American Fork City’s slogan is “The Hub of Utah County”.
Yes, Provo is the county seat and Provo-Orem is the largest city in Utah County, but we’re not saying that by calling ourselves Hubs. As our annual community survey has shown year after year, most of our residents live in American Fork because we have access to resources, amenities, and family. American Fork gives our residents access to major north-south and east-west corridors, Provo and Salt Lake City airports, the mountains and the lake, work and school, and a host of amenities.
This has drawn people from all walks of life to American Fork. And this diversity has helped our city enormously.
Variety should be the spice of life. I love this saying, originally written by the 18th century poet William Cowper in his book of poetry, The Task. Spices are what we use to add flavor and enjoyment to an otherwise bland meal. Similarly, hugging the new and different brings joy into our lives and strengthens our community.
As the Mayor of American Fork City, I have the privilege of meeting all kinds of people. I love meeting new people because it gives me the opportunity to learn new ideas or understand new perspectives. It made my life in American Fork and as Mayor a lot more enjoyable.
Our city is made up of people, businesses and businesses of all kinds. We have big and humble homes, homeowners and renters, businesses and local businesses. Most of our residents have lived in American Fork for less than five years or more than 20 years, which further highlights the broad spectrum of our citizens. Sometimes we feel uncomfortable about other things, but we shouldn’t turn away from the new just because it’s different. Different is good and can even improve our quality of life.
If you had asked the 20 year old if I was ever interested in public service, I would have said no. But because I’m open to new things, I’ve tried and absolutely love it.
I am proud of the many people in our church who accept the new and the different. I ask people everywhere in all communities to do the same.
I’m not saying every new thing is the greatest, but being open to them is. The right attitude brings out the best in people and opens up new perspectives for us. Let’s all enjoy our life to the fullest by spicing it up with variety.
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