Breaking News!

Folks who attended tonight's Meet-the-Candidates event were fortunate for two reasons. They were treated to pizza, courtesy Papa John's and the Chamber of Commerce, and they got to hear the artful unveiling of my plan for economic development in American Fork.

"We need an economic development director, an economic development plan, and an economic development mindset," I said.

"The last strategic development plan this community laid was dated 1992," I said. "That was fourteen years ago."

"The only thing this city does for economic development is to vote Yea or Nay when a developer comes forward with a proposal.

"That's very reactive," I said. "I am very proactive."

Imagine my astonishment, therefore, when Debby Lauret (Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce, and host for tonight's event) came up to me afterward with her breaking news: American Fork has just hired her as the city's economic development director.

Hallelujah!

The position will be part-time, which will allow Debby to continue her most excellent work with the Chamber. (This is also a part-time position, though you wouldn't know it from all the traditions Debby has established there: the Halloween Fun-Run, the Business Classic Golf Tournament, the Women in Business Wellness Conference, the monthly luncheon, and various workshops for chamber businesses. She pulls this off by unleashing her brilliant inner self and also by partnering strategically with Lehi.)

I still say we need a full-time director. Also a grant-writer. But this is a step in the right direction.

Now, for an economic development plan.