Utah Policymaker:  Republican Senator Ralph Okerlund, District 24 (Juab, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Wayne counties).

View his legislative profile by clicking here. 

Occupation: Dairyman, Teacher, Project Specialist for Engineering Company 

Education: Bachelors Degree - U of U; Political Science 

Growing up: On my family dairy in Monroe, Utah  

Fond memory: Growing up on farm, working with my dad and brothers 

Childhood ambition:   Sports 

Family: 3 children, 7 grandchildren 

Why politics: Service to the community 

My perfect day: Being with my family, making homemade pizza 

Hobbies:   Fishing,  4-wheeling, anything with family 

First job:   Working on the farm 

Current motivations/ambitions: Make the world a better place for future generations 

Lesson taught me by my mother:  Go to church and respect my father 

Hottest issue I'm watching: Cap and Trade Tax 

Biggest challenge: Get the economy moving and keeping a balanced budget 

Biggest accomplishment: My Family 

Alarm clock: I have an automatic internal alarm; Developed when I had to get up and milk dairy cows  

Proudest moment: Seeing my children all married and happy. 

My philosophy of government: The less government the better 

Why my political party: It is the party of optimism and individual accomplishment 

Soundtrack: Oldies but Goodies 

Personal motto/mission statement: There are good people everywhere 

Most embarrassing moment: An error at 3rd base that cost my team a game 

Inspiration: The leadership shown by those who stand up for what they believe  

Retreat: A Caribbean cruise 

Favorite book: Crime and Punishment 

Favorite movie: Any John Wayne Western 

Favorite web site: Fox Sports 

Indulgence, guilty pleasure: Turtle milk shake 

Mentors: The Many great County Commissioners I have worked with 

I admire most in the world: My Father 

I'd fix the problems of the world by: Having everyone believe as I do 

A small insight into my psyche: I never thought I would be in Politics 

My farewell message to the world: There is plenty for everyone that wants to work 

My district is cool because:It is mostly rural and people have good sense 

I like serving in the Legislature because: All of my fellow Senators are great People 

Running for political office is: The last thing I ever thought I would do 

Historical figure I'd like to take to lunch: Benjamin Franklin 

Sports team: Cubs, Rockies, Utes 

I always carry in my pocket (or purse):Lifesavers for my grandchildren 

Favorite pet:My black cocker spaniel - Binkie 

I always laugh at: Inspector Clause 

My desk is : Clutter free, full of treats  

Biggest issues ahead in 2010 session: States Rights 

My priorities for 2010 session: Smaller government