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Candidate Background Information
Occupation: Retired Administrator, Realtor, Hospital Social Worker
Education: Bachelors and Masters
Prior Experience: My first job out of college was with Human Services, State of Utah. As a result of my many supervisory and administrative positions I am familiar with State budgets, funding and the Legislative process. I have also been a licensed realtor for the past five years. Following my retirement I did some substitute teaching. I am now re-employed as a Social Worker/Discharge Planner at St Marks Hospital. I have actively participated in many civic, school and church activities.
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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 state representative for the people of Utah?
1. Re-affirm with the constituents that legislators are there to represent the view of their constituents and use prudent judgment. It is not a self serving position and includes a lot of hard work and time for the benefit of others.
I think my first order of business would be to assess and address the desires of the constituents in District 37. At this point it appears that some of the items high on list list include quality education, transparency in government, immigration, economic and tax issues.
2. I would like the needs and issues of senior citizens to become more prominent. Legislation/supports which would allow senior citizens to remain self sufficient and self determined as long as they are able is important to me and seems to be a fiscally sound direction.
2. How would you address the following issues?
- Adequate funding for education, including funding for disadvantaged populations such as non-English-speakers and prison inmates
Although I am grateful our "country is so great we have people fighting to come in rather than fighting to exit", I do think that we are faced with tough decisions regarding immigration. It impacts all aspects of our lives. There isn't enough money and programs for everything and everyone. We need to prioritize . Citizens and people here legally certainly take priority in my book. Although, certainly not the only members of the disadvantaged populations,I think that problems inherent in illegal immigration greatly contribute to our sizeable, blossoming disadvantaged populations.
As a government, we need to determine how to address the issue with clear expectations and time frames. We are dealing with people and consequently we should address the issue with compassion and respect. Nonetheless we need to address the immigration issue soon.
I feel our community is sorely lacking in the areas of mental health and drug and alcohol treatment. I cannot think of many circumstances wherein prevention/rehabilitation are not preferential prior to punishment. Jails, prisons, child welfare roles are filled with adults who are involved in using, selling pharmaseutical and street drugs. If we can get a better handle on that by addressing illegal immigration, police and probation programs, education, mental health counseling etc......I think it would contribute greatly to the ability of some of the adults in disadvantaged populations to better PARENT THEIR CHILDREN, and decrease some of the school problems. I cannot think of a family who does not have a member with drug/alcohol/mental health issues that greatly impact them and the entire family in a negative fashion.
- Energy resource development and clean air
My 8 yr old grandson comes home discussing how we should "take care of nature", re-cycle and look after our world. EDUCATION, on all levels is MOST important. We need to look toward the development of power/resources that are environmentally friendly. Our latest energy crisis with gasoline will certainly encourage our state/country to become more aware of looking for alternative options.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
Elected officials are elected to represent their constituents. That is their job description. It is not a self serving position. It includes lots of hard work and time spent for the benefit of their constituents. Elected officials should seek out public imput in some method routinely. It could be surveys, town meetings, telephone calls, identified experts etc. The importance lies it becoming a habitual, highly prioritized aspect of the job.
Constituents cannot be apathetic about their opinions, desire and values.
I assume the issues that have occurred in the Legislature over the past year will re-emphasize the importance of communication.
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 million, how would you allocate the money?
N/A Not enough information. Is this money one time, ongoing, matchable etc.
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