replied, he boasted how the Utah Constitution amendment he sponsored (defining marriage as between a man and a woman) has saved us.

Folks, don't be fooled, and make no mistake: Marriage has existed for thousands of years. It existed thousands of years before Jesus Christ. Moses was married. Noah was married. Marriage is an institution that has provided comfort to good people and great people, to hard working peasants and and storied humanitarians. It has also provided comfort to philanderers and crooks. Marriage is an institution that has survived wars and drought and famine and it will survive thousands of years after Senator Buttars leaves the Senate, owing no debt to him.

Utahns deserve a debate about the things that really matter to them: the economy and the safety of their investments; crime and the safety of their homes; and education and the physical safety of their kids in school, to name a few.

I urge you to support me in my efforts to change the debate.

Cheers and have a great weekend,

Jennifer

Politics as Usual! Shame on you, Senator Buttars!

This morning candidates running for Senate seats 6 and 10 as well as candidates for House seats 42, 43, and 47 were invited to talk to the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce at a monthly legislative gathering. It was a privilege to be invited to introduce myself and say hello.

All was moving along very well until the Q & A session...and BAM! Senator Buttars' son-in-law (who was *unknown* to the West Jordan Chamber group) dominated the floor and asked questions about gay marriage, abortion, and school vouchers. I ask you: are these hot topics for West Jordan Chamber of Commerce? Anyone care about the economy and business development?

The WJC meeting basically got HIJACKED by Sen. Buttars and his son-in-law, Sam Giles. When asked to introduce himself he said he was a West Jordan concerned resident.

He also happens to be Senator Buttars' son-in-law!

Please, a cup of ethics with just a pinch of transparency?

I did not let this stand and no one committed to ethics should. Our Republican incumbent colleagues sat quietly by --even my opponent, who has received an inordinate amount of press about ethics recently. But in a moment when ethics is needed, he was quiet. In the interest of transparency and true ethics reform, I stood up and politely outed Sam and disclosed that he is in fact Senator Buttars' son-in-law.

Real Ethics Reform is still ripe on the vine, and it can take place here and now with the right people in office. There is no better time, but we need your help to do it. Won't you help me and John Rendell, candidate for Senate 10, change the look and feel of Utah politics?

First 100 Days as your Representative - I do pledge!

During my first 100 days in office, I pledge to advocate on behalf of District 47. Let me be your squeaky wheel!

On doorsteps from 40th West to 700 East, from 7720 South to 9800 South, I've heard your concerns about gas prices, education, and taxes. I hear you, and come November 5th I want the entire state to hear you.

To this end I've set up Town Hall Meetings in our district to discuss these important issues.

November 19th - Town Hall meeting on Public Transportation
December 11th - Town Hall meeting on Education
January 12th, 2009 Town Hall meeting on Taxes

Legislative Goals in Jan/Feb 2009:
*Secure public transportation resources for our area.
*Pass HB 194 to reduce classroom size - lost by only one vote, I want to be that vote!

Won't you join me?

- Jennifer

"ENOUGH!"

Did you get a look at that stadium crowd? Wow, what an intense night!

When Senator Obama called out "Enough!" tonight, I wasn't only thinking about Washington politics, the last 8 years, the Iraqi war, the terrible economy, and plummeting house values. Were you?

I was thinking about Utah House politics and whether we would have another two years with business as usual. Are you ready to stand up and say enough, regardless of your party?

Do you want a State Representative who is responsive to voters, or one who has been in office for years and is part of the insiders club?

Do you want a State Representative who answer to individuals, or one who is beholden to corporations?

Do you want to move forward to a better Utah, or do you want more of the same?

As Obama suggested - Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, in District 47 - is enough, enough? Will you step up with me? I know we can do better in West Jordan and Midvale, South Jordan and Sandy.

Have a great night,

Jennifer

Your Energetic Candidate at the Harvest Days Parade!

The Midvale Harvest Days parade a huge success! Volunteers from all over the District and as far away as MORGAN came to help spread the word for CHANGE in District 47.

We honored Mariya Boecker, Midvale Boys and Girls Club's Youth of the Year. She is an energetic, ambitious gal who is already a leader in the Midvale community - and I bet we've hardly seen the last of her! We're thrilled to support her success as Youth of the Year.

We welcomed a SMART car for the campaign vehicle. Thank you Christine for your commitment to the campaign, and your time. The SMART car can get 48 mpg and is energy efficient. The SMART car slogan is embraced by this campaign:

Open your mind to the car that challenges status quo.

Protecting the environment, ultra-low emissions and preservation of natural resources are hallmarks of smart brand. Need I mention that my opponent's campaign was on ATVs at the parade?

If you want change in the Utah House of Representatives, if you want an energetic representative, if status quo isn't good enough for you in Utah- status quo meaning Omnibus bills, no ethics reform, no accountability in financial reporting, no non-partisan redistricting --I welcome you to my campaign.

I'm ready for change in Midvale, West Jordan, Sandy, South Jordan, Utah and the nation. Are you?

Thank you, David Litvack -- & Midvale Harvest Days

Two updates:

Thank you, Minority Whip David Litvack and Candidate for Senate John Rendell for walking with me in precinct 3437 on Saturday. We had a great time and had lots of conversations throughout the precinct. Also secured quite a few lawn signs! Thanks again!

Midvale Harvest Days are upon us. I look forward to seeing you at the parade on Saturday!
10 am

Here is the parade route:

http://www.midvalecity.org/downloads/community/hd2008_paradeapp_withmap.pdf

Incidentally, the parade goes right by my house on Grant Street. I can't wait! Looking for a McMansion for your Representative? Think again.

Also, we have a special surprise for the parade -- so keep a lookout.

- Jennifer

Wrapping up June in Midvalley

Here are a few highlights from the last week or so in June:

1) West Jordan couple (just outside District 47) designed a racist Obama sock monkey doll, raising some racial awareness far and wide. First they apologized and said they wouldn't sell the doll because they didn't realize it was racist and offensive, and then they rescinded and the doll is now for sale again. Click HERE for an article with a quote from the Democratic candidate for House from Kearns, Charles Henderson. The sock doll itself is here.

2) My opponent supported Chris Cannon, who just lost his primary to Jason Chaffetz on June 24th. Click to learn more.

3) Mont Millerberg won the Midvale school board seat on June 24th.

4) Tim Russert from Meet the Press passed away suddenly this month. He was like part of our family and we've been mourning his loss.

More later, have a nice weekend.

Jennifer Burley Wolfe
Candidate for House, District 47

Letter from the Transition Team - new school district

Click HERE for a letter from the Transition team for the new school district.

Transition Team website >> CLICK HERE

School board candidates...VOTE JUNE 24th!!

Are you trying to decide who to vote for on June 24th? Here is an interview with each from The Salt Lake Tribune.

School board Precinct #1 - Midvale area
Learn more about Lynette Phillips
Learn more about Thomas Burke
Learn more about Monte Millerberg

School Board Precinct #4 - Western portion of Sandy
Incumbent Tracy Scott Cowdell will represent this area.

News in West Jordan...

"Teams get nowhere in Jordan talks"

Dueling press conferences...now the Governor will be invited to step in?
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700231701,00.html?pg=1

S.L. County Council OKs deal for West Jordan library

$17 million dollar library approved in West Jordan which will also serve as the county library HQ.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700231711,00.html


There was a cougar on the loose in West Jordan.
Hopefully this will not scare some walkers away from volunteering to canvass with me!

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_9465074

Jordan School District split, on my mind

Hi residents of West Jordan and Midvale,

Last week was a busy, big week for the campaign. Talks with Rob Miller and talks with Wayne Holland - we are ON OUR WAY TO THE HOUSE!

Some of the biggest news of the week is about the Jordan School District transition team and how they've had to hire lawyers for arbitration because they can't split assets to anyone's satisfaction.

While candidates for the new School board are spending their money on lawn signs, anticipating their election on June 24th, your legislators SENATOR BUTTARS AND REPRESENTATIVE MASCARO and the West Jordan mayor David Newton want to propose a DELAY in THE DISTRICT SPLIT FOR 3-5 YEARS. Read about it here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/1,5143,700230341,00.html

I just want to humbly remind readers that HB 77 2nd Sub. from General Session 2006 allowed for the creation of a new school district. Buttars and Mascaro voted FOR the bill which allowed school districts to be created, as this new one in Midvale/Cottonwood Heights/Sandy was in 2007.

You might want to remind them of this next time you see one of them.

Buttars and Mascaro (I like those two names together) now want a 3-5 year delay - long after they are out of office. This is my question for this Sunday: where were they when District 47 needed some heavy lifting and problem-solving from leadership back when it mattered, in 2006? A little too little, a little too late now in May, 2008. Vote for change in November!

Read more here on your House of Representative website:
http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/status/hbillsta/hb0077s2.002h.txt

MARCH 2, 2006                                             Curtis             
1:32:18 AM                     School District            SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
(This vote was taken at          Boundaries                                 
11:45pm on 3/1/06 by voice
vote. This electronic version                                                                             
was created at a later time.)

YEAS - 45 including:

     Mascaro                    
     Buttars                 

Signing off. Happy Sunday everyone,

--Jennifer

Omnibus Bill on my mind...

Today I'm thinking a lot about the Omnibus Bill from last session. Do you remember that one? I don't want Utahns to forget about it and what it meant for democracy in Utah.

To refresh you, two days before the end of the session Republican leaders combined education and tax legislation together into a large "omnibus" bill, SB 2. In this way, with so little time it would be difficult to impossible to sift through the pieces in the bill, and since it involved raises for teachers, it would be terrible to oppose. The sponsor of SB 2, Howard Stephenson also pushed SB35 through the Omnibus - market incentives to attract and retain math and science teachers. The bill presupposes that there are known shortages in these two targeted teaching areas, regardless of data analysis to the contrary. Why would legislators need to decide for school districts and residents which subjects to incent?

Writes Jennifer Tommer-Cook and Bob Bernick of the Deseret News:

"While it is not uncommon for legislators to run "omnibus" bills that capture disparate elements of a topic, it is almost unheard of for multiple individual bills — including some previously defeated in the current general session — to be bundled together into one bill. This year's session ends Wednesday at midnight." [italics are mine]

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/257414/155/

http://utahedu.blogspot.com/2008/03/education-omnibus-bill-is-even-worse.html

Republicans who took democracy into their own hands need to be re-located in November by candidates who pledge to work with integrity in the House and Senate.

Happy Memorial Day everyone.
--Jennifer

West Jordan scores Oracle facility!

West Jordan pulls ahead of other cities to become the 4th largest city in the state, and now they've secured Oracle's 200,000 square foot facility. They're headquartered in Redwood Shores, California. The business software company will employ 100 employees. Read more here:

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700227312,00.html

-- Jennifer

Interesting Read...

Friday's Salt Lake Tribune had this article about how the Democratic party was courting Republican candidates, including in District 47.


http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9276526

State Convention -- Under Our Belt

So today wrapped up the Utah Democratic State convention. Last night I listened as 42 dedicated Obama-philes each shared why they should the a Utah National Delegate at the upcoming NDC in Denver. We could only select 2 men and 2 women from the 42. Then today, we could select a few more Democracy in action! One of the males selected is none other than Kurt Bestor, the symphony's pianist.

I want to add that John Rendell's Campaign Manager Jordon Pazell (Apollo) was elected as a National Clinton Delegate. He's the youngest delegate in the State, and maybe the nation. We're proud of you Apollo! Go Apollo go!

Feliz Cinco De Mayo

Today is the Cinco De Mayo parade and festival in Midvale. This is sure to be a fantastic day, and the weather looks like it will hold out, though it might be chilly.

Here is some information about Cinco De Mayo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_mayo

Adminstrative updates...Tax ID Number

Moving along...today I got the tax ID number from the state and continued to look over materials for the campaign.

More news about the competition...

News today that the 2 other Democratic contenders dropped out of the race.

Assessing the competition...

Steve Mascaro is currently employed as the Utah Works Director for Utah Association of Community Services (UACS): http://www.uacs.org/UtahWorks.html

What is UACS? "Today, we are a 501(c) (6), membership organization with a primary objective to make optimal safe services available that improve and enhance the quality of lives of people with disabilities."

My Issues / State Issues

Running for office makes sense because issues that are important to Utah residents are also important to me: public education, transportation, sustainable development, , and health care, to name a few.

Education - Effective teachers with the tools they need in the classroom yield excellent outcomes with students and learning. Great schools throughout Midvale and West Jordan are a priority for you and for me, too. Schools in Midvale haven't scored well across the state, historically. And now there is a new school district forming, dividing the region into two school districts. I pledge to represent both school districts as a legislator, and I want to decrease class size.

Transportation - I support TRAX and increasing public transportation efforts, as well as funding the State Street corridor where State street in our region goes from 6 lanes to 4 lanes. Another effective TRAX line just got started in West Jordan.

Sustainable Development - whether the issue is reducing our carbon footprint individually effectively managing our nearby Superfund sites, sustainable development is an important part of our community.

Healthcare - All residents of Utah should have access to health care, so I support the efforts going on right now for legislators to come together in a committee to begin this conversation. Affiliating health care with employers is mostly what we know, so moving into a new model will take creative solution-building. I look forward to being involved in this process.

Next steps...more research

So here is more information about elections and Utah politics.

House of Representative for the State of Utah:
http://www.le.utah.gov/house/members2005/membertable1add.asp

Running a Campaign:
http://www.completecampaigns.com/article.asp?articleid=58

So you want to run for office:
http://www.completecampaigns.com/article.asp?articleid=13

Research

So I did some research online about Winning an Election. The focal point is to get half of the votes, plus one. So I need to know:

1) how many people reside in my district, in Midvale and West Jordan

2) how many of them voted in 2006 for the last set of house elections, the candidates were Steve Mascaro and Steve Bickmore for the Democrats.

3) how many new voters came out and voted in the Presidential primary recently in February (our state supported Barack Obama for President).

4) how many votes I need to win over the incumbent, Steve Mascaro! I can do it!

Let the Race Begin!

The deadline was Monday, March 17th, 2008, so I made it under the deadline by filing on Friday, March 14th. Tuesday mornings papers listed 3 candidates competing for Steve Mascaro's spot. Let the races begin!

Here are some Utah blogs and websites:


http://www.utahpolitics.org/

http://www.democracyforutah.com/

http://www.sltrib.com/utahpolitics

http://blogs.sltrib.com/utahpolitics/index.htm

History of the Burley Wolfe Campaign for District 47

Friday afternoon, March 14th - Wayne Holland, the Chair of the Democratic party called to ask if I would file to run for the House seat from my district, District 47. $16, and time was running out - I would need to file that day or the following Monday.

I had a few errands to run and included the Utah County Building at 21st south.

I'm a candidate for House!