A CONVERSATION WITH STREET SUPERVISOR Clint F. Morton UAPA is always excited to get to know the people who maintain our roads and keep our communities active and vibrant. We had the chance to talk to the Street Supervisor for Vernal City, Clint Morton, who gave us some insight into his experience in the industry, the current city projects and what things are on the horizon for asphalt. Please give us your background. I grew up in the Dutch John area, northeast of Flaming Gorge. The town had 150 people, and I spent my life fishing and camping. Most of my family is from Vernal, so I moved to Vernal after serving a mission for my church. My wife and I have been married for 19 years and have five children, four of them living as we lost our youngest son. I worked in a furniture warehouse before I worked for the city, but after our now-17-year-old daughter was born, I needed a job with better insurance. We have children with special needs and medical issues who have been life-flighted from Vernal to Salt Lake City and spent time in the ICU after their birth. The city job I was hoping for was open and available, and I was hired in 2006. It was my first job in construction and maintenance, and I am grateful they hired me. The family aspect of working for the city has been amazing. Being employed by a government agency has its benefits because I am home every night, and I haven’t had to worry about whether I will still have a job if I take any of our children to the doctor. I can go to activities and be there for celebrations. Many neighbors work in the oil fields for weeks at a time. Granted, they make more money and have more toys, but they can’t spend time with family like I do. The Vernal community in the Uintah Basin is very giving. People volunteer to help each other, and it’s another reason why I like working with the city. Some of my children’s medical problems occurred when I was a Street Supervisor. When I told the crew what was happening, they stepped up and helped me. They are a great team. I love serving the community. Keeping the streets safer by plowing and cleaning them is rewarding because I give back and serve people who put together community charity events and helped my family. 10
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