Newest Mail Piece

By today, I hope all of you have received my last mailer. For your convenience, I put it below as well.

On to convention tomorrow! I hope to see you at the Meet the Candidate event tonight at Cottonwood High School from 7-9:30, and at the Convention Saturday. The amazing community support has been humbling! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! 

Questions from the Campaign Trail

I hope everyone enjoyed the Meet and Greet at Riverton Monday night. Had a good turnout of around 50 delegates. Thanks for making time, and thanks to Rep. Dan McCay for coming out. Great discussions!

For your convenience, a few questions have come up that I thought I should address on the website.

How did you vote on the Convention Hotel Issue?

I have voted against it at each and every opportunity. While I support the growth of the convention business in Salt Lake County, involving the County in subsidizing a new hotel seems unfair. Other hotels, like the Little America and Grand America, could suffer as a result. Who will they turn to if their business suffers? Even more, what if the Convention Hotel fails? Who will they turn to? I don’t want to pick winners and losers. Government should remain a neutral referee.

How do you decide how to vote on issues in front of the Council? What’s your philosophy?

My approach is pretty simple. I ask myself two questions: What is fair and reasonable? What does the Republican platform say about this issue? Between those two questions, each vote becomes more about principles than about the politics. That means I cast more “no” votes than some of my colleagues, but I think that is reflective of the conservative district where we live.

How does your role as a UPD officer impact your role on the County Council?

The Unified Police Department is an independent entity, controlled by a Board of Directors from the member cities and townships. That Board of Directors has its own taxing authority, so it never has been nor will be a conflict of interest. That means I don’t have to deal with UPD budget issues as a Councilmember. Of course, I am a police officer, and it’s educated me about human nature, and really enhanced my ability to be a County Councilman. Public safety remains near and dear to my heart. I will always support funding the County Jail and District Attorney to take dangerous people off the street. That’s just good policy. 

What’s your take on the: A) Auditor’s Race B) Assessor’s Race C) Council at Large Race?

I try to stay neutral in such things. Delegates often look to me because they trust my opinion, and I appreciate that. But in the end, your communities entrusted each of you delegates individually to make the decision they would support. What an awesome responsibility. I trust each of you to make the right call. The most important thing: When we have our candidate for each of those offices, let’s make sure they get our full support!

If you have questions I haven't hit upon here, please, email me: SteveDeBry@gmail.com, call me (801) 707 8460, or talk to me during convention. Earning your support is my goal!

Arresting Big Government and Wasteful Spending

Delegates should be receiving the first of two mail pieces about now. If you haven't seen it, I have posted it below.

Don't forget tonight's Meet and Greet:

Who: Councilman Steve DeBry and Rep. Dan McCay
When: Monday, April 7th from 6:30-8:30
Where: Riverton City Hall (12830 S. Redwood Rd.)
What: Ask questions, get answers, have some refreshments.

Hope to see you there!

A Little About Me

A few delegates have asked a bit about my background. Thought I would share here so it's easy for people to access.

I was born, raised, and educated in Salt Lake County. I have been married to my wfe, Lorraine, for more than 34 years. We have three children; Josh, Tyler, and Megan, and have 5 grandchildren.

With Lorraine at the FBI Academy.

A law enforcement professional for over 3 decades, I serve as Deputy Chief of the Millcreek Precinct of the Unified Police Department, overseeing law enforcement activities within the Millcreek Township. I find great satisfaction in protecting the families, individuals, and businesses in the area.

I attended and graduated from the University of Utah in Political Science. Additionally, I obtained two Associates degrees from Salt Lake Community College, graduating with honors. My education also includes graduation from the F.B.I. National Academy, F.B.I. Intermountain Executive Command College, West Point Leadership Academy, and the Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training Command College.

With FBI Director Robert Mueller

With my granddaughter at my graduation from the U of U.

Getting involved in the community is part of who I am. Over the years, I have coached little league football and baseball, even umpiring games. The outdoors are my home away from home, as I love camping, hunting, and hiking, and even served as a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. American History is a passion of mine, and I especially relish studying the Founding Fathers and the Civil War. Physical fitness is part of my job, and I enjoy working out regularly, and take part in just about any outdoor sport or activity. On Saturdays, you can usually find me working in my yard. Foremost and above all, my favorite times are those spent with family.

My reputation with my friends and colleagues is one of honesty, integrity, forthrightness, and putting the needs of others first. I am direct in my communication, and I speak from my heart. My council colleagues honored me by electing me as Chairman of the Council in 2013. Fiscally conservative, my important stewardship is protecting precious and limited taxpayer dollars, ensuring an efficient, effective, and streamlined County Government. I advocate for responsible growth, public safety, transparent government, protection of our environment, and initiatives that improve the quality of life of families in the communities I represent.

If you ever have an issue you would like my help on, I want to be of service. Please call me at (801) 707 8460.

An Endorsement from Governor Herbert

Governor Gary Herbert endorsed my re-election to the Salt Lake County Council today. I am grateful for his confidence and support. 

During my time as Chair of the County Council, I interacted with the Governor more frequently than in the past, and came away even more impressed than before: This good man knows how to lead, how to collaborate, and how to listen. In fact, Governor Herbert's leadership skills were honed as a Utah County Commissioner for fourteen years, and as President of the Utah Association of Counties. That means Governor Herbert instinctively understands county issues, and that he remembers mandates from state government to counties can be just as difficult as federal mandates to the states. For County government leaders like me, that makes Governor Herbert an indispensable man.

Our economy is the best in the nation based on the conservative principles that he and our legislators follow. Salt Lake County benefits from the close relationship we have with the Governor, especially on economic development projects.

In case you missed it, the Washington Post showed that Governor Herbert is the most popular Governor in the United States in an article you can find here. 

You can also find a list of local leaders who have endorsed my re-election here. I will add to that list as it continues to grow.

Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police

The support of my campaign continues to grow. My friends at the Fraternal Order of Police support my re-election. The text from their letter is below:

March 24, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pride, that the Fraternal Order of Police announce the endorsement of Steve DeBry for the Position of Salt Lake County Council.

Steve not only has distinguished himself with an outstanding career in Law Enforcement, he has demonstrated the highest possible level of representation and service to the citizens of Salt Lake County.

As fellow Police Officers we value a true leader like Steve and encourage the citizens of Salt Lake County to join us in our support of our Brother Police Officer, Steve DeBry.

Sincerely:

Robert Odor, President Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police

New Business in South Jordan

It was my honor to participate in the Grand Opening of a new business in South Jordan: Granato's Italian Deli is now open in Daybreak, just off of 114th South. My fellow Councilmember Sam Granato invited me to speak and join in the ribbon cutting. 

If you have never tried a Granato's sandwich, I highly recommend them. High quality, fair prices, and excellent customer service. The Granato family has worked a lifetime to cultivate their reputation, and I am glad our community gets a location convenient to enjoy their family's passion for fresh meats and cheese, antipasti, and baked goods.

Like any community, we only thrive when hard-working, savvy small businesses like Granato's find success. Over 65 years in the Salt Lake Valley, we need more local success stories like Granato's for our future, and I know we'll see more in our community as we focus on job creation.

Of course, government cannot create jobs, but we should strive to create a hospitable environment by limiting regulation, keeping taxes low, and leveling the playing field. Those principles will allow our community to see the kind of economic growth we need to sustain and enhance our quality of life.