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Char Varga: A Voice for House District 22, A Voice for Utah

Writer: Charlene Varga
Charlene Varga
Apr 25
6 min read

Updated: Oct 29


I may be a new voice as a political candidate, but I have been striving to be a voice in our community since I came to Salt Lake and have been known as the Face of the people I have served. Through years of volunteer work and public service, I have listened to residents and worked alongside local organizations and advocates working together for stronger, safer, and more connected communities throughout Utah. My platform grows from that experience and reflects a commitment to representing the people of House District 22 and Ultimately the State of Utah.

Eye-level view of Char Varga speaking at a community event
Char Varga speaking with a Child Welfare Oversight Committee Meeting presenter

Who is Char Varga?


In the spirit of being a dedicated community advocate with a rich background in public service, my commitment to the people of House District 22 is evident in my years of involvement in local initiatives and my passion for addressing the issues that matter most to the people I have served by being a delegate.


Early Life and Education


Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and living in San Jose, California before moving to Orem Utah 50 years ago, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that we are faced with in our city, state, and country. Although I spent my first 3 years trying to get into the nursing program while taking all the prerequisites that were required, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Weber State University in Early Childhood Development with emphases in Psychology, and a combined focus in Social Work and Sociology. My goal was to become a child advocate and work toward the prevention of child abuse.


Volunteer and Professional Experience


After graduating from college, I began working as volunteer at the Children's Center commuting 3 days a week prior to moving to Salt Lake with the acceptance of a job offer with child daycare. I then began serving as a GOP delegate and have attended nearly every County Convention for more than 25 years, along with several State Conventions, participating mostly as a delegate and once as a volunteer.

My professional experience includes four years working in childcare and preschool settings with young children and families at risk. I then worked as a receptionist for nearly 24 years, working with crime victims of all ages including children.

I also volunteered for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and at the State Capitol Open House in 2008. These volunteer and professional experiences have helped me develop a compassionate and understanding heart for everyone, recognizing the importance of listening and serving others while remaining willing to take action whenever the need arises.


Char's Vision for House District 22

My vision for House District 22 is grounded in listening, compassion, accessibility, safety, our economy, and community involvement. I will support child abuse prevention education and reporting while encouraging parents to listen to and believe their children when they have been hurt, neglected, or abused in any way. Because children may not always have the words to describe what has happened, I support developmentally appropriate ways for them to report abuse. I also want to help make our buildings, streets, sidewalks, and public spaces safer and more accessible for everyone. This includes improving ADA compliance, ensuring crosswalk signals provide adequate time for people using walking aids, and making Yield to Pedestrian signs more visible to drivers. I am willing to work with organizations, schools, UTA, and other public transportation companies when needed to help address accessibility concerns. As your representative, I will listen to your concerns, including issues affecting our local economy, the need for greater community involvement in decisions about data centers, and growing concerns about how tariffs are affecting our city and state. I will work to build bridges and create an all-inclusive environment where we can find common ground and learn from our differences. I will adhere to the Republican Party platform as far as it aligns with our constitutional rights as citizens, but I am willing to work with anyone regardless of our political differences. I believe people should be judged by their actions—not by who they are, what they believe, or how they live. My goal is to make a difference for everyone by helping make our neighborhoods happier, healthier, and safer places to live and raise our families.


Community Engagement

A strong community is built by listening to you and including you in decisions that affect your lives. I will encourage open communication through town halls, community meetings, and other opportunities for you to share your concerns and ideas. Community involvement is especially important when decisions involve data centers, community development, transportation, accessibility, and the local economy. I will work to ensure you have ample opportunities to be heard before major decisions are made. I believe we can build strong bridges by listening respectfully, finding common ground, and learning from our differences. By working together, we can create an all-inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.


Local Economy and Community Well-Being

A strong local economy affects every family and community. I will listen to your concerns about jobs, housing, homelessness, shelter capacity, small businesses, transportation, community development, data centers, tariffs, and the rising cost of living. Although I am not an expert on every economic issue, I am committed to researching these concerns, learning from you and knowledgeable organizations, and understanding how decisions affect our communities. I will work with others to identify practical solutions and support responsible changes that strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for everyone in House District 22 and throughout Utah.


Social Equity

I believe everyone should have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the support they need to thrive. I will listen to your concerns about affordable housing, healthcare access, education, accessibility, and other issues affecting your quality of life.

I will work with you, community organizations, and knowledgeable leaders to identify practical solutions that help ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and has the opportunity to make a difference. My goal is to support an all-inclusive environment where people are valued for who they are—not what they are—and where every voice matters.


How I Will Work with the Community

I will stay connected with you by listening to your concerns, visiting neighborhoods, and learning about the challenges affecting House District 22. I will create opportunities for open communication so your experiences and ideas can help shape practical solutions.


Listening Tours

I will listen to you directly through community conversations, neighborhood visits, meetings, and other opportunities to hear what matters most to you.

I will use social media and other online platforms to share updates, answer questions, and encourage your feedback.


Online Platforms


I will use social media and other online platforms to share updates, answer questions, and encourage your feedback. I know clear and open communication helps build trust and accountability.


Collaborations with Local Organizations


I will work with community organizations, schools, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and knowledgeable leaders to address local needs. By working together, we can include diverse voices, find common ground, and make a difference for everyone.


Char's Policy Priorities


As a member of the Utah House of Representatives, I will prioritize policies that will help make our community a better place for families to thrive.


Caregiver Crisis Support


I will advocate for crisis-care support for caregivers to protect children when caregivers feel overwhelmed


  • Caregiver Education: I will promote education that helps parents and caregivers understand children’s needs, especially when crying is their only way to communicate.

  • Immediate Crisis Support: I will support a readily accessible resource where caregivers can seek immediate help when they fear they may harm a child.

  • Prevention and Protection: I will work to strengthen laws and services that protect our children while providing caregivers with safe alternatives during moments of crisis.


Char's Commitment to Inclusivity


Inclusivity is at the heart of Char Varga's campaign. She believes that every resident, regardless of their background, should have a voice in the decision-making process.


Representation Matters


Char actively seeks to represent the diverse population of House District 22. She prioritizes engaging with underrepresented communities, ensuring that their concerns are addressed and their voices are amplified.


Building Bridges


Char is dedicated to building bridges between different community groups. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, she aims to create a more cohesive and united district.


The Road Ahead


As Char Varga continues her campaign for House District 22, she remains focused on her vision and the needs of her constituents. Her commitment to community engagement, economic development, and social equity sets her apart as a leader who truly cares.


Call to Action


Residents of House District 22 are encouraged to get involved in the political process. Whether it’s attending a town hall meeting, volunteering for Char’s campaign, or simply sharing their thoughts and ideas, every voice matters.


Final Thoughts


Char Varga is more than just a candidate; she is a champion for the people of House District 22. Her dedication to fostering a strong, inclusive community is evident in her policies and initiatives. As the election approaches, it is crucial for residents to engage with her vision and support a future that prioritizes the needs of all.


By standing together, the community can create a brighter future for House District 22, one that reflects the values and aspirations of its residents.

 
 
 

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