Jeffrey R. Morrow
Candidate for:  Utah House of Representatives District 28

Political Party:  Republican
Birthdate:  1/20/56
Birthplace:  Indianapolis, Indiana
Current city of residence:  Salt Lake City, Utah
Family Members:  Married to Terri Lynn (Gunn); Two grown children – Russell (Ashelee) Morrow and Jessica (John) Gardner living in the Washington DC area – they each have two children (Jayne, Reagan, Elizabeth and Thomas).
Current Occupation:  Principal Broker, Wasatch Front Real Estate Brokerage and Wasatch Front Property Management.  Adjunct Marketing Instructor – SLCC Division of Business.
Education:  BS – Finance @ University of Utah; Master of Management (MBA) – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office.  What compels you to take on this responsibility?
   
   District 28 is geographically the Foothill area of Salt Lake City.  For many years, our Foothill area provided the leadership for setting the state’s legislative agenda.  However, recently our area has lost much of that traditional influence to those from other areas of the state – leaving SLC – including the Foothill area out of the legislative circle of influence.  It is time to Reclaim Foothill’s Influence within the legislature by working cooperatively to foster economic growth Downtown and at the University of Utah, quality public education, and responsible fiscal management.  As District 28’s representative I will lead rather than merely complain about the direction of our state.
     
2. What do you consider to be the top three issues currently facing Utah?
   
   One particular issue is tied to a number of related issues that affect all Utahns.  That issue is Economic Growth and Development.  While some worry about the negative effects of rapid growth, it is the engine by which the supporting services will be affordably funded to sustain our quality of life.  The long-term vitality of Salt Lake City, including the Foothill area, depends upon sustained economic growth and development in its Downtown area and the University of Utah.  Downtown SLC is centrally located and conveniently accessible by public transportation to most of the state’s residents.  Prime land is plentiful and the area can sustain the density to create an attractive, walkable environment.  The University of Utah is the 2nd largest creator of new companies in the country.  The U is a very valuable component of economic development for the state.  The infrastructure is available Downtown and at the U of U for companies to locate and bring new jobs to our state.
   
   Second, is quality public education.  Like many other major metropolitan cities throughout the country, SLC has started to experience troubling drop-out rates in its public schools including those supporting District 28.  Supporting efforts to educate the growing diversity of students, rewarding teachers of rigorous academic subjects and funding for additional guidance counselors will help to ensure SLC public schools are meeting the needs of students.  As we successfully implement our economic development plans for downtown and the U of U, increased funding will be available and properly funding our public schools must be our first priority. 
   
   Third, is Fiscal Restraint.  The State of Utah is considered one of the best-run states in the country.  Our new four-day work week is just the beginning of the efforts we should make to ensure the government addresses the current economic environment.  Residents are conserving their own resources and they expect the state to help them by minimizing their tax burden.  We are facing serious economic challenges that will impact the financial resources of the state and it is time we look forward and have a long-term strategic budgeting focus to avoid knee-jerk economic measures that might otherwise be employed.
     
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
   
   Unfortunately, the representation from District 28 has been largely ignored by the dominant party as though the capital has shifted from SLC to Sandy, Draper or even Utah County.  It makes sense to send the message that District 28 can provide sensible representation to diplomatically influence the leadership within the State’s dominant party.  As District 28’s representative, I will Reclaim Foothill’s Influence within the legislature by working cooperatively to foster economic growth Downtown and at the University of Utah, quality public education, and responsible fiscal management.  I will lead rather than merely complain about the direction of the state.  It is time to Reclaim Foothill’s Influence with a clear strategic vision that benefits both the Foothill are and the entire state of Utah.
    
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
   
   It has been wonderful to live and work in Salt Lake City.  As a real estate professional for over 20 years, it has been my responsibility to sell the benefits our city has to offer. Other general management responsibilities in business and civic positions have developed the leadership skills to communicate a strategic vision that is achievable and sensible.  Further, the opportunity to properly manage the organization’s resources has always been accepted with an eye toward fiscal responsibility.  
        
5. What skills, talents and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder?
   
   Proven leadership traits focused upon creating a vision and setting realistic goals that are measurable.  The responsibility to Reclaim Foothill’s Influence in the state legislature is more than a campaign theme – it is a vision for which I am willing to accept accountability. 
     
6. Why do you belong to your political party?
   
   The major difference between the political parties is rather simple – the Democratic Party is positioned to build a government to address everyday issues of its citizens.  The Republican Party on the other hand, is positioned to assist citizens to care for themselves.  The proper balance of promoting business while protecting the public is found in the Republican Party.  The primary focus of Reclaiming Foothill’s Influence in the state legislature to promote economic growth and development will be most successfully accomplished in the Republican Party.