The Utah County Commission meeting held on June 7, 2023, featured significant public commentary regarding the recent changes to the state flag. The meeting began with a focus on community concerns surrounding Senate Bill 31, which aims to restore the traditional Utah state flag.
During the public comment segment, Terry, one of the signers of an initiative against the new flag, expressed frustration over the flag's display at the meeting. He noted that 75 individuals have signed the initiative, and despite over 50,000 signatures collected for a referendum, they fell short of their goal due to various challenges. Terry emphasized that the new flag does not officially become recognized until March 2024 and questioned why it was being displayed at the commission's meetings, given the discontent among constituents regarding the change.
Kristen Ritchie, another attendee from Highland, echoed similar sentiments. She expressed her disapproval of the new flag and highlighted that many community members share her views. Ritchie pointed out that displaying the new flag before its official recognition feels disrespectful to those who support the traditional design.
The discussions underscored a growing movement among residents advocating for the restoration of the traditional Utah state flag, with committees formed in each district to gather signatures for the initiative. The meeting concluded with a clear indication of the community's ongoing efforts to address their concerns regarding the flag change and the importance of representing constituents' voices in local governance.