Connection to People & Principles

Can you believe that one year after Barak Obama defied conventional political wisdom and claimed victory and the White House that we would see liberals running for cover? Having beaten the Clinton machine and a Republican war hero and senior senator with a well-known independent appeal, we are now seeing every incumbent run from big government and the liberal agenda from the Obama White House and championed by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

What is going on? Is this a partisan swing of historical proportion? Glenn Beck stated earlier today that a Scott Brown win in Massachusetts would begin the “death of the Democrat soul.” Many other political pundits have tried to explain how a state that has not voted for a state-wide Republican since the year I was born (1966) was on the verge of sending one to Washington. How could the environment swing so quickly from one year ago when Obama won by 26 points?

The answer is simple and the same one I use to explain why Utah has been voted again the best managed state in the nation. It’s called connection to people and connection to principles, not to party per se. Utah Republican leaders have been able to connect with voters in a way that demonstrates that they understand conservative principles…and as residents of Utah, we reap the benefits of this every day as we continue to lead the nation in economic development and job creation, to name a few leading indicators.

Connection to the voters and an acknowledgement on the part of the elected official that they understand who they represent and whose money they spend is the key to victory, or conversely, the recipe for defeat if you fail to make that connection. Now the rest of the nation, broadly speaking, understands this as individuals across the country seek to again get connected with their leaders; and with the principles this country was founded on. Defending conservative principles, tested by time and results, is now even popular in the bluest state in the nation, Massachusetts. Wow. To put this in perspective, a Utah equivalent might be if Sen. Hatch passed away and Mark Shurtleff was beat by State Sen. Luz Robles. Who, you say? My point exactly.

One article I read about the transformation in Massachusetts put it this way, “But the race narrowed considerably over the past week as Brown's populist message resonated with an angry and resentful electorate in an antiestablishment environment. He's energized Republicans as well as attracted disillusioned Democrats and independents worried about taxes, spending, government expansion and health care under Obama.” (Obama makes last-ditch attempt to save Senate seat by BETH FOUHY and LIZ SIDOTI).

Republicans should be pleased; Martha Coakley couldn’t convince voters to ignore her gaffs and her commitment to big government. The fact that this race turned so quickly is nothing short of a historic and motivational victory. Momentum is certainly on our side. But at its core, this is not a partisan victory.

The party that articulates their foundational principles and demonstrates best that they are committed to connecting with voters will win in 2010. Put another way, voters don’t appreciate being ignored or taken for granted; they want accountability from their leaders and an assurance that candidates and party know their place in the political hierarchy. Like Scott Brown said, “It’s the People’s Seat.” Any candidate with a history of a gap between them and the voters will lose and conversely, the candidate or party that helps close this gap will win and become the dominant party of the future. Brown mentioned tonight in his victory speech that on the campaign trail that he heard over and over again that “voters were tired that elected officials had grown aloof.”

Aloof describes Coakley to a T. She ran an elitist campaign and made little connection with the voters; her failed campaign showed this clearly. Brown on the other hand connected with people and they also felt his connection to his guiding principles. This gave them confidence that he would not become aloof. That’s all voters want – connection. Brown will close the gap between government and the voters. The reason Democrats will suffer under this tide is big government screams for a large gap to exist.

Locally, many municipal incumbents lost for this same reason. Their elitist attitude and failure to understand and connect with the voters sent them packing. So, will Republicans be the party that bridges the gap and connects with voters? Will incumbents rush to close this gap, where one exists? For some it may be too late. Deal makers, big spenders, and liberal over-achievers may already know their fate after tonight.

For me, I will fight for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and for defense of the Constitution and protection of the family. It is clear that what happened in MA can happen all over America – and I’m not sure that is a bad thing.

What does a free and strong America mean to you?

Today I accepted the challenge from Mitt Romney's Free and Strong America PAC to write down in 250 or less "What does a free and strong America mean to you?"

I accepted this challenge and submitted these words:

The strength of America is in her founding principles and the devotion of her people. As a Constitutional-republic, America is a land governed by the people, for the people. As a citizen, I pledge my allegiance to our flag and to the republic for which it stands.

As inspired innovators, our Founders knew that freedom was worth fighting and dying for. They gave us a document that granted to all the ability to pursue happiness and secure prosperity through innovation and risk. But freedom requires more than just claiming we have a Constitution; freedom requires the adherence to it.

America will only remain strong if we remember that freedom requires the ability to pursue happiness through ambition, risk, and commerce. These tenants are under attack today by those who pursue narrow political gain. Rather, they should be celebrated by all freedom-loving individuals.I don’t question the devotion and patriotism of others, but I am concerned that our appreciation and understanding of the wise and innovative, and indeed risky, sacrifices of the Founders is being forgotten.

I speak of apathy, fiscal irresponsibility, selfishness, greed, corruption, accountability, the abandonment of personal responsibility, and the lack of respect for others including the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Some blame a rush towards socialism; I blame a lack of understanding and devotion to the Constitution.

For America to remain strong, we must more fully appreciate and understand our founding principles and remain devoted to them.

D-Day reflections on liberty

D-Day 2009

It is interesting to ponder what the U.S. and Europe would be like today if the brave American soldier didn’t face the barrage 65 years ago. From the rain and blood soaked beaches in Normandy, freedom has blossomed.

I am reminded of the poignant words offered by President Ronald Reagan 20 years ago at Point du Hoc. He began, “We’re here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty… Here in Normandy the rescue began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.” Reagan continued, “Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war… You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.”

I love those words. I hope we all appreciate D-Day and the victory over tyranny and the fight for freedom that began that day. I also love D-Day because my daughter was born on this historic day 10 years ago. We named her Liberty. She is everything to me (Ok, that’s not true; I have 4 other children and a wonderful wife). My family is my life. So I am grateful for the boys of Point du Hoc. I am grateful for liberty. I wish I can be a hero for the cause of liberty.

I get very reflective on this day; in fact, maybe more so than on July 4 or Memorial Day. I think it was more than just freedom that was carved out of the sand and the rock and the blood along the beaches of Normandy. I think that the liberty and the freedom that was fought for has brought great prosperity. Prosperity and happiness is the dream of all who seek freedom.

But how does freedom look today? Freedom is more than just living under a democracy; freedom requires the ability to determine your future through ambition, risk, and commerce. These tenants of all free-loving societies are under attack today by those who pursue narrow political gain. These attacks are subtle and perhaps not as deadly to life but they are deadly to freedom and prosperity.

I speak of apathy, fiscal irresponsibility, selfishness, greed, corruption, the rush towards socialism, the abandonment of personal responsibility, and the lack of respect for others including the Founding Fathers and the Constitution.

How does liberty and freedom look for my daughter Liberty and for her children when:
· Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY In all, government spending on benefits will top $2 trillion in 2009 — an average of $17,000 provided to each U.S. household, federal data show. Benefits rose at a 19% annual rate in the first quarter compared to the last three months of 2008.
· June 1 and June 2, 2009, editions of The Gartman Letter. Mr. Geithner is in Beijing this week to explain that further investment in the US is in China's best interest… outlining the benefits of investment in US Treasury securities…It is, instead, in China's interest to secure the raw materials it needs to foster further economic growth... Mr. Geithner's is a lonely and embarrassing job it seems. His "product," debt securities, have lost their luster, and the things he cannot sell… copper, steel, coal, wheat, soybeans, cotton, crude et al… have seen their luster enhanced. His is an embarrassing job at the moment.
· June 3 Bloomberg -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said large U.S. budget deficits threaten financial stability and the government can’t continue indefinitely to borrow at the current rate to finance the shortfall. “Unless we demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal sustainability in the longer term, we will have neither financial stability nor healthy economic growth,” Bernanke said in testimony to lawmakers today. “Maintaining the confidence of the financial markets requires that we, as a nation, begin planning now for the restoration of fiscal balance.”
· Benefits, such as Social Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance and health care, accounted for 16.2% of personal income in the first quarter of 2009, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That's the highest percentage since the government began compiling records in 1929.

Where are modern-day champions who understand that some things are worth dying for? Freedom is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for. I invite all who love liberty to fight tyranny today, just like the men of Point du Hoc did 65 years ago.

Great News for Utah's Economy

I’m not one to complain but I’m tired of winter; I’m tired of slow cars on Orem Blvd (the posted speed is 35); I’m tired of changing messy diapers; I’m tired of dropped calls; and I’m tired of waiting in line to eat at Iggy’s.

But what I’m most tired of is hearing economic doom and gloom.

I firmly believe that we hold the future of our economy and our country in our hands. I’m one who believes it ain’t all bad out there.

I recently heard Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert speak and he summed up my feelings when he said, “we often hear the phrase ‘this is the worst economy since the Great Depression’. This is like comparing a headache to a brain tumor. We don’t want to understate the current economic challenges, but we don’t want to overstate them either. Let us have an appropriate perspective, particularly here in Utah.”- Gary Herbert - Lieutenant Governor, State of Utah

The following highlights some of the good things about Utah and Utah Valley:

Home Foreclosures
Utah's foreclosure rate (1.4%) is less than half the national rate (2.9%). Utah homeownership rate is 4th highest in the nation. Four states (CA, FL, AZ, NV) account for approximately half of all foreclosures. During the Great Depression foreclosure rates neared 50%

Bank Failures
According to the FDIC, there have been a total of 28 bank failures in 2007 and 2008. In recession-free 1988-89, there were 1,004 failures. Since the Great Depression, the average number of bank failures per year has been 94.

Mortgage interest rates
Currently at 5% for 30 year fixed rate mortgages. Business mortgages have doubled because of low interest rates.

Housing
Bargains are bringing buyers back to the market. The number of existing homes sold in February rose 13% from the previous month. In the West homes sales surged 13.6%.

GOED
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has more than 120 companies in active discussions with the state about moving or expanding in Utah.

Utah Exports
International exports from Utah during the first three quarters of 2008 was $8.1 billion. Over 50% higher than the value during the same period last year. This rate of growth ranks 4th among all states.

Unemployment
4.3% Utah (U.S. 7.2%) –Dec. 2008. During the Great Depression unemployment was 25%

More Great News
1. Utah unjoys a AAA Bonding Rating. This rating saves taxpayers money on interest costs.
2. Utah Best Managed State—Pew Research Institute
3. Provo ranked #1 as Money Magazine Best Small Cities in 2008
4. Year-over job change in Utah was –1.9% in December 2008
5. Energy and Natural Resources had 7.2% positive growth in December and has potential for continued growth.
6. Population in Utah continues to grow. Utah's population was an estimated 2,757,779 on July 1, 2008 - up 58,225 or 2.2% from July 1, 2007. Net in-migration in 2008 was 16,648, or about 29% of total population growth.
7. Mineral Lease Money has increased by 109% since 2005
8. Tourism at Zions National Park hit 2.7 million in 2008, setting a new record for Zions.

I love Utah.

Great ideas give birth to even greater things in the future

As the CEO of the Utah County Association of REALTORS® it was my honor to welcome the public, elected officials, and fellow REALTORS® to our new building Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Friday April 3. It was a great success. It was fun as many past presidents came forward as we enjoyed the slide show with all their photos and a note of what they were able to contribute during their term as President.

We opened this beautiful new facility because these leaders and others from the past recognized that sometimes great ideas are expensive…but they give birth to even greater things in the future.

Sure the timing of building turned out to be difficult because admittedly we face some challenges; both in terms of the larger economy and our specific industry. However, out of adversity emerges enormous abundance. But this can only be achieved when we seek to move from good to great and work together.

If you want to be great, then walk hand in hand with greatness. Who are you going to spend time with? Will it be those who can help you grow and achieve prosperity? Your behavior determines your result.

So here we are, the Utah County Association of REALTORS® moving into a new building that stands as a strong symbol of us yelling at the top of our lungs that we want to be great. Yes, we are reaping the benefits of those who have gone before us and now we pledge to pass on to others an even brighter future as we work hard and work together.

As I was preparing my remarks I was reminded of words I heard from a remarkable man named Nido Qubein, who gave me this advice, “It is a fact of life that what you choose is what you get. I want each of you to ask what do I need to put on my stop doing list, so I can become even better.” He continued, “As individuals, we reach for excellence in our business as we try to model success through best practices etc. but should we not try to model values and then when success comes we are better prepared to treat others as friends and not simply as customers. We should focus on the person and not the process.”

I agree. Our new building is nothing if we do not use it to treat others better. As the staff of UCAR, we hope to continue and even improve how we serve. With this investment I believe we are prepared to do just that. But each of us should use the tools around us to treat others better. This building is a tool for us as an association. But I ask you, how are you using the tools around you?

Start of something great

It is amazing the feeling I had yesterday when I opened the box containing my new laptop. It is almost like getting a new car. I now feel greater independence, freedom, and increased confidence to start something great and make it in the world.

I probably sound like a teenager; but I am almost 43 years old. Age doesn’t matter. Wheels move people and my new computer is my new vehicle. It even has that new-car smell.

Where am I going in my new vehicle? Anywhere I want but for starters I want to go up. I want to speed forward to reach higher and accomplish more. I want to lift myself, others around me, and especially those in my family. I want to improve myself and increase my productivity. I know this new tool will help me manage multiple projects and squeeze more out of each day. All of this and more is now within my reach.

I'm no computer genius -- this is my first laptop -- so it may take weeks and even months for me to become proficient. But for me getting a new computer isn’t about staying up with the latest technology. But I am the CEO of a small real estate/business association so I am busy and can use my new HP to better manage my life, instead of my life managing me. With greater efficiencies and increased effectiveness, I will try harder to serve others and treat people like people and not like projects or tasks.

Isn't that what should move a business anyway; creating value as we treat others with respect and seek to serve? When we do this then we gain friends and not just customers.

Wow. That is quite the swing; I went from opening the box with my new HP, to gaining friends and making the world a better place. What took me so long? I think I'll buy one for my wife.