Over the past two years, mine has been the singular adventure of traveling this state and meeting the many remarkable people of Utah. Mostly, I get to see people on their best days, and let me assure you that the citizens of Utah are having more best days than ever before. But sometimes I get to see people on their worst days — after a devastating windstorm late at night in northern Utah, or during the recent tragedy in southern Utah when the skies opened and the rains came and 10 children and 11 adults lost their lives.
But even on the worst days, I see the best in our people — Utahns who run to the scene of tragedy and heartbreak, dropping everything to lift others. Each and every day, you have made me proud to call Utah home.
Before being appointed as lieutenant governor two years ago, I didn't know much about Gov. Gary Herbert, but I admired from afar the results of his leadership. He took over the helm of the state during one of the greatest economic downturns in our history. He surveyed the landscape, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work. Together, we not only pulled ourselves out of the Great Recession, but Utah’s economy has now reached new heights we never could have imagined six short years ago. Without a doubt, Gary Herbert is a great governor.
But what makes a great governor? I can assure you that Gov. Herbert works harder than anyone I have ever met (I can barely keep up with him), but that is not what makes him great. Gov. Herbert has dedicated his life to public service and improving the lives of Utahns everywhere, but that is not what makes him great. He has helped lead our state through severe economic turbulence and brought us to a place of unprecedented success, but that is not what makes him great. You see, what makes Gov. Herbert great is that he is good.
It has been my humble honor to see that goodness in action these last two years. I have seen him, with tears in his eyes as he comforts the family of a fallen officer. I have seen him volunteer to take on an assignment while allowing someone else to take the credit. And I have seen him, after it was suggested that he make a decision based solely on political convenience, declare with all sincerity, "I don't care what I should do politically, I care what’s best for the people of Utah." In a country and world that increasingly lacks goodness, we need leaders like Gov. Herbert.
Now, my wife and I continue raising our four children on our family farm. I have driven 130,000 miles these last two years, to each corner of this state and everywhere in between. I have missed basketball games, dance recitals and a few family prayers along the way.
Several months ago, Gov. Herbert asked if I would be willing to serve with him in his last term of office. I sat down with my wife, and after listing all the reasons to say no, she said to me, “This is the problem with our country. We have too many people who want these jobs. We need to elect more people who don’t want these jobs.”
I’ve wondered a time or two why the governor is willing to subject himself to months and months of personal character attacks. Gary Herbert doesn’t need this. But we need him.
I’ve heard it said that, “Anybody can tear down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.” In our national politics, we see far too much tearing down and not enough building. But not in Utah. Over the past two years I have had a front-row seat to watch Gov. Herbert deal with challenge after challenge. No matter the issue he faces, Gary Herbert is a builder. He has spent his entire life building people, building businesses and building up the state of Utah.
As one who knows him best, I support him without any hesitation. I encourage you to do the same and vote for Gov. Gary Herbert.
Spencer Cox is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Utah.