Sid Krommenhoek: Four reasons I support Jon Huntsman

Now, more than ever, it matters which leaders we choose.

It’s not like me to get involved in politics. However, the combination of recent events has caused me to become more engaged. In the near future the quality of our daily lives will quite possibly be determined more by who is our governor than who is our president. I have four reasons why I think Jon Huntsman is the best choice for the difficult road ahead.

1. He is a public servant.

My family and I were living in China while Jon served as U.S. ambassador. My youngest daughter was born in Beijing with a life-threatening condition. We had no idea how we would get our daughter the care she needed. In a very vulnerable state, I reached out to our embassy.

Jon’s team responded like true minutemen to our aid, with all the bedside manner you’d hope for, to expedite our newborn’s passport and ultimate safe transport to the U.S. Never had I felt so proud to be an American. Our daughter received a life-saving tracheotomy and subsequently a dozen surgeries to help her thrive. Today she is trach-free, spunky and, like every member of our crew, knows the name Huntsman. I’m grateful Jon answered the call to serve our nation, and he is the public servant Utah needs right now.

2. He has declared war on mental health issues.

Like many families in Utah, we have had direct personal experience with the mental health crisis in our state. In 2007 and after years of successfully living life with proper medication, my brother stopped taking his antidepressants, began self-medicating with alcohol and, just months before graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in political science, he took his life. It was the darkest day and has forever left a hole in our hearts. When I first met Jon Huntsman upon his return to Utah, I learned that his family had experienced a tragedy similar to ours.

When Huntsman says he is going to declare war on the mental health crisis facing our state, I feel we both share the deep commitment to this cause. From my perspective, the shame, ignorance, and lack of funding must come to an end. I believe Huntsman will take the big action we need to solve our mental health crisis.

3. He looks out for the marginalized.

As a Mexican-American, I have experienced the marginalization that comes with being part of a minority group. We’ve come a long way. However, recent events have reminded us that racism and marginalizing of humans based on their background is still an issue facing all of us. I’m a proud owner of a minority-owned business. We feel a responsibility to all who have been marginalized. Huntsman has the backbone to make the hard decisions, unpopular as they may be, to advocate for the people of Utah who do not always have the institutional clout of others.

4. He navigates private waters, without serving them.

There is a subtle, but very important distinction between a politician who knows how to navigate the private sector versus one focused on striking deals with the private sector. I am compelled to properly own the role of government as it relates to my business and to the broader private sector. I value government, particularly at the local level, but I do not expect anything from the government for my business.

We need a leader who can navigate and understand the private sector but ensure that the private sector does not have a disproportionate voice relative to the groups who have historically lacked a voice in our state. I believe Huntsman can strike the right balance for business and government.

Choose wisely.

As we approach this important gubernatorial primary, I encourage all to not only carefully research each candidate’s position on important issues, but to also consider how crucial a candidate’s track record and experience will be in navigating the uncertain waters ahead. I believe Jon Huntsman is the seasoned leader we need.

Sid Krommenhoek is a Utah tech entrepreneur and founder of Album VC, investing in startups throughout Utah and the U.S.