Daily Herald, April 18, 2010
Genelle Pugmire

Utah County Democratic Chairman Richard Davis says his party is the mainstream political party in Utah County.

Davis made the statement at Saturday's Utah County Democratic Convention, where nearly 200 delegates, candidates and residents met to hear from the top Democratic leadership in the state, and to meet their candidates for legislative and local races.

Asking for more civility in government, and the need for two working, viable parties in Utah County, Davis said, "we're different than them," referring to county Republicans.

"We are also not the Tea Party," Davis said. "We understand their frustration. They want a fresh focus in government, and so do we."

Davis did say there are many platform similarities with local Republicans, including the anti-abortion and right to life statements, and the party being against same-sex marriages.

Keynote speaker and Utah Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones said she would normally feel uncomfortable about speaking about religion and politics in the same breath, "but in Utah County I'm forced to. In Utah, Republican is religion."

Jones listed several topics that local Democrats are addressing in their campaigns, beginning with family safety, education needs, economic growth and the development of Utah's resources -- all family issues.

 "Our state depends on our precious resources -- our kids," Jones said. "The Utah Legislature failed to fund education." She cited the loss of $200 million a year for schools when the food sales tax was removed.

"I think I represent the majority of Utahns. I have never been told how to vote. It is the Democrats that are fighting for our families," Jones said.

Other featured speakers included U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, who has tossed his hat into the gubernatorial race.

Matheson talked of the numerous phone calls he's received concerning the loss of jobs in the state and the concern for families without work. He said he did vote for the bill to keep unemployment and COBRA benefits available.

"The phone calls are from people who lost their jobs and need to keep utilities paid and insurance benefits," Matheson said. "It's such an honor to have a chance to vote. I want to make sure those who face challenges can work through those challenges."

Matheson referred to the bill he wrote for emergency medical help for children, acknowledging that in emergencies the death rate for children is higher than adults. "President Obama signed that bill into law in the last two weeks."

Corroon carried on with the family theme by asking delegates why they live in Utah. "I live in Utah because of the pioneering spirit, the values, the quality of life and the community of faith," Corroon said. "I have travelled the state and people are concerned about focusing on the basics: economy, jobs, education."

Corroon said he disagrees with the belief that Utah is the best money state. He noted unemployment continues to rise and the number of residents using food stamps continue to grow. His solution is to promote local businesses and to focus on core businesses as well as the strength that comes from the rural areas of the state.

Financing schools and building education is a priority for Corroon. He said he's concerned about the state having the lowest per pupil expenditures as well as falling graduation rates, and the increase in class sizes. "We are 20 percent below the next state in school funding."

Corroon said his goal is to find better ways to approach the education problem. "We need an investment strategy, better use of technology, parental involvement in schools to mentor teachers, and strengthen curriculum."

With confidence at the podium Corroon told delegates, "I will be governor in November." Among the things he said he will seek are campaign finance reform, a two-year cooling off period for legislators who want to be lobbyists after they leave office, and prohibition of corporate donations to candidates when those corporations hold state contracts.

Delegates also heard short comments from former Republican Karen Hyer who is seeking to oust U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, in the 3rd Congressional District; and Utah County Commission candidates Ted Barratt (former mayor of American Fork), and Lane Henderson (former mayor of Salem).

For the first time, Democrats are running in nearly all House and Senate district races in Utah County. Davis said this continual patience and steady growth will pay off in the years to come.
Utah State Democratic Chairman Wayne Holland said, "Out of the 29 counties in the state, none has come further in the past two cycles than Utah County."