Take 2: Pence visit, medical cannabis dispensaries and women’s equality in Utah



This week, 2News Anchor Heidi Hatch hosted Maura Carabello, from the EXORO Group, and Greg Hughes, former Utah House Speaker for a new episode of the Take 2 podcast.

The panel discussed the abrupt resignation of Overstock CEO Patrick M. Byrne. The head of the Utah-based company stated:

I now plan on leaving things to the esteemed Department of Justice (which I have doubtless already angered enough by going public) and disappearing for some time.

Additional issues that resulted in highly charged conversation included:

  • VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE IN UTAH – He touted Utah’s trade prowess saying, “Utah sends $2 billion worth of goods to Canada each year and $750 million worth to Mexico. Exports have doubled to Canada and tripled to Mexico over the past five years, according to Miller.” The trio speculated about whether Pence does the POTUS any good by showing up in a Republican state that doesn’t like his boss.
  • INTERIM LEGISLATIVE SESSION – State abandons DABC-style control over medical cannabis; private dispensaries will be used instead. This switch will be addressed in the special session, possibly mid-September.
  • OPERATION RIO GRANDE 2 YEARS LATER – The state touts success as we wait on new shelters. Is it really a victory?
  • 4th DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENT – State Sen. Dan Hemmert is in a growing and crowded Republican race against Rep. Ben McAdams
  • UTAH BAD FOR WOMEN – Utah ranks dead last when comparing workplace environment (which includes wage, hours worked, unemployment rate), education, political empowerment against their male counterparts. Hawaii and New York ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively for the best states for women’s equality.