As I have been preparing my campaign, I have thought of this as essentially a job interview. In that context, I have asked several people that I have worked with in the past to provide “job references” on my qualifications, skills, and experience. Here is what those who know me best have to say:
“It has been my pleasure to work with Norm Thurston for the past nine years both as Governor and Lt. Governor. What I have appreciated most is his careful and analytic approach to reviewing and crafting public policy. He has solid conservative values and makes sure to point out how proposals and policies stack up against those values. I have always respected his wise and thoughtful analysis.
“It is refreshing to work with someone who has so many skills and broad-based knowledge but is not seeking to move along the path of political power. I encourage the delegates and voters of District 64 to get behind Norm quickly and make sure that they are represented with the level of principle-based experience they deserve.
“I look forward to working with him in the Legislature next year.”
-Governor Gary Herbert
“Norm approaches issues from a private sector viewpoint. A true conservative, he seeks to make government more efficient and more responsive. I have loved working with Norm because he wants to know what’s best for the customer. One idea alone saved Utah taxpayers millions of dollars as he cleverly played defense against Obamacare. We need this guy in the Legislature.”
— Greg Bell, Former Lieutenant Governor and former State Senator
“It was my pleasure to work with Dr. Norm Thurston on the Governor’s Initiative on the Uninsured. Norm has a brilliant mind, easily grasping the principles and problems of this initiative. He was a valuable resource to the Governor’s office and a leader in the creation of solutions for small businesses and their employees. He was extremely effective in educating stakeholders regarding the public policy issues that the uninsured present.”
— Alayne Peterson McCormick
“In this time of turmoil about ‘health reform’, Norm Thurston stands out as one of the most knowledgeable persons in the State of Utah about this complex issue. He is a health economist with a heart, and he can be counted on to work to improve access to affordable care for those who don’t have it now, but without the yoke of federal bureaucracy.”
— David N. Sundwall, M. D., Former Executive Director, Utah Dept of Health
“I have worked alongside Norm Thurston for many years tackling some the most challenging issues facing employers and the citizens of Utah under two different Governors. Besides being a thought leader, Norm has demonstrated additional leadership in building consensus a diverse variety of stakeholders. Norm is also astute in the political process and brings immense value to any debate and issue. The people of House Legislative District 64 would be well served with his service in the legislature.”
— Dave Jackson, Utah County Business Owner
“I have worked with Norm on a number of policy issues over the years and found him to consistently be among the most knowledgeable people I know. Even the most complex of policy problems that may be wrapped in additional Federal regulatory problems – Norm will understand the interactions, implications, and possible pathways forward. He’s been a tremendous asset to our community and an invaluable resource.”
— Rep. Dean Sanpei, House District 63
“Norm Thurston is one of those unique people who leaves things better than when he found them. Add to that skill, a real knowledge of Capitol Hill and proven problem solving skills and I think Norm will soon be one of Utah’s most effective Legislators.”
— David Clark, Former State Representative, Utah Speaker of the House 2008-2011
“Norm Thurston played an important role in Utah’s health reform efforts including persuading the Federal government to allow Utah to pursue its own exchange efforts. He has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking processes that have allowed Utah to be a national leader in health care reform. His leadership in health policy nativities is respected by government and private sector health care and health insurance professionals around the state and country.”
— John T. Nielsen, Former Sr Advisor to the Governor on Health Care Reform
“Norm exemplifies honesty, fairness, and the ability to grasp complex issues. He will use these qualities to address problems in education, budgets, and health care. Norm’s well-known dedication to service in the community demonstrates that he will be successful at the state level.”
— David and Carolyn Wright, Provo
“Speaking to the character and ability of Norman Thurston, I’ve known and had the personal benefit of working along side Norm for the past several years, both in volunteer service organizations as well as professionally with our independent careers. I know Norm to demonstrate among many qualities the strong spirit of service, self motivation, positive attitude, open mindedness and dependability. I personally enjoy opportunities to engage Norm and consider him a good leader and mentor in many settings”
— Ken Kuhni, Small Business Owner, Provo
“Norm Thurston is uniquely qualified to develop public policy and legislation that will help Utah address important state needs, especially in the areas of healthcare, insurance, and social services. I’ve sat the table with Norm in discussions about Medicaid and other challenging issues. He is knowledgeable and does his homework. He understands the issues and knows how to work with state leaders to get things done to help people. With his level of knowledge and skills, Norm will become a leader in Legislative policy development and represent his constituents well.”
— Rep. Ronda Menlove, House District 1
“I have enjoyed the good fortune of knowing Norman Thurston for a number of years. We have worked closely together on community related issues. He is very bright, level-headed and always shows up ready and prepared. He is not a politician and is not seeking to build a reputation that will propel him to higher office. When you meet Norm you will quickly come to realize that he just one of us.
“Norm knows the issues and will hit the ground running whether healthcare, education or whatever (there is probably no one in the State of Utah that is more savvy and informed on healthcare than Norm). Those who know and have worked with him are profuse in their positive praise. Norm is extremely bright and informed and capable of carrying the responsibilities associated with good policy development and action. ”
— Lewis K. Billings, Former Mayor, Provo
