Out of the Closet

Well I knew it would just be a matter of time before some enterprising reporter outed me.  I just didn't expect it would happen today.  The culprit?  The Salt Lake Tribune's Glen Warchol.  (Some reporters just can't leave family secrets well enough alone.)

Many citizens recognize me as a tight-fisted protector of the taxpayer's hard-earned money.  At times, friends affectionately call me Scrooge.  But today Warchol revealed my alternative lifestyle.  Yes, Warchol, there is a Santa Claus!  And occasionally it's me.  (See Utah's oldest care center thrust into fight of its life)

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About two weeks ago, Glen interviewed me for his story about the Developmental Center.  The next day, after further research, he called me wanting to double check his facts.  His question?  "Do you play Santa Claus at the Developmental Center?"  How should I respond?  I don't know how he found out my secret.  I've lived this double life for years.  What would my penny-pinching conservative friends think of me now?  They'll probably assume I've gone soft.  (Truth is, I've always been a big, soft teddy bear.  It's just that occasionally it's necessary to bare my teeth.)

Well, here's the rest of the story...

For the past 6 years, my wife and I have hosted Christmas for the residents of the Developmental Center.  It's the highlight of the year; an annual tradition that our young family and many great citizens in our community look forward to with excitement and eager anticipation.  There's nothing like preparing Christmas for 240 individuals (that's big even for Utah families), soliciting donations, purchasing gifts, caroling, visits with the Jolly Elf, and the camaraderie of everyone working together for a worthy cause.

Why the double life?  Sandy and I can be as free and giving with our time and money as we choose and we appreciate those that generously share our vision for making our community a better place.  No one has the right to tell us how and where we should make our contributions.  But with the taxpayer's money, it's a completely different matter.  I believe that I have a responsibility to levy as small a tax as possible to accomplish the critical responsibilities of government.  It's not my job to spend your money on the "nice-to-haves" and the pleasant, but non-essentials.  Confiscating your precious resources and spending it on my pet projects or someone else's charitable causes doesn't make you charitable.  I believe it's only through freely giving of our time, talents, and resources that we can truly experience the joy in helping our fellow men and women.

I'd rather be a Santa when it comes to spending my money and a Scrooge when it comes to spending yours.  I hope you don't mind if  I keep living my double life for a while longer.  (And I'd appreciate if you'd just keep this as our little secret.  I've got an image to uphold!)

Comments

[Reach Upward]

Yes! A politician that gets it!