Hi, I'm John, and I'm running to be your representative on the new Timpanogos School Board. Three quick topics:

 

First, a little bit about me.

 

I attended K-12 in Jordan School District (Westland Elementary, Quail Hollow Elementary, Albion Middle, and Brighton High) where I received a great education from excellent teachers. I will be forever grateful to my teachers who genuinely cared about me and who worked hard every day to help me succeed.

 

After my LDS mission to Honduras, I attended BYU, where I met my wife. Shortly after our marriage, we bought our home in Pleasant Grove in 2000. After graduating from BYU in Computer Science and working for a few years as a computer programmer, I decided to switch careers and we moved to the Midwest for three years so I could earn a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law. Unlike the vast majority of law schools, Ave Maria placed a heavy emphasis on politically and socially conservative principles and on an original understanding of the Constitution. During my time at Ave Maria, I had a class taught by Judge Robert Bork, and we had visiting lectures by Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, both friends of the school. It was during this time that I developed and became deeply rooted in my core values.

 

I truly believe that traditional family values, core Constitutional freedoms, hard work and personal responsibility, trustworthiness and integrity, loyalty to family and country, and honest, genuine and sincere relationships are imperative for a thriving and happy community. I try my best to love my neighbors and respect anyone with differing views. Just because we might disagree on politics, (or anything, for that matter), we can absolutely still get along and even be good friends while working together on causes we have in common. At the end of the day, I sincerely strive to do what's best for my family and the community in which I live.

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After graduating with my law degree, we moved back to our home in Pleasant Grove, where I was fortunate to work for a couple of local law firms practicing patent law. I represented some great companies, mostly helping their engineers obtain patents on their inventions. During the majority of this time, I was a part-owner of the business. As such, I was involved in setting and managing our annual budget (in the millions of dollars), hiring, managing, and training employees, and making crucial financial decisions that would best meet the needs of our growing business. Twice each month, I was responsible, along with the other owners, for making payroll. So I know something about what it takes to run a successful business, and I want to bring that knowledge and apply it to the new Timpanogos School Board. During this time, I was also heavily involved in Boy Scouts, serving as Scout Master for 7 years, and Assistant Scout Master for another 3 years. I have also been engaged in local political endeavors. Making my community a better place has always been a top priority even while furthering my professional career.
 
After a fulfilling career in patent law, I took a different personal and professional path. I currently work on a wilderness emergency response team, and I maintain a private law practice and do pro bono legal work.  

 

My wife and I love our ward and neighborhood in Pleasant Grove, just over the border from Lindon, where we've raised our six kids. We plan to stay here for the rest of our lives. I feel blessed to live in such a beautiful place, in the shadow of Mount Timpanogos, with so many options for hiking, biking, and exploring. We live among incredible people and are part of an incredible community. What a great place to raise a family! 

 

Second, why I decided to run for District 2 of the new Timpanogos School Board. I want the new Timpanogos School Board to prioritize teaching and stop runaway taxes and wasteful spending. Based on my research leading up to this decision to run, I am convinced that taxes won't need to be raised if the new Timpanogos School Board cuts wasteful spending. In addition, not only will taxes not need to be raised, but the cutting of wasteful spending would also free up money in the budget to prioritize teaching by fairly compensating teachers and providing teachers with the resources they need to succeed in educating our children. So it would be a win-win for everybody. Please read through my Positions for more insight.

 

Third, information on School Board District 2 of the new Timpanogos School District. The new Timpanogos School District is divided into seven school board districts, labeled Districts 1-7. (Yes, districts within a District … not confusing at all.) Only residents of District 2 can vote for the representative of District 2 on the Timpanogos School Board. District 2 covers Lindon and south Pleasant Grove. You can find out which board district you live in by going to Utah County Elections (here), typing in your home address, then scrolling down and selecting 'Local School Board Districts,' which will tell you which school board district you live in within the new Timpanogos School District. (Clear as mud!) If you live in District 2, please vote for me. If you live in Districts 1 or 3-7, you can vote for a new school board member in your district. All seven school board districts are up for election this year.  Going forward, Districts 1-3 will be up for election in 3 years, and Districts 4-7 will be up for election in 5 years. 

 

I am available to address any questions or concerns. And I am open to honest, civil discussion on any of the points I’ve listed above. Feel free to contact me at the phone number or email address listed below.