As usual, Utah is leading the nation on key issues. We explore the importance of this and the political impact.
The Utah Foundation released a report stating Utah leads the nation in social capital, defined as how people use networks and social connections to benefit themselves and their communities. Why is this important to citizens and voters?
Cowley: Strong communities are the result of strong families and strong churches. Lucky for us, Utah has both. When social networks are robust, there is less need for the government to serve as a social safety net (more on this topic later). The holidays are especially tough. I encourage readers to reach out to that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, send a “thinking about you” text to a loved one or ask your dad/aunt/co-worker/cousin/neighbor/sister-in-law how they are doing, but actually mean it. Sometimes small things have the largest impact.
Pignanelli: “Robust social capital translates into heightened economic prospects and lower demands on the public sector. The Beehive State is thriving, but we still have work to do.” — Shawn Teigen, President, Utah Foundation
The release of this study was significant for several reasons. In this acerbic political environment, we needed a reminder that Utahns are an amazing people. The elements of the “Utah Way” are reinforced by metrics covering civic engagement, social cohesion, health, community and economic mobility. For 12 years, Utah has been among the leading states for social capital, demonstrating a deeply ingrained characteristic of our people.
Utah’s score is twice the national average, a mixed result that highlights our performance but also raises concerns about fellow Americans. Low social capital causes weaker economies and troubled communities, prompting legitimate bipartisan concern in the United States.
Local politicians need to address policies that continue this strength but at the same time take nothing for granted. Voters are hungry for such substance.
We should celebrate, but we should also share the secret of our success with other states. That is also the “Utah Way.”
Gov. Cox and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined forces on CNN to discuss the future of politics and what they are looking for in candidates to “lower the temperature” of political discourse. Will this have an impact on upcoming elections?
Cowley: There is a lot of political rhetoric circulating about protecting the Constitution, but just as important is protecting the soul of our nation.
These leaders from opposing parties and different religious affiliations find commonalities in their devotion to faith and patriotism, but unfortunately share something else — the experience of leading their respective states through politically motivated violence with strength, respect for humanity and a desire to “disagree better.” It’s a reminder to show respect to those across the aisle as we are all Americans, endowed with the same unalienable rights from our Creator.
This compassionate approach is where Cox differs significantly from Trump, and it plays well with Utahns who may support Trump’s policies but find his decorum lacking. Case in point: Trump’s vicious response to the murder of Rob Reiner. Not cool, Mr. President. Not cool at all.
Pignanelli: I consistently hear criticism from the left and the right toward Cox and his “disagree better” initiatives. When challenging these critiques, I never receive a rational explanation of why Cox is wrong. However, he provided the reason in his 2024 Republican convention speech: “You hate me because I don’t hate enough.”
Cox’s critics publicly and appropriately protest the vitriol directed at them by their ideological opposites. But they are frustrated that Cox is doing more than just “talking nice.” He is “walking the walk” by challenging all members of the political class (officials, pundits, media, etc.) to be respectful. Cox’s efforts will pay dividends through a subtle influence on the many voters who admire his admonitions.
Gail Miller announced a philanthropic gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation of $10 million for homeless services in Salt Lake City. Will this have an impact on homelessness in Utah’s capital city?
Cowley: Utahns’ commitment to neighbor-helping-neighbor is unmatched. It is families like the Millers that help make Utah special, and we are blessed to have them. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be solved with more money, by any one organization or by the government alone. It’s a community problem that requires community solutions.
Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy’s focus on cracking down on crime while connecting first responders with mental health resources will help cut the head off the snake. Rep. Melissa Garff-Ballard’s focus on connecting individuals to employment opportunities is also an important tool. But the most important intervention, as the Utah Foundation survey details, is family and neighbors caring for one another. This first line of defense can lessen the need for government to intervene after problems have festered.
Pignanelli: As someone who lives, works and recreates in Salt Lake City, I encounter homeless individuals every day. I hear their pleas for spare change and often clean the waste they leave behind. Along with other residents and fellow business owners, we yearn for a solution. The continued generosity of the Miller family and many other Utahns, combined with practical public policies enacted by officials, will make a significant impact.