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Washington Watch
Sen. Orrin Hatch pens op-ed on upcoming Samuel Alito confirmation hearings (The Hill).
Columnist says Congress should pass Sen. Orrin Hatch's cord-blood stem-cell bill (Washington Times).
Senators Bob Bennett and Hillary Clinton team up on anti-flag burning law (wnbc.com).
Blog Watch
The Warren compares and contrasts two Mormon politicians: Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen. Harry Reid... At Democracy for Utah, Carrie Ulrich posts eighth step from pamphlet, "Ways to Become Involved with the Utah Democratic Party"... New West has a post on Utah liquor laws... Charley Foster asks of this group's aversion to crosses: "are they atheists or vampires?"... Wilf Sommerkorn responds to two op-eds in Sunday's Trib... Weber County Forum offers preview of bill authored by Rep. Peggy Wallace that would strip away some of the powers of strong mayors. What are the national bloggers saying? Read National Journal’s Beltway Blogroll.
People You Ought to Know
Name: David Hart
Occupation: Capitol Preservation Board, Executive Director, and Architect of the Capitol
Education: B.S. Urban Planning and Community Design, Master of Architecture
Growing up: Raised in Salt Lake City and Park City. Father died when I was 10 and was raised by my mother and Mr. Peter Carlston who was the University of Utah track coach. I participated in sports, both summer and winter activities.
Family: Married the girl next door, Michele Madsen. We have four daughters: Chelsey Christensen, a teacher, Valerie Neilsen, a vocal performance major at the University of Utah, Brittany, a harp performance major at the University of Arizona and Jessica, who is in 8th grade.
Why political involvement: The Capitol is the most important public building in the state of Utah. It is an honor for me to plan and oversee the restoration of our State Capitol. For an architect, it is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have always believed US Capitols are our temples to democracy and are the embodiment of the values we have in our governmental process. The openness of Capitol buildings are symbolic of our open government and the ability to speak to our elected officials. I love the building and am grateful to have been asked to leave my private architectural practice and become the first Architect of the Capitol.
Hobbies: Jogging and running marathons, attending concerts where my children are performing.
Motivations/Ambitions: In the short-term to see the restoration of the Capitol building and the completion of the Mater Plan.
Hottest issues you're watching: Parking on Capitol Hill, completion of the Capitol construction, the transition into the restored Capitol and the stewardship responsibilities of the Capitol.
Proudest moment: The on-time, under budget completion of the Senate and House Buildings and the closing of the Capitol for construction August in 2004.
Favorite book: "Oh the Places You Will Go" by Dr. Seuss
Favorite mentors: James Franklin, FAIA, Charles Thomsen FAIA and State Senator Al Mansell
A small insight into my psyche: I care greatly about what I am doing and take it very seriously. I have only one goal: To restore and complete the Capitol in such a way that for the next 100 years it will serve the people, employees and the elected officials in the manner in which the original architect, Richard Kletting, AIA, desired. If I have a political agenda, it is to do the right thing for the Capitol and to convey the importance of stewardship in protecting the Capitol building and ensuring its long-term survival. |
