This is the first in a series of posts on interviews of Utah’s elected officials. In addition to high-profile candidates, Utah has a lot of elected officials whose quiet work goes unsung. With these posts, I hope to shine a light on the personalities that make up Utah’s leadership, not only on their work in government, but also what they are like as people.
The questions are a potpourri of the fun and the serious, and I hope allow us a small glimpse into the men and women who run our state.
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First up, Senator Casey Anderson of Utah’s 28th District. Senator Anderson was appointed on May 17, 2011 to fill the seat vacated when Senator Dennis Powell passed away. As one of Utah’s newest State Senators and a member of my generation, I’ve long been interested in getting to know him better.
Last week, we spoke, and I got Senator Anderson’s opinion on things from late night shows to why he’s a Republican.
What do you do for a day job?
I was a full-time social worker for the Paiute Tribe until recently. Now, I’ve started a market research company with my wife. It fits into my background and education a little better, and I think we’re going to enjoy growing the business.
At any given time, what do you find in your pockets?
Hmm…I don’t carry much. I’ve got two cell phones, my personal and senate phone. There are always a few business cards from meetings during the day. Keys.
How did you get started in politics?
I’ve always been interested in politics. When I was elected Senator, my mom pulled out a picture I drew of Ross Perot while I was still in elementary school. I’m not sure why I picked him, especially as he was a third party candidate. Maybe it was his big ears, or something.
In 2008, I attended my first precinct caucus meeting and was elected state delegate by the seven people that were there, without even knowing what a state delegate did or was. After that, I was elected to the Republican Party State Central Committee, which I’ve enjoyed working on.
Favorite Vacation?
I’d have to say Lake Powell
Last book you read or that you have on the nightstand?
I think the last book I finished was Atlas Shrugged
Bar soap or body wash?
In these tough economic times, I’m using bar soap.
What was the most mischief you got into before you were twelve?
Ironically, when I was in middle school, we used to knock down campaign signs. Now, when I hear candidates complain about stolen or defaced campaign signs, I wonder if it’s really just some kids up to mischief.
What was your proudest moment before you were eighteen?
Once, when I was playing little league, I was heading up to bat, and my mom told me to hit a home run for her. As chance would have it, I made a good hit, but into the deepest part of center field, and it was a larger than normal field. So I only got a triple out of it. As I came back from scoring after, I said “Sorry, Mom,” joking with her. It had been a pretty good hit.
Leno, Letterman, or Conan?
Leno.
Pets?
A dachshund named Jack and a Blue Heeler named Athena.
Why are you a Republican?
I believe that decisions are best made by the family and by the individual, not the government or society.
Favorite Local Restaurant?
Lupita’s. It’s great Mexican food.
James Bond or Mission: Impossible?
Bond, and if I had to pick which, “Goldeneye.”
Which actor?
Daniel Craig makes a pretty good Bond.
Wife’s favorite flower?
A daisy, of course.
Legislation you’re working on right now?
I’m working on a tax reform piece that would broaden the tax base but lower taxes from 5% to 3.8%. It’s more of a consumption tax, and would increase revenues without raising taxes.
What does the press miss in their reporting?
I think the press misses that I and about every Republican legislator are seeking to improve the life of everyone, to help people be successful and live a life of freedom, give people the ability to make life better for themselves and their families, regardless of their ethnicity, background, religion, or gender.
Thanks for your time, Senator. It’s been good to chat.
Thank you, Dan.
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Look for other profiles of state legislators in coming weeks.
Related articles
- Daily Fix, July28 (hollyonthehill.wordpress.com)
- Media Release: GOVERNING MAGAZINE NAMES UTAH SENATOR PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR (kvnuforthepeople.com)
- “Bring it on,” says Speaker Lockhart. (publiusonline.com)
- Utah Congressional Delegation Supports Locally Driven Wilderness Approach (chaffetz.house.gov)
About Daniel Burton
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What kind of lame interview is this? You’re trying to give us a glimpse into the men who run the state of Utah, and you’re asking him: “Bar soap or body wash?”
What?! Is that an example of a “fun” question? Why didn’t you ask him some really important questions? Like:
– Do you snore at night?
– Belly button. Are you an inny or outy?
– What time is it?
Or you could have really tried put him on the spot with a bit of a trick question:
– Tea, hot chocolate, or coffee?
Honestly, why didn’t you ask him some real questions? He said, “I think the last book I finished was Atlas Shrugged.” Why didn’t you follow that up with:
– When did you finish it? Back when you were still in high school?
That would have been a far more “fun” question to know the answer to.
But your “serious” questions are of no import at all. You ask: “What does the press miss in their reporting?” And you let him just give you a bland answer that could be summed up with, ‘they don’t write positive stuff about us all the time, don’t they know that we are the awesome Republicans, they should be singing our praises!” Lame.
The fact is this interview post of yours really doesn’t give a “glimpse” into anything.
I’m not sure any answer would please you, Thomas. You’re a self described socialist. I would be surprised if you liked anything the right leaning legislature did or said.
That said, thanks for chiming in. We’ll see if we can’t come up with more interesting questions in our next “glimpse.”