On Sept. 5 at the Carbon County administration building, the Carbon County Republican Party Central Committee meeting was hosted. There were many things brought to attention during this meeting along with a presentation by Congressman John Curtis. The committee also had to elect a new member as a representative that evening.
There were two candidates in the running. They were each given two minutes to present why they should be elected and what they want to do for the committee. Rachel Walton, a criminal justice professor at Utah State Eastern, was chosen for the position. She made comments in her speech about her past, working in law enforcement for 31 years and calling Price her home. Walton believes in the Republican Party’s platform and wants to protect second amendment rights.
While the voting was taking place, Congressman Curtis took to the stand. He thanked chairman Darin Birch for the introduction and welcoming remarks. Curtis then spoke about his work in Congress for the past two years. This last week, he “slowed down and spent time in Carbon County,” taking the time to explore the area. He visited Nine Mile Canyon that day and many other well-known sights.
Curtis then mentioned how grateful he was for the elected leaders in the area and that the people here “live in a special place; a little bit of magic.” He also said that he noticed the hard working people in Carbon County, saying, “Work brings dignity.” Curtis ended with how appreciative he was for being able to spend time in this small community, meeting people who know how to work and seeing the sights he’d only previously heard of.
After Congressman Curtis left to continue his tour of the area, Carbon County Commissioner Casey Hopes was asked to speak as well. Hopes also expressed his gratitude for this area, saying that good things are happening. He spoke on the expansion of Intermountain Electronics (IE) and how that will be an economic boost for the community.
Along with the mention of IE bringing more people to the area, Hopes spoke about how Utah State Eastern is also bringing in more people with the new programs that have recently improved. An example is the new aviation program that Hopes works closely with.
Hopes ended his speech by saying, “We’re all pulling together and making things happen as a community.”
The next to speak was Jeff Burningnam, who is running for governor. He lives in Provo with his family and is an entrepreneur. Burningnam chuckled as he mentioned that his first ever political speech was given in the very room where the meeting was hosted. The main point he wanted to get across is “the opportunity of tomorrow” and his desire to keep the economy “revving.”
He then spoke on destiny and how he wants to be an innovative outsider if elected for governor. He said that he has personally seen a “heavy federal hand in rural areas.” Burningnam wants to be part of the fight for rural Utah and would like to invite others to join him in seizing the moment.
To conclude the meeting, it was announced that there is a BBQ upcoming that will be hosted on Sept. 24. The committee invites everyone out to the political, carnival themed event. The committee also chose a date for their regular central committee meeting, choosing Jan. 9, the second Thursday of the month. The county nominating convention will be held on April 2, beginning at 7 p.m., at Carbon High School.
