UDP Press Release: Utah Democratic Party Blasts Senate Redistricting Proposal

Utah Democratic Party Blasts Senate Redistricting Proposal

Proposed Utah Senate Map is a clear example of gerrymandering and incumbent protection

(Salt Lake City, UT) - Earlier today, the Utah State Legislature's Redistricting Committee recommended a Utah State Senate map.  The map is clear example of gerrymandering and incumbent protection. The map divides Tooele County and draws a narrow peninsula to make a seat for Senator Thatcher and prevents a Tooele voice.  Ogden City is fractured - splitting a community that has been working hard to build its economic base and define itself as an outdoor recreation hub - so that Senators Reid and Christensen will not need to face each other in an election.  Springville is thrown into a district with Bluff, two cities separated by nearly 300 miles, so that Senators Hinkins and VanTassell can keep their seats.

In response, Utah State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Dabakis issued the following statement:

"Today's Senate map is clear example of politicians choosing their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives.   Like the last 20 years and against the strong voice of its residents, Tooele is divided nearly in half, preventing its residents from having strong voice in the Senate.  Ogden, a growing city with a unique identity, is divided so Reid and Christensen can avoid opposing each other in an election.  What could be the rationale for combining Springville and Bluff, two cities separated by over 300 miles?  Utah needs representation that protects Utah voices, cities, and communities  - not one that is made to protect politicians.”

Press Release: Utah Democratic Party Statement on Republican Leader Killpack

Salt Lake City, UT – Democratic State Party Chair Wayne Holland issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack for suspicion of driving under the influence:

“Senate Republican Leader Sheldon Killpack’s circumstances are tragic – for him and his family, his constituents and colleagues, and for the public who he may have endangered.

We ask all Utahns to honor the principle that he is to be presumed innocent of the charge of driving under the influence until proven guilty. However, his decision to refuse to comply with the investigating police officer’s request for breath test shows that he did not deal with this in a responsible, forthright manner.

As a public figure, he knows that he will be held to a high standard. We expect that there will be consequences for his leadership position and his position as Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.”