Carbon County
Priorities for Carbon County
It is an honor to join you this weekend at the Carbon County Democrat Convention. Carbon County stands at a pivotal juncture, facing the challenges of economic transition, public health crises, and infrastructure development. However, your resilience and commitment to progress are evident in the proactive steps taken to transform these challenges into opportunities.
I am running for Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party because I believe in a future where rural communities like Carbon County are not left behind. As Vice Chair, I will focus on two primary responsibilities:
- National Representation – Ensuring that Utah’s concerns are heard at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and working with national leaders to bring resources and support to our state.
- Electing More Democrats – Strengthening our party’s presence at all levels, from local offices to statewide and federal seats, ensuring that communities like Carbon County have a voice in policy decisions.
Economic Development and Job Creation
Carbon County’s economy has long been tied to coal. The decline of this industry has led to job losses, including the closure of Dugout Canyon, the county’s last active coal mine. We must invest in transitioning to new industries that offer sustainable, good-paying jobs.
One major initiative is the Utah Inland Port Authority’s Castle Country Project Area, which seeks to leverage Carbon County’s existing rail infrastructure for advanced manufacturing and alternative uses for coal, such as carbon fiber production. I will work to ensure that this project brings real economic benefits and new jobs to Carbon County.
Additionally, I have actively secured funding and advocated for workforce development initiatives, including:
- Partnering with Utah State University-Price to expand manufacturing programs.
- Securing state grants under the Manufacturing Modernization Grant Program for local companies like Merit3D.
- Working with the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments to develop a mentoring program for entrepreneurs in manufacturing.
As Vice Chair, I will continue fighting for investments in Carbon County’s workforce to support the transition away from coal-based industries.
Healthcare Access and Public Health
Carbon County is facing a serious public health crisis, particularly in opioid abuse. The county’s opioid-related death rate is 42.7 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the state average. Federal funding has been secured to support mental health and substance abuse treatment, but we must ensure that these resources continue.
Additionally, the threat of Medicaid cuts could devastate healthcare access in rural areas like Carbon County, where hospitals and clinics are already scarce. I will advocate for protecting and expanding Medicaid, ensuring all residents have access to the medical care they deserve.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Transportation infrastructure is essential for economic revitalization. The proposed Uinta Basin Railwaycould connect Carbon County to national rail networks, bringing new industries and job opportunities.
I am also working with the Utah Department of Transportation to introduce Advanced Air Mobility—the use of electric aircraft for medical transport, airport shuttles, and tourism. This innovation could greatly improve regional connectivity and economic growth.
A Call to Action
Carbon County is at a crossroads, and we have a choice: to allow challenges to hold us back or to embrace opportunities for a stronger future. As Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party, I will ensure that Carbon County’s needs are represented at both the state and national levels.
I ask for your vote at the Utah Democratic Party Convention on May 31. Together, we can build a more inclusive, prosperous Utah where every community has the opportunity to thrive.