Based upon experience, public and private sector track records and advocacy on particular issues I support Celeste Johnson for state House District 59 and Kent Udell for Congress, District 3. In a normal environment, voters can ignore party affiliation and choose the best candidate. This time i t matters. Party affiliation is a choice. Comparisons are made, positions on issues past and present are analyzed, big picture questions such as the role of government  in specific areas are considered and then the  individual picks the party that aligns with his or her  priorities and core values. It is difficult to characterize just what the Republican Party stands for on the national stage today. Historically, the GOP was the party of private enterprise, smaller government, fiscal prudence and a robust national defense. More recently, the message is one of a mean-spirited xenophobia, personal vendettas, a poorly trained and managed ICE, abuse of traditional allies, chaotic economic policies and a breathtaking level of corruption and personal enrichment. And sadly, we have been treated to a conversation between the president and his secretary of war on the merits of live streamed executions. Through it all, Utah’s all-Republican congressional delegation has politely turned away, largely in silence, and to a degree one can sympathize with them. This is not exactly what they signed up for. But silence? Silence can be interpreted as reflecting indifference, ignorance, acquiescence, fear, approval or something else. What is it in this case? We are left to speculate. We can count on Kent Udell not to be silent. While the national Republican Party has its own character, Republicans in Utah have carved out a different but equally disturbing path.  In 2018, the people of Utah approved referendum Prop. 4, a redistricting reform measure to prohibit gerrymandered voting districts that disfavor a candidate, group or political party. Prior to the passage of Prop. 4 the Legislature had drawn maps that allocated Salt Lake City’s population into adjoining districts, thereby minimizing the ability of that population with its increasingly Democratic Party orientation to wield power at the ballot box. Subsequent to the passage of Prop. 4, the Legislature passed legislation that repealed Prop. 4, a position challenged by the League of Women Voters and others who prevailed in district court. The Utah Supreme Court , in a unanimous decision, rejected the Legislature’s appeal of that ruling and stuck down an attempt by the Legislature to amend the state Constitution to empower it to repeal citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives. The case went back to district court, where the maps used in the current election were approved. Undeterred, the governor and the Legislature embarked on a court-packing scheme that increased the size of the court, was followed by the appointment of new judges and created a new court that would hear cases against the Legislature. However future attempts at gerrymandering are resolved, one must ask, of just what are these people so afraid? Is the prospect of open debate between equitably selected representatives so alarming? Or is it simply the idea that their absolute power may be threatened? Apparently not satisfied with the ill will created in the Prop.4 affair, in 2024 the Legislature passed legislation facilitating preliminary, or “pop-up” municipalities that under certain circumstances enabled developers to do an end run around local regulation and control. Recently, in response to related pushback from Wasatch and Summit counties , the Governor’s Office threatened to withhold regular funding from the counties. While the immediate confrontation seems on hold, the threat of retaliation and the attitude driving the threat remain. Bottom Line: When an individual or political party stands up and tells you who they are, it’s a good idea to pay attention. The Republican Party at the national and state level has repeatedly told us who they are. Celeste Johnson and Kent Udell looked at the values and priorities at stake and decided to run as Democrats. When the votes are cast in the Legislature on questions related to redistricting, local control and all  other issues, I’m confident that Celeste will vote representing the interests of her constituents and the general welfare of the entire state. Party bosses will not dictate her decisions. Chris Lockwood Park City The post Party matters appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less