Anger is what drove me toward politics. Hope is what has kept me here.
Like you, I see our legislature attack the rights of marginalized and working-class people, while the interests of the rich and powerful are prioritized. I am angry that our legislature singles out and bullies members of the LGBTQ+ community and looks for ways to make the lives of immigrants more difficult. Their bullying only serves to distract from their neglect of all Utahns, especially the disabled, seniors, workers, and families.
While anger can be a good motivator, it is not a good problem solver. A better future requires hope and optimism. I don’t mean closing our eyes and pretending things are good when they clearly are not. I mean playing the hand we have been dealt strategically and powerfully.
District 21 is home to people with grit, heart, brains, and commitment. It is home to people who care about funding education and housing initiatives that allow residents to own where they live. We have deep and diverse convictions and principles that will not allow us to give in or compromise when we fight for all our neighbors.
Together we can harness our anger and make Utah a place where hope becomes reality.
Where I Stand on the Issues
Strengthen Public Education
Restructure taxes to increase education funding (read my proposed legislation here)
Say no to private school vouchers
Implement school meals for all students
Encourage hiring of full-time paraprofessionals
Repeal book bans
Protect Our Environment
Save the Great Salt Lake (read my proposed legislation here)
Improve air quality
Fight for Housing Solutions
Defer property tax for seniors
Address the roots and fruits of homelessness
Support cooperative housing
Advocate for a tenant opportunity to purchase law (read my proposed legislation here)
Promote Labor Rights
Increase protections for labor and unionization
Fight to increase the state minimum wage
Establish minimum wage for prison labor
Improve Healthcare Access
Restore reproductive rights
Protect gender-affirming care for all of us
Build Stronger and Safer Communities
Reject expanded ICE enforcement
Allow civilian review boards to conduct oversight
Require cameras in policing
Prohibit private prisons
Champion Transportation Improvements
Advance the Rio Grande Plan
Collaborate with UTA to increase Westside routes
Defend local control of infrastructure planning
Advocate for Good Governance
Preserve vote-by-mail
Support independent redistricting
Repeal anti-first amendment bills
Oppose state preemption
Endorsements
I am proud to have received endorsements from people who are making our community so great.
“When addressing concerns, Stephen listens and provides thoughtful responses. He truly cares about other people and wants everyone to have a chance to succeed. He researches the issues to find real solutions, and he will do a great job in the state legislature.”
“Stephen brings fresh ideas and a sincere, compassionate dedication to public service. His focus is on improving the quality of life for everyone in our community, ensuring that people feel heard, supported, and represented. I believe his thoughtful approach and commitment to practical solutions will make a meaningful difference.”
“Stephen Otterstrom is the man for the job.
‘A government of the people, by the people, for the people.’ Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote is what I believe and is one of the main reasons why I immigrated to America. Through my activism on a vast spectrum of issues — including ICE, LGBTQ+ rights, poverty, homelessness, Black Lives Matter, Native American rights, and genocide (wherever occurring) — I see Mr. Otterstrom present.
He has never shied away from standing for the underdog. His record as an activist is the best proof that he is a man of the people for the people. I endorse his candidacy, and I would gladly give him my vote.”
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