Olivia Ostler

Olivia is a student at the University of Utah where she studies acting. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, she’s a life-long member of the LDS Church, and she recently married the love of her life. We sat down with her to find out what her values are and why she supports Utah Common Values. 

You were raised LDS, but when and how did you gain your own testimony?

Because I was raised in the church it has always been a part of my life. It wasn’t until a year and a half ago that I had my own conversion to the church and gained the testimony that I have today. I would say that my conversion stems from gaining a deeper appreciation for the Atonement and realizing how truly wonderful and precious this gift is. I am in awe of Christ.

Where do you consider yourself to be on the political spectrum?

I consider myself to be a moderate that leans left. I support President Obama and believe that there are so many good things about both sides of the spectrum if we would just listen to one another.

Do your religious beliefs affect your political beliefs?

I believe that my religious foundation governs all aspects of my life including my political beliefs. I believe in being service-oriented, kind, hard-working, and being as humble as possible. My mother taught me the importance of values like work, truth, love, and tolerance, and my political views emphasize these things. I am very grateful to her for always examining both sides of each situation and then following the Spirit as to what she feels is right.

Similarly, as an actress I feel that it is my job to represent humanity with love and without bias. That is also the job of our leaders and the job of the nation, to bring people together with love no matter where each individual comes from, and help raise the country up with the values that we hold.

I believe that so many of those attributes are attached to the Democratic Party, though they are not exclusive to just one party. I desire leaders that uphold these attributes, and I feel like I find that, at this point in time, with the Democrats.

What do you love most about Utah? What do you love most about the United States of America?

I love Salt Lake City with all my heart. I love the mountains, I love that it is home to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that we have access to so many temples and historic places that can bring us closer to our spiritual heritage. But most of all, I love the spirit here. There is a spirit unlike any other in the Salt Lake Valley. Living in Salt Lake City has broadened my views. I see so many extremes, and it helps me to see how important it is to see the middle road, to see that it is not always one way that is right, but that we must listen to both sides.

I love being a citizen of the United States of America because I have the opportunity to learn whatever my heart desires, chase the dreams that mean the most to me, and raise my family with freedom of thought and religion.

What are the most dire problems faced by our state and our nation today?

The most dire problem with our nation today is the division between parties. If we could find the common ground between us and stop playing political games then we would be able to tackle incredibly important issues like debt, the recession, and health care. But, people are so determined to watch their opponents fail that they forget they are making the nation fail.

Posted on August 9, 2011. Photography by Kaitlyn Janis. Video by Talk About Productions.