The Carbon County Commission Chambers found itself packed full of city officials, representatives from visiting entities and community members gathered together for a public meeting hosted by Congressman John Curtis on Monday. The congressman opened the meeting by introducing his staff and giving the local officials a moment to make their presence known. Curtis also stated that he had a dual purpose for the meeting: to hear from local elected officials and to hear from community members.
Mayors from Price, Helper, Wellington and East Carbon were all in attendance as well as Senator David Hinkins and Representative Christine Watkins. The congressman then jumped into informing those in attendance of what he had been up to lately, including meetings just that morning regarding farming and water conservation as well as a meeting at Utah State University regarding the opioid epidemic in Utah.
Visiting Carbon County, Curtis had already been treated to a tour of Castleview Hospital and was scheduled for a ride-along with Sheriff Jeff Wood before his departure. Curtis stated that within a year, he has visited Carbon County around 15 times. He also explained that there are a number of bills working to pass and meetings are being hosted regarding farming, SNAP benefits and more.
The congressman then gave the elected officials of the area a chance to speak and voice their questions and concerns. Comments from Price City Mayor Mike Kourianos revolved around diversifying Carbon and Emery counties. In response, Curtis stated that he believes that Castle Country is almost ready to break through, listing E-Fiber, Castleview Hospital and USU Eastern and other major components of a strong economy. Curtis continued by stating that, at times, breaking through is difficult and trying to close to psychological gap that there is a far distance between Carbon County and areas such as Provo and the Wasatch Front are not far. This will convince more businesses to relocate.
“I do believe that the future is bright for you,” Congressman Curtis stated.
On that same train of thought, the congressman used that time to announce that Nov. 9 is slated for a full day for the Rural Business Summit in Price. The governor has agreed to attend if his schedule allows and a major focus will be matching jobs and people. A hard effort is being made to bring employers from the Wasatch Front to the summit as well as assist already existing businesses in the area to expand.
Mayor Lenise Peterman of Helper, Mayor Joan Powell of Wellington and Mayor David Avery of East Carbon, as well as members of the community, all voiced questions to the congressman, including questions about recreation, online shopping hurting the local economy and more. Speaking personally, Curtis stated that his favorite part of visiting Carbon County each time is engaging with the people in the area.
At the end of the hour-long session, Congressman Curtis concluded the meeting by stating that one thing everyone can do to help is become cheerleaders. He continued by stating that people look at the elected officials and community leaders to get engaged in how the community is doing. It is important, Curtis stated, to accentuate the positive and show enthusiasm.
