Mike Monson

I am a retired educator who spent 42 Years as a teacher and school administrator. My wife and I have been married for 46 years. We have three children and four grandchildren. I am very active outdoors and love skiing, hiking, golfing, and biking. I have run in 18 marathons and survived. Ten years of my career were spent overseas, teaching students whose families were serving in the military or with U.S. businesses. During that time we lived in Okinawa, Japan, London and Cambridge, England and Wurzberg, Germany. I have always served in our community on advisory boards, foundations and service positions. I currently am the co-chair of the Day of Service and the President of the Smithfield Arts Council. I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, as Master's degree from Brigham Young University and a PhD from Utah State University. I have also taught classes at Utah State University and currently serve on the Internal Review Board for research projects. I am passionate about whatever I do. I follow through on commitments and communicate well with people. I love the area that I live in and have the time, desire and ability to serve the people of my district in the Utah legislature.

• A large part of the Utah budget each year is designated to educate our children. Education is the foundation for success in life and the great equalizer. I believe that my 42 years in public education experience, as both a teacher and school administrator will provide a much needed perspective to both educational funding and educational issues. We need to continue our support of K-12 education, state universities and technical colleges. Discussion and legislation continues to try to find ways to support School Boards, Districts, teachers, administrators, parents and children. There is still work to be done with regard to school choice, accountability, curriculum and materials, and access for all students
• Utah is experiencing unprecedented growth in population and the economy. I support local control whenever possible to develop Master plans and zoning to meet the needs of our communities. I support the preservation of green spaces and farmlands, yet recognize the rights of property owners to use lands as seen fit. I support the wisdom of local city governments and planning commissions to meet the needs of their citizens. I support affordable housing efforts while making wise decisions to build infrastructure of roads, schools, water and utilities to support the growth. I will work with local cities and towns to provide support and resources wherever possible and help Utah as we face the needs of those without shelter.
• As the population continues to grow, so does the need for roads and public transportation. We need to address the needs of our justice systems, emergency services, police work and fire departments. Utah faces a growing crisis to find ways to address the high suicide rate (9th in the US) and the protection of families suffering from domestic abuse. Strong families are the foundation of Utah’s success. I have witnessed the negative social and emotional scars left from the dilution of strong family structures. I will support legislation to aid those in the service industries that protect and support those in difficult circumstances, so all citizens can enjoy safe living environments.

Education, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Planning and Growth

There are many people that I look up to but currently I would say Russell M Nelson. I recently read his biography. I love that he has worked so hard, has great intelligence, is thoughtful and kind with others, loves his family and is always ready for a new adventure. In his nearly 100 years of life, I look at his accomplishments and hope that I can look back and say I gave it my all.

Abraham Lincoln: Philosopher, Statesman

I believe that on of the most important characteristics of a good leader or elected official is servitude. This comes in the form of open and honest communication with all constituents and the attitude of making decisions that will benefit the district they represent. My approach has always been to communicate with people in a civil and dignified manner and to assure I am honest and forthright in all that I do.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to get along well with people. I have developed dear friendships and people know that I will treat them with dignity and love. I understand what is needed to bring people together and help them see a common vision. I am a tireless worker, a man of dedication to family, God and community and try to always be viewed as a person of honesty and integrity. I believe that most people feel that I would be someone they could come to and that I would be upfront and honest in my communication, and we would still be friends.

Perhaps the most needed responsibility currently, is to communicate with constituents, elected officials and experts in areas of need. When people trust their representative, they are comfortable in putting forth needs for legislation and having open discussions on pros and cons of any issue. A representative cannot function in isolation and truly represent the people in their district.

I want people to know that I lived my life to the fullest. I loved my family, I am a man of great faith and I loved all people that I met.

The one I remember most vividly, was the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was in the third grade at the time.

My first job was hoeing sugar beets for U & I sugar. I was 14 and thought I was really in the money because I made $1..25 an hour and minimum wage was 95 cents. I worked for three summers at an elementary school cleaning and getting it ready for the next school year. I kept doing it each summer because I loved the head custodian and it was just the two of us working together for the summer.

Life is Beautiful--I love the story of the difference that a positive attitude can make even in the worst of conditions. It also has the aspect of a father's love for his son. It is a beautiful story and well written.

I would be Superman. It would be great to fly, have great vision and be super strong. (the problem now days is there are not phone booths to change in)

The Lion Sleep Tonight....I don't know why, but this question reignited the song in my head.....thanks a lot.

What comes to mind is that I have hated to see my own children have to learn from mistakes or trials that have come into their lives. Our children are now adults, I have learned that you just keep loving them. We have seen them have seen their trials come from health concerns and from choices made. I hope I have gained wisdom from it.

One would hope the relationship is symbiotic and that bills that are passed have been well researched and explained such that the governor and the legislature wee it as being of value to the state of Utah

Growth and infrastructure planning. Homelessness. Education. Health and human service needs

I think it is certainly helpful from the point of view of understanding the "big picture" and from the learning that takes place through experience. However, I can also see the benefit of a fresh set of eyes looking at issues and solutions.

Absolutely! Legislators need to collaborate to provide good legislation and assure that various aspects of the issue have been looked at. There is great value in learning from one another as well. This cannot be done in isolation.

There are three that I have known for a long time that I have admired their work. Dan Johnson is a long time friend and fellow educator. Ed Redd did some wonderful things for Cache Valley through his medical and health background and Val Potter is a friend who did public service for many years in Cache Valley

No

Because of my background in education and work with young people, my story is a general story of the resilience of today's youth and the confidence I have in the next generation. I have watched many overcome struggles at home, while others speak glowingly of parents and siblings. I have watched them wrap their arms around each other in times of need. That has come because of situations with physical illness and mental illness. I have watched them take in those that are lonely, feeling bullied or afraid. There are struggles in the world and the youth are not perfect, but one of the reasons for running for office is that I see hope in them and this provides me the opportunity to help leave the state in even better shape for this next generation.

Q: What do John the Baptist and Winnie the Pooh have in common?
A: The same middle name

Our current system is good in that it provides checks and balances with the legislature have oversight through resolution to influence and oversee the executive powers of the governor.

I am going into this to communicate first with local government officials, school boards and officials, law and safety officers, health professionals and constituents to determine specific needs where I might help. Because of my background in education I have ideas that may help teachers and students. I see a need for continued and increased help from school resource officers and mental health professionals to address the growing numbers of depression and suicide. I also feel there could be better definition in juvenile justice as to the roles of schools, SRO's and others working in the juvenile system to prevent future criminal behavior.

Education, Health and Human Services, Appropriations, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

I believe in both financial transparency and a balanced budget. Not everyone will agree on taxation or spending, however, the government has an obligation to be accountable to the citizens on how taxes and monies are being spent.