Salt Lake County Dem. Party Chair Resigns

Apr 17, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Says He Was Given Ultimatum By Executive Committee

(KCPW News) Even with the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention just over a week away, the chairman of the county party resigned today. Christian Burridge says with a law practice to run, he made arrangements with the state party to hire Executive Director Joe Crockett to help him with his duties as chairman. But that didn't sit well with the party's executive committee, who allegedly demanded at a meeting last night that he get rid of Crockett or leave himself.

"When people want to do ultimatums over petty things that are really insignificant, but at the same time don't allow me to do my job, I shouldn't have to donate my time to that entity anymore," said Burridge.

Burridge says he is not angry about the situation, but questions the committee's judgment in giving him an ultimatum shortly before the county convention. He says some committee members were abusive toward Crockett as well.

Vice Chairman Weston Clark says he has no knowledge of any abuse. He says last night's meeting was an amicable discussion that left both sides feeling that Burridge was no longer the right man for the job.

"It just became clear that Christian Burridge was overextended with his new job and his family, and we thought that that was very important to him, as it should be," said Clark. "We needed to find somebody who had time to take advantage of all this Democratic momentum that we have this year."

State Party Chairman Wayne Holland said he had talked with Burridge about the possibility of him leaving because of his work schedule. He expects the party won't be hurt by this incident.

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