Why I'm running for re-election to the State Senate

Why I'm running for re-election to the State Senate

Senator Parley Hellewell

My greatest goal as a legislator is to help people, to lighten their burdens, and to bring happiness into their lives. Being a legislator is a lot more than running bills. It's as important, or more important, to kill bad bills that hurt people, that take away their freedoms, or that raise taxes.

James Madison said, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

He must have been a prophet — because this happens all the time in federal and state government.

I've spent a lot of time other than during the legislative session helping people in my role as a state senator, to protect them from the long arm of big government. In 2004, I spent 6 months traveling the state trying to help people get their kids back from DCFS (the Department of Children and Family Services), or keeping DCFS from taking them.

I've worked with other departments of government to change their rules for the benefit of businesses and families without having to run bills — an approach I've found is often better and faster than legislation. Sometimes, you can't wait until the next year for a bill to be passed when problems demand immediate solution.

I've also been active each legislative session. Because of my efforts, you no longer have to sign an arbitration agreement that takes away your freedom when you see your doctor.

I've led the fight for patients' rights, so you can go to the doctor of your choice. That fight is still going on and is one of the main reasons I decided to run again — to see it through to completion.

I've succeeded in getting government off the backs of daycare center providers, midwives, and small businesses. I want to keep fighting for lower taxes and LIMITED GOVERNMENT. Government is meant to be "of the people, by the people, and FOR THE PEOPLE" — real people with real needs and challenges, whether in their personal lives, their families, or their businesses.

I want to fight for school choice. It is unacceptable that a conservative state like Utah can't pass a school choice bill. School choice is one of my top priorities.

These are my kinds of issues — just as they are yours. Give me a call if you have any questions, or if I can be of service. My phone numbers are 226-3034 (home), 226-3033 (work), and 361-5693 (cell).

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