Mayor Jenny Wilson and Your Mandatory Face Mask

Neighbors and Friends,

I am hopeful that you are well and safe.

Just after midnight tonight (12:01 a.m. June 27, 2020) face coverings (masks) will be mandatory across Salt Lake County in retail and commercial establishments, restaurants while waiting to be seated and served, and at community gatherings by order of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. [update, now in effect]

Although Mayor Wilson has a letter of support signed by several County Council members, she did not bring her face covering mandate to the County Council for a vote; Mayor Wilson just told them in their Tuesday meeting what she was going to do.

This lack of transparency and accountability is concerning at best when one individual dictates a specific action and requirement for a million people in Salt Lake County. Our County Council members are elected to represent specific areas and districts. Denying the Council's opportunity to vote denies the voice of the people across Salt Lake County.

Even liberal Summit County officials understand this. They are taking their proposed mandate to its residents by calling a special meeting for a final vote.

Salt Lake County residents should not be denied a Council vote. Residents and Council members need to ask; Where are the COVID hotspots? We should know; Are the hotspots still in the homeless shelters, the jail, specific neighborhoods, or where? It is also important to know if there is a direct link of increased COVID cases to the massive protests downtown, attended by Mayor Wilson, Mayor Mendenhall, Mayor Andy Beerman, and others.

Controlling the action of a million people should at least require the vote of those Council members elected to represent us.

We need more members on the County Council who are willing to provide a balance of power the Mayor wishes to wield.

I need your support and your vote. The primary election ends on June 30, 2020.

Sincerely,

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

I do not agree with government mandatory mask wearing

If a business decides that to be open and keep their staff and customers safe I need to wear a mask, I have one and can and have worn one. The county mayor and governor certainly can encourage.

I don't agree with government mandatory mask wearing.

Some people can not wear masks for medical reasons. Are they going to provide them a shield or require a note from a doctor?

I was meeting a group in a park. When it started raining and social distancing was not available I put on my mask. One of our group works at an assisted living center and she was wearing a mask and I did put on my mask to keep that facility safe. That was not required by some mandatory government rule.

[update]
In response to a doctor that doesn't believe someone has real issues wearing a mask and was telling them they were full of it:

If you think that some people can't wear them for medical reasons is bogus, I can introduce you to some people if you would like. Lung damage in Vietnam during the war there. Some that are asthmatic. Some have allergies. Some are on blood thinner and are sensitive to decreased oxygen. That question was asked the experts the county has 3 times on Tuesday, and they dogged the question. 2 of the times were from a member of the county council and the experts would not answer.

And yes, you are wearing a surgical mask. Many of the masks most people are wearing are hand made, are 2 layers of dense fabric. The reason you wear a mask is to reduce infection when you are in surgery. Thank You.

Many people have been traumatized by earthquakes and deaths in addition to this Coved-19 virus. If that means someone is going to feel better if I wear a mask or if I am going to feel better in some situations to wear a mask, that needs to be OK. I have one or two I can wear. That is not true with others. Back off. Some people still have PTSD from the earthquake.
  
[Update]
The county order has the following

Any individual within Salt Lake County who is age two and over and able to medically or psychologically tolerate a face covering shall be required to wear a face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth in public areas where consistent social distancing of at least six feet is not possible, reasonable, or prudent. Additional guidance can be found...

Face coverings are required in Salt Lake County:

• at public gatherings, indoor or out, where consistent social distancing is not possible.
• while waiting outside or inside retail and other public locations,
  including bars and restaurants until seated.

Face coverings are not required:

• Outdoors when social distancing is easily and consistently maintained.
• On a person with a health condition exacerbated by a face covering.
• On children under 2 years old.
• When wearing a face covering would prevent the performance of the essential functions of person’s job or work.
• In circumstances not reasonably conducive to wearing a face covering, such as while swimming or engaging in strenuous physical activity*.

*It is impossible to account for every potential exception, so we ask Salt Lake County residents and visitors to use common sense and practice common decency when interpreting and applying the requirement to their public activities.

https://slco.org/health/COVID-19/faq/faq-facecoverings/

Have you voted yet

Have you voted yet?

The GOP primary election ends June 30th and if you haven't received your ballot in Utah, call your county clerk tomorrow.

https://slco.org/clerk/elections/

You can also go to the Utah Lt. Gov. Election website at:
https://vote.utah.gov/

Click on the like to read what information candidates that are on your ballot turned in
https://votesearch.utah.gov/voter-search/search/search-by-address/candidates-and-issues

 If you have questions, you can call me or email me at:
mailto:fred@fredcox4utah.com

Some information about me can be found at:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/ 

It has links to recent posts, videos of town hall meetings, endorsements, etc.

This has some good information about me.
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/05/vote-fred-c-cox-for-salt-lake-county.html


One of the best ways to vote is to drop off your ballot all ready to mail but at the County Clerk Elections Drop Box.

those locations are at:
https://slco.org/clerk/elections/vote-by-mail/ballot-drop-box-locations/


Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

Survey on Behalf of Black Lives Matter Utah

I received your survey and have tried to return it several times. It obviously assumes what I believe fits it the little dots, which is pretty limiting, is not always true and it is not helpful in being transparent.

If you will send a survey back without that limitation, I will be able to send it on.

In the mean time a few related statements:

Since 2009 I have lost track of how many protests I have been to. I was at one on February 8 and May 2.

[I was invited to speak at both].

I led the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum as the original sponsor. [1 of 5]. We got 170,000 signatures and the legislature and governor backed off.

I have no issue with protests. I disagree with the violence and property damage that happened a few [weeks] ago. There is no excuse for that. That is wrong.
The reason for the protests is valid. Too many people die because they are treated wrongly by those that should care.

I have worked with police officers in the past who are wonderful. Others are not. I do not know what some racism feels like but do know what prejudice feels like. I have been with others who were afraid because of racism.

We need more people to associate with others of different backgrounds, whether a different race or not. We can learn to care about others and that can help.

The government should be color blind and treat everyone fairly.

I am not sure reducing the Salt Lake County Sheriff budget by 6 million right now is a good idea. They need better and more trained officers not less.

When You reduce a police budget and then when crime goes up raise it back again, we get newer less experienced officers which can be a larger problem.

I joined a group recently to help fight racism.U-CARe. (United Coalition Against Racism)

Their statement for the group has this:

All people on the color wheel are invited to join us to fight racism and stereotyping through positive community events where people of all racial heritage meet, interact, find commonalities and unite against racism. We especially encourage inviting local law enforcement and their families to be part of the group.

Citizen or Civilian Review Boards are a good idea and should not be discouraged. My city (West Valley City) already has a Professional Standards Review Board (Citizens' Review Board) and more are needed.

We need better and more trained officers. The annual neighborhood watch parties when you can talk to the local police in a park helps create relationships.

The legislature has passed good laws for the use of body cameras. There has to be some protection of the person and the inside of their house, etc. from showing up on the 6pm news. These laws do need to be even better and I would support that.

Understanding how to deal with mental health issues in a non violent manor is key. New funding to provide for others, besides the police to help is needed.

I fought moving the prison from Draper, which would have saved $ Hundreds of Millions. We need a prison and some of the blocks in Draper needed to be replaced as they were not safe for anyone and did not help prisoners from coming back. I was a volunteer with my wife at the Draper prison for 2 years. We need more of that.

We need to remember that both the individual being stopped or arrested and the police officer have constitutional rights and should be treated fairly.

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2.

I had previously posted this:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/06/question-regarding-protests-about-civil.html
and this
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/06/endorsement-of-utah-fraternal-order-of.html

The Budget

Neighbors and Friends,

I am hopeful that you are well and safe.

2020 started with a major achievement. We worked together to block the 2019 Utah Tax Reform bill that the Utah Legislature passed and was signed by the Governor last December. In a little over a month we secured 170,000 Utah Tax Referendum signatures across 29 counties. We did this with thousands of volunteers, both liberal and conservative and everything in between. Because of our success, the Legislature and Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001 instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.

Since then we have been hit with a Pandemic, an Earthquake, Riots and more. Utahns are made of tough stuff, but many of us are asking what is next!

This last week County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced that the current county budget will be $70 Million to $100 Million short this year based on shutting down the economy because of the Pandemic. She outlined many cuts, such as $6 Million from the Sherriff and $1 Million from the clerk.

At this same Tuesday meeting, the county mayor also announced the county would need to borrow $70 Million so they would have enough money until the property taxes come in later this year. It is now “standard” for our county to do this, year after year. This year the notes needed may have been larger, but they did it last year, and the year before, as well. The request to borrow $70 Million using notes passed on Tuesday.

Last year, Mayor Wilson proposed what she called a “no frills” budget. The Mayor’s proposal sought to address “huge structural problems” facing the county after years of not capturing inflation despite economic and population growth, she said. The Council reduced the budget some, but it was still a $16 Million increase or about 8%.

You may remember that last December the County passed the property tax increase, so we are likely going to have larger property taxes this fall. The County budget is about $1.5 Billion, with a B.

This Tuesday, the County Council is expecting more details to further reduce this year’s budget.

Right now, one of the last things we should do is short the Sheriff budget enough to close one of the blocks at the County Jail. We need better and more trained officers, and every time a city or county reduces this area of budget and then raises it later as crime goes up, we get brand new police officers. Some of them turn out great, but others do not. With the current deaths and protests, this is going the wrong direction.

The $77 Million in tax cuts being proposed now is a band-aid. We need more on the County Council willing to solve this “structural problem”. I need your help in standing up to the mayor and the current bureaucracy.

You can start by calling the mayor and council members and telling them you want real budget reform.

You can also help this week for voting for me, Fred C. Cox, in the primary election for Salt Lake County Council District 2 that begins this week. If you do not get your ballot this week, contact the county clerk’s office. Ballots are due the end of the month, but you do not have that long to fix things with voter registration if there is something wrong.

I have had several town hall meetings, the last have been online. They are available to watch from links on my website. http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

You can contact me with ideas and questions, email is the best. It gives me information that I can follow up with

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

fred@fredcox4utah.com

801-966-2636 (home)

Paid for by Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund

Fred C Cox for SLco Council District 2 update

Facebook Live

Youtube

https://youtu.be/rM28-Jmfyrs

Question regarding protests about civil rights issues

On Wednesday I had received this email.

"Hi, I am reaching out to you and your opponent ... because I am concerned with how politicians listen and prioritize the civil rights issues we face in our country. I think it is important that politicians do what they can to fight systemic racism that has hurt people of color for years. What is your position on these protests? Thanks."

My Response:

Since 2009 I have lost track of how many protests I have been to. I was at one on February 8 and May 2.

[I was invited to speak at both].

I led the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum as the original sponsor. [1 of 5]. We got 170,000 signatures and the legislature and governor backed off.

I have no issue with protests. I disagree with the violence and property damage that happened a few days ago. There is no excuse for that. That is wrong.
The reason for the protests is valid. Too many people die because they are treated wrongly by those that should care.

I have worked with police officers in the past who are wonderful. Others are not. I do not know what some racism feels like but do know what prejudice feels like. I have been with others who were afraid because of racism.

We need more people to associate with others of different backgrounds, whether a different race or not. We can learn to care about others and that can help.

The government should be color blind and treat everyone fairly.
I am not sure reducing the sheriff budget by 6 million right now is a good idea. They need better and more trained officers not less.

I am meeting with the FOP this week. I will have more ideas after that meeting. Thank you for reaching out

Fred C. Cox

His response to my response was: "Thank you. Your response has earned my vote."

Endorsement of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police

June 5, 2020

To: Fred Cox
Re: SLCO Council Endorsement

Dear Mr. Cox,

On behalf of the 4,000 members of the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, it is my pleasure to inform you that you have received the endorsement of the largest police labor organization in Utah. We appreciate your willingness to work with us in furthering the law enforcement profession and we look forward to continuing that process.

Please feel free to use this endorsement in your campaign. You are also authorized to use the Utah FOP logo above to announce and promote that endorsement.

Sincerely,

Brent Jex, President
Utah FOP

Vote Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

Leadership, Experience, Integrity, Willing to Listen, Represent You, and Respect.

Economy, growth, taxes, your rights, transportation, water, sewer, clean air, and crime.

The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (1 of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.

I served in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. I had a reputation of being willing to listen, read, speak up and fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition. I held regular open town hall meetings, not just when I was running or when the legislature was in session.

Community Involvement: Valley West Rotary Club President, West Point (West Valley) Neighborhood Watch Chair, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Western Growth Coalition.

Vote Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

Who is Fred C. Cox?

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/Bio.html

Some Issues:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/issues.html

A few Endorsements:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/endorsements.html

What would Fred do differently than the current county Council

Against the Property Tax Increase the Council passed 7 v 2 a few months ago.

For reducing or more efficient spending.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/12/04/no-more-taxes-salt-lake/

Against additional gun restrictions.

For the 2nd Amendment and the State Constitution

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/05/issues-questions-and-answers-2nd.html

Against the Olympia Hills Vote.

Promoted a different solution

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/02/olympia-hills-project-too-fast-or-is.html

Shutdown?

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/05/i-was-asked-to-speak-for-few-minutes-at.html

See the video at:

https://youtu.be/QNcL5--h-m8

The Economy:

https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/04/it-is-economy.html

See links to past town hall meetings and other videos at:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/

Facebook Live Town Hall May 30, 2020 at 10am

Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

Any campaign costs are paid by Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund

Issues Questions and answers 2nd amendment and other rights

Where do you stand on the 2nd Amendment

I was asked to speak at a 2nd Amendment rights rally at the Utah Capitol February 8, 2020.

In the past I have been endorsed by the NRA-Political Victory Fund. I am a strong supporter of our right to protect ourselves.

I quoted this section from our Utah State Constitution:

 Article I, Section 6.  [Right to bear arms.]      The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the Legislature from defining the lawful use of arms.

Notice the Legislature can define the lawful use of arms, but it can't take away the right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense. I spoke opposing the "Red Flag" laws being proposed.

I have strongly condemned the Salt Lake County Mayor's decision for an “operational change” to close the gun show background check "loopholes" at gun shows at county facilities.

I am running to replace the Republican incumbent who voted to support the county mayor, when the county council voted 5 vs 4 on February 11, 2020, a few days after the rally.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/2/17/21136549/utah-gun-control-background-checks-gun-shows-salt-lake-county

I wrote this:
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/04/we-need-to-reverse-salt-lake-county.html



If you are a defender of  property rights, then why did you publicly oppose and speak against the Olympia Hills Project before the Salt Lake County Council vote?

A good explanation is at:
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/02/olympia-hills-project-too-fast-or-is.html

I proposed a compromise which was not voted on. I also believe it was wrong for the county to vote on this when the decision should have been up to a city annexing the property.


Where are you re: Government closing private businesses regarding the pandemic?

https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/05/i-was-asked-to-speak-for-few-minutes-at.html


Check back for more updates.

Government Mandated Shutdown

I was asked to speak for a few minutes at the business revival meeting at Vineyard today. Sometime between 3 and 4. The event starts at noon.

They already have a bunch of speakers. I spoke to Eric who is leading this celebration. He knows I don't agree with him on everything.

I do believe the government has overstepped the constitutional authority we gave them. I also believe in following the law and getting laws changed. We need to rescue the small businesses. The economy and food and farmers and everything has been hit hard. We need to save this country from socialism and the last 2 months have not helped.

Many people have been traumatised by earthquakes and deaths in addition to this Coved-19 virus. If that means someone is going to feel better if I wear a mask or if I am going to feel better in some situations to wear a mask, that needs to be OK. I have one or two I can wear.

Our governor and mayors and health dept officials need to know that many of us find the past several weeks of government mandated shutdown not acceptable. They can not be repeated.

We need to work on principle. Businesses should be able to keep their staff and customers safe and be able to be open. This next "phase" is where we needed to be seven weeks ago.

A couple of weeks ago, when the Governor had this idea of telling people crossing into Utah they needed to fill out papers, I said this:

Most people in this state feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private businesses generally or by category and requiring papers to travel is an abuse of power and is not constitutional. Period.

We have shut down a restaurant for norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same. There is no reason each and every business can't figure out a way to stay safe and stay open. I have been working from home generally. That doesn't work to go visit a building.

Most people are doing their best to wash hands and keep distances. That is a good thing for now.

The last thing we need is the government taking over everything.

Be civil. Be caring. Be safe. Be free.

update, a copy of the introduction and actual remarks is at: https://youtu.be/QNcL5--h-m8 

Q and A 2020 HB 3009 Local Government Emergency Response

Hi Fred

...

Have you read HB 3009? If so please give me your impressions.

Thanks

Answer

When I read the bill, I noticed it was putting checks and balances on the existing [potential] abuse of executive powers, of the Governor, County and City Mayors.

I have felt like current emergency laws needed that. Some have assumed that the bill was meant to add to existing powers. It was not. It could be amended to be more clear.

I believe some of the existing emergency powers are unconstitutional. Is a judge going to rule that way? Good luck with that. Is the Utah Legislature going to vote to repeal those powers? I am not sure they have the votes. If with a 2/3 vote they can add checks and balances to those powers, that is at least a step in the right direction. 

Over a week ago I had said this, and also had sent it to Governor. I posted it in a group with tens of thousands of people, liberal and conservative. The reaction was 95% positive. The comments, close to 1000 before they removed the comments were hardly civil. I am happy the country, state and county is starting to go this way. I hope I was helping in this process.

"Most people in this state feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private businesses generally or by category and requiring papers to travel is an abuse of power and is not constitutional. Period. We have shut down a restaurant for norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same. There is no reason each and every business can't figure out a way to stay safe and stay open. I have been working from home generally. That doesn't work to go visit a building. Most people are doing their best to wash hands and keep distances. That is a good thing for now. The last thing we need is the government taking over everything. Be civil. Be caring. Be safe. Be free."

For more on HB 3009, this has valid points.

https://libertasutah.org/justice-and-due-process/hb-3009-restricting-local-governments-in-issuing-shutdown-orders

An opposing view also raises concerns. The sponsor has put the bill on hold for now.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10219163194363779&id=1025123423

Fred C Cox

for SLco District 2

PS, Rep. Watkins has a floor amendment to remove the most controversial line. The bill is still stuck in Rules.

https://le.utah.gov/~2020S3/bills/static/HB3009.html

We need to reverse Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson on Gun Rights

Perhaps today we can take a step in undoing this. 

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12/16/21024564/salt-lake-county-to-require-background-checks-for-gun-show-sales-at-county-facilities


This was an attempt at the legislature
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/2/17/21136549/utah-gun-control-background-checks-gun-shows-salt-lake-county

This was an attempt at the county council level, but it shows support of the Mayor
https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/02/11/salt-lake-county-opposes/


"Members of the Republican majority Salt Lake County Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to signal their opposition to the legislation amid concerns from several council members about its penalties for noncompliant communities and the ramifications for local decision-making."


What the article didn't say was which members of the county council voted with the mayor.

Clearly if the county council is 5 v 4 Republican, at least one GOP member voted with the mayor.

That would be in the incumbent for Salt Lake County Council District 2.

The good news I am running for Salt Lake County Council District 2 and the incumbent is not.

The Mayor is not a dictator, or should not be. She didn't consult with the council on this decision. She didn't on her stay home order. We need a council that can stand up to the county mayor when she is wrong.

Vote for Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2
 
   

Questions and Answers

Fred,

Thanks for sharing information via email, blog, and Facebook Live.  I have a few questions to help me make a decision tomorrow:

1.  I feel that lack of civility and compromise in government is causing much gridlock and it appears to be getting worse.  Would you provide some examples of how you have worked with those of differing opinions to reach healthy compromise?  If elected, how to you plan to elevate civil dialogue and behavior?

2.  What is your relationship with current council members and city mayors?

3.  You, Dave Alvord, and Karen Lang are impressive candidates.  What are a few key strengths that make you a more suitable candidate?

Thanks for your passion and efforts to represent the West Side!

 

Answers:

Civility. I believe the 2019 UT Tax Referendum was a good example. When the legislature failed to get 2/3 of both houses for 2019 SB 2001, I called my most liberal and conservative friend to see if they were interested in running a referendum. The volunteers were both liberal and conservative and everything in between. I had one rule, respect. That worked well in almost all cases during the referendum. In many cases friends were made and I am hopeful this will be more long term.

For serving in the House, the best person I can suggest [to ask] is Rep. Brian King, house minority leader at the Utah House of Representatives. You can ask him, he described me as "non partisan" in my voting. I voted on the bill, not the sponsor or party they were from. While that has angered a few in the current house leadership, I still have many friends there.

While in the Utah House, I often had democratic senate sponsors for bills I ran, such as Sen. Karen Mayne, then Sen. Ben McAdams, Sen. Davis, and Sen. Escamilla.

With the Olympia Hills vote in the SLco council, I proposed what I thought would be a compromise that would work. 3 of the 9 voted against what passed, and likely would have supported my proposal.

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/02/olympia-hills-project-too-fast-or-is.html

One that voted for the Olympia Hills project, Shireen Ghorbani, told me she appreciated my suggestion, she just thought it was too late. She was involved in the tax referendum and has shown interest in working together.

 A. Shireen Ghorbani     B. Richard Snelgrove     C. Jim Bradley     1. Arlyn Bradshaw     2. Michael Jensen     3. Aimee Winder Newton     4. Ann Granato     5. Steve DeBry     6. Max Burdick, Chair

In addition to Shireen, as mentioned above:

I have known Richard Snelgrove and worked with him for over ten years on different committees. We have a good relationship. He was one that encouraged me to run. (He is not endorsing in the race)

Aimee Winder Newton, I have worked with on other committees for many years as well. We have a good relationship. She was one that encouraged me to run.  (She is not endorsing in the race)

Steve was someone that voted against Olympia Hills and was responsive to my suggestions, as well as Aimee and Richard.

I spoke to the council several times recently. Max treated me with respect. 

The person running against him, Dea Theodore has also reached out to me

Michael Jensen is not running for reelection.

I have worked with Ron Bigelow for 30 plus years. He has not endorsed anyone is this race, [he doesn't typically endorse]. I was disappointed that one of the candidates implied he did.

I have known Dirk Burton also for many years. I met him at the Western Growth Coalition a decade ago. (not an endorsement)

For actual endorsements:
https://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2020/04/endorsements-for-fred-c-cox-for-salt.html

I have support of several current and past members of city and metro councils. I have attended the Western Growth Coalition for many many years. Attendees are typical chamber members, representatives of all the city and metro councils from the district and school district members. It was one of the reasons I changed my membership to the South West Valley Chamber. I have not typically seen the other candidates there.

I had attended the Copperton and Kearns metro township meetings and was planning on attending other council meetings when the virus shut that down. I am well known by many.

I have lived in West Valley City for over 30 years and the west side for over 35. I represented a large portion of West Valley City for 4 years in the legislature and have been involved. I am have lived in Salt Lake County, or kept residency here, my entire life, almost 60 years.

See:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/Bio.html

Strengths:

1. I have had and will continue to have regular town hall meetings. I listen. I am willing to get great ideas from others.

2. I have created and read many bills. Literally thousands of bills and state laws. I am known for seeing things others miss.

3. I have worked with county and city zoning and ordinances.

4. While I am willing to fight, I try to find win-win solutions where possible.

5. All of us are small business owners. All of us has had to work with public budgets. I have a reputation of protecting taxpayer funds.

6. The constitution:

A week ago, I posted this in a nonpartisan facebook group of tens of thousands. I had over 1000 comments. Some were not civil, however 95% of the up arrows, and hearts were in agreement.

I also sent it the Governor. This week changes are being made there.

As we see today, the State and Federal Government things are finally moving this direction. We need checks and balances on the executives, including our county mayor.

"Most people in this state feel that a mayor or governor shutting down private businesses generally or by category and requiring papers to travel is an abuse of power and is not constitutional. Period. We have shut down a restaurant for norovirus or other reasons before. This is not the same. There is no reason each and every business can't figure out a way to stay safe and stay open. I have been working from home generally. That doesn't work to go visit a building. Most people are doing their best to wash hands and keep distances. That is a good thing for now. The last thing we need is the government taking over everything. Be civil. Be caring. Be safe. Be free."

At decade ago, I said this was why I was running for office. It still is:

"I believe we must stand up and be heard or watch our constitutionally protected rights disappear. We can't continue to let government take over our lives".

Thanks for the questions.

Vote for Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2. You matter.

It is the Economy

Many years ago I wrote this:

A Stable and Growing Economy
Utah is among Forbes best fiscally managed States and one of the best for business and careers. Many families are still struggling. We need to continue to improve. The Economy will grow when Government will allow it. In many cases Government is holding business growth back with too many regulations. 

This statement applies today even more than when I originally wrote it.

I have been self employed and worked as an employee.  

For decades of being self employed, it seemed that as soon as you started getting ahead, the government wanted the money.

We need transportation and water and sewer infrastructure. We need safe communities. With the Olympia Hills development passed by the existing county council, the local water district told me that future west bench development would need to get the water from the Bear River. They did not tell me how many $ Billions that would cost. 

We need better ideas.  Yes, I have ideas. I would love to hear yours.

I have town hall meetings. I did for each of the 4 years I served in the Legislature. It was the best place for me to listen to great ideas of how to solve things or learn what needed to be solved.

Vote Fred Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2
He listens.  

Fred Cox for SLco2 Facebook Live Town Hall 11 Apr 2020

Facebook Live Format and then Youtube Format

Fred C Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2

Salt Lake County Delegates,

I hope you and your family are safe and doing well.

I have received the following dates and times from the Salt Lake County Republican Party re: the online County Convention

It is possible the instructions from them will be updated. You should have already received this.

April 18, 2020 9:00am Call to Order

Voting Round One: Polls to Open at 9:30am Saturday April 18, 2020 and will be open through Sunday April 19, 2020 to 10:00am

If you need to take part in a round two vote you will be emailed.

Voting Round Two: Polls to Open at 1:00pm Sunday April 19, 2020 and will be open through Monday April 20, 2020 to 2:00pm

There will be additional information being emailed to you and regarding polling locations, voting method and any additional information as needed.

For more information visit https://www.slcogop.com/conventions

Download your voting app today at: https://slcogop.voatz.com/

Since there are 3 Republican Candidates for Salt Lake County Council District 2, voting could take 2 rounds. If so, the 2nd round will be critical.

When I was selected by delegates to replace my state representative in 2011, I won by one vote in the 2nd round. Don't underestimate how important one vote is. 

For those that have may have missed my last 3 town hall meetings, or want to watch them again, there are links to watch at:

http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/

I have a new Facebook Live town hall meeting this Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10am.

You should be able to find it from my personal facebook profile at:

https://www.facebook.com/fred.c.cox

The event information is at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/531940497522259/

The facebook Group is at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/189670922150858/

Fred Cox for Salt Lake County Council District 2

I was recently asked: "What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing Salt Lake County currently?"

My response was: Growth, Taxes, Transportation, Water, Air, and Crime.  Help us come up with the best answers to these by participating in the town hall meetings.

For 10 years I have said this:

I believe we must stand up and be heard or watch our constitutionally protected rights disappear. We can't continue to let government take over our lives.
That was the reason I ran for office when my State Representative, Ron Bigelow, stepped down to help the Governor at the end of 2010, and it is still so today.

It was one of the reasons I was awarded the Libertas 2016 Defenders of Liberty Award.

The end of 2019 and the beginning on 2020, I was the original sponsor (of 5) for the Utah 2019 Tax Referendum. Working with voters throughout the state, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between, and as volunteers, we were able to gather over 170,000 signatures in 29 counties, exceeding the 116,000 required signatures in 15 counties. Because of the success of our team, the Legislature and the Governor repealed 2019 SB 2001, instead of facing the backlash of the voters this fall.

For 2015 and 2016, I was given a 100% rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association for voting against tax increases and looking out for the taxpayers. I also received a Salt Lake Chamber 2012, 2015 and 2016 Business Champion award for working to help Utah businesses grow. I worked hard to make sure the legislature didn’t ignore the idea of replacing the prison in Draper, which I believed would have saved over $100 Million, which has since been shown to be true.

I had the opportunity to serve in the Utah House of Representatives in 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016. During that time I had a reputation of being willing to speak up and to fight for and vote for what I believed was right, no matter the opposition.

I also had the reputation of reading though all of the bills I would vote on, and after the 2016 session a comedy song joked that I might have known other legislators' bills better than they did. During my service, I had one of the best floor attendance records of anyone in the House, except for one rare House Judiciary Standing Committee meeting called during floor time where I missed 12 votes in 2015. They were the only ones I missed that year. I wanted to be in the chamber during debates and voting so I could hear both sides of an issue and see if a bill was ready or needed to be amended or voted down. "Motion to Amend" was something I said more than once. I always voted for or against the bill no matter who the sponsor was or what party they belonged to.

I have been asked by many to run. I would appreciate your support, whether by endorsement for 2020 or campaign contribution. I need your vote.

Fred C. Cox for Salt Lake County Council 2

You can contact me with questions and ideas at:

fred@fredcox4utah.com

My home phone number is 801-966-2636

Candidate lists are at:

https://slco.org/clerk/elections/2020-candidates/

Campaign Financial Disclosure statements are at:

https://disclosure.slco.org/Search/PublicSearch

The Salt Lake County Council 2 District map is at:

https://slco.org/globalassets/1-site-files/clerk/elections/maps/candidate_maps/slcocouncil_2.pdf

It includes the west part of West Valley City, Kearns, Magna, Copperton, West Jordan (west of U-111), and also parts of South Jordan, Riverton and Herriman.

Fred C. Cox for SLco Council 2 Town Hall 4 April 2020

New Town Hall Meeting 4 April 2020 Facebook Live

New Town Hall Meeting 4 April 2020 Youtube Format:
https://youtu.be/35SQs16pn7g

Questions and Answers from Email

Subject: A few questions for you

1. What do you think are some of the biggest issues facing Salt Lake County currently?

2. Do you support continuing efforts to repeal the law allowing signatures?  Would you fight for caucus only or would you accept the current system as is?

3. How will you support local cities?  In what ways could communication between cities and the county be improved?

4. What should be done with Unified Police and Fire?  Should that continue to be on the county level or should that be disbanded in favor of more local institutions?

5. What will you do to keep an ear open to the people and make sure they know how to communicate with you?

Answers:

1. growth, taxes, transportation, water, air, crime

2. Yes. I have been heavily involved in fighting against 2014 SB 54. I was one of just a few that spoke in the committee against it. I was not in the legislature in 2014, but in 2015 I ran a bill to put it on hold. 

I was part of a group that was fighting count my vote the first time and again the 2nd time. I also wrote 3 op-eds on this.

3. I was the only person that was a candidate and there were no county council members that even came to the recent town hall meetings at the metro Copperton and Kearns. Not only does there need to be better listening with more public town halls, we need better communication to the cities and towns by going to them.

4. I was not a fan of United Police and Fire. If I could have it go away, I would. It may not be possible with the current situation. I will look further. 

5. I had Regular public town halls. Not just 3 a year during the legislative session. I sent invites to all active voters. I plan to do that again with the larger area.

Fred C Cox for SLco Council 2 Facbook Live 28Mar2020 10am

Facebook format:

Youtube format:
https://youtu.be/qa1FpsS-cvk