The first time Dan McCay thought about running for office was at age 18 when he wanted to be mayor of his small California town to ensure a new water park was built. He ended up not jumping in.
Two decades later, on Jan. 20, McCay was appointed to represent Utah House District 52, with plans for reducing uncontrolled entitlement expenses and spur education innovation — tasks much larger than recreational zoning.
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At a glance
Spouse » Tawnee
Children » 2 daughters, 2 sons, 1 on the way
Profession » Attorney/real-estate portfolio manager
Education » Bachelor’s degree in secondary education, Utah State University; master’s in instructional design, Utah State University; juris doctorate, Willamette University
For fun » Spends his extra time and money vacationing, golfing and playing with his iPhone.
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"We’re addicted to the federal money and we’re like junkies in an alley looking for more of it constantly," the 38-year-old Riverton Republican says of education, transportation and social services programs such as Medicaid. "The question is, when is the state going to go into rehab?"
McCay, a lawyer with a background in education and a prominent political activist, works as a manager for Property Reserve Inc., the real-estate arm of the LDS Church. He replaced Rep. Carl Wimmer, who stepped down from office in January to run for Congress in the 4th District.
Although this is McCay’s first official public office, he has been involved through time as a state Republican delegate and his work with FreedomWorks, a national tea party group whose motto is "Lower Taxes. Less Government. More Freedom."
McCay agrees with this way of thinking.
"I am looking for ways to minimize government’s role in our lives instead of increasing the burden of government on each citizen," he says. His approach to the session has reflected this libertarian view.
"The culture on the Hill is you better get some legislation going quick, and certainly when you get elected you want to do that," McCay says. "I’ve got a keen mind and I’m paying attention, but I’m really looking for the right opportunities to make decisions."
House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, has been impressed with McCay so far.
"I’m unaware of any of his pieces of legislation," Lockhart says. "But the comments he’s made on the House floor and the questions that he’s asked, he is obviously very competent and very intelligent."
With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, McCay says Utah must fix the school system ,and that starts with fixing the budget.
"I’m tired of programs that have a negligible impact, yet cost taxpayers money." he says. "All of the pennies add up to some big dollars in state-sponsored programs."
Speaking candidly and almost playfully, McCay made a packed room in the House Health and Human Services Committee meeting burst into laughter when questioning the fiscal note on HB290, a bill that would require married people with kids to take an orientation class before filing for divorce, paid for by the state.
"Mary Poppins is right — a spoonful of sugar helps at times, even when making tough decisions," he says of his cheerful disposition.
Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love says it’s his disposition that makes him a leader.
"What I like about him, he is just an approachable guy," Love says. "He is one of those people you want stepping up because it isn’t about self-interest. He is very concerned about our country and understands that the best solutions are found at the local level."
McCay says he will work as hard he can, with "ultimate integrity."
"I mean you look great because you are wearing a suit and tie all day," he says with a smile. "But there is a lot of work to this."
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