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Letter: Vote for officials who listen to constituents instead of checking their phones at hearings

(AP Photo | Rick Bowmer, File) In this April 18, 2018, file photo, members of the Utah House work on the floor during a special session at the state Capitol in Salt Lake City.

The voices of Utahns are not being heard. I attended the Bears Ears Monument hearings this year. A chairwoman instructed us to show respect for these elected officials. However, she did not require from them the same respect for us.

Some listened, took notes and articulated reasons for their vote. Another legislator, however, sat chuckling with his buddy at something on his cellphone as a Navajo woman spoke with emotion about the land and the untimely death of her mother on the reservation.

Now is the time to study the demeanor, sensitivity to public concerns and voting record of candidates. We need representatives who care about environmental legislation—the quality of our air, transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and the protection of our public lands and water.

You can view a 2018 Legislative Report Card at utah.sierraclub.org on these issues. Not surprisingly, both ill-behaved legislators received an “F” grade. Let’s elect representatives on a local and national level who fight for long-term public good rather than short-term personal gain. We face an important election this fall. Join me in working for candidates who respect their constituents and the environment.

Charlotte Nelson, Salt Lake City

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