Visit the Capitol
In 21 days the gavel bangs and the Utah Legislature is convened. For 45 consecutive days the two bodies meet and wade through a variety of bills. What they consider, what they pass and what they kill impacts the landscape of the Beehive state.
Your participation is important. It can come in many forms. If you are new to politics and are not sure where to begin, visit the capitol. That’s it. Parking is tight and will be your first hurdle. But park and make your way into the building. Our beautiful, historic, house of the people. Find the House Chamber. Find the Senate Chamber. If either body is holding floor time you can watch from the gallery. Even if they are not holding floor time, find the gallery. Look at the art. Look up at the dome. Peek in the Gold Room. Identify the location of the Governor’s Office. You can look into the historic Supreme Court Chamber.
On your way out, grab a piece of salt water taffy for the road and be grateful for a democratic system. As you begin to get your feet wet in politics you will have frustrating days, satisfying days, joyful days, sad days, tired days and bold days. But please participate. Utah will be a better place because you jumped in. Utah needs you.
While you pull up your calendar to figure out your best day to visit the capitol, here are some links to some new year’s resolution ideas you might want to consider:
Run for officeLand a new jobMoney managementPolitical involvement Political goals