November is a time to reflect on the things that we are most thankful for in our lives, and I have many things to be thankful for. The past year has provided me the wonderful opportunity to meet new people, take part in our community, and represent those in the place that I call home. The past couple of months have been very busy as I have been able to travel across the west side meeting and working with members of my district. In October I was fortunate enough to take part in West Valley City’s Women in Motion Conference. It was a great event in providing information and resources in how to encourage a healthier person, family, and community. We also had various organizations participate, such as The United Way, Women in Trades, The Girl Scouts, and PTA that were able to bring along resources and information for this wonderful conference. We were able to learn the skills and information for a better and healthier family and community.
In October I was also honored with the Award of Excellence In Workplace Safety and Health, which recognizes the contributions made to improving the safety and health of all Utah workers. This honor was presented to me by the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Workplace safety is an important part of making Utah a better place to work and live, which begins with individuals and their families. This has been a priority of mine since holding office and I will continue to seek ways in which I can protect Utah’s working families.
The changes in season are also a reminder of the different tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities that we face each year. As we move closer to the holiday season, I have been busy preparing for the upcoming year and the opportunities that it provides, especially in representing my district. The 2014 State Legislative Session is fast approaching, meaning that it is time to prepare legislation that can help make Utah a better place to live. During most of the year we meet as legislators once a month to prepare legislation for the general session that runs from January through March. I already have been busy preparing some pieces of legislation, one of which includes a bill that would provide home repair assistance to veterans in Utah. Another piece of legislation that I will be presenting will include Internet privacy protection for individuals.
I have also had the opportunity take state legislators on tours of schools in my district, including Granger High School and Kearns High School. Education has always been a priority and I hope that through these tours I have been able to show the needs and concerns of our student’s and their families in the west side of the valley. A focus in this upcoming legislative session will be to secure more funding towards education that will benefit students across the state, including those in our community.
I am excited, like many of you probably are, about the completion of the 5400 South road in Kearns. This is one of the many transportation projects in the area that will ease congestion and make it easier for residents in the western half of Salt Lake County to commute.
To better serve you and hear your concerns for our community, I will be sending out a survey that will also be made available online. I will look forward to reviewing your comments.
As we get closer to this holiday season, I hope that you and your family can enjoy the season and that you are able to remain safe during this wonderful time.
Karen
Karen Mayne 