CENTERVILLE — Democrats have long been a minority in Utah, and especially in Davis County.

That’s changing, and a new statewide caucus is on the front lines. The group, LDS Dems, is hosting a Davis County Barbeque to build interest. It starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17 at Freedom Park, 2150 N. 150 East, in Centerville.

Senate candidate Scott Howell and First Congressional District Candidate Donna McAleer have been invited, as have other democratic candidates.

The caucus began in October, 2011, said Crystal Otterstrom, the group’s state chair, and it now has about 2,000 members statewide. Among those are 240 Davis County residents, said Hiram Alba, a member of the group’s executive committee and a Centerville resident.

“As a caucus, we’re trying to get more people involved,” Alba said, and he believes the barbeque may encourage that.

Doneta Gatherum, a longtime Democrat and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said her family members have been Democrats back to her great-grandfather.

She has no difficulty melding her religious beliefs and political views. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches many of the values promoted by Democrats, particularly when it comes to social service issues, she said.

“I think we have an obligation to help others, and I think the Democrats do that better,” the Layton resident said.

Raised in what she termed a poor family in Salt Lake City, Gatherum saw need first-hand in her family and neighborhood. She saw church leaders stepping up to help those in need whether they were church members or not. She also recalls learning the values of helping in Sunday School.

Find more information about the caucus at ldsdems.org.

For more information check out the August 9 edition of Davis Clipper.