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Questions
The League of Women Voters has made every effort to present accurately the candidates' responses as they were submitted.
1. If elected, what two things do you hope to accomplish as a member of the House of Representative for the people of Utah?
I hope to have a continued emphasis on public and higher education. Education is the future of
Utah
. If
Utah
is going to be successful in economic development, it must have an educated workforce. This requires dedicated teachers and professors. Currently there is a teacher shortage both in grades K-12 and in some curricular areas of higher education. Good salary and perhaps scholarships for prospective teachers are important steps to solving this crisis. In return, we should have high expectations for quality instruction and evaluation to measure that instruction.
The
United States
is currently in an economic slowdown if not a recession.
Utah
's economy has also slowed down but less so than most parts of the country. The legislature must have wise econimic development policies and wise tax policies. In 2009, taxpayers will be using a new income tax process on their 2008 income. It is expected that there will be an income tax savings for the vast majority of
Utah
taxpayers. The Legislature needs to evaluate the new income tax system. Is it fair to all taxpayers? Is it providing the state with the economic stimulus that is needed? Is it providing
Utah
with adequate resources to provide for education needs since income tax is targeted to education in
Utah
? These are critical questions which future legislators must monitor.
2. How would you address the following issues? (Please answer each question in 200 words or less.)
-Adequate funding for education, including funding for disadvantaged populations such as non-English-speakers and prison inmates
The
United States
is currently in an economic slowdown if not a recession.
Utah
's economy has also slowed down but less so than most parts of the country. The legislature must have wise econimic development policies and wise tax policies. In 2009, taxpayers will be using a new income tax process on their 2008 income. It is expected that there will be an income tax savings for the vast majority of
Utah
taxpayers. The Legislature needs to evaluate the new income tax system. Is it fair to all taxpayers? Is it providing the state with the economic stimulus that is needed? Is it providing
Utah
with adequate resources to provide for education needs since income tax is targeted to education in
Utah
? These are critical questions which future legislators must monitor.
- Energy resource development and clean air
Moving toward energy independence will require both conservation and energy development. In energy development, we do need to be concerned about environmental concerns. I will support programs that encourage energy conservation. I also support new or expanded energy production such as wind energy. Environmental concerns need to be part of the public expectation.
- Water development and conservation
Again, we need to start with conservation.
Utah
is one of the driest states in the nation, yet we are big water consumers. This is where we need to start.
I do not support the sale of any additional water to
Nevada
.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
I will continue to conduct town meetings, and I try to be responsive to emails and voice mails. I have had the privilege of representing wonderful people from
Bountiful
and Woods Cross. I always learn a lot from their comments.
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 million, how would you allocate the money? (Response should include $______________ for ________________________________.
$60 M for public and higher education. $40 M for improved transportation
Education and transportation
Opponents:
- Cory Seegmiller (Constitution)
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