Happy Friday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
We’ve heard a lot about the people coming to Utah in recent years and how they’re changing our state. But what about those who are leaving?
I asked if Utahns have left — or are considering leaving Utah — and what’s driving their choice. Here’s what you said.
“My husband and I jumped at the chance to leave SLC two months ago,” wrote Kelly, who now lives in Rochester, Minnesota. “Political atmosphere was the top reason we left. The gerrymandering, the backroom deals and the undue influence of the church make for a very hostile environment.”
“I have lived in SLC for 48 years, coming from the midwest,” Holly writes. “I am not LDS. I love Utah and would never leave. I live in a lovely neighborhood where we all know each other and socialize, LDS and Non-LDS alike. It is a model for Utah. I don’t understand how both sides of the divide create their own exclusive communities/neighborhoods, especially where children are concerned. Live and let live.”
“My wife and I are in the process of relocating to Oregon after 36 years in Utah,” writes Paul in Salt Lake City. “We’d come to accept being treated as religious minorities, but the increasingly toxic air and the ignorance, hypocrisy and pure evil of the state Legislature and many of the people they represent have ruined the quality of life for us here.”
“That is one of many things that makes the USA such a great place to live: Having such a range of climates, politics, culture or pollutants — human or industrial — to chose from,” Jeremy writes. “I love living in Utah and have lived in Escalante, Salina, Tooele and Roosevelt since 1999. I have, as I’m sure many of you have, noticed a huge fluctuation of people moving here from ‘Blue States,’ which is great — but leave your politics and huge culture shifts back from where you came. No need to fix that which is not broken and has fared us Utahns pretty well when other parts of the country struggled.”
“We talk about it all the time, and have put together some potential options for continuing our lives elsewhere,” writes Marjie in Salt Lake City. “In addition to the crowded condition of the Wasatch foothills and mountains … a changing climate plays a role, as well. As avid skiers, climbers and outdoor recreationalists, we came here to play outdoors. However, winters are now unpredictable, as what’s left of winter grows warmer and drier. Winter air quality in the valley is poisonous. Crowds and expenses have made access to and enjoyment of winter fun in the Wasatch impossible. Summers are getting too hot, polluted, and smokey to enjoy. We rarely go outside as our work hours prevent evening and early morning outdoor activities. When we can pull it off, everyone else is out there too and it’s just too many people.”
How is housing affordability affecting your vision for your future — or for Utah’s future? Share your experience.
Utah Voices
(Hulu) The cast of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" run the gamut from weekly church attenders to no longer engaged with the faith and with no plans to return. Still, they say they have every right to call themselves "Mormon."
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
“To a lot of church members, ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ isn’t your average hollow, sensational, reality television show,” writes recent BYU grad Emily Richael. “There are real, drastic stakes when Latter-day Saint women fall out of line.” Read more.
“We strongly urge the BLM to finalize a plan that protects and connects crucial sage grouse habitats across its range and makes up for the mistakes of the past,” write federal lands policy analyst Vera Smith and conservation biologist Megan Mueller. Read more.
“We must demand action now to retrofit schools, incentivize home improvements and reinstate the Utah Seismic Safety Commission,” writes geologist Matthew Morriss. Read more.
“You don’t improve public health by handing out free cigarettes, and you don’t improve Wasatch Front quality of life by endlessly laying more asphalt,” writes Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. Read more.
“The initiative process has its place, but it must be safeguarded against abuse and manipulation,” writes Rob Bishop. “If we fail to pass Amendment D, we are inviting chaos into our legislative process.” Read more.
“I’m starting to think it’ll be a long time before I ever own a home,” writes comedian Brian Higgins. “It’s easy to feel defeated, but the Utah Legislature recently gave me a great idea on how to effectively get what you want — trick people into giving it to you.” Read more.
Utah’s dual language immersion programs are “a testament to what can be achieved when Utah’s government, institutions of higher education and K-12 schools partner for the betterment of our future,” writes Christopher T. Lewis, an associate professor. Read more.
Share Your Perspective
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Students leaving Granger High School in West Valley City unlock their cell phones after exiting the school’s doors, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
I want to hear from Utah educators, parents and students: What do you think of a proposed ban on cellphone use by students in grades K-12 during the school day? Let me know.
From Bagley’s Desk
Deadly Pandemic | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.