I am a father, husband, coach and professionally I work as a licensed clinical social worker with first responders.
I consider myself an independent voter and choose the candidate that I feel best supports my family and community. I believe in safe communities, education, freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
As a dad I strive daily to teach my 9-year-old how to work hard, love even harder and support others’ rights to self-determination. Our family motto is “love is our religion, kindness is our code and we never give up.” This is the “legacy” I hope to leave my son.
My son asked me a good question after his day on the Hill with his third grade class: “Dad, what legacy is our Utah legislature leaving us this year?” “Our Legislature does not support firefighters, police or teachers or anyone who is different.” “Dad, this does not seem right.”
Social media, global and national conflicts — plus the cost of everything — is highly stressful. These challenges impact parents’ abilities to teach their kids how to choose the right. Our kids look to heroes and mentors that help shape who they will be as citizens and adults.
Police, teachers and firefighters are those heroes. Our Legislature can be a place where heroes reside — “when they do the right thing.”
What message is our Legislature sending to our children? What legacy are they leaving our next generation of young leaders? Let us show our children how we work together to solve problems and let this be a “legacy” they can benefit from for the rest of their lives.
Richie Landward, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible