February 16 2021 Update

I hope everyone had a nice President's Day weekend.  It has been interesting to me to watch the happenings in Washington D.C. of this weekend.  Whatever side of the issue you are on in terms of impeachment, I think there is one important lesson we need to take away as public officials.  That lesson is that whenever there is a part of our constituency that does not feel valued, heard or understood - regardless of how we feel about those constituents' concerns - we are making a mistake not to create ways for these residents to be heard effectively.  In a world that is so polarized politically, we have to find better and more productive ways to have a respectful public process.  When that happens, we defuse issues before groups of our citizens become desperate and potentially violent.  It is our challenge as public officials and employees to figure out how to listen effectively and respect the strong opinions of our residents.

It has also been awesome to have some meaningful snow in our mountains and our valleys.  While it is inconvenient for our travel, it will be important next summer for our water supply.  And I am always appreciative of our excellent public works and parks and recreation crews as they remove snow and ice and make roads, bikeways and parks safer for all of our residents and visitors.

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 27,542,421 cases with 485,070 fatalities.

Utah:  362,347 cases; 14,239 hospitalizations; 1,797 deaths

Utah County:  88,018 cases; 2,352 hospitalizations; 307 deaths

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is Mardi Gras Tuesday and National Pancake Day. Unfortunately, IHOP is not doing their free pancakes due to COVID-19, but you can still sign up to get free pancakes if you join their email group.
• Provo High's own art teacher has been given a national recognition as the National Art Education Association Educator of the Year.
• The U.S. Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump on Saturday of inciting the mob that stormed the Capitol last month despite broad condemnation of his role in said events.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in a financial meeting with Energy
• Met with the City Attorney
• Held a meeting with her executive team
• Participated in Council Work meeting
• Met for Council meeting

FUN STUFF

Did you know that one of our own, Richard Snyder in Public Works, makes pens? I know that delicate woodworking is a combination of art and technology.  Hawk seems to have found the perfect balance!  He was kind enough to stop by and present me with one of his beautiful creations!  Hawk is a great example of the quality of our city employees - and not just because he makes beautiful pens.  He is always looking for ways to solve problems and bring resources to some of our thorniest challenges with our infrastructure.

 

I hope you have a great day, and know that we are appreciative of all you do!

Wayne