The disparity between the politics and the people
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3/2/2008
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have lived in the Salt Lake City area for 15 years now. I find the people here generally very friendly and accepting of others; however, I have serious problems with the politics of Utah. Although I am a moderate Democrat, I don't think the problem is just the fact that I live and work (and sleep) with Republicans. My problem is that of one party rule and the political gerrymandering, extremists, and punitive behavior with which it comes.
It appears that the average Utahn is moderate and accepting of others' views. The problem is that the radical right has control over the selection of local representation. The Legislature appears to be controlled by the radical right; whereas, the Governor, which is selected by the State as a whole is typically moderate.
However, the Legislature has gerrymandered itself a veto proof majority and wrests away power from the Governor, from the municipalities, and from the people with every chance it gets. I have seen an area which is Democratic get its tax base and its share of road funds attacked apparently because it is Democratic. However, the silent majority continues to be silent and people who have not lived outside small town Utah (as other than as a missionary) live in fear of the radical left and can't bring themselves to vote for even a moderate Democrat.
In order to vote Republican in the Primary the Party rules say that you must declare that you are a Republican. You can vote in the Democratic Party without a declaration. I heard recently that 70 percent of Utah is "non-affiliated" with a party. They are not in love with Republicans, they just afraid. It is not easy to be a Democrat especially in the rural areas or during the Legislative session.
Greg | Layton, UT