The United Utah Party is calling for the repeal of HB1007, the law which prohibits face covering mandates in higher education. HB1007 also prohibits the state school board or districts from imposing mask mandates, instead reserving that ability for the governor and county elected officials in conjunction with local health departments.

A friend recently asked me what makes the United Utah Party different from other political parties. I explained how we are the only political party in the state giving a voice and a vote to the “moderate middle.” My friend wasn’t as interested in our ideology, though. He wanted to know if we operated in the same way as other parties, and I was pleased to be able to tell him about an aspect of the UUP that is often less talked about.

Tonight, the United States Senate advanced a $1 trillion physical infrastructure bill with a vote of 67-32, with Utah Senator Mitt Romney voting with the majority and Senator Mike Lee  joining 16 other Republicans to oppose the bill. 

I grew up watching 1776 and was particularly moved by “Is Anybody There?” While there’s plenty of literary license in it, I always appreciated John Adams’ well-documented vision of an America where all Americans are free. It was a lofty goal, one that we're arguably still working toward but we're undeniably closer to. His commitment, shared and treasured across generations of Americans, has allowed us to come as close as we have to realizing that vision.

As members of the United Utah Party, we break down tribalism, find common ground, and seek understanding. These are all virtues of a Uniter. But I think there is no better expression of being a Uniter than to be united in a common cause for the good of society. We achieve our greatest heights when we are united in purpose, and all do our small part to accomplish great things. 

Mark Echo Hawk, a tribal attorney based in St. George and a member of the United Utah Party, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2021.

Catherine Eslinger, 2020 United Utah candidate for state house district 60 and well-known activist for ethical government in Utah, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2020.

Richard Davis, founding member of the United Utah Party and former chair, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2021.

As Uniters, we are passionate moderates. While that might seem like a contradiction in terms, it’s true, and we’re needed now more than ever! We don’t get excited about extreme political positions; we get energized by the reforms that will bring us together and that will bring the government back to the people.

Over these last two weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Uniter. I’ve also thought a lot about what it means to be the leader of a political party—to be a partisan—in a time when hyper-partisanship is poisoning our nation. One of my conclusions is that the paradigm shift we bring to politics is very much needed. We are needed, now more than ever.