Only of trees, roads, children and other issues close to home.
Salt Lake County Mayor Nancy Workman opened her door to the public on Tuesday night, inviting residents to sit on her couch and say what's on their minds.
And the mayor thought it went well.
" 'To heck with your car, fix my problem,' ” was their mantra, the mayor said, referring to the vehicle-abuse problems that rocked the county government in May and June. "What matters to people is what's happening to them."
Denise Christian - a Millcreek Township resident who wants sound barriers on Interstate 215 near her home - was pleased with her results: a promise by the mayor to write a few letters and a tip on where to get help.
"There's always something going on, and the more open you are to your constituents, the happier they'll be," said Christian, a retired elementary school teacher, who was hoping the mayor would step in to help since she was up for re-election.
Several residents simply wanted to meet the mayor and tell her about their programs.
"We're just trying to do some networking," said Stephanie Mackay, the business development manager of the Columbus Community Center, which assists disabled people in learning skills and finding jobs. "It's really about building awareness."
Two representatives from the Kids Against Drugs Internet Cafe came to tell the mayor more about their work in offering an oasis for youth to have some fun away from dangerous temptations.
"She's actually thrown some support at us," said Glenn Blake, chief executive officer of U.S. Cybertronics, which runs the cafe. Blake says kids from the county's recreation centers are coming to their cafe.
Workman said the meetings - which will be held every fourth Tuesday of the month and are open to all county residents without an appointment - are not about campaigning. She says they are another try at learning what the public has to say.
Overall, residents and the mayor said it was a success.
"It's wonderful," Christian said. "More often would be lovely."
tburr@sltrib.com
