Contact:
Senator Jim Dabakis
Phone: 801-815-3533
Email: jim.dabakis@gmail.com
Senator Jim Dabakis (D- Salt Lake City) announced Tuesday that he will not be seeking re-election to the Utah State Senate in 2018. He released the following statement:
“I will not be running for re-election to the Utah State Senate in 2018. I want to thank the people of Salt Lake City for giving me the greatest honor of my life: allowing me to represent them. Some may ask why I would give up a ‘safe’ seat? To that, I say, in a Citizen Legislature, I passionately believe people should be elected, serve with all their heart and soul, then make way for other citizens.
I have had six years of pouring myself into the Senate job. I have left nothing on the table. I am grateful that I was able to play a part in bringing the ‘homos and the Momos’ together with the historic 2015 LGBTQ Non-Discrimination Law; help support and reorganize the arts and culture structure in the State; be a fierce watchdog in protecting our State's precious lands; and perhaps, it has been my greatest task to stand toe-to-toe with the all-encompassing political machine that runs the State.
I have tried to be the Senate voice for many people all across Utah, who feel as if they do not have representation. Utahns who feel our system is rigged against people like them. From LGBT youth who feel alone and isolated, to hero educators disrespected for generations, to Native Americans fighting to protect sacred land, to many who believe there is no shame in enjoying adult beverages, to our Dreamers who are every bit American as I, and to the women across Utah that are not given the same wages as their male counterparts for the same work and are belittled for demanding equal treatment.
My colleagues in the Senate have been wonderful people to serve with. While most of them are dead wrong politically, that has never interfered with me having warm personal relations with each Senator. I respect their hard work and sincerity. In the six years I've served in the Legislature, I have never spoken a word in anger with another Senator. I thank them for their congeniality (I am sure I have irritated them more than once). That said, I hope most of them get dethroned in their next election by a new generation of progressive Utahns that would welcome openness, diversity and a fresh approach to the State’s challenges.
Finally, I want to thank my friends and supporters. It can be discouraging to regularly stand on the losing side of 24-5 or even 28-1 votes. I believe in Thomas Watkins’ words:
“If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get yourself knocked down. But, a person flattened by an opponent can get up again. But a person flattened by conformity stays down for good.”
In the darkest days of the Legislative Session, there would invariably be words of encouragement. I would find great inspiration and solace from strangers in the grocery store or movie theater, kind words in emails from constituents, and heartfelt texts from friends. These messages inspired me and buoyed me up. To you, my supporters all across Utah, and most of all to my husband Stephen, I say your love and support has meant the world to me.
As Utah State Democratic Party Chair and as Senator, I have enjoyed a wild roller coaster for the last 8 years. I leave the Senate with gratitude in my heart, and optimism in the spirit of the people of Utah. I leave with no regrets. I have given every ounce of energy I possess to the work. I look forward to a few months of reflection and breath-catching. I don’t know what the world holds for me, but I can’t wait for the next great adventure.
Clearly, the war for good government in Utah has not been won. I will continue to lead our growing army of 60,000 reasonable Utahns, who want to take our state government back from the machine. I will be very active with the newsletter, social media, and my website, SenatorDabakis.com”
For a video message from Senator Dabakis, click HERE
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3 Things You Should Know
About Fad Diets And Bad Breath
Fad diets gain popularity because they let you shed pounds quickly, but health professionals warn they often come with side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, headaches, constipation and dehydration.
One additional side effect that doesn’t get as much attention, though, is this: They can cause bad breath.
“Dehydration is the key symptom related to fad diets that can result in halitosis,” says Dr. Harold Katz, a dentist, bacteriologist and developer of TheraBreath Dry Mouth Oral Rinse and Lozenges (www.therabreath.com).
“When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t produce as much saliva. When you have less saliva, bacteria growth increases and causes bad breath.”
Katz suggests a few things worth knowing about fad diets and their effect on your breath:
• Fasting. When you fast – or follow a similar fad diet that focuses on consuming a single food or beverage – you’re more likely to become dehydrated, Katz says. “If you’re determined to continue fasting, just make sure you’re still drinking enough water to stay hydrated every day,” he says. “This will not only contribute to fresh breath, but will also contribute to your overall wellness.”
• Ketosis. Ketosis is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that promises quick weight loss if you eat less than 20 grams of carbs in a single day, according to Environmental Nutrition. “It’s true that you can lose weight quickly through ketosis – which is the state your body going into when it doesn’t have enough carbs to feed off of – but you’re not improving your health,” Katz says. “Plus, halitosis can occur as a result of the chemicals released in the body to burn fat.”
• Protein shakes. Some people attempt to lose weight by replacing meals with protein shakes. The Mayo Clinic reports that indeed can help reduce calories, which can lead to weight loss. But if you replace too many regular meals with the shake, you end up missing on the nutritional benefits of whole foods. “That’s not all,” Katz says. “Protein and dairy can cause your breath to smell. You should brush your teeth and use an oral rinse right after you drink a protein shake, or at the very least drink some water afterward to rinse out your mouth.”
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Instead of relying on a fad diet to lose excess pounds, Katz says, focus on changing your lifestyle habits as a whole.
“If you exercise regularly and follow a well-balanced diet that’s loaded with nutrients from fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains, you can give your body the fuel it needs to thrive and maintain a healthy weight,” he says. “And your breath won’t be as likely to go rancid.”
About Dr. Harold Katz
Dr. Harold Katz (www.therabreath.com)developer of TheraBreath Dry Mouth Oral Rinse and Lozenges, received his degree in bacteriology from UCLA and is the founder of The California Breath Clinics and author of The Bad Breath Bible. He has been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CBS’s “Early Show” and “The View” with Barbara Walters and countless other TV shows. Dr. Katz has developed oxygenating compounds that have been used by millions around the world to eliminate bad breath. He is also the bearer of the now famous “Halimeter,” which tests the sulfur compounds in the mouth that cause bad breath. Dr. Katz’ website offers a free online bad breath test – as well as a sneaky way to tell someone they have halitosis.,
