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salt lake county black democratic caucusSalt Lake County Black Democratic Caucus is an official Caucus within the Utah Democratic Black Caucus and Salt Lake County Democratic Party. Their goal is to engage and educate black voters throughout Salt Lake County on issues. They strive to keep elected officials accountable when it comes to matters our communities face.
The Rocky for Mayor campaign is thrilled to receive the endorsement of the Salt Lake County Black Democratic Caucus. Everyone knows that Rocky has stood up consistently for the rights, dignity, and interests of Salt Lake City’s underrepresented communities. Rocky speaks often about the need to confront, and finally demolish the caste system in the U.S. that began with slavery and remains in many aspects of our society. He highly recommends to everyone Isabell Wilkerson’s book, “Caste,” for a greater understanding of the ramifications of caste impacting the lives of Black people throughout our nation.
JOSIE VALDEZJosie Valdez is a community activist who has dedicated her life to service. She served as Vice Chair of the Utah State Democratic Party. She served as president of the Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah and ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2012.
I endorse Rocky Anderson because Rocky is a problem solver. He is inclusive in his decision-making process. He assesses the issue, comes forth with a progressive, innovative solution based on tried and proven outcomes, and is bold in action once a plan is formulated.
Under Rocky’s term as Mayor, Money Magazine ranked Salt Lake City as the “Best in the West”. The US Conference of Mayors named Salt Lake City as one of the 10 most livable cities in the US, and Salt Lake City was ranked the 5th best place to live and work by Employment Review. On the international scene, Salt Lake City won the World Leadership Award for its environmental programs. These are just a few reasons why I endorse Rocky. We can have this kind of leadership again. I fully support his candidacy. I encourage you to do the same. 
kem c. GARDNERKem C. Gardner has served since 2005 as Chairman of Gardner Company, a private commercial real estate company operating in the Intermountain West. Kem, also, has been active in community volunteer service and philanthropy. As a young business leader, he was a member of the Utah Symphony Board of Directors from 1978 to 1984, serving on multiple committees. He rejoined the Board of Trustees of the merged Utah Symphony | Utah Opera in 2011, and served as Chairman of the Board 2017-2019, following the very successful fundraising campaign to celebrate the orchestra’s 75th Anniversary that he and his wife Carolyn Co-Chaired along with Scott and Jesselie Anderson, Gail Miller and Kim Wilson, and Bill and Joanne Shiebler.
Kem has been a Trustee of Intermountain Health Care since 1982 and chaired the Board from 2007 -2013. He chairs the Intermountain Healthcare Foundation. He chaired the successful fundraising campaign for the new Intermountain Medical Center and he established The Kem C. Gardner Transformation Center, designed to be a base for Intermountain’s efforts to transform healthcare in ways that are patient-focused and that consistently provide the best clinical outcomes at sustainable costs. Kem has served as Chairman of the Salt Lake Chamber. He has been involved in transportation initiatives co-chairing the 2015 Transportation Alliance. He has chaired the Salt Lake Airport Authority and been a member of the Utah Air Travel Commission. He also, has been involved in higher education, serving as Chairman of the Utah State Board of Regents and currently serving on the National Advisory Committees of the University of Utah. Kem served two terms as Chairman of United Way of Salt Lake and on the Executive Committee from 1998 to the present. He is Co-Chair of the Changing the Odds Campaign. Kem was an original incorporator and Finance Chair of the Salt Lake Olympic Bid Committee. During the highly successful 2002 Olympic Winter Games, he served as Chairman of the 2002 Olympic Ambassadors responsible for fundraising. Kem is the Chairman of The Days of 47 Rodeo. He has served on the Board of Pioneer Theater Company Board. Kem has set up with the University of Utah, The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute as part of the Thomas S. Monson Center. Kem has been a major financial supporter of a Kem and Gardner Critical Care Mental Health Clinic and helped fund and build the three Salt Lake County homeless shelters. He wants a mayor who can and will help the homeless community. I am proud to enthusiastically endorse Rocky Anderson to serve our city again as its Mayor. I’ve known Rocky for over 23 years. He can be tough, as I found out when we had some disagreements when he was Mayor before. But he is always fair––and we always know he’s acting on behalf of the entire community, not just special interests. Rocky is respected throughout the business community because of his competence, his principled approach to governing, and his work-till-it’s-done commitment to the improvement of our community. That is why I respect Rocky: he always gets the job done.
The main reason I endorse Rocky is that, while we’ve been languishing for the past four years with our growing homelessness crisis, lack of enforcement of our laws, and the worsening affordability crisis, everyone has been hurt––members of the homeless community, businesses, employees, and residents. I know what a great difference Rocky’s leadership will mean. We’re losing long-time businesses because our city government is unresponsive when they suffer property damage, assaults, other anti-social behavior, and loss of customers. Harassment of staff and customers, as well as conspicuous drug use, are ignored by the current administration. We need a leader who is passionately concerned about our local businesses, our residents, and the homeless people whose lives can be turned around with effective drug and mental health treatment, jobs, and housing. Rocky is that leader––and has always been that leader. He’s as comfortable working on the ground with members of the homeless community, who all know him by name, as he is working with diverse community leaders, as he did with the Alliance for Unity, which he formed with Jon M. Hunstman, Sr., to build bridges throughout our community. We have a crucial choice ahead of us: Continued homeless encampments throughout our city, including parks and neighborhoods; rampant drug trafficking and use; and continued permissiveness toward increasing crime--or—under Rocky’s leadership, eliminating encampments, getting drug addicts into treatment, helping mentally ill people, and restoring a city where parents no longer have to worry about the safety of their children in our parks and on their way to and from school. My clear choice is the strong, effective leadership of Rocky as our Mayor. 
MO REEDERMo is a husband, drummer, ally, and father to three rowdy boys. He is Co-Founder & COO of V School, where he leads and supports VS's global efforts around social impact and business development. He launched V School's philanthropic arm, 'You Belong (in Tech)' so that anyone possessing the aptitude + grit can afford to fund an education that leads to an amazing career in technology. MO holds an MBA in Marketing, a BA in Speech Communications, and has 15 years experience in disruptive education.
I've known and deeply respected Rocky Anderson for years, first endorsing him in his candidacy for President of the United States in 2012, when I went door to door in Berkeley and San Francisco, California, campaigning on his behalf. I think back to his time as mayor as some of SLC's brightest moments. His leadership in the role is unmatched, and the opportunity to endorse him again is a privilege. Rocky is a friend and champion of the people. He is someone who will fight for the rights of every citizen, and get our beloved city back on track. I'm proud to call him a personal friend, and fully endorse his run for mayor.
IFALlAME MOTULIKI'Ifa Motuliki retired after working 37 1/2 years for Utah Transit Authority as a bus operator. 'Ifa was able to meet and be around people from all walks of life. He has filed income tax returns for the Polynesian community for over 30 years. 'Ifa’s time now is spent helping the Glendale community to grow and inspire others to get more involved. He has helped organize the first Tongan Latter-Day Saint ward in Utah, in addition to helping organize the Utah Tongan Tennis Club, and started a Tennis Club summer program for children in the community.
'Ifa enjoys serving the community that helped raise his children. According to Ifa: “Our community is full of heart and loyalty. I am a proud Tongan American citizen who is passionate in serving others and helping to create a neighborhood that thrives. I like to look for opportunities to work, and make friendships with those that may feel alone in this world. My goal and mission in life is to love, share and invite.” Rocky Anderson is a man anyone can talk to, he listens and genuinely considers your desires or concerns. He really cares about people and wants to bring the community of SLC together as a unified group of friends and neighbors. Rocky is a personality that does not shy away from tough issues when they arise.
I personally appreciate his ability to listen to our needs and concerns and then make things happen to best serve our community. He is a man of courage, vision, and has the energy and ability to work hard to create a better way of doing things that promotes progress. Rocky Anderson has proven to me that he is the man for the office of mayor. His thoughtful and careful approach in dealing with all aspects of our community here in SLC demonstrates to me his dedication to nondiscrimination and total inclusiveness. Please join me in supporting Mr. Rocky Anderson's bid for reelection. He deserves to be our mayor. I endorse him 100%! 
CHRIS BURBANKChief Burbank was with the Salt Lake City Police Department from 1991 until his retirement in 2015. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2006, becoming the 45th Chief of the Department. During his nine-year tenure as Chief he distinguished himself as progressive and innovative, influencing not only the City of Salt Lake but also the profession. Chris is currently with The Center for Policing Equity, the nation’s largest action think tank, fighting to end racial inequality and to reimagine policing.
Salt Lake City is where I choose to live. For 25 years I made professional decisions I believed would make the city more inclusive for all people. I believe Rocky has the same vision. Accessible for everyone, not just those within the circle. We already know what we get with Rocky, a decisive mayor who will work tirelessly. I’m missing when SLC was a place where things got done. I have found few stronger advocates for this city than Rocky Anderson and that is why I stand with him for mayor.
wendi blaisdell egbertBorn and raised in Utah, it was while attending the University of Utah that Wendi started a pathway to an amazing career in TV and advertising. She spent over 20 years at KTVX, Channel 4 working in almost every department before branching out into the ad agency world, eventually owning and operating her own agency, ST Advertising. She later joined Mayor Rocky Anderson’s office as his Administrative Assistant.
Working with Rocky was one of the most rewarding adventures that I was lucky to have been part of. Being from the “news/media world” going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Let me say, that from day one, I was so impressed with how Rocky and his staff operated. I was used to a very fast paced work environment that was constantly changing and I didn’t think government worked that way. I was wrong! From the minute I hit the steps of the City and County Building, things were getting accomplished. Rocky had assembled some of the most bright and talented people I have ever worked with. The office energy, enthusiasm and comradery were contagious!
Rocky demands excellence from his staff but also from himself. I believe that is key to his success as Mayor. I worked closely with Rocky daily and I found him to be very respectful, energetic and definitely someone who knows how to get things done. Of course, there were “hard” days but that just made working and getting to the right solution worth it. With his guidance and leadership, we all worked very hard for the people of Salt Lake City. I have never met anyone before or since with so much passion for getting the job done and doing it right. I am proud to call Rocky my friend. I am also extremely proud to have been a small part of the many successes that, with Rocky’s leadership and a talented staff, we were able to achieve for the city we all love! If you care about the important issues facing Salt Lake City, you owe it to yourself and the city’s successful future, to vote for Rocky. I know he will deliver results; I’ve seen him do it. 
DAVID R. IBARRADavid R. Ibarra is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author from Salt Lake City. At 28 years old he started his first business, beginning an entrepreneurial career that spans the hospitality, automotive, and leadership consulting industries. He is the founder of eLeaderTech, IBG, David Ibarra Enterprises and the Beyond Think and Grow Rich Institute.
I met Mayor Rocky Anderson two years prior to Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. I watched him work energetically and collaboratively with local residents and state and federal partners to add a TRAX line from downtown SLC to the University of Utah. Before he was elected, the City Council voted against the line. Rocky’s work with light-rail opponents and his innovative problem-solving, even before he was inaugurated as Mayor, made the TRAX line possible. Then Rocky pulled off a minor miracle getting federal funding for the project, working with high-level representatives and staffers in the United States Congress.
I observed Rocky work, in harmony with Governor Leavitt and Mitt Romney, to ensure the 2002 Winer Olympics were the best Winter Olympic Games ever. Rocky’s hard work and effective leadership led to Mitt Romney endorsing Rocky’s successful campaign for re-election as Salt Lake City Mayor. I observed Rocky negotiate a masterful compromise of the Main Street Plaza controversy caused by the transfer of one block of Main Street by his predecessor, Mayor Deedee Corradini. Rocky’s compromise resulted in the transfer of land and several millions of dollars for the Sorenson Unity Center in Glendale, which has provided valuable resources for what was an historically underserved part of Salt Lake City. I also observed how hard and productively Mayor Anderson worked with Bishop Burton, of the LDS Church, to create a redevelopment of the center of our Salt Lake City downtown. They didn’t always agree, but I know they both held each other in high regard and worked respectfully with each other. Mayor Anderson defines solid leadership. He did not spend his tenure of leading Salt Lake City in photo ops and grandstanding. Rather, he committed his time, along with an outstanding team, to make Utah’s capital city safe, clean, innovative, and walkable. I support Mayor Anderson because we need his leadership experience and wisdom, as well as his incredible can-do work ethic, to return Salt Lake City to the kind of world-class city we all want and deserve! 
JERRY FLOORJerry Floor, a lifelong Salt Laker and Utahn, is a businessman, musician and impresario. He is likely best known for his efforts to promote live professional music while encouraging children to include music in their lives. Jerry is the co-founder of the Park City Jazz Festival and also the co-founder, along with Rocky Anderson, of the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival. Jerry and his great wife Connie are the proud parents of Emilee Floor and Gregory Floor, both accomplished professional musicians. Grandparents of two wonderful grandchildren, they focus their lives around family.
I have always respected Rocky Anderson’s love and concern for important aspects that improve life in Salt Lake City. His desire to round out the artistic landscape of the City included the promotion and support for America’s music, jazz. Rocky and I worked together to improve life in Salt Lake City and to support musicians.
I was very excited when Rocky called me several months ago to inform me of his interest in, once again, running for Mayor of Salt Lake City. I first met Rocky Anderson in 2001 when he asked me to produce a jazz festival for Salt Lake City. I was thrilled to know that he recognized our City’s need to add America’s music, jazz, to our artistic landscape. We created a very effective partnership to design and present a wonderful event, free to the public, for Salt Lake City. Rocky and I worked tirelessly to make sure the SALT LAKE CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL would become one of the premier events of its kind in the US. For seven years, Rocky helped promote and present this fabulous present to our great City. Rocky will be a welcomed improvement to the City, to the performing artists, and to the thousands who attended the Festival those great years of his leadership. RE-ELECT ROCKY ANDERSON! 
MONICA PASQUALMonica Pasqual is widely known for her work in the Bay Area band Blame Sally, (of whom rock critic Joel Selvin wrote: “…one of the most powerful word-of-mouth success stories I’ve heard in recent years”), Pasqual has also managed to maintain an impressive solo career both before and during the Blame Sally years. She is the winner of 9 Independent Music Awards and 6 Emmys; she’s produced 6 solo albums, 6 albums with Blame Sally, and numerous songs and albums for other artists. Pasqual has composed soundtracks for PBS, The History Channel and National Geographic Television. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Monica is the daughter of artist Pilar Pobil and Walter Smith.
I moved back to Salt Lake City just three years ago, so I didn’t live here when Rocky was Mayor from 2000-2008. But I remember talking about him to my friends in the Bay Area, marveling at the progressive changes he was able to make in support of green energy, gay rights and social justice. On a personal note, I was always touched that he would come see my band in concert when we were playing in Salt Lake. He takes the time to show up for people. Rocky has incredible energy and diverse interests and passions. I am excited that he is running for Mayor again and that I have the opportunity to support him. Monica Pasqual, Singer-songwriter
RAYMOND T. GRANTRaymond T. Grant served as artistic director of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games and is the former executive director of Sundance Resort. He also served as a Distinguished Fellow for Creative Engagement at Southern Utah University. A native New Yorker, Grant has consulted with some of this country’s leading cultural and commercial institutions including Carnegie Hall, the United States Holocaust Museum, and the Walt Disney Company. He holds the terminal degree in arts administration from New York University and serves as an advisor to Explore Green™ - a worldwide resource of the leading names and creativity about the environment and exploration. He is a resident of the
Sugarhouse neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Rocky Anderson has been and will be a mayor who steps into his power. He has a proven record of getting things done and I am pleased to add my endorsement of his candidacy for Mayor of Salt Lake City.
I’ve known Rocky for over 20 years and worked closely with him as both the executive director of Sundance Resort and as artistic director of the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games Arts Festival and Cultural Olympiad. In both capacities, I’ve witnessed Rocky’s thorough leadership on climate change and support for Salt Lake City’s cultural community and creative economy. He remains committed to arts education for at risk youth. My own curations of Dale Chihuly’s art installation “Olympic Tower” at Abravanel Hall and the Allan Houser sculpture “May We Have Peace” on Washington Square stand sentinel in their prominent places in Salt Lake City in large part due to Rocky’s unwavering support for the power of the arts and artistic freedom. During the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, Rocky Anderson recognized the importance of both sport and art in defining this community’s sense of place and place in the world. As executive director of Sundance Resort, I had the privilege of working with both Rocky and Robert Redford in hosting over 40 U.S. mayors to talk critically about climate change and to implement local solutions to our climate crisis. Rocky Anderson will continue to be a champion for the truth of climate change, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and always add his clarion call for social justice. I am pleased to add my voice to the chorus of his praise. 
MADISON BISHOPMadison Bishop, student at the University of Utah and aspiring lawyer.
I’m a long-time resident and student at the University of Utah, eager to start law school. I met Rocky to learn more about local elections and I quickly realized that he is the lawyer I want to become.
I have personally seen Rocky meet with Salt Lake residents from all walks of life. When meeting with community leaders, local officials, and people in need, Rocky is always engaging and empathetic. He is one of the few people I’ve ever known that honestly treats each person as a person. Rocky’s experience as mayor and his work and activism in Salt Lake are evidence that he understands the opportunities and needs of our city. I am honored to know him, and I fully endorse Rocky for mayor and believe in his vision for Salt Lake City. Read David's Letter in The Public Forum section of The Salt Lake Tribune "Letter: Rocky Anderson gets things done – which is what Salt Lake City needs." here.
JONATHAN RUGAJonathan M. Ruga, M.B.A., C.P.A., J.D., is the CEO of Sentry Financial, a company he and Scott Young co-founded in 1986. Prior to co-founding Sentry, Jonathan worked with the law firm of Parr, Brown, Gee & Loveless, focusing on litigation, and business and corporate law. He has co-authored several professional books, including The Handbook of Leasing (1982), and International Leasing: The Complete Guide (2000). In his effort to help bring about positive social change, Jonathan is the board chair of The Lightspark Foundation, the Vice Chair of Alliance for a Better Utah, and a member of the board of trustees of St. Mark’s Hospital, and has previously served on the boards of The Boys and Girls Clubs, High Road for Human Rights, The Road Home, the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and several other organizations. Jonathan and his wife, Tina, are lifelong residents of Salt Lake City and support a variety of local and national forward thinking organizations, including Equality Utah, Planned Parenthood, The Other Side Village, and Women of the World.
My decision to support Rocky for mayor was based on a few simple facts:
REBECCA TINDER THOMAS
Driven by a deep desire to serve her community, Rebecca completed the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Academy at age 45 to become a deputy. She wanted to be a more proactive advocate and voice for the severely mentally ill and Utah’s incarcerated community. Rebecca worked with Rocky to help win a case against the Salt Lake County Jail in a wrongful death suit and was a voice for a woman who lost her baby (over 8 months pregnant) due to deliberate indifference.
During her time working at the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office, Rebecca was subjected to countless harassments and threats from fellow deputies, her chain of command and others but managed to fight against that “system of government” for almost 9 years. Rebecca currently resides in Phoenix AZ with husband Mike who helped to start a worldwide company named “Wrap Technologies,” aimed at saving the lives of people with mental health disorders and the careers of Law Enforcement professionals in providing non-lethal alternatives. Rocky is one of the BEST advocates and the strongest, most capable individuals I have personally been honored to know. He will passionately fight battles for ALL, not only because of his love of Salt Lake City but because of his integrity, inner strength, and his absolute passion for truth and justice. I am pleased to support him in this Mayoral race. I am SO lucky to call him a friend and Salt Lake City is so lucky to have him in their corner!
JOHN COLLINSJohn Collins, is an artist, Utah born and raised, long-time Salt Lake City resident. University of Utah graduate in Design and Fine Art.
I remember when Rocky was our mayor. His courage to address controversial issues is one of the qualities that impressed me most.
I endorse Rocky because his ability to listen and work hard to find solutions is desperately needed. He has unparalleled breadth and depth of experience with the issues Salt Lake City is facing. This man has a proven record for taking action and making Salt Lake one of the best managed cities in the country. Inclusivity matters and Rocky understands that a city works best when it works with everyone. 
COURTNEY "COCO" GILESCoco Giles is an Outreach Advocate for the homeless community. Coco runs The Coconut Hut, which provide, what Coco calls "survival gear" for those experiencing homelessness.
Rocky’s involvement and compassionate approach to addressing and advocating for our unsheltered population is admirable and inspiring. Our homeless crisis in this city has become increasingly difficult for me to navigate as a boots-on-the-ground Outreach Advocate for this community. Rocky is a regular presence in the shelters, serving alongside service workers, and showing up at abatements.
He listens and engages with everyone thoughtfully and with respect. We need this kind of direct experience to create robust solutions and give voice to the voiceless. By having real conversations with the people who are suffering through mental health crises, and by speaking with city workers from the health department, the SLCPD, and the several agencies involved in supporting these most vulnerable members of society, he holds all accountable for the cruelty that our current mayor has imposed on the unsheltered population. "Where are they supposed to go" is something I consistently hear Rocky asking with no solid answer to ever follow. Out of this experience he is building answers that will provide policy change and development of resources for the future. Rocky is a genuine, humble, compassionate, courageous man. Knowing what it takes, his focus and dedication to our unsheltered community is remarkable. It is an honor and privilege to know Rocky. 
WALTER MASONWalter Mason is a Utah attorney who represents victims and their families in wrongful death, civil rights, medical malpractice, and product liability cases. He lives in Cottonwood Heights with his wife and new child.
Rocky Anderson is the right person for the job. That’s because—for Rocky—it’s not just a job. His passion is to serve Salt Lake City and its residents. Rocky proves over and over that we don’t need to compromise our ethical values for the sake of pragmatism. Through strong leadership and perseverance, we can find smart solutions that protect the most vulnerable in our community while allowing people and businesses to thrive. He's been a champion for inclusion and equity for decades, not for political expedience, but because it is his moral code. I was lucky to work under Rocky’s careful tutelage while I was a law student and young attorney; through that experience, I saw Rocky never flinch in the face of any challenge. To his core, he is committed to helping people achieve social, environmental, and economic justice. Salt Lake City needs his compassion, his integrity, and his vision.
THERESA MARTINEZ & MICHAEL LOVETTTheresa Martinez completed her Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of New Mexico and is currently Associate Professor of Sociology and former Assistant Vice President for Academic Outreach at the University of Utah. Her teaching and research deal with issues of race, class and gender, deviant behavior, juvenile delinquency, and popular culture. Professor Martinez has won several teaching awards including the Distinguished University Teaching Award, the College Superior Teaching Award, the Presidential Teaching Scholar Award, and the Calvin S. and JeNeal N. Hatch Prize in Teaching—the highest teaching honor at the University of Utah. In the community, Professor Martinez has won the 1994 YWCA Leadership Award for Education, the 2002 Salt Lake City Mayor’s Award for the Humanities, the 2005 Utah Coalition de La Raza Personal Achievement and Community Service Award, the 2006 Renaissance Woman Award, and the 2010 Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Award.
Michael Lovett is a retired high school teacher, having served over 36 years in the Catholic School system in the state of Utah. He has won several “Teacher of the Year” awards over the course of his long career and has been the student-selected faculty speaker at graduation ceremonies for both St. Joseph’s High School in Ogden and Judge Memorial High School in Salt Lake City. In addition, Mr. Lovett received the Community Excellence Award from the Inclusion Center for Community and Justice for his long-time support of their high school programs centered around inclusion and equity. Over the course of several decades Michael and I have had the chance to get to know Rocky Anderson. My history with Rocky goes back to the 1990s when we collaborated on various community efforts, including serving on committees to the Utah Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Legal System as well as efforts surrounding fairness and equity for the Latinx community. Michael and I have both come to admire Rocky’s profound commitment to fostering social justice in the Salt Lake community. In particular, we very much support Rocky’s efforts to address the issues facing the unsheltered in the Salt Lake area.
JUAN MEJIA, PHDJuan Mejia has lived in Salt Lake City for almost 50 years and raised his five children here. He is a forensic psychologist in private practice. He has been a faculty member at the University of Utah and at Brigham Young University. Currently, he is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California. Over the years, Juan has been involved in various community activities, including serving for many years as a member of the city’s Arts Council.
I am proud to endorse Rocky Anderson!
I became familiar with Rocky in his original campaign for mayor. I was gratified that he fulfilled his tenure as mayor to the widespread benefit of the residents of the city. I admired his many accomplishments. I respected his support and involvement with specialty courts, such as Mental Health Court. I personally was pleased when he organized the annual Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival. Rocky has a proven record of achievements as well as the vision and passion to continue to move the city forward and effectively deal with its many current challenges. I strongly support his bid for mayor of our city! 
SUDHIR AMEMBALSudhir Amembal moved to Salt Lake City from India in 1969. A passionate animal rights advocate, he served as Treasurer, then as President, of The Humane Society of Utah. He has also championed animal protection in Mexico and India. Sudhir served as President of the Utah AIDS Foundation in the early 1990s. After three years with Ernst and Young and then having served on the Accounting faculty at the University of Utah, he founded Amembal & Associates, the world's foremost authority in the field of equipment finance training, consultancy and publications. Under his stewardship, the firm has trained 80,000 equipment professionals throughout the world and authored 18 best-seller publications for the industry.
My association with Rocky started a year before he ran for President under the Justice Party banner in 2012. The Justice Party was rejuvenated two years ago and later reconstituted as the Justice Movement. I served as President of the Steering Board with Rocky as our pro bono Executive Director. That is when I began to fathom his unflinching passion to right wrongs.
One day after dinner, as we left the restaurant, he noticed a homeless man outside. Rocky went up to him, spoke with him, gauged his needs, and did what hardly any of us would ever do. He drove the man to a pharmacy, bought him some needed medicines, then took him to a nearby hotel and paid to have him overnight there. This is just one story; but one is enough to grasp the values that Rocky has and his absolute willingness to always apply his deeply held principles through his actions. Setting aside the fact that during his two terms as mayor he accomplished more than any contemporary mayor, I cannot think of anyone who could lead Salt Lake City better than Rocky, for he has championed human and civil rights and environmental justice for several decades. He understands the issues that plague our city, has solutions to each of them, and he will take the lead in transforming Salt Lake City into the city it deserves to be—one of the very best in the country! 
IRA NEPUSIra Nepus currently performs with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which he has been an original member of for over thirty two years, privately teaches, and performs in all major recording studios throughout the Los Angeles area. He also plays, tours and records with his own quartet.
He has recorded with Paul McCartney ( Kisses On The Bottom), Elton John, Leon Russell (The Union), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ( all albums) Elvis Costello, BB King (2009 Grammy Winner). Nothing would make me happier than to see Rocky back as Mayor of Salt Lake City again! And for all the right reasons. I would feel honored and privileged to be on his support team.
I only wish that we had a mayor in Los Angeles that was of the level of Rocky Anderson. For several years in the past, I had the fortunate pleasure and honor to participate in the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival and be directly involved with then Mayor Anderson. I have never had any personal contacts with our mayors here in Los Angeles, or any mayor in any city I have performed in. I observed him to be a real 'Peoples' Mayor', which is what it really should be. Rocky sincerely cares about the people of Salt Lake City. It was first obvious when I saw the orange flags for the pedestrians years ago, which I was told was Rocky Anderson's idea. Most importantly, you can talk to Rocky like he is your friend and brother, (no ivory towers for him). If you really want to know what I think—a mayor who cares about the people enough to have created a 'free' world class jazz festival for the people of his city, and who is as excited about the artists as the audience is—I love him! 
KIRSTEN PARKKirsten Park is a communications professional who has made Salt Lake City her home for over 30 years. An avid biker, hiker, skier, outdoors enthusiast, and dog owner, she has seen the city evolve and grow, through both good times and bad.
I’ve never met anyone who is more dedicated to service than Rocky Anderson. He is consumed with improving the quality of life in Salt Lake City, and fiercely committed to preserving our neighborhoods, advocating for our climate, and re-building our flagging infrastructure that has been taxed with extreme growth and neglect. Both as mayor and also as a private citizen, Rocky is well known as an indefatigable champion for the rights of others regardless of gender, race, stature, sexual or gender orientation, or ability to pay.
Those who have been on the receiving end of his generosity are nearly impossible to count. He is passionate about preserving our environment. He enthusiastically supports our local performing and visual arts. He is deeply pained by the challenges of our homeless community, having become personally involved in the lives of the people who make up the statistics. He is tireless and engaged: when walking the neighborhoods of SLC, or jogging through Liberty Park with his dog, he connects with residents genuinely and transparently, just as he did as mayor. But most of all, Rocky is the leader we need. 
PILAR POBILPilar Pobil was born in Mallorca, Spain in 1926 and moved to Utah in 1956. She is essentially a self-taught painter and sculptor known for her brilliantly colored watercolors, oils and acrylics. She lives in Salt Lake City and her art can be found in many private and public collections, including the Tanner Humanities Center and the Springville Museum of Art. Pilar has received many honors and awards for her art, both locally and internationally. In 2019 she was recognized as one of Utah’s 15 Most Influential Artists by Utah's Art Magazine. In 2016, she was knighted by the King of Spain for her extraordinary contribution to Spanish culture in the Americas.
I have been proud to call Rocky Anderson my friend for many years. I always appreciated his support for the arts in Salt Lake City, as well as his passion for social, environmental and economic justice. Never a typical politician, Rocky approaches his life and his work with passion and energy—and a willingness to fight for a cause he believes in. And he is a true friend to many. I will never forget the day we bumped into each other walking in City Creek Canyon—it was when Rocky was mayor in the early 2000s. I was in the middle of writing a book and he offered to type it out for me. And he was sincere. I decided he had more important work to do for the city, but that is the kind of man he is.
ED SMARTEd Smart, a long-time Salt Lake City resident, is the father of Elizabeth Smart. After Elizabeth was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell, Ed tenaciously advocated for Elizabeth and pushed for nine months to make sure everything possible was done to locate and protect Elizabeth. After Ed’s appearance on “America’s Most Wanted,” Mitchell was recognized by residents of Sandy and Elizabeth was returned to her family.
When Elizabeth was kidnapped, next to our close family members and friends, Rocky was one of our most passionate advocates. He was always available to speak or meet with us, morning and night. Rocky, always a hands-on Mayor, took a very active role on our behalf and aggressively pushed the SLC police department to move off their wrong theory about Richard Ricci kidnapping Elizabeth and to pursue others which led to Mitchell's capture. We’ll always be grateful for Rocky’s hard work and dogged advocacy for us.
SAWYER SUDITSawyer Sudit is a senior at Skyline High School (graduating June 2023). He is interested in government and its impact on the communities it serves. He has been actively involved and part of city government in addition to holding various leadership positions in clubs and other civic-minded organizations. After graduating high school, he looks forward to attending university and continuing to be engaged in government, civic-oriented groups, and organizations while pursuing a degree in Political Science.
For those voters feeling ignored by our current political leaders, hearing the same rhetoric and not feeling that they are leading us to a better tomorrow, I encourage you to look at Rocky Anderson.
For those new and first time voters like me, we’ve grown up in a world with more bad news than good, set-backs versus advancements, and divisiveness over compromise, I encourage you to look at Rocky Anderson to lead Salt Lake City into a new era. Rocky has perspective, a proven track record as a successful mayor, and most importantly, the vision and determination to help address Salt Lake’s difficult challenges and lead our city, for all of us, to a better tomorrow. As a graduating high school senior, I will be endorsing and supporting Rocky’s efforts to lead our city into a new of era of safety, promising growth, and environmental action for all to enjoy and benefit from. 
DAN GEARHEARTDan Gearhart has taught fine arts and art history at university and chaired a high school art department in Colorado. He has created works of public art for Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and the State of Utah. He has served as the Director of Global Artways for Salt Lake City, Director of The Kennedy Center’s Imagination Celebration at Salt Lake City, and as a founding partner of The Leonardo at Library Square.
Over the course of the three administrations since Rocky’s last term, the city has been crippled by “The Revenge of Middle Management (ROMM)” in a divestment of institutional knowledge through forced resignations of leadership, dissolution of public-facing departments, and elevating those who show political conformity. This results in a glut of elevated Peter Principles who endlessly expand brutalist management to insulate themselves from the strident warnings of the breakdown of function. Effective leadership is the bane of the blandly incompetent political aspirant. “Council Creep” is another factor of ROMM, wherein the City Council makes itself integral to every decision within the city, using micro-managing to further negate/control necessary functional action. The culmination of ROMM most likely occurs with a camera-ready councilperson taking over the office of mayor. When a civic body is gridlocked by a ROMM virus a vaccine will be declaimed as “divisive”. The vaccine is a principle of understanding how a healthy civic system operates, how it has been subverted, and how to reinvigorate its own immune system. To return to health a civic body requires a vaccinating leadership. This is a visionary leadership that reinvigorates the system, calling on all parts to find healthy equilibrium in function so it may perform greater things. The last bastion of American democratic function through electorally determined leadership is in the office of Mayor. Let’s remember all the national and international recognition garnered by our city’s office of mayor when Rocky last held that position and realize our part as citizens in creating the subsequent vacuum of leadership. We have a chance again with Rocky to have our fair City’s political function revitalized and stand again as a national and international example of a healthy functioning democratic system. 
LISA VERZELLALisa Verzella is a trumpeter for the Ballet West Orchestra and is a meteorologist. A Utah resident for nearly three decades, she is an avid outdoors-person who greatly appreciates the clean air and world-class multi-use trail systems of the Wasatch Mountains.
I endorsed Mayor Rocky Anderson twenty years ago and am proud to do so again. He lived up to his promises and took Salt Lake City through the tough but necessary growth stage during the Olympics and beyond. I personally benefited from many of his programs during his mayorship, including convenient free parking options for evenings downtown, safer biking and walking around the city, numerous environmental initiatives and a strong promotion of music and the arts. On a larger scale, Rocky's plans to address homelessness have proven to work and will be a major success for all who live in this great city. I am confident that, once again, Rocky Anderson will fight for justice and get the job done.
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YOLANDA FRANCISCO* Yolanda Francisco's endorsement is on her personal behalf, not on behalf of Restoring Ancestral Winds.
Yolanda Francisco (Navajo), is the executive director of Restoring Ancestral Winds, a nonprofit serving tribes in Utah*. She was raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from East High School and attended the University of Utah. She earned her MBA and worked previously for seventeen (17) years in Salt Lake City government.
Rocky is a man who walks the talk. I had the honor of working for Rocky for 8 years. He is prime to be the next mayor of Salt Lake City. I've never met a person who works as hard for people as I've seen Rocky. He's pragmatic and intelligent with a heart of gold. I witnessed his never ending commitment to Salt Lake City residents. He is fierce, brave and willing to meet and listen to folks no matter their background, ethnicity or job title. He is genuine in his dedication to face obstacles with compassion and fortitude. Salt Lake City deserves the best and most qualified public servant to lead our city. I believe this is who Rocky is. He will make an excellent mayor.
rob andersonI am a husband, father, 25 year veteran, commercial pilot, former Chairman of the Utah Republican Party and resident of Salt Lake City. I moved to Utah in 2006 to raise my family and provide stability for them. I love this state and my city.
What I don’t like is the decline our city is recently experiencing, especially the last 3 years. It isn’t safe for my family to go downtown. Our current mayor agrees with me as she has 24hr personal protection provided by us, the taxpayer. Parks have been closed and the most vulnerable among us, the homeless, have been treated as a blight. The Mayor showed us how she feels about them when she swept them up (along with their belongings that were hauled to the dump) so that the NBA All-Star Game could be held without the true backdrop of our current state of affairs.
It is my pleasure to endorse Rocky Anderson for Salt Lake City Mayor. Rocky has a plan to clean, restore and reinvigorate our city to the beacon it once was under his previous leadership. I’m ready for the Rocky III! 
KATHLEEN ANDERSON
Salt Lake City has been my home since 1990. I was married here, and raised my family here. My four children are graduates of Highland High School. I love our city.
But I don't love the effects of local government neglect and mismanagement. Once upon a time, our city was clean and safe. It isn't that way anymore. I can't walk my dogs around Sugarhouse Park or Tanner Park without seeing encampments or strewn about drug paraphernalia. One day we found an abandoned skeleton knife on the ground. What if a child had found it? I'm also a small business owner. On an almost daily occurrence, panhandling is occurring inside my store. Shoplifting is at an all time high despite personal measures to counteract it. There is a bus stop 30 yards from the entrance to my business. Allowing people the ability to ride public transit free of charge has increased incidences of vagrancy, theft, etc. . . . throughout the city boundaries, not just in the downtown area. It didn't used to be this way. What's changed? A lot of talk, failed policies and very little substantive action. Elections aren't popularity contests. Elections are hiring opportunities. Would you run your business the way our city is being run? Of course not. It's time for a change. We deserve more than just clean air; we also deserve clean streets, clean parks and safe neighborhoods. This is why I am supporting the election of Rocky Anderson as the Mayor of Salt Lake City. He has a proven track record of serving our city well. We cannot afford four more years of Mendenhall mismanagement. 
MARK ARCHULETA WHEATLEYMark Archuleta Wheatley is currently serving his 19th year in the Utah State House of Representatives. He is one of four Latinos serving in the Utah State Legislature. He has served several terms as an officer of the National Hispanic Council of State Legislators. He is retired from Salt Lake Community College as an education administrator.
Rocky Anderson has always been a man of the people. I endorse Rocky because he truly identifies with the needs and concerns of the citizens and residents of Salt Lake. He responds to the issues and concerns brought to his attention and comes up with innovative plans for addressing these issues.
I appreciate his bold approach to problem solving, looking for and finding answers in turnkey operations practiced in cities around the nation. I value the manner in which Rocky gathers information seeking input from various stakeholders as he formulates solutions to issues. Rocky’s leadership style in addressing the current issues faced by Salt Lake City is what is needed in the mayor’s office of our Capitol City. 
RUBY RUDISILLRuby Rudisill graduated from Tucson College of Business in 1978, at which time she got a job as a legal assistant at the law firm of DeConcini McDonald Brammer Yetwin & Lacy. She moved to SLC in 1982 and was hired as a legal assistant at Parsons, Behle & Latimer. In 1986 she began working as administrative assistant to Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson at the law firm of Anderson & Karrenberg. In 2000 she started her transcription company, which she has enjoyed to the present.
I was Rocky’s assistant for 9 years at Anderson & Karrenberg. Rocky was the best employer I’ve ever had. I have great memories of working with Rocky and I learned a lot from my time with him.
I respected Rocky for the cases that he took on, which included a lot of pro bono or contingency matters because he strongly believed in helping people in need. Everyone knew that’s why Rocky practiced law. One of his partners even said, “Rocky doesn’t have cases; he has causes.” When I worked with him, he even helped inmates at the Utah State Prison who needed medical attention and he started a non-profit organization called Citizens for Penal Reform. When Rocky took on a case, he would really commit himself to it. He also did a lot of work in the community, including getting a bill through the Legislature opening up the opportunities for joint custody of children and working on the Boards of the Utah ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and Utah Common Cause. Besides working hard, Rocky is a lot of fun. He was on the Board of Guadalupe Schools the entire time I worked for him and, for a couple of years, he and I worked at the Martini Bash to raise money for the school. Every year we took donations from the members of the firm and did Sub-for-Santa for a family in need. Rocky was also a devoted father to his son and helped his teachers one morning each week in the classroom. It was amazing to me that he could do that while carrying on such an intense law practice and doing everything else he did. The skills I learned from working with Rocky trained me to be able to start my own transcription business, which I have enjoyed now for 23 years. Not only did we have a wonderful working relationship, but we also enjoyed a friendship on a personal level. When I told Rocky that I was getting married, and we were just going to have a small, quick ceremony at the courthouse with our family and close friends, he insisted on throwing us a lovely reception at his home after the ceremony. We had the best time, and I will always be grateful for his kindness and generosity. I volunteered with Rocky's mayoral campaign in 1999, and would certainly be assisting him now if I still lived in Salt Lake City. Rocky puts his heart and soul into causes in which he truly believes, and it will definitely benefit the citizens of Salt Lake when he is elected mayor once again. 
JOHN A. GARDINERJohn A. Gardiner is an independent businessman who started and runs a Salt Lake City based real estate development company that focuses on urban infill housing projects.
As a lifetime conservative, I nonetheless am supporting Rocky Andersen for mayor. Even though we have some political differences, I am confident that Rocky can solve many of the problems and challenges facing Salt Lake City currently. What Salt Lake is lacking is strong leadership to solve these problems instead of the current state of failed leadership.
Salt Lake City appears to have descended into a city of chaos. Many streets and parks are overrun with drugs, criminals, and homelessness, and local leadership and law enforcement enable it through inaction. Sadly, Salt Lake City is now a place where many no longer feel safe visiting or living. I believe Rocky has the determination, skills and tenacity necessary to restore public safety to our city. Rocky can be effective in leading the city on other issues as well, as he can get along with people of all political viewpoints and religious affiliations. He responds to and listens to all constituents regardless of philosophical differences. He is bright, experienced, and principled with strong leadership ability. He has a track record of not raising property taxes and living within the city's budget. Rocky can solve complex problems and cut through bureaucracies to get things done. His experience combined with his high energy level are the traits we need now for a new mayor. At the same time, Rocky is a compassionate person who feels deeply about issues and helps those who are down or in trouble. 
LOIS ARCHULETALois has been active in the choir and humanitarian activities of the SLC's United Methodist Church, which generously opened its doors to the City’s unsheltered population during the bitterly freezing winter of 2022-23. Her husband Archie (1930-2019), who worked closely with Rocky on the Guadalupe Schools Board of Directors and in the SLC Mayor’s Office, was an influential member of the Utah Latino community, educator, mentor, and advocate for civil liberties and peace.
The photo above is of me and my beloved deceased husband, Archie Archuleta, a champion of our community. That photo appeared in Archie’s endorsement of Rocky Anderson’s re-election as SLC mayor several years ago.
In his endorsement, Archie stated:
"The minority community has welcomed Rocky with open arms for his Executive Orders dealing with an affirmative employment policy inclusive of all protected and unprotected classes, his order to all departments that more needed to be done in hiring minorities, veterans, disabled and women, and decision to expand the number of minorities serving on City Commissions and Boards; his support and help to the Native Asian Pacific Islands African Hispanic-NAPAH Village during the Olympics, his personal invitations to individuals from all communities to his Olympic parties; and his stand against the English Only Referendum and joining the lawsuit against the legislative act, all of these are clear testimony to his egalitarian approach to governing. A large majority of the Latino community is especially pleased with Rocky's term. He has shown appreciation and respect to Latino groups such as Alianza Latina, RAZ-PAC, Centro Civico Mexicano, UCLR, Mujeres Latinas, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, all of the Hispanic media and press, the Consuls of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador; his rescue of Latino businesses from the wave of deliberate and aggravated robberies with the great help of the PD, and his defense of the victims of the Airport Raid, his plea for funds to meet their needs and the subsequent development of the Families Helping Families concept, all of these things have made him a popular, applauded and beloved figure." Rocky has remained a great friend of our family and our entire community. I support him in his efforts to serve once again as mayor to provide the leadership we need to effectively and compassionately deal with our homelessness crisis and make our city the safe, clean, welcoming place it ought to be for all our residents, businesses, and visitors. 
LAURIE P. KARLIKLaurie P. Karlik is a concerned citizen who desires to see all people thrive! Resident of Utah for 23 years. Interior Designer by day...and by night because she simply loves it!
Let me start off by saying I am a conservative, therefore, I understand the role of government in America. Rocky also understands the role of government and has proven so during his previous stint as mayor of SLC.
When we reduce our differences to focus solely on the role of government, especially as it relates to ALL the people of our great city, homeless or otherwise, it is easy to see how our goals align. These times require getting back to basics; overseeing public services departments, including law enforcement, will in turn create opportunity for residents and business owners alike. The buck stops with accountability in all respects of life and leadership. We can count on Rocky to deliver in both areas. 
CHRISTINE STENQUISTChristine Stenquist, a prominent Utah medical cannabis advocate, has worked tirelessly to improve patient access to medical cannabis at the state and national levels. She discovered the benefits of medical cannabis for pain management as a result of her personal experience with a brain tumor, which inspired her advocacy. In 2015, Christine founded the nonprofit TRUCE (Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education) to promote education, community outreach, and responsible cannabis use. TRUCE has been instrumental in shaping Utah's medical cannabis policies, leading to more inclusive legislation.
As Utah's leading medical cannabis advocate, I’m delighted to support Rocky Anderson's candidacy for Salt Lake City mayor. Having engaged Rocky in our campaign to protect the rights of medical cannabis patients, I have personally observed his expertise, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of all community members.
Rocky's determination to the cause was crucial in bringing about a special session of the Legislature that ultimately led to a change in the medical cannabis laws in Utah. This amendment made it possible for private companies to sell medical cannabis, giving patients who need it more access. The State of Utah initially granted itself a monopoly over the distribution of cannabis, similar to the state's control over the sale of alcohol through the DABS (previously the DABC). This restrictive approach directly undermined the spirit of Proposition 2, which aimed to provide medical cannabis patients with safe and reliable access to the medicine they need. We demonstrated that the state's distribution monopoly was unconstitutional due to Rocky's expertise and tenacious advocacy. This victory resulted in a special legislative session, during which Utah’s Medical Cannabis Act was amended to allow private entities to sell medical cannabis. Forbes covered our success here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2020/10/16/utahs-medical-cannabis-lawsuit-is-over-but-the-fight-for-access-is-far-from-over. This marked a significant step forward in the fight for access to medical cannabis, but there is still much work to be done. As mayor of Salt Lake City, Rocky Anderson will be a powerful voice for change, promoting policies that ensure the compassionate care of medical cannabis patients. He has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the complex legal and social issues surrounding medical cannabis and has been instrumental in advancing patient rights in Utah. Rocky's history of fighting for social justice is notable, and his legal expertise has been instrumental in our efforts to expand medical cannabis legislation. We can continue to break down barriers and create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society under Rocky's leadership. As someone who has fought alongside Rocky in this conflict, I am confident that he is the best candidate for mayor of Salt Lake City. His continued commitment to the welfare of our community, coupled with his track record of fighting for patient rights, makes him the ideal candidate for this crucial position. I urge you to join me in supporting Rocky Anderson for mayor. Together, we can build a brighter future for Salt Lake City and ensure medical cannabis patients receive the care and support they need. Sincerely, Christine Stenquist Utah’s Leading Medical Cannabis Advocate * Christine Stenquist's endorsement is on her personal behalf, not on behalf of TRUCE (Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education).
steve auerbachSteve Auerbach is the Executive Director of the Salt Lake Academy of Music (SLAM), a nonprofit that provides youth with inclusive, equitable access to musical instruments, instruction, and programs. Prior, Steve created the ten-year MusicGarage.Org youth program after developing four branches of the startup, School of Rock in the Western USA. Steve served as a consultant to Utah's Third District Court and Juvenile Courts, Utah Department of Corrections, Salt Lake Legal Defenders, and the legal community to provide substance abuse presentence reporting, triage, and diversion programs for adults and youth. Steve created and licensed the first hospital-based cognitive-behavioral substance abuse treatment program in Utah and served as a counselor for Youth Corrections, Salt Lake City School District, and Odyssey House of Utah.
I endorse Rocky for Mayor based on Rocky’s:
1. Solid, internationally renowned record of achievements as two-term SLC Mayor. 2. Incredible energy, diligence, empathy, and caring for his legal clients, including pro bono. 3. Sincere dedication to serving others; our homeless, and improving the quality of life for all 4. Results in City management, and his ability to forge a more socially conscious SLCPD. 5. Practical and science-based approach to impact the climate crisis, locally and beyond. 6. Dedication to justice, human rights, and equality for all of us. I first met Rocky during his Mayoral Administration, 17 years ago when the Mayor’s Office and I partnered on a climate crisis education rock n roll tour of SLC high schools. Rocky changed the lyrics of classic rock songs to rehearse and perform with my students. Rocky plays guitar! Over the years, Rocky has shown up to support his friends’ children in performances for the music programs that I have managed. Rocky’s fervent support of my work with youth peaked when Rocky very generously volunteered his time to Salt Lake Academy of Music, as our first Board of Directors Chair, establishing the Board’s governance, duties, and responsibilities. Among myself and 12 Board members, none of us could keep up with Rocky! For any voters concerned about Rocky’s age, you have nothing to worry about, I promise you. The man is a high-powered machine of productivity, dedication, and diligence to any project he touches. Please join me in supporting Rocky as the next mayor of Salt Lake City. * Steve Auerbach's endorsement is on his personal behalf, not on behalf of SLAM, School of Rocky, MusicGarage.org, or any other organization.
TERRY MITCHELLTerry Mitchell, then 15 years old, had just finished jogging at Liberty Park with her girlfriend and two male friends when Joseph Paul Franklin—a racist serial killer who was trying to start a race war—shot and killed Terry’s male friends, who were Black. Terry was right next to them and was injured by shrapnel. The Department of Justice sent a 27-year-old prosecutor, Richard Roberts, to handle the case against Franklin in federal court. Roberts spent a lot of time supposedly preparing Terry for her trial testimony and engaged in repeated child sex abuse of Terry. He has admitted to the sexual misconduct in a recorded telephone conversation. After seeking legal help for many months, Terry recounted to Rocky what had occurred to her and he vigorously pursued her case, without charge, for several years in federal court and before the Utah Supreme Court. Rocky and Terry have worked closely with Utah legislators to achieve a means of justice for victims of child sex abuse whose claims would be otherwise time-barred under a prior short statute of limitations.
When I was looking for justice as a child sex abuse victim, Rocky was the only lawyer who stepped up and fought for me—for years (and for free). He has never been afraid to take on the rich and the powerful when they abuse their power. Together, we forced my abuser to retire as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and exposed his outrageous misconduct across the nation (and even internationally).
Rocky has worked tirelessly for human rights issues, including working pro bono to champion the cause of those who suffered child sex abuse when the perpetrators seek to hide behind the statute of limitations. His work for that cause included actions before the Utah Federal Court, the Utah Supreme Court, and now before the Utah Legislature, where we both recently testified before the Utah House Judiciary Committee. No one has stood by me and other victims of child sex abuse like Rocky. Salt Lake deserves real leadership that will provide solutions to systemic and social justice issues in Salt Lake City and Utah. As anyone who knows Rocky is aware, he has proven to be on the side of the people for decades. Few people know that Rocky has personally provided shelter and help to the Salt Lake City homeless population year-round, including during freezing temperatures. His time as mayor was the opposite of what is happening now, while the city appears to criminalize homelessness and provides no help as it brutalizes and destroys property of homeless people. Rocky was an outstanding Salt Lake City mayor before, and he can do it again. Rocky definitely has my vote. 
STEPHEN GOLDSMITHBefore serving as Rocky's Planning Director from 2000 to 2003, Stephen Goldsmith was the founder of Artspace Utah, the non-profit organization creating affordable housing and workspace in West Downtown. From 2006 until 2019 he was an Associate Professor in the U of U's Department of City and Metropolitan Planning where he established their undergraduate degree program in Urban Ecology.
I've known Rocky for about 40 years, first when he was contributing his legal expertise to support women's rights at Planned Parenthood, where he served on the Board of Directors. His unflagging commitment to heal, repair, and transform the city keeps us connected today. During my days working with Rocky in City Hall, I witnessed his eagerness to listen to the voices of his constituents in order to understand their needs and consider their ideas to improve the city. I have been listening to the frustrations of friends and family living in SLC today about having their voices heard in City Hall, and have concluded that we need Rocky back in the Mayor's Office asap. The city's urgent and complex problems, especially addressing the needs of our unhoused neighbors, require compassionate attention and creative responses. Rocky's willingness to step-up again is impressive. 
EDDIE DANIELSEddie Daniels is a jazz clarinetist who has won numerous Grammy awards and nominations, and has revolutionized the blend of jazz and classical. Eddie's overriding ambition is to reach as many people as possible with his music, to enlarge the audience for both jazz and classical music, and at the same time to tear down the walls separating them.
When I was asked as a performing jazz artist to appear at the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival, I found an extraordinary Festival spirited by Rocky Anderson and, at Rocky's insistence, FREE to the public. I was honored to spend time with Rocky while I was there. I was astounded at his devotion to his position as Mayor and his obvious fondness for the people of Salt Lake City. While I am not an eligible voter for Rocky, I stand firmly behind his reelection and I only hope the people of Salt Lake City recognize this truly great public servant as their man for mayor in the coming election.
PATRICK THRONSONPatrick Thronson has a national practice focused on helping people obtain just compensation for preventable medical errors, sexual abuse, and other catastrophic injuries. With his team at Janet, Janet & Suggs, he has recovered tens of millions of dollars to help injured plaintiffs and their families rebuild their lives.
Patrick represents clients in individual lawsuits and in class actions in trial courts across the country. NBC News, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and other local and national media organizations have reported on his cases. Patrick has presented written or oral argument to numerous federal and state appellate courts. He has served as counsel of record on a brief to the United States Supreme Court and has presented briefing and oral argument to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He also maintains an active pro bono practice. Recently, he secured asylum for a child who fled her home country as a result of physical and sexual violence. Patrick’s advocacy for his clients extends beyond the courtroom. He has served the Maryland Association of Justice (MAJ) in a variety of capacities, including positions in the Board of Governors and Executive Committee. On behalf of MAJ, he has testified numerous times before the Maryland General Assembly to advocate for fair treatment of injured and disadvantaged people. Patrick has also been an author of amicus (“friend of the court”) briefs on civil justice issues submitted to state and federal appellate courts. Patrick has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star (2021-2023), as Top 40 under 40 from the National Trial Lawyers, and as a Distinguished Justice Advocate. He is the 2022 recipient of the Robert J. Zarbin Legislative Advocacy Award from MAJ. Before becoming a lawyer, Patrick served as communications director for the Office of the Mayor of Salt Lake City and media liaison, and assisted with speechwriting for Mayor Rocky Anderson. I was incredibly honored to work with Rocky for two-and-a-half years at the Mayor’s Office. I started at the front desk and was promoted to become his assistant and then his communications director. I stayed in the communications director position through the end of his time in office. The work at the Mayor’s Office was very demanding—as it should be—but Rocky and the Mayor’s Office staff forged a camaraderie that created trust and lasting friendships. I have stayed in close touch with him to the present day. Rocky has been a tremendous supervisor, mentor, and friend to me and my family.
There is no one who loves a city like Rocky loves Salt Lake City and its people. I cannot overstate the strength of his commitment, demonstrated over eight years in office and a lifetime of service, to making this city as safe, vibrant, welcoming, and diverse as it can possibly be. The city needs an extraordinary advocate like Rocky on its side. He tells it straight, walks the walk, and puts in the work. I urge you to support him for Mayor. 
ANNE CULLIMORE DECKERAnne Cullimore Decker is an actor, educator, and arts advocate.
Being a mayor has to be a difficult and frustrating job. Having been our mayor twice, Rocky Anderson certainly can identify with this through personal experience. Nevertheless, he is willing to serve again if elected. I find his energy, passion and the commitment to serve our community again remarkable. He also has very specific and progressive plans on how to correct or at least improve several of our most serious problems.
Rocky is not one to sit in an office and delegate the work. He is there working with the workers who make the difference. He showed us what he can accomplish when he was our mayor and he desires to show us what he can bring to our present-day problems. One can't ignore such dedication. Rocky is a hands-on person and his will and determination to serve the people....all of the people... should not be overlooked. 
wendy garvinWendy Garvin is a passionate advocate for the unsheltered, helping feed, shelter, and house the homeless of Salt Lake City for 3 1/2 years. She is a proud mom to one young trans man, and to "too many crazy dogs".
Rocky is the kind of person who shows up. He shows up on the street when we're helping an unsheltered person in distress. He shows up when we're feeding and sheltering folks in the cold of winter. He shows up to volunteer and serve, and I'm proud to work beside him.
Rocky is a fighter. He is a fierce warrior for justice, truth, fairness and equity. I have 100% faith that he'll be there when we need him, and he'll never shy away from the hard battles. That's the kind of leadership we need in our community. Vote for Rocky! 
EDWARD LUEDERSEdward Lueders, Ph.D., Professor of English Emeritus, University of Utah, Author, Poet, Volunteer pianist for the University Hospital
I know Rocky Anderson as a neighbor and friend. Along with legions of Salt Lake City residents, I am grateful for his past terms as our mayor, and I endorse his current readiness to face the city’s growing needs again now. He has earned his reputation for getting things done, but always doing the homework and research that formulate his decisions. His motives are unfailingly purposeful and humane, and he has the personal skills needed to convey them to others. He will be the mature and conscientious active mayor we need to cope with the demands of today’s mega-urban complexities.
JANN HAWORTHJann Haworth is closely associated with the 1960s Pop Art Movement in Great Britain.
She has had 25 solo shows in the US and Europe. Her work is included in both private and public collections including The Tate Great Britain, London, MUMOK, Vienna, Modern Museet, Stockholm, The Scottish National Gallery of Art, Edinburg, Bernardo Collection, Bilbao, The Walker Art Gallery, Minneapolis , Hirshhorn Museum, DC and locally, UMFA, BYU, Utah State, UT Arts Council and SL County Collections. Haworth was a contributor/director for eleven public works projects in Salt Lake, including the 6000 sq ft mural celebrating the ratification of women’s voting rights in 1920. She holds two unusual distinctions: a female Pop Artist and Co-Designer for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover (for which she received a Grammy.) Every four years I've called Rocky to say or leave a message to say "I hope that you are running again." Last year, when the fact that he was leaked just before the mid-terms, it was like hope flooded into my mind. I thought—if the country is about to swing right at least we will have an antidote here in Salt Lake City.
The issues that cities, states and the whole country face today are staggering in their implications. We need strong, effective visionaries who tackle problems with insight and intelligence. Men and women who not only 'cross the aisle' but build synthesis out of diverse perspectives. Read Jann's Special to The Salt Lake Tribune "Jann Haworth: I will take Rocky Anderson’s ‘divisiveness’ any day
—we should want politicians who challenge the status quo." here. 
E.K. HuntE.K. (Kay) Hunt is Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, University of Utah. he has been a Professor or Visiting Professor at 7 Universities in four countries. He was a Professor of Economics at the University of Utah for 32 years and was chair of the Department for 14 years. He has won awards for both his teaching and his research.
I have known Rocky Anderson for forty years and I cannot imagine a more qualified candidate for Mayor of Salt Lake City.
He is widely read and has an enormous personal knowledge of the issues affecting the people of our city. He has extraordinarily strong moral and ethical commitments and I have never known a person who is as involved in improving the world as Rocky is. I wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend his election as Mayor of Salt Lake City. 
LUIS RODRIGUEZ Luis Rodriguez is an award-winning author of 16 books in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and children's literature, including many bestsellers. His essays and op-eds have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, US News & World Report, Grand Magazine, The Nation, The Progressive, Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, San Jose Mercury, Christian Science Monitor, and other publications. He also worked for Chicago news radio, including with CNN, Westinghouse, and NBC. From 2014-2016 he served as Los Angeles' official Poet Laureate. Luis ran for California governor in 2014 and 2022.
I wholeheartedly endorse Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson for mayor of Salt Lake City. I was honored to be his vice-presidential running mate when he ran for US President in 2012 for the Justice Party. I've witnessed how Rocky takes hard stances for a healthy environment, for racial and economic justice, and for those most in need whenever the political leaders of this country fail to bring real answers to real problems. He won't back down in doing what's right for the people of Salt Lake City, just as he didn’t back down the first time he served as mayor, becoming a beacon of hope for local governance everywhere. Rocky represents the hope for a new and thriving country as well, something we badly need in these divided and irascible times.
Traci O’Very Covey is a visual artist who creates art in a variety of media. Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the Springville Museum of Art and the Utah Museum of Fine Art, and in Salt Lake County’s permanent collection. Traci’s metal sculptures enliven city streets and her monumental murals are on the exteriors and interiors of corporate spaces and public buildings including the Eccles Theater, Mountain America Expo Center, Jordan Landing Shopping Center, and in the new Salt Lake International Airport. Her biography appears in "The Dictionary of Utah Fine Artists." Aside from her fine art career, Traci has been an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator, and has taught at University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and The Art Institute of Salt Lake City.
TRACI O'VERY COVEY I have known Rocky Anderson for many years. I am endorsing him because we share common values. Rocky is a humanitarian, cares for preserving the natural environment, and appreciates the arts and culture. He seeks fairness and equity without shying away from challenging issues.
Rocky is intelligent, hard-working, and has an innate desire to do good. He has integrity and is a true public servant passionate about striving for betterment. I am grateful that he has chosen to run for mayor again because he sees our city in need of attention in so many crucial areas. Rocky has the knowledge and past experience to take care of those needs in ways that will benefit Salt Lake City. 
SHAE "SRIL" PETERSENShae Petersen, also known as SRIL, is arguably one of the most recognized and sought after mural/aerosol artists in the western United States. SRIL has created some of the most well-known public murals in the Salt Lake City area, and was voted Utah’s best visual artist in 2020 and 2022. SRIL also completed commission murals and canvasses for notable clients like the Utah Jazz, Post Malone, Dan Bilzerian, Patagonia, Ricky Rubio, Reddit, BYU and Joe Ingles. His work can also be found around the nation, including Denver, Miami, LA, Las Vegas and Sacramento. SRIL’s art earned him the awards of Best Public artist in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2022. Additionally, his “Godlike” mural was the first-ever mural to reach the #1 post on Reddit, and gained over 5 million views.
I gladly endorse Rocky Anderson as mayor of Salt Lake City. As a person who is generally not involved in politics, I have personally seen Rocky as the only political figure out in our city interacting with and paying very close attention to what is going on. He's a REAL person, who really cares for Salt Lake City, and it shows in all his efforts.
BONNIE & DENIS PHILLIPSBonnie and Denis Phillips were born in Salt Lake City, lived here all their lives, graduated from the University of Utah, have been owners of Phillips Gallery for 57 years, have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren, and share an ongoing passionate commitment to the Golden Rule Project.
We wholeheartedly endorse Rocky Anderson for mayor and sincerely respect his principled positions for the citizens of our city and his efforts to help our homeless population.
brittany pochinskiMy name is Brittany Pochinski, I am 34 years old and a long-time Salt Lake City resident. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and mental health and addiction recovery advocate. I am the mother of 3 young children and a former licensed childcare provider. After working with families who had small children with neurodevelopmental disorders, I closed my business in 2018 to pursue a dual degree in Psychology and Occupational Therapy.
I proudly endorse Rocky Anderson for Mayor because Salt Lake City is in urgent need of confident and decisive leadership. Rocky has proven to be a sincere, passionate, and creative thinker, and continually demonstrates his invested commitment and stewardship of our city. Recently, I have had the opportunity to serve the unsheltered members of our community with Rocky and each time I left the experience feeling hopeful and energized by his impact. Rocky’s unfailing enthusiasm, purposeful drive, and determination to do what is right are characterized by his aptitude for bringing people together and facilitating positive change.
Under our city’s current administration, never have I experienced such an erosion and disregard for neighborhood character and integrity. It has been exceedingly discouraging raising a family under such cynical, and ineffectual administrative practices that willfully undermine public health and safety. I feel confident that under Rocky’s skillful leadership, Salt Lake City’s reputation will once again be restored and celebrated as the healthy, vibrant, and inclusive city we all know and love. 
RICH WYMANRich Wyman, more than an award-winning artist, accomplished songwriter, and amazing pianist, he is a first-rate showman with a faithful following around the world. An unstoppable creative force, Wyman is the recipient of 10 ASCAP Awards for his songwriting and is also an acclaimed music producer and film composer. He has released 11 albums and tours extensively in the USA and Europe.
I have known Rocky Anderson for more than 20 years. He has always been a passionate leader and advocate for social issues, civil rights, and a fighter for the rights of everyday people. He has boundless energy and is compassionate and personable. He makes direct contact with people because he truly loves people and wants to help those in need. He also fights to protect the environment and he tirelessly works for a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world.
Yuki MacQueen & John EcksteinYuki MacQueen, violinist, and John Eckstein, cellist, perform with the Utah Symphony and are co-founders of the Haitian Orchestra Institute.
Rocky is honest, he is a proven leader who listens, and he always seeks win-win solutions. Rocky is far above the special interest games that plague American politics. In fact, he is the least political person we can imagine running for elected office. Rocky loves this city and is an unfailing advocate for anyone who truly needs help. At the same time he is a proven mayor for everyone. We don't normally have choices that are as effective and dedicated as Rocky in our elected officials.
shivom "shiv" pariharShiv Parihar is a writer, editor, activist, and advocate for the homeless.
In an age of political capriciousness, Rocky Anderson possesses a remarkable record of consistency in the crusade for justice. After decades as an anchor of righteousness in a sea of supine equivocation on issues such as marriage equality and the struggle to mitigate the climate crisis, Rocky dedicated eight years to Salt Lake City, rightfully earning himself-and our community-international recognition as trailblazers of progress. I have known countless holders & seekers of political office; Rocky measures up to all of them. My every experience with Rocky, personal and political, has cemented him in my mind as the consummate leader.
Rocky combines an unflinching devotion to principle with an ability to unite across seemingly insuperable divides. As one who spent the starkest moments of my formative years as a member of our city’s homeless population, I have seen Rocky’s kindness first hand, and can testify that there is no man I would rather entrust with caring for our city’s most vulnerable. Salt Lake City today stands weathered, yet our community is as prepared as ever for the bold leadership that once carried us soaring to new heights. Our city’s crisis is a storm that it can not merely weather, but rise from by hefting anew the anchor of righteousness and raising forth the banner of a historic people’s campaign-Rocky for Mayor. I am proud to endorse Rocky Anderson for Mayor of Salt Lake City. |
