This month I was able to author and submit a West Valley City Council message published in the August monthly edition of the West Valley Journal. Below is the text of that message:
Pioneer Spirit
A
message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
In one way or another we all
possess a rich pioneer heritage that was recently celebrated statewide with the
array of customary fireworks and parades. I was fortunate to commemorate the
holiday with some stalwart members of our community and gained a deeper
appreciation for the pioneer roles that build and sustain neighborhoods,
cities, and nations. I would like to point out a couple of recent happenings
here in West Valley City that has brought a rejuvenated pioneer spirit to the
area and how we all benefit both civically and personally.
The West Valley Historical
Society along with a special volunteer recently released a pictorial history
book of our City. It poignantly follows the story of the hardships of pioneer settlement
through the pioneer success of incorporation.
This history is a great reminder of where we’ve been, but more
importantly demonstrates the possibilities of where we are going with this
amazing rate of progress. Fairbourne Station Park was officially opened to the
public a few days ago. This remarkable open-space, complete with interactive
exhibits and water features, is another example blending our historical past
with a modern and progressive vision for the future of Utah’s second largest
city.
These
observations that encourage optimism for our City mirror the thoughts of
President John Kennedy from over fifty years ago when he noted that, “The American…is experimental, an inventor
and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly.” I challenge
everyone to reach deeply and unleash your American pioneer spirit and also
build greatly. You can be a pioneer by identifying and investing in that home
or yard improvement project that increases value and livability or conserves
resources. You can be a pioneer in fighting crime by working to expand your
neighborhood watch network and by quickly removing garbage and graffiti. Our
various schools, churches, and non-profit organizations rely on your honest
pioneer service to accomplish their lofty goals. In do so we will all have some
additional tangible benefits created by your current efforts to celebrate at
next year’s Pioneer Day.
As part of the ongoing effort to reach the goal of maximizing adoptions and establishing a no-kill shelter, the West Valley Animal shelter has plans to open the animal shelter on Saturdays. Beginning Saturday,September 1st. The shelter is located at 4522 West 3500 South and will be open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
