Political Action a Matter of Survival in Utah; America First Has Risen To The Occasion

OGDEN, Utah — In an environment like Utah, which is particularly hostile toward credit unions, political participation comes down to eat or be eaten.

And, $3.6 billion America First Federal Credit Union, being the largest in Utah, felt the need to sit up to the table to defend credit unions from attacks in its state. Rabid credit union enemy Harris Simmons, chairman/CEO of Zions Bank and former chairman of the American Bankers Association, has strong influence across the state legislature, including having one of his bank vice presidents as state house majority leader. “I believe the problem–and why we became the poster child for the nation–is Harris Simmons…does not like credit unions and has tried to make it as difficult as possible,” America First Vice President of Governmental Affairs Sheryl Cox said.