August City Council Message

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.