Whatever you may think of Rocky Anderson, you have to admit that the man isn't afraid to stand up and voice an opinion. Usually the opinion is at odds with many Utahns and this lands Salt Lake's mayor at the top of the "Politicians You Love to Hate List." Unlike most elected officials, Rocky speaks his mind, takes a stand, and doesn't look over his shoulder to see who is gaining on him. Seemingly unconcerned about re-election, Rocky seems happiest when he is in the middle of a controversy. It's not like Salt Lake City didn't know what they were getting when they elected him. An outspoken civil rights attorney before he ran for mayor, Rocky has always fought for what he believed in regardless of popular opinion or political fallout.

While many outside of Salt Lake City detest Anderson and are weary of what they perceive as his liberal antics, the fact remains that he remains immensely popular among his constituents in the city. Sixty percent of Salt Lake City residents declare themselves Democrats and Rocky's brand of politics seem to suit them just fine. Kirk Jowers of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics was quoted as saying that Rocky's supporters are the "most committed and dedicated of any in the state."

Rocky is great for Utah. Don't believe alarmists who proclaim that he is offending potential tourists. He adds enough quirkiness to our staid and conservative image that it could be argued that he attracts visitors. Longtime Republican strategist LaVar Webb feels that Rocky's latest round during the VFW convention may actually be good for Utah because it shows that there is diversity and balance to public opinion even in the reddest of red states.

Some, including Republican State Party Chairman Joe Cannon, may feel that Rocky's position as an elected official precludes him from having and voicing an opinion. That is nonsense. It is precisely this kind of leadership that we are lacking in our nation. If an elected official can voice only support for the current administration or parrot the popular rhetoric then we might as well rubber stamp the political process and do away with democracy.

Rocky should be an icon instead of a pariah. If you feel strongly about the environment, ride a bike and speak out. If you are against closeted decision making governments, open the door and speak out. If you are against the war in Iraq, send out an email and speak out. Our country is strongest when people hold strong convictions and aren't afraid to speak out, no matter the consequences.

Raised in Davis County, Brandvold is employed in the financial industry-and proud to be a Utah Democrat.