RURAL ROOTS Utah’s 18th Governor comes from agriculture upbringing from the Office of the Governor Gov. Cox grew up in rural Utah and his family has lived and farmed in Sanpete County for six generations. Up until his election as governor, he lived in Fairview and commuted 200 miles almost daily to maintain his residence there during his service as lieutenant governor. Because he understands the needs of Utah’s rural areas, Gov. Cox is committed to bringing citizens in every part of Utah the same access to the supports necessary for prosperity. Rural Utah is key to the state’s economic recovery. Improving rural infrastructure — roads, bridges and broadband access — and promoting telework options will offer both employers and workers new opportunities to grow and thrive in rural areas. To shepherd this transformation, Cox has appointed a senior advisor of rural affairs, a first for a governor’s administration. During his campaign, Cox visited all 248 cities and towns throughout the state and as governor, he pledges he will represent all Utahns, no matter where they live.
Gov. Spencer Cox was sworn in as Utah’s 18th governor and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson as the ninth Lt. Governor of Utah in an open air ceremony at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. Utah Supreme Court Justice Paige Petersen administered the Oath of Office to Cox and Henderson as well as the three other statewide office holders, Attorney General Sean Reyes, Treasurer David Damschen and Auditor John Dougall. Under the theme “One Utah,” Cox rejected the divisive partisanship that has been particularly prevalent in national politics and urged Utahns to work together to build a more inclusive, caring and respectful community. “Conflict and passionate debate around ideas can be healthy, but contempt and contention will rot the souls of our nation and her people. And this division isn’t just ugly or unfortunate. It’s dangerous,” Cox said. “But there is good news. It’s not too late to fix this and Utah is the perfect place to make it happen.” Lt. Gov. Henderson also gave an inaugural address — a first for a Utah lieutenant governor — highlighting her eight years of service in the Utah Senate and her commitment to serving all Utahns. “I am ready to get to work with Gov. Cox, to extend the Utah dream to every person living in every corner of our great state,” Henderson said. “As I take on the responsibilities of Lt. Governor, I will be building on the Utah Cattleman Seedstock Edition 22
Gov. Spencer Cox during his Inauguration Speech on Jan. 4.
work I’ve done in the Utah Senate as a fierce advocate for Utah families and Utah’s small businesses.” The Tuacahn Center for the Arts, which regularly hosts musicals and stage performances, provided a dramatic red rock canyon backdrop for the ceremony. Gov. Cox wanted an outdoor venue in light of the pandemic, but he also wanted to show his concern for the entire state. It’s the first time that an inaugural ceremony has been held away from Salt Lake City. Capacity at the outdoor venue is 1,920, but inaugural organizers limited attendance to less than 30 percent of seats in order to allow attendees to physically distance. The Utah Inaugural Committee worked closely with the Utah Department of Health to develop COVID safety requirements for the event including requiring attendees to test negative for COVID within 24 hours of the inauguration and to wear masks at all times on the Tuacahn campus (link to full protocols). A PERSONAL EVENT Broadcast live on all major Utah stations as well as nationally on C-SPAN, the hour-long ceremony reflected the personalities of members of the executive branch. Lt. Gov. Henderson requested the song “You Will Be Found” from the Broadway hit “Dear Evan Hansen,” ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 VOLUME 7
•
FEBRUARY 2021
