In 2008 I ran as a fiscally conservative, pro-life, pro-family Democrat for House District 63. Although I didn't win, with a lot of help we got 45% of the vote in the key precincts 11 and 5, and nearly as well in precinct 36.

This year our chances are much better: there will be no incumbent, far fewer will cast straight-party votes, and many more voters know me.

As a fiscal conservative, I will continue to promote "real Utah values," by which I mean protecting the unborn and traditional families, plus the following "three Es":

• Economy: Too many Utah families are one paycheck away from disaster. Isn't it time to help families by encouraging high-tech business growth and green jobs, exploiting our abundant sun, wind, and geothermal resources? Cleaner air and a better-educated work force will also help attract new businesses over the long run.
• Education: This is crucial to economic growth, among other things. Utah education is not adequately funded and we keep losing teachers to other states. Isn't it time to reward teachers better for quality work? Utah Valley University struggles to attract and retain enough instructors. Isn't it time to fund UVU at the level of other state universities?
• Ethics: Every poll shows Utahns want real ethics reform to reduce lobbyists' influence, conflicts of interest and in-kind gifts. Our legislature has made a little progress on this but so far has still left lobbyists and those with big money fully in charge. Isn't it time for real change?

Last year over 130 friends donated to our campaign. Only a tiny handful of citizens gave to our opponent—almost all of his money was from big corporations, which is far too typical in Utah.

Friends and neighbors are volunteering and have already donated; Janelle and I have added more of our own money. I am asking you for your help with time, money or both. Every penny donated will be used for this campaign, and any amount will help with our literature, mailings, and signs.

Checks can be made payable to "Elect Don Jarvis" and mailed to 1256 Locust Lane, Provo UT 84604. If you prefer to donate by credit card, just click on the "ActBlue" area in the upper right hand corner of the first page. Any amount will be gratefully received.

I would love to have your suggestions and/or help as a volunteer in many areas. Email me at electdonjarvis@gmail.com and let's go to work!

On even-numbered years we have a chance to influence local government by attending local "caucuses," sometimes called "mass meetings" where we select candidates for state office and officers for each precinct.

Why should you attend? It's your chance to play a role in deciding the kind of education, environment, and economy where you and your family live. The main activities are selecting people who represent you best. Our unusual caucus system is easily captured by extremists or left to the careless, so if you don't attend and vote, others who think very differently from you will do it for you. Most of us spend our days taking care of our families, earning money, and filling church assignments, including family history and temple work. But the quality of the air we breathe, our schools, our transportation, and many other community issues depends greatly on who we select to represent us in our political parties and government. So do make a little time to attend and choose well. Volunteer to serve if you can.

In Utah, both Democrats and Republicans hold caucuses on the fourth Tuesday in March, which this year is the 23rd. In Utah County the major parties hold one or more caucuses in each Utah House district at 7 pm. For those of us who live in East Provo in House District 63, the Democratic Caucus will be held in the Provo City Library's Brimhall Room (302), and the Republican Caucus will be in Wasatch School gymnasium. You can find other Democratic Party locations by going to http://www.utahcountydems.com/ and Republican Party locations at http://utahcountygop.org/.

Democratic Party candidates will be announced for the US House, Utah County Commission and HD 63. Yours truly has been recruited again by supporters and Utah County leaders for HD 63. I will speak briefly and ask for your ideas on issues and strategies for the November election. At the same time, Republicans will choose among several candidates for the seat vacated when Steve Clark was called to serve as an LDS mission president. So far, this is the only Utah County house district where an experienced Democratic Party candidate will not face an incumbent, so this promises to be an interesting election year for HD 63.

The bottom line: Attend your caucus on 23 March at 7 pm and choose good people who represent your views and will consistently work for them.