The Power of Public Service

Utah’s tech and startup industry can shape the political environment for years to come ensuring Silicon Slopes remains a great place to live and work.

Silicon Slopes is running Utah. Entrepreneurs, investors and a talented workforce has helped make Utah the number one place to do business. The word is out that the technology sector is transforming Utah’s economy. In addition to huge successes in technology, business, and leading the country in entrepreneurship, Siliconians need to be ready to lead in public service.

Politics is affecting Silicon Slopes’ Bottom Line

Some of the most pressing political issues that we face as a country, state, and in our communities, directly impact the tech sector and startups. To name a few:

· Air quality along the Wasatch front

· Data privacy

· H1-B Visa’s

· State and federal tax reforms

· The repeal and replacement of Obamacare

· Patent trolls

· Education funding

· Student loan interest rates

The decisions made on these issues will affect recruitment efforts, quality of life in the Beehive state, education and everyone’s bottom line. Silicon Slopes is a major driver in Utah’s economy; it should also keep a hand on the governmental wheel to look out for its interests.

If you don’t lead, someone else will

If you don’t get involved in public service and guide the ship, someone else will. Those who show up and jump in the ring usually get what they want. Conversely, those who Monday morning quarterback, get frustrated, or worst of all, put their heads in the sand, surrender to the vocal minority. If you are not involved, someone else is making decisions without fully considering how it affects your business.

We are at a critical point and the most damaging thing we can do is ignore challenges because politics is, well… messy. Instead, look for healthy and productive ways to talk about politics. Every political discussion, whether in the white house, the state house or your house could benefit from more thoughtful, respectful dialogue.

Make an impact today

According to a new study by the Congressional Management Foundation, 94 percent of congressional staffers said that “in-person visits from constituents” had ”some” or “a-lot” of influence on a lawmaker. When citizens make public service a priority in their lives, they make real change. Right now, there are many ways to influence government:

· Attend a council meeting

· Run for mayor or city council (file to run Spring 2017)

· Vote in 2017 for mayor and city council positions

-Primary Election: Aug. 15, 2017

-General Election: Nov. 7, 2017

· Get involved in Party politics to govern their operations

· Offer solution-oriented posts on social media

· Volunteer to help on a campaign or with an issue group

· Start a dialogue with your friends and neighbors

The Silicon Slopes community would benefit if everyone in the industry elevated their level of public service. So many of these challenges we face could benefit from disruption and innovation. In many cases, the current political marketplace is stale, bloated, and even dysfunctional. Utahns who are good at solving problems, working together, and getting the job done need to put their skills to work in the public sector.