Campaigning in the Trenches: Municipal Race Non-Partisanship; and Good Vibes from City Accomplishments

(Note: UtahPolicy.com has invited Mike Winder and Kevin Fayles, two candidates for mayor of West Valley City to share their campaign experiences this year. To read earlier posts and biographies of the two candidates, see the Campaign Journal page.)

Kevin Fayles: "Are you a Democrat or a Republican?"

"The race is non-partisan."

"Are you a Democrat or a Republican?"

"I'm receiving support from both political parties."

"Are you a Democrat or a Republican?"

"I've always voted for the best person for the job, regardless of party."

This is part of a conversation I had last week at one of the "Night Out Against Crime" events I attended. The young man who kept pressing me on the issue looked to be around 16 or 17, which both impressed and distressed me. I was impressed that he was politically involved at an age where most young people don't even know who their local representatives are, but I was distressed that he was already so politically rigid that the only thing that mattered to him was my party affiliation. ...

Mike Winder: There is a satisfaction while on the campaign trail of hearing people say "thank you" for good projects the city has been able to accomplish.  These experiences help you know that despite late night meetings, mad people calling you, and the other rough aspects of public life, that you are making a difference in the community.  It is also helpful as a candidate to be able to show that you listen, you are responsive, and that you have a record of helping the city.

The other day I was campaigning and talked to a woman on Maple Way who years ago had been an adamant opponent of where the city wanted its light rail alignment to go.  As the city's Business Development Manager, I had worked with our transportation coordinator Jeff Hawker and others as the alignment was determined; and this woman was furious at the time, to say the least.  In the years since, I have served a term on the city council and construction for TRAX is well underway.  In the discussions with UTA, we were able to do our best to mitigate engineering issues and resident concerns. ...