Around The Counter With Molly & Friends

Around The Counter With Molly & Friends
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Obsessively talking about what’s happening on the Utah and national political stages, the same way you would with your friends - Around the Counter. aroundthecounter.substack.com

  1. 5d ago

    Around the Counter with Molly & Corey

    Wyoming’s political landscape offers key insights into rural Western policy. Executive Director Corey Cronin analyzes Proposition 1 property tax cuts, the Freedom Caucus primary defeat, and public land impacts. Executive Summary In this episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, host Molly Jones sits down with Corey Cronin, Executive Director of the Wyoming Civic Engagement Network (WYCEN) and longtime campaign strategist. Drawing on his extensive experience in both Utah and Wyoming state politics, Corey breaks down the major legislative shifts happening in Wyoming and explains why neighboring states like Utah share an almost identical political DNA. From local budget dynamics to regional culture wars, the discussion reveals how policy trends tested in rural Western states rarely stay contained within state borders. Corey pulls back the curtain on Wyoming’s Proposition 1—a citizen-led ballot initiative proposing a 50% residential property tax cut. While tax relief sounds appealing on the surface, Corey explains how taking a “chainsaw” to property taxes undermines essential community infrastructure like public education, volunteer fire departments, rural health care, and emergency medical services. The conversation also covers the historic outcome of Wyoming’s recent primary election, where voters turned away from hardline extremists, stripping the state’s Freedom Caucus of its house majority following high-profile budget battles and the infamous “Checkgate” floor scandal. Key Takeaways * Proposition 1 Impacts: A proposed 50% property tax cut acts as a heavy-handed solution that risks defunding critical local infrastructure, including public schools, volunteer fire departments, and rural emergency medical services. * Freedom Caucus Upset: Conservative Wyoming voters rejected hardline tactics in the primary elections, defeating nine incumbents and removing the Freedom Caucus from its legislative majority after extreme budget proposals. * The Checkgate Scandal: Public trust was shaken when a lobbyist was photographed handing donor contribution checks directly to lawmakers on the House floor right before a major tax vote. * Regional Policy Testing: Out-of-state interest groups frequently use low-population Western states like Wyoming and Utah as testing grounds for far-right policy agendas before exporting them nationwide. * Organizing Versus Mobilizing: Building sustainable community power requires deep relationship-building and local coalition work rather than relying solely on single-event rallies or short-term mobilizations. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or, check out our 2026 midterm election prediction model, Tiny Model. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Corey

  2. Sep 30

    Around the Counter with Molly & Chelsi

    Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake addresses Utah’s housing crisis through zero-interest mortgages, sweat equity, critical home repairs, and legislative advocacy like the 21st Century Road to Housing Act. Executive Summary Buying a home in Salt Lake County now requires an estimated annual household income of $147,000, leaving roughly 91% of Utahns priced out of the traditional housing market. In this episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, host Molly Jones sits down with Chelsi Chant, Director of Marketing and Development for Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake, to break down what it really takes to transition local families from daydreaming to keys in hand. Moving beyond the traditional image of hammers and nails, Chelsi explains the modern multi-county impact of Habitat’s programs across Salt Lake, Davis, and Tooele counties. From zero-interest mortgage qualifications and 225 hours of family sweat equity to critical home repair programs that enable aging residents to stay in their homes safely, this conversation peels back “the machine under the hood” on how local non-profits build long-term community prosperity. They also dive deep into the economic engine of the Salt Lake Habitat ReStore, missing middle housing, urban developments like the Fleet Block project, and how grassroots policy advocacy helped shape major federal and state housing packages. Key Takeaways * The Utah Housing Math: Utah’s median home price currently requires an annual household income of $147,000, pushing the average age of first-time homebuyers to an all-time high of 40 years old. * Sweat Equity and Education: Families earning between 30% and 80% Area Median Income (AMI) complete 225 hours of sweat equity and financial literacy classes to earn an at-cost, zero-interest mortgage. * Aging in Place: Habitat’s critical repair program conducts 100-point safety inspections so elderly and disabled residents can safely maintain their homes and age in place. * The ReStore Economic Engine: The Habitat ReStore diverts tons of usable building materials from Utah landfills while generating funds for new home builds and emergency disaster relief. * Policy and Building: Grassroots advocacy in Washington, D.C. helped advance the federal 21st Century Road to Housing Act, complementing local Salt Lake City initiatives like the mixed-use Fleet Block development. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or, check out our 2026 midterm election prediction model, Tiny Model. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Chelsi

  3. Sep 23

    Around the Counter with Molly & Alma

    Visual Storytelling, Grassroots Power, and Utah Public Lands. How Photos, Plus Codes, and Local Power Are Saving Utah’s Public Lands. Executive Summary: In this episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, host Molly Jones sits down with Alma Baste, visual storyteller and public lands policy associate at Stewardship Utah. Together, they explore how photography and creative narrative bridge the gap between urban Utahn perspectives and rural communities. Alma shares on-the-ground experiences from her grassroots organizing on the Navajo Nation—from implementing open-source "plus codes" to solve rural voter registration challenges to supporting local Indigenous leaders like Daylene Redhorse in building long-term community power.The discussion moves beyond false political choices to examine the real-world mechanics of public lands policy, including rural economic diversification, federal PILT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) tax funding, and the balance between outdoor recreation and conservation. Alma breaks down the vital role of Indigenous co-management, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and the key distinctions between tribal coalitions and government advisory commissions in preserving sacred landscapes like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Key Takeaways: Visual Storytelling as a Policy Tool: Capturing everyday rural moments and vast natural landscapes connects urban audiences to rural issues through shared human experiences and visual empathy.Plus Codes Grant Electoral Representation: Utilizing plus codes in remote areas of the Navajo Nation provided precise geographic coordinates, correcting precinct mislabeling and empowering voters to elect the first Navajo-majority county commission.PILT Taxes Offset Rural Infrastructure Costs: Federal Payments in Lieu of Taxes ($53.4M awarded to Utah in 2026) replace local property tax revenue on public lands, helping rural counties fund critical services like search-and-rescue and road maintenance.Indigenous Co-Management and TEK: Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge alongside federal land management prioritizes long-term environmental stewardship, cultural access, and sustainable resource use over simple extraction or consumerism.Shared Ground in Outdoor Recreation: Hunters, anglers, climbers, and backpackers share a core desire for preserved open spaces, opening up opportunities for collaboration when policy discussions move past outrage rhetoric. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or, check out our 2026 midterm election prediction model, Tiny Model. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Alma

  4. Sep 16

    Around the Counter with Molly & Perry

    Executive Summary: In this week's episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, host Molly Jones engages with Perry Hall, Utah Chapter Chair of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, to discuss the intersection of policy, wildlife health, and outdoor recreation. The discussion demystifies complex wildlife management topics—ranging from mule deer population declines to controversial legislation like HB 469 regarding mountain lion harvest—by centering scientific integrity over political maneuverings.Hall breaks down how early 20th-century conservation policies established the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, ensuring wildlife remains a public trust rather than private property. The conversation dives into critical funding mechanisms like the Pittman-Robertson and Dingle-Johnson Acts, demonstrating how hunters and anglers generate billions in excise taxes that directly maintain trails, public land infrastructure, and non-game species research across Utah.Finally, Jones and Hall unpack pressing policy battles threatening Utah's outdoor landscape, including the transfer of federal lands to state control, reductions to national monuments, and potential rollbacks of the Federal Roadless Rule. They explore how everyday Utahns—whether hikers, mountain bikers, anglers, or hunters—can actively participate in protecting wild spaces through simple steps like purchasing duck stamps or submitting public comments on federal land management. Key Takeaways: Public Lands Focus: Unlike species-specific groups, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers prioritizes public land access, unfragmented habitat, and quiet backcountry recreation for all outdoor users.Conservation Funding Engines: Federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear via the Pittman-Robertson and Dingle-Johnson Acts have funneled over $14 billion into public land maintenance, non-game wildlife research, and trailhead facilities.Ethical Fair Chase: Responsible hunting emphasizes sustainable food sourcing, habitat stewardship, and fair-chase principles that ensure wildlife has a fair opportunity to evade harvest.Public Trust Doctrine: The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation legally defines wildlife as a public resource held in trust for all citizens rather than private property.Threats of Land Transfer: Transferring federal public lands to state control creates heavy financial liabilities on state budgets, drastically increasing the risk that public spaces will be privatized or sold off. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or, check out our 2026 midterm election prediction model, Tiny Model. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Perry

  5. Sep 9

    Around the Counter with Molly & Jenessa

    Executive Summary: Utah is the youngest state in the nation, with Gen Z making up nearly 25% of eligible voters. Yet, young residents historically turn out at lower rates than older demographics. In this episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, Molly Jones sits down with Jenessa Jimoh, Executive Director of Ignite! Utah and founder of D.I.V.A (Diversity, Inclusion, Values, Action).Drawing from a statewide survey of over 500 Gen Z Utahns, Jimoh breaks down the reality of youth voter priorities. Far from the media stereotypes, young voters across party lines share core concerns about basic material needs, housing costs, economic mobility, and healthcare. Learn how direct door-to-door engagement, clear civics education, and deep community building can bridge the gap between young Utahns and local governance. Key Takeaways: * Civic Leadership: Black women and diverse grassroots organizers are actively building crucial mentorship networks, job resources, and non-partisan engagement channels across Utah. * Kitchen Table Issues: 78% of surveyed Gen Z Utahns identify housing affordability, job opportunities, and healthcare—specifically mental health access—as their top priorities, regardless of political affiliation. * Localized Climate Priorities: Unlike national Gen Z profiles, Utah youth rate environmental quality and climate change significantly higher due to tangible local impacts like inversion, air quality, and the shrinking Great Salt Lake. * The Outreach Gap: Traditional political campaigns routinely overlook young voters in favor of high-propensity older voters. Personal door-knocking and basic civic education show high conversion rates for youth turnout. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Jenessa

  6. Sep 2

    Around the Counter with Molly & Clare

    Executive Summary How do you flip a working-class swing district to the Democrats in a heavily Republican election year, and what happens when out-of-state PAC funds and redrawn district maps alter the playing field? In this episode of Around the Counter with Molly & Friends, host Molly Jones sits down with Clare Collard—former Utah State Representative and current Democratic National Committee Utah Committeewoman—to pull back the curtain on campaign mechanics and statehouse power dynamics. Collard breaks down her “secret sauce” for connecting with voters on human terms, explaining how decades of nonpartisan community service built the trust needed to win over skeptical neighbors. The conversation moves beyond campaign strategy to translate complex legislative policy into real-world impacts for working families. Collard details her work passing landmark protections against surprise emergency medical bills—which paved the road for federal legislation—and securing $50 million in state funding for affordable housing. From navigating Utah’s legislative supermajority to addressing cost-of-living pressures, small business struggles, and immigrant optimism, this episode provides an insider look at how policy gets made and how everyday citizens can take meaningful action in their communities. Key Takeaways * Community Roots Outweigh Partisan Labels: Winning swing districts depends on deep, long-term local engagement—such as PTA involvement, planning commission service, and community volunteering—which builds neighbor-to-neighbor trust that transcends political affiliations. * Dark Money and Redistricting Impact Local Races: Strategic district redrawing and sudden infusions of non-disclosed PAC funds can dramatically tilt closely contested state legislative seats, even with strong grassroots efforts. * Bipartisan Collaboration Drives Real Policy Wins: Lawmakers operating within a legislative superminority can still pass high-impact bills—like eliminating surprise ER medical charges and expanding affordable housing funds—by finding common ground on practical issues with colleagues across the aisle. * Kitchen-Table Economics Unify Voters: National political rhetoric often misses the mark locally; effective outreach should focus on everyday financial pressures like housing costs, childcare, minimum wage stagnation, and gas prices. * Civic Engagement Requires Direct Local Action: Countering political exhaustion starts with accessible participation: checking your voter registration, volunteering for campaigns, serving as poll observers, and having open conversations with neighbors. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Clare

  7. Aug 26

    Around the Counter with Molly & John

    Executive Summary In this episode of Around the Counter, Molly sits down with Representative John Arthur. He’s a 6th-grade teacher, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, and House District 41 Representative. Together, they strip away legislative jargon and peek under the hood of Utah’s public education funding. Arthur breaks down the heavy toll of unfunded legislative mandates on local schools and teachers, the reality of taking a pay cut to serve in the state legislature, and how supermajority dynamics impact working-class representation. Moving past hyper-partisan outrage, he explains the mechanics behind state tax funds and highlights why structural legislative fixes are vital for keeping local communities supported and informed. Beyond Capitol Hill, the conversation tackles hot-button local issues ranging from the Little Cottonwood gondola proposal to the controversies surrounding the Utah Fits All voucher program. Arthur shares how he builds bipartisan relationships, leverages authentic digital storytelling, and connects with center-right constituents on the doorstep, including a sweat-soaked door-knocking story that proves radical civility is still alive. Tune in for a grounded, insightful breakdown of how state decisions directly impact Utah classrooms and neighborhoods, delivered with curiosity and schoolhouse joy. Key Takeaways * Unfunded Mandates Strain Schools: Legislation requiring district actions without dedicated funding or additional personnel creates unstaffed burdens that accelerate educator burnout. * Low Legislative Compensation Limits Representation: Serving in the state legislature pays less than a public school teaching salary, creating financial barriers that discourage everyday working-class Utahns from seeking office. * Teacher Raises Tied to Vouchers: Utah’s teacher pay increase was legislatively handcuffed to the controversial Utah Fits All voucher program; if vouchers are ruled unconstitutional, teachers risk losing their raise unless the two are decoupled. * Immediate Canyon Traffic Solutions Exist: The proposed Little Cottonwood gondola will not be operational in time for the 2034 Olympics, making expanded 15-minute busing, reservation parking, and tolling more immediate and cost-effective solutions. * Bipartisanship Requires Respectful Dialogue: Effective policy outreach relies on focusing on real-world outcomes, avoiding personal attacks, and maintaining an openness to changing one’s mind based on new information. *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & John

  8. Aug 19

    Around the Counter with Molly & Turner

    Executive Summary Local government often feels like an impenetrable black box, but civic advocate Turner C. Bitton demystifies how local advisory boards, transit projects, and housing policies directly shape daily life across Salt Lake County. From the mechanics of civilian oversight in policing to a historic $1 billion federal grant earmarked for double-tracking the FrontRunner commuter rail, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how city infrastructure gets built and funded. Turner illustrates why connected transportation networks and frequent service are essential for Utah’s rapidly growing regional footprint. The discussion shifts to Utah’s housing crisis, exploring why “missing middle” housing such as duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is vital for long-term economic prosperity. By reframing neighborhood character around vibrant, multi-generational communities rather than rigid architectural limits, Turner explains how policy initiatives can create accessible homeownership. Key Takeaways * Civic Boards Power Local Governance: Advisory entities like the Transportation Board, Housing Authority, and Police Civilian Review Board translate community input into actionable policy and oversight that can make real change in your community. * FrontRunner Upgrades Transform Commutes: A $1 billion federal grant to double-track FrontRunner rail will cut wait times to 15–30 minutes, increase service reliability, and pave the way for future electrification. * Missing Middle Housing Drives Affordability: Re-legalizing duplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes creates accessible homeownership options between high-cost single-family homes and large apartment complexes. * Regional Planning Demands Connected Transit: With 20% of regional residents commuting across county lines daily, housing policies must align with transportation infrastructure to maintain regional livability. * Neighborhood Character Belongs to People: Community vitality stems from diverse, multi-generational residents and walkable streets rather than exclusionary zoning practices. It’s a hot take, but we’re here for it! *Executive Summary and key takeaways generated by AI and edited by humans. Podcast is purely human. Thanks for pulling up a stool. Want to grab a glass and join the conversation? Here’s how: * Love it: Hit that heart button to show you like this post. * Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s piece. * Restack: Share this out to your personal feed to help us expand our reach. * Share the warmth: If this resonated, feel free to forward it to a friend. We can also be found on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aroundthecounter.substack.com

    Around the Counter with Molly & Turner
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Obsessively talking about what’s happening on the Utah and national political stages, the same way you would with your friends - Around the Counter. aroundthecounter.substack.com

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