Elections

Justice Morath

Bio:
Justice Morath is an associate professor of psychology at Salt Lake Community College since 2013. He’s based out of the South City Campus but also teaches at the main Taylorsville campus and out at the state prison. He moved to Rose Park from central city in 2015 then made a huge leap two blocks south to Fairpark in the fall of 2024. He is currently serving as Acting Chair and District 1 Representative on SLC’s Transportation Advisory Board. He’s active in numerous local and national science outreach programs. An avid writer, you may have seen his commentaries in the Tribune, Deseret News, or West View. He and his wife have an old pit bull and spry border collie, with the occasional Ruff Haven foster in there too. When not working you might catch him riding his bike around town, at one of the West Side’s great skate parks, or waiting for a local brewery to finally open over here!

Statement of interest:
“I grew up in Denver in the 80’s and 90’s. I know, I know; I’m an interloper, but hear me out! As a kid, Denver experienced a number of growing pains. It’s infamous Brown Cloud of smog in the winter. My underserved working class neighborhood gentrifying seemingly overnight. People struggling with homelessness and no services to help. School closures and long bus rides. Major highway expansion. Multiple new stadiums and major league teams moving in…sound familiar?
I was also raised by an environmentalist who taught me the value of activism and public engagement. And it helped shape the work I do today. Because of my concerns for the safety, ecology, and health of the West Side, I joined the SLC Transportation Advisory Board as the District 1 Representative and am now Acting Chair (and likely official Chair by the time of the election.) I also do work at the local and national level promoting science education and advocacy. And some of this work has led me to meet and collaborate with a number of current Coalition Board members.
My day job is a professor at SLCC. And time and time again they keep offering me a nice office with a window at our main campus in Taylorsville. Every time I refuse, because I feel at home at the South City Campus, home of the original South High, and staple of the Ballpark neighborhood. And because I can easily ride my bicycle via the JRT or take Trax. I want to continue to help our area and city it’s urban vibrancy and green spaces and thus community.
We have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes Denver made and to use this growth and revitalization to our community’s benefit. But as we all know, it’s not going to happen by the hand of the developers and politicians. They are too shortsighted. Which is why I cherish the work that the Westside Coalition does and want to become part of it.

Carlos Palestina

Bio:
“Carlos Palestina is a dedicated advocate for education and social change, with a deep commitment to equity that began during his time at the University of Utah. With over a decade of experience as an educator in various institutions, he has worked tirelessly to provide quality education and support to underserved students. His passion for community engagement led him to take on leadership roles in various organizations from a young age, further strengthening his resolve to create meaningful change.

Currently, Carlos serves as the Programs Manager for Salt Lake City, where he oversees the nationwide initiative My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), introduced by former President Obama. Through MBK, he works to empower young men and boys of color, ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. His leadership extends beyond education; as a coach and mentor to young athletes, he fosters personal growth and development both on and off the soccer field.

Carlos is a committed leader in community-based initiatives, currently serving on the NeighborWorks of Salt Lake and Utah SOMOS Foundation boards. In these roles, he advocates for key issues such as access to affordable housing, economic opportunities, and mentorship opportunities for students pursuing their education, all of which have a direct and meaningful impact on the Westside community. His ability to build coalitions, develop strategic partnerships, and implement impactful programs makes him a strong candidate for the Westside Coalition Board.

With a lifelong dedication to community empowerment, Carlos seeks to bring his experience in mentorship, education, and policy advocacy to the board. His vision is to foster collaboration, uplift underrepresented voices, and ensure that the Westside continues to thrive. By serving on the board, he hopes to contribute his expertise and passion to advance initiatives that create lasting, positive change for all Westside residents.”

Statement of interest:
“I am excited to serve on the Westside Coalition Board because of my commitment to fostering positive change in our community. I believe in creating inclusive, supportive environments where all voices are heard and respected. With experience in mentoring, program management, and community collaboration, I am dedicated to contributing to initiatives that empower and uplift marginalized communities, especially youth and families on the Westside.

I want to help represent the Westside on the board, ensuring that the unique needs, challenges, and aspirations of our community are at the forefront of every decision. As a proactive member of various community-driven projects, I understand the importance of teamwork, transparency, and accountability in achieving our shared goals. If elected, I will work diligently to ensure that the Coalition remains focused on its mission to improve the lives of Westside residents and address the challenges they face. My experience in collaboration with diverse stakeholders positions me to be an effective advocate for our community’s needs and to help drive actionable solutions.

Thank you for considering me as a member of the Westside Coalition Board. I am eager to work with all of you to make a meaningful impact.”