Mission accomplished

We have a mission at the Utah Association of Special Districts. It’s spelled right out on our webpage – http://www.uasd.org – in running script, “Our mission is to promote the proper and efficient operation of all special districts in the state of Utah, advocating for and serving Utah’s districts.”

In a couple months, that will include heading into the 2018 Utah State Legislature General Session, helping our lawmakers understand how the legislation under consideration will affect the operation of our member local and special districts, for better or worse.

Earlier this month, it meant stressing to our member districts how important it is to conduct business in a way that raises us above reproach at our recent convention, “Building Public Trust Through Positive Engagement.” We have a reputation to protect and, as seen in “The New Age of Increased Transparency (… and your Reputation),” a need to rebuild our constituents’ trust.

The fact that you are a member of UASD is a good start. We’ll do our part of support you with the resources and programs available to you throughout the year. Here’s what you can expect from us as we work together toward meeting our fellow Utahns’ needs.

• At UASD, we also have a Code of Ethical Conduct. It begins with “To maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fortitude in all public activities to inspire public confidence and trust in Districts as units of local government” and continues with directives for strong, responsible leadership. Click here to give it another read.

• We also stay on top of changing legislation as it pertains to your training requirements and board protocol. Resources are available through UASD that will keep you informed of required action. As your advocate, we will go into the upcoming general session committed to supporting legislation that allows you to operate as needed to serve your community. Your part comes in reaching out to your local lawmakers, acquainting them with what you do as a local or special district, and making sure that your board members are compliant with the latest requirements.

• Finally, we will educate the public on our various districts and what you are doing to protect its quality of life. Public service can be a thankless job, where people simply expect good water to flow from the faucets, roads to be cleared of snow, and fire crews standing ready around the corner if needed. Your role as one of Utah’s local and special districts and as a member of UASD is to deliver on those promises.

Together, we will succeed. Mission accomplished!