In November, our thoughts turn to things we are grateful for and I want to let you know that I am so thankful for each and every one of you. It is inspiring to see the little things that you do, like voting, donating time and money to candidates, showing up and commenting at a public hearing, writing letters to the editor, calling or writing your legislators, serving as an elected official or county party officer, and volunteering for county party activities. Your actions and service mean a lot to me and make a positive difference in our community.
I also want to offer a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who participated in our second highway cleanup event even though it was a cloudy and eventually, rainy day! I appreciate your time and effort as we take action to demonstrate our values of being good community members and good stewards of our environment. Watch for future events like this - we plan to have three highway cleanup events in 2022.
With Gratitude,
Jennifer Lee, Chair
Redistricting Update
Despite the clear message from Utahns that we wanted the maps created during the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission’s collaborative, open, and transparent process, the Legislature has approved new voting district maps submitted by the Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee. Governor Cox has signed off on the new map for the congressional districts and indicated he won’t veto the maps for Utah Senate and Utah House, stating he’s “not a bomb thrower” and that the Legislature is “fully within their rights” to draw Utah’s next set of political districts.
You can view the new maps at the links below.
We are disappointed in this outcome but it should renew our commitment to replace the legislators who ignored the people they are supposed to represent. Get involved. Run for office or support a candidate by giving money or time to help get them elected.
The next step will be the county redistricting process. Stay tuned for more details.
You're Invited! 4th Quarter 2021 Central Committee Meeting
We need your input and invite you to join us at the 4th Quarter 2021 Central Committee Meeting.
Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Community Room at the Heber Public Safety Building
301 S Main Street, Heber City
Zoom link also available
Come and share your perspective:
What are the issues your neighbors are talking about?
What issues are important to you?
We will also be looking back at what Wasatch Dems have worked on this year. Give us your feedback on what worked and what didn’t, and then help us plan how to get Democrats elected in 2022.
This is an open meeting and everyone is welcome to attend. Voting members are Precinct Chairs, Precinct Vice-Chairs, and the Executive Committee.
Opportunities to Take Action
Attend or watch a recording of one local meeting this month. It’s pretty fascinating to see our government at work and to learn about the discussions our elected officials have and decisions that are made about issues that impact our daily lives. To give you an idea, here are a few of the recent meetings I’ve watched:
School Board study session and regular meeting where board members heard a report about the results of a recent public survey and heard an update about alternative licensing procedures for teachers who are working while completing their certification.
Wasatch County Council discussion about the fee-in-lieu that developers can pay instead of building affordable housing.
Heber City Planning discussion about code updates for land use authority, a potential amendment to lighting municipal code, and the training commission members are required to complete.
Consider serving on a local committee. Read more about Heber City volunteer opportunities for:
Open Space and Trails Committee
Historic Preservation Committee
Parks Steering Committee
Alternate Planning Commission Members and two Residing Planning Commission Members
Two Alternate Board of Adjustment Members and One Residing Board of Adjustment Member
Airport Advisory Board
Animal Services Board
Volunteer for or donate to a community holiday event:
Wasatch Community Foundation’s Thanksgiving Dinner or Christmas Food Box Program
Sub for Santa
Toys for Tots
I look forward to hearing about the things you are doing or learning about in our community.
2022 is going to be an important year! Can you give $20.22 to elect Wasatch Back Democrats? Consider making it monthly. Your contribution helps pay for candidate filing fees, signs, advertising, and other essential candidate support.
$15 per month: Sponsor the monthly cost of our Zoom account, used to host candidate meetings and training.
$20 per month: Sponsor our minimal administrative expenses such as a PO Box and postage.
$35 per month: Sponsor the cost of our website, an important communication tool.
Thank you! Your gift has a direct impact on representation.
Conversation Over Easy Update
The Wasatch Progressives are again meeting in person Wednesdays @ 8:30 am at the Cafe Galleria in Midway. Join other Wasatch Back progressives for breakfast and a friendly conversation on issues and politics.
>> Special guest on December 1st is Kael Weston, 2020 CD2 candidate, former State Department official in Iraq & Afghanistan. He will speak about his recent work helping Afghan allies leave. He will also address redistricting in Utah and the state of democracy.
Questions? Email the Wasatch Progressives at progressiveswasatch@gmail.com
Our Values: We are the Democrats. We cherish the American heritage of opportunity and inclusion. We pledge ourselves to uphold liberty and justice for all. We believe good government serves and protects by cooperative efforts both at home and abroad. We believe it is our duty to pass a better world to future generations.
Contact us with any questions or suggestions. We would love to hear from you! wasatchdems@gmail.com
Comments