There’s an old saying that goes like this: If I keep on doing what I’ve always done, I keep on getting what I’ve always gotten.   Albert Einstein is attributed to having said something similar, coming at it from a different angle: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. This saying is relevant as we anticipate Election Day, Nov. 5, particularly regarding how we Utahns vote at the state and local level. Based on 20 years residing in Park City and observing our elected representatives at work, I realize that we are governed by a supermajority of representatives in the state Legislature who often pass laws that are in their own best interest, not necessarily ours. Amendment D is the most recent example of this. The amendment would have empowered lawmakers to repeal or amend any voter-approved ballot initiative. Fortunately, District Judge Dianna Gibson ruled that the amendment “did not disclose to voters the unfettered power they would be handing to state lawmakers.” Her ruling was upheld by the Utah Supreme Court. Isn’t it time to elect representatives to the state Legislature who recognize that the Utah Constitution gives them no ultimate authority to repeal and replace our ballot initiatives? Yes, the time is now for new voices to represent us in the Legislature, for fresh leadership, for moderate, independent agents of change. Complaining about politicians and policies we dislike is so easy to do. Only slightly less difficult is taking the brief amount of time it takes to register and cast a vote. Consider that if we do not vote, we are empowering someone else who does vote. Also consider that If we continue to vote along party lines without due consideration of candidate’s policies and platforms, we can expect to get the same results.  As we prepare to vote we must learn about local and state candidates, about where they stand on issues that matter most to us. At the state level, I invite you to join me in supporting Julie Monahan for House District 59. (District 59 includes all of Wasatch County and historic Park City.)    I’ve had the privilege of knowing Julie for over 35 years. We worked together at IBM in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. Our focus was on state and local governments, on how they use science and data to make decisions. She was by far the most talented, skilled, productive and effective consultant I’ve ever had on my team during my 27 years in management.  I know from experience that Julie is an excellent listener, a very quick study, committed to doing the right thing.Julie has lived in the Wasatch Back for 30 years. She understands the needs of our local community, especially the need for affordable housing and child care. She’s concerned about responsible growth — growth that preserves the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Utah affords both residents and visitors. She advocates for transparent and accountable government, one that focuses on the real issues facing our district: education, environment, health care, an infrastructure that supports development, to name a few.Julie’s campaign has been buoyed by donations and volunteers. I spoke with some of her volunteers in order to understand why they support Julie. Kris Best met Julie a year ago and quickly volunteered when Julie announced her candidacy because she believes Julie will bring balance to the tate Legislature. Kris deeply values the natural beauty of Utah and is counting on Julie to foster responsible growth, leading with preservation. Kris is not happy with the incumbent’s performance over the last four years, noting that he voted to put Amendment D on the Nov. 5 ballot.Charlie Tegatz currently lives in Cottonwood Heights, conducts his landscape design work primarily in Park City, yet can’t afford to live here. His hot button is affordable housing. He expects to spend his life in Utah and said, “My quality of life will be affected by laws passed by the Legislature.” Charlie is currently unaffiliated, has voted for candidates in both parties, and is committed to Julie because “she’s moderate, reasonable, independent.” He believes she’ll stand up for her values, take on those with whom she disagrees, and work well across the aisle, building consensus and cooperation.We have an opportunity to be bold, to vote for a candidate who will listen to our voices, who will respect our will, who will bring untiring energy and data-driven, science-based recommendations to the Legislature. She will lead us to new solutions for the challenges facing our district now and in the foreseeable future. The time is now. Vote for Julie Monahan on Nov. 5.Learn more about Julie at JulieforUtah.comRegister to vote at Vote.Utah.Gov.Katie DoughertyDeer MountainThe post Need different result appeared first on Park Record.