Why Ken Sumsion is running for State Legislator
I am committed to principles of fiscal responsibility and limited government; to stop the disproportionate growth of government and to maintain our quality of life. Utah can “stand for something.” It will require difficult decisions and hard work. I am up to the challenge and will work with you to make a difference—not throw more money at problems, hoping they’ll go away.

I have been taught all my life to be frugal and thrifty in handling my personal expenses. The communities we live in all share these values of living within our means so that we can support our families. Yet, the state government continues to grow at a faster pace than either our economy or population. This trend has occurred while Utah remains one of the highest taxed states in the Union. --

We have an opportunity during this prosperous season to plan for the future. To leave a legacy and an economy that will benefit our children’s families. We need roads and schools. Transportation corridors need to be purchased and freeways built.

The key to maintaining a growing, vibrant economy is the education of our children. We live in a community and a state that understands that the family is the foundation of any society. That the role of parents is to nurture and care for their children. We recognize that parents understand the needs of their children best.

Opportunities should be provided with our educational tax dollars to allow parents to decide how their children are educated. In doing this the educational standards for this state will rise because the parents will make it happen, not the government. Businesses will want to come to Utah because our children know the technology, they know the sciences, and they know how to add and subtract.

The world has become a global market and Utah must step up to not only be a part of it, but to be a leader.

A Little Bit More about Ken
I was born in Richfield and grew up in Taylorsville. I have been married for nineteen years and have six children. I graduated with a Masters of Accountancy from Brigham Young University.

Professionally, I am a CPA. I worked as an auditor and systems consultant for Arthur Andersen in San Jose, California; as an internal auditor and fiscal analyst for Vulcan Materials in both Alabama and North Carolina; as a Division Controller for Morton Metalcraft in North Carolina and have worked for BYU as an internal consultant for eight years.

Through my business career I have had opportunities to work with and see the internal workings of many industries and companies. I am convinced from this experience that all businesses have room for improvement and cost savings. There needs to be a vision and a serious effort put forth to accomplish it.

I have seen how other areas of our nation have worked to make their communities better. I have seen them struggle to solve their problems, each with a different view and approach.

On the personal side, I love history and have visited many historical sites through my travels--with Gettysburg being my favorite. I have enjoyed coaching my children in sports and watching their musical performances. And, I have served in my church in many capacities.

I grew up working on my father’s farm and learned to work hard. I built my own house which I currently live in. I have met few men who can outwork me.

I gained my interest in politics and current events from my father and my desire to make a difference from my mother.