Hanging out at Harvard

Not your usual view of the Student Union, I'm hanging out this morning at the Harvard Business School. An amazing decor and beautiful surroundings, a rare moment for the History grad at the U.

Today, I'm participating in a roundtable discussion on Innovation in Government hosted by the famous and yet humble Professor Clayton M. Christensen, aka my older brother.  The discussion of innovation in government has too often centered on Private vs Public delivery of service, yet one or the other, really doesn't provide a compelling solution to costs.  In fact, if you look at a lot of the Federal Contracts for providing services once provided by the public sector, I would venture to guess, it costs us more except when you decide to cut its funding, it's much simpler to send contract employees off packing, than Federal employees.  Even my own city, Salt Lake City, recently went out to bid it's garbage and reclycle service and it was less expensive for us to provide it ourselves.  We obviously don't have the corporate overhead and we've been doing it a while, so much of our support infrastructure is in place.  The real question at hand is whether or not either side is truly motivated to find a simpler or cheaper model, which we sometimes call affectionately in our family, disruptive innovation (thanks to my older brother Clayton).

As I look through the attendee list, it is a little daunting to wonder my own contribution, but I also know that I bring 15 years of public service and a variety of experiences that I believe can contribute to the important dialogue.  Last evening as we discussed my brother's model on why our economy hasn't rebounded as it has in the past, it really became clear why government hasn't moved forward, yet are faced with some of the most daunting challenges in the last 50 years in terms of cost, demand and ability to provide the historic services we have come to expect.

I expect to learn much today, but the thing I've learned perhaps most importantly of all, here at the Harvard Business School is that recycle base napkins are not as absorbant or have the same capacity of normal napkins.  Yes, I spilled my orange juice in the student eating area and had to make at least two trips back to the napkin dispenser.

Sending your child off to college isn't much fun...

Jessica at age six

You know how you have that image of your kids in your mind and for some reason, you always picture them that way, yet somehow they grow up on you?  Today was one of those harsh realities that maybe, somehow, my little girl grew up on me and it was time for her to try something new.  Yea, go ahead, tell me to grow up, but it's not your little girl!  The above picture was taken the year before I was first elected and today I dropped my daughter off as a Junior at Utah State.  I'm sure there are countless of you who have done, lived through it and probably were a lot stronger than me.  But I'm just weak and emotionally challenged with the notion of my girl testing out the next phase of her life.

Having earned her associates degree last April, Jessica obviously started thinking about alternatives to baking me cookies each Sunday evening.  She even had the audacity to think  she wants to educate little kids and increase their learning and growth.  And for some reason, she thinks that the good reputation of Utah State and idea of moving away from home would be a good direction to head in her life.  What is she thinking?  The difficult part of this all, is she may be right.  So today, we loaded up her stuff, and between her 2002 SAAB and our suburban, headed off to Logan to get her settled.  I had Cathy ride with her on the way there and I followed up the rear.  I of course called them no less than three times to suggest better driving techniques or habits (which of course don't reflect in my driving) and I was sure every movement around a big truck was going to be the end.  However we made it and got her checked in with the manager of her apartment. 

I was then sure her roommates would be unfriendly or the room lousy, but they had to welcome her and tell her how excited they were to see her.  And the room, all five have their own bedroom and bathroom units within apartment, were clean and her roommate across the hall had a sign that said "Smile" on the door with a doormat that said "HI" on it.  They even cleaned the kitchen while we were there, eliminating a sub-plot that Cathy and I were working on.  There was a shed in which she could lock up her bike, and a parking spot for her car.  They even had free Internet for her to use. 

While thinking up other conspiracy theories, I noticed she had a low tire, so we took it into a repair shop to have the flat fixed, have lunch and pick up some items at Walmart.  Of course we packed a whole slew of large quantity items from Costco purchased in Salt Lake, but there were other things to purchase there, a new printer, ink, paper, food,   We thought it time to replace her bike helmet from Jr. High, I thought she needed a bike rack for her car to take her bike on it and of course a new lock for the bike.  I then realized she needed a pump for her bike that I had her bring (and when did they change the direction of the little lever on bike pumps from pressing down to lock to sticking up straight to lock it - I spent 20 minutes trying to get it to work until Cathy and Jess read the instructions).  I of course made her pull over to a gas station, even though she had 2/3 of a tank of gas to fill it up for her to make sure she had enough.   I later set up her printer which is wireless and test printed a note, telling her to write and call frequently...

We made her practice putting on her new bike rack and her bike.  Then made her practice taking it off. And then it came time to go.  Yea go ahead, take the knife, rip my heart out and tell me not to cry.  It just isn't going to work.  I'm still crying.  For the record, I like Hangout in Google and free texting and the data package I have on her phone with T-Mobile.  I know I will see her again and it's going to be a great opportunity for her.    I think your concern should be for Sarah.  We're going to have to have someone to parent....

Doing the unthinkable - Aggie A on the car

And finally, Jessica's former boss at "another" bank where she worked, gave her this receiver plug that he had but didn't use, to give to me.  It's an Aggie "A".  So tonight, just below my faded University of Utah Alumni license plate holder, I put it in to recognize the institution of my daughter's choice and of any dollar I didn't really have to spend.  I love my Jessica and all I can say, is they better treat her right...

Theater Fever

Joining Mayor Becker announcing both Architects and Contractor
for the new Utah Performing Arts Center

After working many years with my colleagues at Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, this was a great week.  Salt Lake County agreed to partner with Salt Lake City in helping to fund the construction of a new Broadway Touring Theater and also operate it to maximize the synergies with their existing facilities as well as draw upon their expertise in operating most of the cultural facilities downtown.  My thanks to the county council members who supported us, especially Max Burdick and Michael Jensen and I'm hopeful that the rest who didn't, will recognize the value long term as we move forward.

This week we also named the architects chosen to help design it,  HKS and Pelli Clarke Pelli and the contractor, Layton Construction.  Local talent with some national expertise will assure a great finished product for our community.  I also anticipate some good community outreach as designs come together and we truly make this a great project for downtown, the region and the State of Utah.

Yesterday, I also had a fun opportunity.  "Wicked" is the current Broadway Play being shown at Capitol Theater.  Tickets sold out early, but every evening, people have the chance to put their name in a drawing and 10 lucky people are chosen who can purchase 2 tickets for $25, which would otherwise cost them $135 a piece.  On Thursday, I got to announce the names of the winners and it was fun to see their reaction.  Below is a video of one of the 10 experiences.

The only down side to the experience, is the other 140 people who walked away not winning, and I couldn't help them.  However it demonstrated the need for a larger theater and the unmet need that exists for this product in our community.  Capitol Theater has served us well and needs some work and would continue to provide a vital role for the Ballet and Opera as well as other things that can not currently be scheduled.

Cathy and I also had the great fortune of attending Wicked ourselves (we also got to pay for the tickets!) We had an absolute fabulous time.  Done a lot of reflection on the "Wicked Witch" who clearly is reflected with a different light in the play, and a reminder that we too often want to categorize others and label them for who they aren't.  The crowd was clearly a crowd we don't see in Salt Lake City on a regular basis and they were just thrilled with the experience and contribute much to our local economy. As did we with dinner before and a CD purchased in the lobby!

I do have one mission as we build the new facility and that is LEG ROOM! I don't try to abuse my political power too much, but if I have any say over it, those of us who can't sit in Capitol look forward to liberation!  Theater Fever is on its way!

Hook & Ladder Serving the West Side for 40 Years - Congratulations Van Turner!

Van Turner with his son Devin.  Two Generations keeping
this great Gem alive on the West Side of Salt Lake City

 Today, while out running some errands with Cathy, we decided to stop in at the Hook & Ladder and get some Fish & Chips and visit my good friend Van Turner.  I had the pleasure and honor of serving next to him on the City Council for 12 years.  In his usual friendly way, Van informed me that 40 years ago today, they opened the Hook & Ladder for business.  Located at 1313 West California Avenue, "The Hook" as it is known by his friends, serves the west side residents and employees of nearby businesses six days a week and is filled with nostalgic memorabilia depicting some of the history of firefighting in Salt Lake City.  Van frequently has one of his fire trucks parked in the parking lot, and it continues to be a mainstay of the Glendale neighborhood.

The Hook & Ladder was rated in the top 10 burger places for Utah by the Salt Lake Tribune and you can pick up one of the yummiest combo meals at a very reasonable price.  My favorite was always the double bacon cheese burger, but with my recent weight loss efforts, I've had to choose other options!  Having said that, I still indulge on occasion.  As it transitions to a second generation, Van has involved his sons and you can frequently see them working side by side.

You can't beat the Hook's specials!

 The Hook will be the host of this Tuesday's Night Out Against Crime for that neighborhood.  Van has faithfully supported the neighborhood in hosting the event and makes sure everyone feels involved and fed!  I'm always amazed at the many acts of genuine kindness showed by Van.  I always tried to get Van to take more credit like a good politician, but he always wanted to do what was right for his neighborhood and frequently the credit went elsewhere.   The real Van is what you see!

Firehouse Floral is a also one of Van's
investments in the community and a great
service to many.

In a period of time when many small businesses have not succeeded or migrated to more heavily visited commercial areas, Van has held on and kept this vital core alive for the Glendale Community.  In addition to his restaurant and his floral shop, he also rents out the corner parcel to beauty salon operators and as he will point out, that's the location where he grew up working side by side with his father, who ran a grocery store on the location.

I've never seen Van hold a grudge and he turns the other cheek much easier than I could ever do.  A political opponent one day to him, is a friend the next day after the election.  I was always frustrated that the Salt Lake Tribune would frequently not endorse him, yet he still won, without spending the money that many of us have spent, proving them and us wrong.  I often smile when I'm browsing the Tribune on my iPad and it sends a message asking us to use their app.  On that advertisement is a picture of Van next to his business, one of the few times I felt they gave him the respect he deserved.  While probably not following you on Facebook or Twitter, Van with his wife, Wendy is busy being a true friend to all.  You just have to attend one of their children's wedding receptions to know of the diversity and commitment of their friends are as far as you can see.  And in a way that only Van could do, he serves his church helping those who are spending time in a halfway house, encouraging them in their desire to change their life.

I'll never match the qualities of Van Turner, but it's a huge honor to call him friend!

Closing a chapter in life can be tough...

We all have from time to time those events that while not physically difficult, are mentally tough and take some getting use to it.  Yesterday was one of those times as I dismantled the kennel for our dog Daisy, who passed away about three weeks ago.  The kennel has just sat empty during that time, and with high likelihood of not getting another dog, it was time to take it down.  There were lots of memories with each part and a side story to boot. We had grown very accustomed as a family of driving into our back driveway and having Daisy there to greet us and welcome us home.  It has been pretty quiet there the last few weeks and pretty clear that while relieved from this earthly pain, she was not coming back.  Thus the need to close that chapter.

Daisy's kennel had a tarp roof (along with a "night light"
which I had already removed)

We had purchased her kennel from Lowe's and while we had looked at more expensive versions, this was something we could afford.  We purchased the roof package, which worked well until the first heavy snow storm and one morning came out to find it had collapsed.  In an effort to re-establish it, I grabbed some old boards, nailed them together with my pneumatic nail gun and planned on building something better, with the idea that this would be temporary.  It only stayed the same for another eight years!  In hindsight, I would have never purchased their roof version but built something out of wood at a fraction of the cost and frankly is a much stronger alternative.

Daisy had this thing for chewing!

Daisy had this thing for chewing, on nearly everything!  We once bought her this really nice comfy padded bed only to come out and find an hour later, she had chewed the thing apart.  She was not discriminating and chewed nearly everything, including the "temporary support" of her roof!  The amazing part, is the board was on the outside of her kennel wall and somehow she chewed on it through the fence!

Daisy's dog house that we found on sale and
was her home the entire time

I had numerous conversations with Daisy that eating her own home, was really not in her best interest and she should be much more selective.

When we moved to our current home, I secured the services of a friend in the construction business, DeLynn Kirkham.  Their business did a lot of concrete restoration and re-profiling decks in parking structures.  It was their business to not have water sitting in one place for a long period of time and it proved to be the case with Daisy's kennel.  Whenever we washed it, or the weather left water on the floor, it would drain off quickly and slopped outward in all directions.  One of the best investments we could have made. 

As I dismantled the wall sections and placed them in a place in our yard for storage, I ran into lots of little things that reminded me of our time with Daisy.  I was very grateful for the experience our family shared and without an exception, everyone of us, as we passed the newly cleaned up area, remarked of how different it felt to not have her there.

Empty concrete pad, awaiting a new use...

We've had a few discussions of what to do with the site, but we'll have to wait for the right time financially.  In the mean time, it just will not be the same.  While not in pristine condition, we still do have a usable kennel that I've decided to not sell, just yet.  However if there is a family, who are just starting out with a dog, and just happened to need a kennel that could provide a good home, I think we would like that and would make you a great deal.  It would even be OK, if it were just temporary.  After all, our temporary stuff lasted eight years....

My Heart Challenge Results Announced - I Win Most Improved!

Adding Sugar equivalent to over-all weight loss, I contributed 43 lbs to it!

What I never would have thought I could obtain, and certainly not in 100 days, Intermountain Medical Center announced Thursday night at a special dinner, that I won the most improved award for the challenge involving local elected officials in Salt Lake County.  Prize comes with $1,000 for my city, and more importantly, my health.  An emotional accomplishment for me, because like anything that plagues a person, eating excessively and not caring for yourself becomes an addiction of sorts and breaking yourself of it, not a simple task.  However the feel of self-esteem that accompanies it, is frankly, very rewarding.

The task is obviously not really over, in fact maybe even more difficult in the weeks and months ahead, but I don't want to go back.  Gaining my physical freedom and finding satisfaction in exercising and strengthening my body has had many benefits, I didn't ever imagine.  While I use to work out as part of conditioning during my basketball days, it was more like sentenced torture!  Doing it for myself and improving my condition has been one of the most rewarding things I've done.  My family, and particular Cathy, have been incredible in this effort and I have no idea how I would have accomplished it without them.


Other elected officials from Salt Lake County who participated - Each were so genuine in their efforts
and frankly their support of me

 I like statistics, so here are a few for you that indicate my progress.  Official weight loss, 43 lbs, 7" off my waist.  Lowering of my BMI, 4%, much lower blood pressure, increased oxygen capacity for my blood, improved cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar levels.  On top of it, I have better mobility, improved stamina and a lot of pants that fall off my waist if I loosen my belt, which I've had to drill additional holes to make it work. 

Meagan Kine, Michelle Barker and Kary Woodruff were great to work with me 

My quote that they included in my plaque for participation says it all, "I think for myself, I feel like I have a new lease on life.  I am heading in the right direction for the first time in a decade or more."  Thanks everyone for your support!

Additional:
Deseret News Article
MyHeartChallenge.com

Farewell Daisy, We will miss you!

Daisy as a new puppy, before coming home to us!

Earlier last week, we were concerned about the increasing weight loss by our dog, Daisy (see prior blog).  Daisy had been on a Veterinarian supervised diet, but was losing more weight than we thought she should.  Daisy also started having a difficult time keeping her food down, and so we took her into the Vet, when alternative food didn't appear to be working.  We were shocked and saddened to find out that Daisy had some kind of cancer, probably liver, and her prognosis would not be good.  The Vet gave us some medicines to help her to be able to eat.  We quickly realized that she not only would not get better, but she would not stay in this interim stage very long. We would need to make some decisions earlier than later.  Not wanting Daisy to suffer any more than she needed to suffer, we made an appointment with the Vet to have her put to rest today. However Sunday morning, she was considerably worse and finally last night, she passed away.



Jessica and Sarah play with Daisy, just prior to bringing her home

Our emotions are tender and our tears are many.  Daisy became a very important part of our family and for nine years, provided some wonderful teaching opportunities and enjoyment as we interacted on a day to day basis.  Originally, when we got her, I personally was a little scared or uneasy around dogs.  My growing up years of raising a dog was not a stellar memory and I was not sure how to truly raise a dog correctly.  However we felt it was important for our oldest daughter Jessica not to have the same fears or concerns and of course, "She promised to take care of everything in caring for Daisy".  While Jessica, and later Sarah, did a lot, there were many days of reminding them of their responsibilities.  Nevertheless, I always loved to come home and see one of them walking down the street with Daisy by their side as they were walking her or to see them out in the back yard playing with Daisy.  They were priceless moments.



Jessica on "Obedience Graduation Day" at Petsmart

I was also determined to try and amend for my mistakes in caring for an earlier dog as a child, and it was always important for me to see her cared for correctly.  Due to allergies and some other issues, Daisy lived outside in a nice kennel area that we had built and we tried to make her comfortable during any of the weather extremes.  I had a tradition each night before going to bed in giving her a treat, just before calling it a night.  In fact many a night, I did my political whining to Daisy, who was always sympathetic and intent in listening to me, just up to the point I gave her a treat!  She always watched over our place and our girls. One time, when Sarah was young, we heard a very different bark from her, and when Cathy went to investigate, found Sarah leaving our yard unattended.  I was glad that the night before she passed away, I was able to give her one last treat and say good bye.


Grandma Nielsen says hi to Daisy on a visit

 We would have on more than one occassion a guest, who at the end of stay, would admit that they gave Daisy a treat themselves. Needless to say, she was well liked by nearly every visitor.

Daisy was also our motivation for walking many a days.  She was a big dog who needed regular exercise, and while the girls had their regular assignments to walk her, I often found a lot of peace in taking her myself.

Family Christmas Photo with Santa & Daisy

  I just could never get her to do her business in one place and at one time.  We had that discussion numerous times, but to no avail.  Frankly, I think it was her way of civil disobedience and for her to make a statement to me.

Our neighbors have always been kind to Daisy and patient with us.  Their complaints during some barking spells were almost never made and their children often appeared over the fence to say hello to Daisy.  Our thanks to the Orme Family, who recently moved but lived next to us for many years and to Denny & Linda McKone who live across the street.  It was not uncommon when the McKones brought their neighbor Christmas gift to us, to also find something in it for Daisy.  I always knew that when the girls were out walking her, that Denny had his eye on them as they went past his home.

Sarah & Daisy at
Parley's Historic Nature Park
on a City Council visit

While Daisy's final days have been tough emotionally, we also have had some sweet moments.  As Jessica's work and schooling have become full time, her care has transitioned to Sarah.  These two have built a wonderful bond together and it was Sarah who could get Daisy to eat and it was Sarah who sat with Daisy for hours on the grass in her final moments to comfort Daisy, and make sure Daisy knew we loved her. Yesterday we just let Daisy lie out on the lawn and rest in the shade.  It offered us some sweet and tender moments with Daisy.



Sarah playing with Daisy, one
last time

 While we struggled with what and how to take care of Daisy when she did pass, we finally settled on the fact we wanted her here at our home.  I could tell Sunday evening around 10 p.m. that whe would not likely make it to our appointment with the Vet this morning, so I went out and started digging her final resting place.  I checked on Daisy once during the process and stroked her head and told her it was ok for her to go.  A few minutes later, Cathy and Sarah came up to me and told me she had passed away. 

Our thanks to Paul and Heidi Fullmer, our neighbors and friends, who came over and helped us take care of Daisy.  We placed her ball (seen in the adjoining picture) with her and I put one of my old gloves in her grave.  Daisy had this interesting  habit of stealing my work gloves off the back porch and burying them in the yard.  I went through a lot of pairs of gloves and Cathy still finds them when she works in the flowers. It's only fitting that her final resting place is a patch of daisies. 

We love you Daisy and want you to know how grateful we are that you were part of our family.