February is a great month – February 14th is Valentine’s Day and February 16th is Presidents’ Day.

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to honor and thank those closest to us by giving more love, hugs, thanks, and appreciation. 

This Presidents’ Day, I would encourage all of us to read and study to know more about the presidents of the United States and American history. 

In November, Jonathan Johnson, Overstock.com chairman and co-chair of the Utah Civics Education Initiative, met with The Conference of Mayors of Salt Lake County to introduce an effort to help educate our young people on basic American history and civic knowledge. 

Surveys have shown only 1 in 3 American adults can name the three branches of government. When given the naturalization test required of immigrants, only 4% of high school students passed. Newsweek administered the same test to 1,000 American adults and 38% did not pass it. Another survey showed public officials scored 5% worse than the average adult.

 Civic learning is a basic obligation of all Americans, and where better to start than with our youth? This could be as simple as being more knowledgeable about America and understanding the importance of voting or could even inspire them to be regularly engaged in government.  

Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to the 2nd graders at Calvin Smith Elementary.  We talked about the role and responsibilities of the mayor. We also discussed the very important job of police and fire to keep our community safe.  I was very impressed with all they are learning about local government. I am very thankful for the educators, parents, grandparents, and community members who make the efforts and take the time to educate the youth. 

I would like to invite and encourage all residents to attend government meetings. Taylorsville City Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evening of each month and Mayor’s Town Hall meetings are held quarterly - the specific dates and times are included on the upcoming meeting schedule published in the Taylorsville Journal each month. 

It is a privilege and honor to serve each of you alongside the City Council and very dedicated City Staff — Thank you!