September 10, 2009

Dear Fellow Citizens of Logan,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter to the Editor in support of the candidacy of Holly Daines for Logan City Council.  I must admit that this is the first time I have endorsed a candidate in a Logan City election.  However, I know something of the community spirit and extra ordinary capabilities of Holly of which I wish to share a few.

I had the privilege of working with Holly for years as a Board member at the Capital Arts Alliance where she served as Chair of the Board of Directors and even Interim General Manager.  I observed first hand her thoughtful, sensitive but pragmatic approach to all sorts of issues some being very serious regarding funding and personnel.  Her steady hand and good analytical abilities helped carry the Alliance successfully through some very difficult times.  I would point out that not everyone would have stepped up to take on the General Manger role at an organization such as the Alliance when the need required. But Holly did.  She absolutely had no personal need to do it except for the greater good of the community.  Volunteer in her mind meant making the Alliance successful under every circumstance.  I make these observations from the vantage point of years of experience managing thousands of employees for a Fortune 500 company.

 I managed one of the largest local employers, HyClone Laboratories, for many years.  During that time I had a lot of interactions with Logan City government officials both professionals and elected.  Fortunately, I found them, for the most part, to be very supportive of economic growth and generally reasonable in the demands place on local businesses.  This Valley has a unique mixture of small to medium sized businesses which must have the solid support of government leaders to succeed.  Holly would certainly augment the ongoing support for economic development in our quest to expand the tax base and provide  good paying jobs for our children.  I have watched has she managed the budget of the Alliance with frugality and pragmatism.  City support for economic development and City finances will be in good hands.

She will push for cooperation with local and state agencies and other governments and the University.  Our world in Cache Valley is too small to dismiss the added power of cooperation.  Those in Valley politics who lean toward establishment of independent, feudal estates within city or county limits will find a persuasive speaking partner to the contrary in Holly.  Our city deserves another open and thoughtful mind to seek the mutual benefit of all though facilitating the cooperation of many.

Finally, Holly is one who understands that our quality of life in this beautiful place is not only relegated to fixing pot holes, replacing leaking pipes and regular garbage pick-up – all important, of course – but the vibrancy of life comes from combining those necessities with committed support of the arts, the library, our downtown, hiking and biking trails, better parks, and other enriching opportunities.

Make sure you vote.  I invite you to join me in voting for Holly.

Leland Foster