"We are not here as politicians," Utah Congressman Rob Bishop said to a crowd of Weber County citizens during a Town Hall event at Weber State University on Tuesday, August 19. Bishop hoped the open discussion would allow feedback from citizens about issues that concern them.
Governor Gary Herbert also spoke, adding that the "intent is to listen. We want to hear your concerns, hear what's going on."
For over an hour, Herbert and Bishop answered questions ranging from economic stability to education policy to veteran's affairs. Other issues included immigration reform, air quality, and federal land access.
One concerned citizen urged both Herbert and Bishop to look into the need for a larger veteran's clinic and a new veteran's hospital in the Ogden area. Both recognized the need with Bishop stating that "there is no way to disagree…it's important to our veterans."
Herbert added that much of this issue has to be addressed in Washington, D.C., though he did encourage citizens to become more vocal and involved with lobbying efforts and writing elected officials in Washington, D.C. to help bring awareness to Utah's need for more aid for our veterans.
Another important issue discusses was concerning Utah’s air quality. Herbert pointed to scientific studies that show air quality improving. "Science and data tell us our air is better than 10 years ago," he said. He continued pointing out many industry regulations implemented by local refineries even before they have been mandated by the federal government.
"Most pollution we are seeing now comes from tailpipes. So it's not just [refineries] that are causing the problem," said Herbert. "We're all causing the problem."
One of the last issues discussed during the Town Hall, focused on illegal immigration. Bishop explained that until the boarders are truly secure it is impossible for any other discussion to continue.
"If we can look someone in the eye and tell them the borders are secure—really secure, not fake secure—their anxiety and anger level goes down," Bishop said. "Then we can more easily talk about real changes, which for the most part everyone is in agreement with."
Herbert added that while we need to have a very large fence, it is also important to have a working gate. "There is a right way and a wrong way to come into this country. Right now, the gate is broken."
Both Governor Herbert and Congressman Bishop urged citizen to get keep talking and voicing their concerns so that the real issues facing Utah's citizens are heard and can be addressed.
