Did you know that in 1911, Salt Lake had a socialist in office as city commissioner?

[freedomforall]

...adopted the commission form of government in 1911, and that same year elected a socialist, Henry Lawrence, as city commissioner.

For some historical background, go to:
http://historytogo.utah.gov/places/saltlakecity.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, some interesting political background. Ever heard of the "Mormon Church's People's party", and an anti-Mormon "Liberal party"?

As Salt Lake changed, and in particular as the population became increasingly diverse, conflict developed between Mormons and non-Mormons. During its second generation, that was the city's most striking feature, just as earlier the degree of unity was most conspicuous; Salt Lake became a battleground between those who were part of the new and embraced it and those who were part of the old and sought to hold on to that. Local politics featured neither of the national political parties and few national issues. Instead, there were local parties--the Mormon Church's People's party, and an anti-Mormon Liberal party--and during elections people essentially voted for or against the Mormon Church. Separate Mormon and Gentile (non-Mormon) residential neighborhoods developed. While many Mormons engaged in agricultural pursuits, few Gentiles owned farms. Two school systems operated: a predominantly Mormon public one and a mainly non-Mormon private one. Fraternal and commercial organizations did not cross religious lines. Sometimes Mormons and non-Mormons even celebrated national holidays like the Fourth of July separately.

Conflict began to moderate after 1890 when, as a result of intense pressure from the federal government, particularly in the form of the Edmunds Act of 1882 and the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887, Mormon leaders decided to begin a process of accommodation to the larger society and endeavor to conform to national economic, political, and social norms. In 1890 Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto, which proclaimed an end to the further performance of plural marriages. A year later, the church dissolved its People's party and divided the Mormon people between the Democratic and Republican parties. Following that, non-Mormons disbanded their Liberal party. During the next several years, the church abandoned its efforts to establish a self-sufficient, communitarian economy. It sold most church-owned businesses to private individuals and operated those it kept as income-producing ventures rather than as shared community enterprises.

And we think we have problems today!

Comments?

[creator]

We've had many socialists in office in Utah (and still do today).. pretty much ever since the dissolution of the People's party and the Federal Government choosing who would rule over us (instead of the people choosing).

[skmo]

So THAT'S why John Moses Browning invented the world's ULTIMATE handgun, the Colt .45ACP in 1911.

1911.jpg (108.23 KiB) Viewed 444 times

[Dash jones]

Utah is an interesting place. It is actually one of the more socialistic states in the Western US that I've encountered as far as laws and regulations go. It's an oxymoron of sorts (as it is also a very noted stronghold of conservatives). Washington, Oregon and others are more noted as liberal locales, but if I had to count which states were the most socialistic in regards to taxes, regulations and so forth (but not counting helping of the poor or their status of welfare) I would actually put Utah right under California.

It's something that has struck me extremely odd when I visit the State in regards to it's politics.

[dauser]

Election of gay mayor in Salt Lake sends a signal.

http://m.deseretnews.com/article/865640 ... ignal.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[freedomforall]

We've had many socialists in office in Utah (and still do today).. pretty much ever since the dissolution of the People's party and the Federal Government choosing who would rule over us (instead of the people choosing).

I believe I lived a sheltered life as a lad coming up in Salt Lake. I never realized there was so much chaos and political upheaval (I guess this is a good word for it). When I think back, I remember when Fluoridation of water was a controversial issue and on the ballet many times, after which, the people pushing it won.
I also remember when the idea of a Light Rail (is this the correct term?) was also on the ballet many times...you know the rest. Of course these two matters were much later. But I never knew that there were socialists in city government in my town where I had roots. Perhaps I'm better off being less than fully apprised of all this creepy stuff.
Anyway, thanks for the info, Brian.

[freedomforall]

Election of gay mayor in Salt Lake sends a signal.

http://m.deseretnews.com/article/865640 ... ignal.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Did the Mayor do a "HAPPY" dance? ;)