Disjointed Thoughts About My First Neighborhood Caucus
I had never been to a precinct caucus meeting before tonight. The meetings for Democrats and Republicans in district 16 were held at Northridge High School in Layton. The Democrats had about 20 people in our meeting while the Republicans probably had 8 to 10 times that number and had to use the school’s auditorium.
The Democratic caucus went well. I especially appreciated meeting Carole Peterson, candidate for the legislature. Her background as former chief clerk (30+ years) of the Utah House of Representatives makes her an excellent candidate in this race. She’s seen the political misdeeds of the Republicans who’ve run the capital for the past few decades. She knows for certain what needs to change and how to make those changes. I emptied my wallet and donated what I could to her as soon as the meeting was over. We need representatives who will be responsive to their constituent citizens and who aren’t part of a graft producing machine. Ms. Peterson spoke about her respect for the importance of the office she’s running for and her long career of careful non-partisan service as chief clerk of the House testifies of her sincerity. Anyone who can help her campaign out or donate really should. Beating Kevin Garn won’t be easy…but its not impossible either. If anyone can do it in our area of Davis County I’m betting it is Ms. Peterson.
There wasn’t a lot to vote on in the caucus. Democrats don’t have multiple candidates for any office up for election this year in our precinct so we had a good time meeting each other and called it a night. As our meeting adjourned the Republicans had just ended their large group meeting and had broken up into smaller groups. They were going up the stairs while we were going down. I saw several people from my ward, including my Bishop, following the herd upstairs.
There were times leading up to tonight when I had considered joining that herd only because it sometimes seems so hopeless for Democrats in Davis County. As I watched the dozens of Republican men and women who filed past the handful of Democrats we had I knew for certain that there was no way I’ll be switching to Republican. There is no logical reason for there to be such a political imbalance in our community. A significant portion of the Republicans I saw have exactly the same policy priorities our Democrats have but they’ve accepted the foolish cultural dogma that only Republicans represent their values. Utah’s political environment would be far more dynamic, ethical, and trustworthy if there was real partisan competition in our state. I’m glad I participated tonight if only to do my small part in helping that happen. Utah deserves better than we’ve currently chosen for ourselves. I’m hoping and acting on the belief that our situation is reversible.
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Though I come from a fairly Democratic County, our turnout was pretty poor as well. With no convention challenges, alot of people stayed home and watched the Jazz game.
I’m glad to hear Carole Peterson through her hat in the ring. Kevin Garn isn’t unbeatable and has ruffled many feathers in the past, so she has a chance.
She might want to approach the Credit Union folks, because if I remember right, he was a major player for the banks in that dispute from a few years ago. I’m sure some the Credit Union League would be very interested in seeing someone other than Kevin Garn in the legislature.
Comment by Obi wan liberali — March 26, 2008 @ 10:12 am
So did you end up as a delegate, chairperson, or other official?
Comment by Derek — March 26, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Obi Wan,
I agree that Mr. Garn is beatable. After meeting Ms. Peterson last night I’m willing to dedicate my time and resources to helping her. I really think that if she can meet enough people in the district she’ll have success.
Derek,
Yeah…I did. The chair asked if anyone wanted to take his job and was answered with complete silence. He then asked if anyone wanted to be vice-chair and the same silence followed so I volunteered. He just looked so darn lonely I couldn’t resist!
Comment by Jeremy Manning — March 26, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Congrats, Jeremy.
Comment by jasonthe — March 26, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
At our caucus two years ago, shortly after we’d moved into the area, we saw a member of the stake presidency in our Republican caucus meeting. The room wasn’t very full and I started chatting with him. After a few minutes I said, “You know, you sound more like a Democrat than a Republican. Why do you choose to come here?” He replied that in Utah County, he felt that if he wanted to have influence, he had greater success by working within the Republican party than against it. He has served several times, as I understand it, as either a state or county convention delegate. This time, his wife was elected as one of our delegates. While I don’t think I’d make the same affiliation decision as he has if I were in his shoes, I understand where he’s coming from.
Comment by Bradley Ross — March 26, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Just thought you should know that on the county level, both Louenda Downs and Mark Altom have made it to the top 5 for county officials along the Wasatch Front. Check out electedhotties.blogspot.com. We’ll be happy to link to you if you do the same for us.
But tip your hat to your county officials!
Comment by DeVerl Longley — March 31, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
I allowed that last comment even though it borders on spam because it made me laugh (but only a very little bit). I know a couple of the “hot” politicians listed on that site.
Since politics is often more about how pretty the politicians are than the worthiness of their policies this site might be worth linking…for a while anyway.
Comment by Jeremy Manning — April 1, 2008 @ 12:23 am