About Jay

Jay has lived in district 49 for 19 years, where he and his wife of 29 years (Michelle) have raised their 4 children. Jay grew up in the Glendale area of Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School. He started working for the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman the year he graduated, while he continued his studies at the University of Utah. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 11years in several capacities including brakeman, conductor, and yardmaster. In 1987 Jay started working for Amtrak as a conductor, a job he has enjoyed for 20 years. At Amtrak Jay has been recognized with Amtrak's "President's Service and Safety Award."

Protecting the interests of his fellow workers has been a priority for Jay. He has been active in the United Transportation Union during his entire career at Amtrak. He has represented members in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico as the Local Chairperson and the Legislative Representative for the Amtrak UTU local 166. He is also active on the state level of the United Transportation Union, representing both freight and passenger railroad employees as the State Legislative Director.

Jay is active in his community; he serves on the Sandy City Transportation Committee. Jay arranged for parents and teachers to meet with Congressman Jim Matheson at Hillcrest High School to discuss ways to fix problems with "No Child Left Behind," in particular how harmfully it with children with learning disabilities and their schools and teachers.

Jay's background in passenger train operation will be useful as the Wasatch Front continues to grow and look for solutions to its transportation needs.

With children in high school and college, Jay understands the need for quality education. Jay is proud of his children and the education they have received. One daughter graduated from Salt Lake Community College and is attending the U of U. His oldest son was a Sterling Scholar at Hillcrest High School, served a mission in CA, graduated with two associate degrees from Salt Lake Community College, and is now attending University of Utah. His youngest daughter graduated from both Salt Lake Community College and Hillcrest High School in 2008; and his youngest son is receiving a great education at Hillcrest High.