Today, we welcome Todd Weiler to the Senate offices. In between meeting with President Michael Waddoups, filling out paperwork, answering numerous phone calls, emails, and texts from well-wishers (we noticed he answered every one of them), and touring the capitol, he was kind enough to sit down and give a personal introduction.

A resident of Woods Cross, Weiler seems like he will be in touch with his constituents’ concerns. To the Standard Examiner, he said, “I’m excited to get to work. I recognize I have a lot to learn and I just want to do my best to represent the good people of south Davis County.” Weiler is happy to talk with you, easy going, and obviously cares deeply about doing a good job. He says his core beliefs are accountability at all levels, small government, and quality education for Utah’s children.

On deeper background, the soon-to-be senator is married with four children. He is the vice president of a consulting firm called Logistic Specialties, Inc. Weiler graduated from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark School of law in 1996, and was on the BYU Law School Alumni board from 1999-2005. The involvement list is a thorough one spanning several years including the Woods Cross City Council, 1999-2003, and the Davis Chamber of Commerce, 2003-2009.

“I feel it’s important – in stepping right in 12 days before the session – that the community know me and I know the community. Due to my involvement over the past decade, I know most of the key players in Davis County. I am also familiar with most of the issues that will be addressed in the upcoming session.” Working in local government has prepared him for service at the state level. Weiler explains he expects that serving on a committee in the legislature will be similar to being on a city council, “where the rubber meets the road.” He stated that it also helped him understand the differences between city, county, state, and federal governments, and where the lines are drawn.

Todd Weiler will replace Dan Liljenquist as Chair of the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee.   He will serve on the Business and Labor, and Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committees, as well as the Social Services Appropriations Committee.

Todd is friendly, smart, policy-oriented and he’s fun to joke around with — we look forward to working with him this this legislative session.

UPDATE: Jan.17, 2012

Today Senator Weiler was sworn into office. He will join us for the 2012 legislative session when it convenes Monday, January 23.

[Note: USU's Lis Stewart joins us as a communications intern for the 2012 Session. This is her first post.]