Chris Buttars

D. Chris Buttars was a prominent American politician who served as a member of the Utah State Senate, representing the 10th Utah Senate District from 2001 until 2011. A member of the Utah Republican Party, Buttars was known for his involvement in various legislative initiatives during his tenure. His career in public service was marked by a range of policy positions, particularly on social issues, which garnered both support and criticism. He passed away on September 10, 2018, following a period of declining health.

Early life and career

Chris Buttars was born on April 1, 1942, in Logan, Utah. He pursued higher education at Utah State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Economics in 1967. Following his graduation, Buttars began his professional career at Amoco Oil Company, where he worked as a Retail Sales Manager from 1967 to 1976. His career then transitioned to leadership roles within the petroleum industry, as he became the Executive Director of the Petroleum Retailers Organization in 1976.

In addition to his work in the oil sector, Buttars was involved in youth services. He served as the director of the Utah Boys Ranch, an institution that later became known as West Ridge Academy, which is a boarding school for boys. His commitment to community service extended to local governance; he was elected to the West Jordan City Council in 1970 and served in that capacity until 1983. Buttars was married to Helen, and together they raised six children in West Jordan, Utah.

His political career took a significant turn when he decided to run for the Utah State Senate in the year 2000. Buttars successfully won the election and began his legislative service in 2001, representing the 10th Senate District. He remained in office until he resigned in 2011, citing health issues as the reason for his departure from the Senate.

Legislative service

During his time in the Utah State Senate, Buttars was involved in a variety of legislative initiatives that reflected his political beliefs and the interests of his constituents. His tenure was characterized by a focus on social issues, particularly those related to education and family values. Buttars sponsored legislation that aimed to restrict the presence of gay-straight alliances in public schools, reflecting his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. He also introduced a resolution encouraging businesses to use the phrase "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," which highlighted his advocacy for traditional values.

One of the more controversial pieces of legislation Buttars sponsored was an Intelligent Design Bill during the 2006 General Session of the 56th Utah State Legislature. This bill sought to allow educators to present evolution as a controversial theory and to introduce the concept of "Divine Design" as an alternative. While the bill passed in the Senate, it ultimately failed in the House of Representatives, illustrating the contentious nature of discussions surrounding science and education.

In addition to his focus on social issues, Buttars also sponsored legislation aimed at addressing drug treatment programs and supported initiatives to raise the minimum wage and assist child crime victims. In an effort to address budgetary concerns, he proposed eliminating the 12th grade from Utah high schools in February 2010, a measure that sparked significant debate regarding educational funding and structure.

Buttars' legislative service was not without controversy. He faced accusations of racism following comments made during interviews and debates, which drew public scrutiny and criticism. His remarks regarding the Brown v. Board of Education decision and other statements were interpreted by some as racially insensitive, leading to a public apology from Buttars. These controversies became a focal point during his re-election campaign in 2008.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Utah State Senate, Buttars maintained a policy focus that aligned with conservative values, particularly on issues related to family, education, and social norms. His opposition to LGBTQ+ rights was a defining aspect of his legislative agenda. Buttars co-sponsored Utah Constitutional Amendment 3, which defined marriage in the state as a union exclusively between a man and a woman. He actively criticized domestic partnership initiatives, including those proposed by local government officials, and sought to introduce legislation that would prevent the establishment of domestic partnership registries.

Buttars' views on homosexuality extended to broader societal implications, as he expressed concerns about the impact of the LGBTQ+ community on American society. His comments comparing members of the LGBTQ+ community to radical Muslims and labeling them as a significant threat to the foundation of American society drew widespread condemnation and led to his removal from various Senate committees.

Despite the controversies that surrounded his legislative actions, Buttars remained a significant figure within the Utah Republican Party and held various leadership positions during his career. His contributions to the political landscape of Utah were marked by his commitment to conservative principles and his engagement in local governance.

In summary, Chris Buttars' legislative career was characterized by a focus on traditional values, particularly in the areas of education and family. His tenure in the Utah State Senate was marked by both legislative achievements and controversies that reflected the complex social dynamics of the time. After resigning from the Senate in 2011 due to health issues, Buttars continued to be remembered as a notable figure in Utah politics until his passing in 2018.