An open letter from Kane County Commission candidate Lara Clayson
I was born with red dirt in my veins. Between frequent visits to my grandparents’ house in my early childhood and Kanab actually becoming my hometown when I was 10 years old, the wonder and beauty of Kane County were impressed upon me from a young age. Having the chance to grow up and be educated in Kanab was a privilege. Being surrounded by good people, low crime, clean air, teachers that cared, and of course the gorgeous red cliffs molded my foundation as a person.
I am running for Kane County Commissioner because I firmly believe Kane County citizens deserve transparent and dedicated leadership. I believe in politicians operating with clean conscience and focusing on the people as a whole, not just specific groups or one specific industry. My underlying goal as a commissioner is for each citizen to be safe and healthy and have the opportunity to earn a family-supporting wage.
If given the opportunity to be a commissioner, I would resign my current position with the Kane County Water Conservancy District and direct full-time attention to the issues that face our county. I would continue to defend our roads and rights to stewardship and access on our public lands. I would continue to cultivate our bonds and cooperative efforts with other rural counties. Keeping a frugal budget, aggressively pursuing options that increase our revenues, and directing our growth efforts towards economic development in technology- and production-based industries and our infrastructure is how I would strengthen our local business community. It is important for us to be able to support our families here. I would also like to provide our citizens with more options in health care and mental health care. Seeing a united countywide community working together to improve amenities available to us and our visitors while maintaining the spirit and culture of Kane County is my vision.
Things that I stand for are the right of every citizen to safety and health, the opportunity of every citizen to earn a comfortable living wage due to economic stability and vitality, social equality, women’s health, community wellness, government transparency, responsible open use and land access, environmentally sound practices and planning, expansion of technology- and industrial-based business while maintaining our gorgeous scenery and tourism economy, strengthening our infrastructure and local amenities that enhance locals’ day-to-day living, protecting local businesses, and supporting a positive economic climate geared towards growing locally owned and operated establishments.
As your county commissioner, I would honestly and openly lead and give full-time attention to our community. I would bring energy and vitality to the commission and represent a demographic of people wanting to start a family, buy a house, rent a house, and gain stable household support employment. I would be honored to follow in my father’s path and continue the improvements he has tirelessly shepherded and persistently tracked for the benefit of our citizens. I am dedicated to protecting our entrepreneurial opportunities, pioneer heritage, cowboy culture, tourism industry, natural and spectacular spaces, healthy and cooperative community, and progressive and resilient future. Thank you for considering me for Kane County Commissioner Seat B.
Thank you,
Lara Clayson
The viewpoints expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Independent.
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