Dear Members, Yesterday morning I left my house before the sun came up. I was excited to make the 2 hour trip to the Capitol. I enjoy the time I get to spend with you ladies and the discussions that happen during our meetings. Today was a very exciting day as it was the day that the Legislature voted to send a trailblazing woman to the US Capitol to represent Utah! Yesterday, being Valentines Day, is a day where we celebrate love! As I drove home tonight after I had completed all my responsibilities at the Capitol, it was dark. I drove through a complete whiteout snow storm and I was disheartened by the behavior I witnessed in our meeting today. I realize that my situation isn't unique. All of you take time away from your families, work and other obligations to be at our meetings. Our time at the Capitol is important to our communities, our families and to ourselves. I have many responsibilities outside of being the President of the WSLC. Today my other responsibilities took me away from my duties for a short time. As a volunteer in this organization, I should not be publicly questioned where I am going, who I am going there with and what I will be discussing in my personal life. We must show the utmost level of respect and decorum at these meetings especially in front of our legislators. If we are want our members to feel included and welcome in our organization this type of behavior is unacceptable. I believe that the WSLC was founded on the principals that all people can discuss legislation and come to agreements where they can be found. There are plenty of divisive organizations and we should not be one of them. Next week, we will all make the journey to the Capitol. I hope that we will remember that our organization is friendly, polite and welcomes all people. Kendra Seeley (435) 630-7581 President Women's State Legislative Council of Utah @wslcoutah.org wslcofutah.org Organized 1920 Incorporated 1943 Better Government Through Wider Participation Member information is solely for the use of WSLC business. Information may not be used without express written consent of the Executive Committee.