Creating a Future for Weber County

It’s now clear that in a remarkably short time, the Trump regime has stripped citizens and residents of civil rights, has promised and delivered economic chaos that has impacted every person in the US, and has amputated large chunks of the federal programs and services that we rely on for our recreation, health, and day-to-day safety.

The chaos is having a massive impact on our local economy and communities. One of the strengths of Weber County has always been its prosperous middle class. Initial growth was fueled by the technological innovation and cultural upheaval caused by the railroad system. Further growth came with federal agencies like the IRS and the US Forest Service, which brought well-paying jobs for professional workers to the area. In addition, Hill Air Force base, working in partnership with global companies like Northrop Grumman, as well as a host of mid-sized manufacturers, has helped make Weber County an important part of the Utah and US economies. But Trump, with the active support of the GOP led Congress, including CD-1 Representative Blake Moore, is working hard to dismantle our prosperity, gut social programs for citizens and veterans, and deny our freedoms while proposing a massive tax cut for the wealthiest .1% of individuals and corporations.

For better or worse, the Democratic Party is the best positioned entity to resist and overcome the destruction. The good news is that *we* are the Democratic Party. It’s clear that the party needs to change, and now is the time to create that change.

We must get Democrats elected at every level of the government. We can only do that by clearly articulating our guiding principles, by connecting with people in meaningful ways, by building processes and infrastructure that will amplify our work (as well as the work of our allies) and help democratic candidates connect with a broad set of constituents.

In his acceptance speech, Jeremy Thompson, our new County Party Chair, challenged

the Weber County Democrats to create a community of people who will promote democracy, fairness, justice, and opportunity for all. To do that, we must energize individuals, special interest advocates, and party officers at the neighborhood, precinct, district, and county levels.

In the coming months, we will be taking steps to bring us closer to our goals. We are committed to:

• Providing training for 2025 municipal candidates (starting May 3rd).

• Recruiting volunteers and providing financial support to 2025 and 2026 campaigns.

• Helping House District Chairs and Precinct Captains host neighborhood events

• Supporting identity and special interest caucuses.

• Rebuilding Caucus night and Delegate Training.

• Engaging with the community at festivals, parades, street markets, etc.

• Sponsoring social events to build community and restore trust.

Please join us at the annual Orton-McKay dinner (May 2nd, 6:00 pm, at Union Grill in Ogden) to help us create a vision for the future that will capture the hearts and minds of all of our residents, and lift Weber County to the forefront of Utah political change.

Further details and ticket information can be found here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ortonmckay2025

Jeremy Thompson, Chair

Logan Howard, Vice-Chair

Chelsea Te’o-Rodriguez, Secretary

David Lesser, Treasurer

Zach Thomas, Chair of District Chairs

Julie Ray, Chair of Caucus Chairs

Angela Choberka, Member at Large