Lessons Learned From the Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial Elections

While many pundits are trying to decide if the republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey are a referendum on President Obama, my observation is that most Americans are angry about the direction our country is going. Barack Obama maintains a moderate level of popularity, but that popularity is a result of his personality and charisma, not his ability to govern effectively.

Literally from day one of his administration, President Obama has done exactly the opposite of what he promised during the campaign of uniting the country and implementing the best ideas regardless of which party the idea originates from. But now his true colors are shining through as we see him dismissing republican ideas, attacking Fox News, and disparaging the thousands of Americans who attended town hall meetings and voiced their opposition to socialized health care.

I have to admit, President Obama would probably be a fun guy to play a pick-up game of basketball with. But as the leader of our nation, he is doing a lousy job. I might be a little biased since I am a conservative, but I am also an American and I can't stand to sit back and watch Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi move our country one giant step closer to becoming a socialized, European style country. They are steering our country right down the same road that Jimmy Carter took us on. Spending is out of control and then some, and inflation is bound to become a serious economic factor for all Americans just like it did back in the 1970s.

With his actions over the last ten months, it is not surprising to me that the back lash of Americans has begun. And while most elections revolve around local issues, most voters consider heavily the candidate's positions on national issues. And in this case, the republicans in Virginia and New Jersey came out victorious because a majority of Americans are already starting to see through Barack Obama's smoke and mirrors and they are becoming angry and want to turn the bus back onto the Reagan highway.

St. George City Municipal Elections

It has been quite a while since I have posted on my blog - a little over 8 months in fact. I decided today that although I am extremely busy with some big projects at work, I need to make the time to share my thoughts about the current events and issues affecting my community.

Yesterday, the City of St. George held its election for mayor and two city council seats. While I am generally pleased with the outcome, I do wish that Suzanne Allen could have had a better showing. Suzanne has worked extremely hard for the citizens of St. George over the last 16 years, and I believe that she has always had the interests of the greater good at heart during her time on the city council. Voters reelected Gail Bunker to the council where she will continue to serve the citizens of St. George for four more years.

After his third run at the St. George City Council, Ben Nickle won a seat on the council. I don't personally know Mr. Nickle, but I have some concerns about his ability to govern as a member of the city council and work effectively with the other council members. While some have criticized Mr. Nickle over his extreme positions on certain issues, my concerns are more with his demeanor and delivery of his message. However, I will wait and pass judgment on Mr. Nickle after he has had an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and intentions on the council.

Finally, while I do not always agree with Mayor McArthur on some of the positions he takes, I do believe that he is currently the right guy to be our mayor. He has worked hard and given his heart and soul to the city. He deserves our thanks for his commitment and dedication to service.

Again, congratulations to all of those who stuck their neck on the line and emerged victorious last night.