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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. Since values and morality form the basis of any free people, I would sponsor a state resolution for congress to pass Ron Paul's "Sanctity of Life" bill HR 1095 which declares that human life shall be deemed to exist from conception and that the term "person" shall include all such human life as well as recognizing that each state has authority to protect the lives of unborn children residing in the jurisdiction of that state. It also amends the federal judicial code to remove Supreme Court and district court jurisdiction to review cases arising out of any statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or practice, or any act interpreting such a measure, on the grounds that such measure: protects the rights of human persons between conception and birth; or prohibits, limits, or regulates the performance of abortions or the provision of public funds, facilities, personnel, or other assistance for abortion.
2. Since Utah in particular and America in general will cease to be a state or nation without holding rule of law inviolate, I will oppose in-state tuition rates, or any taxpayer funded program for the support of anyone who is within our borders illegally and oppose the issuing of driver's licenses, or acceptance of the Mexican issued "Metricula Card" as a valid form of identification or authorization for any form of taxpayer supported aid to non-citizens. I will sponsor or co-sponsor any bill which will help promote incentives for employers to hire and promote legal workers without authorizing for any government spending contrary to limited government outlined in the US and Utah constitution.
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?
I support Public Schools, Home Schooling, Private, and Charter Schools, and total parental freedom of choice relative to the education of their children. Since education is essential to maintaining freedoms, I support continued use of property tax to support education funding as well as state taxes through the bills sponsored annually for the same. As other ongoing education needs arise I favor use of an adequate portion of any surplus(es) for education needs. Any funding needed for disadvantaged populations would continue at the current rates such as "English as second language" courses currently taught and supported in Utah schools. If programs for disadvantaged do not exist or are underfunded, as determined through input of local school districts with parent participation, I would if deemed necessary help with legislation. My participation would be suited to local needs regarding agreed upon deficits. I would seek the greatest possible local control and accountability in responding needs using the principle of less for more, seeking the least amount of state oversight and control possible. I would also support legislation such as that of Representative Margaret Dayton that the State of Utah un-subscribe from the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Act.
- Energy resource development and clean air
I would sponsor or co-sponsor any bills for cultivating nuclear energy which would add to or replace existing fossil fuel energy production by utilities since proven science and safety experts have shown unequivocally that nuclear power is superior to fossil fuel energy production for costs, safety, cleaner air and future resource utilization. Myths of dangerous radiation, disposing of wastes and worry meltdown have been proven to be both exaggerated and unfounded when compared with fossil fuel energy utilities. France has shown it is not too late for utility companies to switch to nuclear power.
- Water development and conservation
I support efforts of the state to meet regulations such as the EPA's rules, protecting and restoring endangered species, loss of wetlands, sustenance of fish populations in reasonable approaches which do not threaten or unduly infringe up necessary human population needs. I will promote the role of government agencies in helping local leaders meet the challenges they face as they try to satisfy the needs of the growing population within their communities. I will follow the principle of state agencies acting in an advisory capacity and allowing local water managers and planners to implement policies and strategies to serve local populations with autonomy. This applies to the need to educate the public regarding the necessity of addressing crucial projects and conservation. I support incentives for outdoor watering and auditing water uses to emphasize where water could be used more efficiently as well as encouraging leak detection and repair programs. I will strongly support the Lake Powell Pipeline, currently in the feasibility stage. For this district this is crucial for the ongoing water needs of a robust growth felt in Washington County. I will address the issue of old infrastructure which must be dealt with for projected needs to be met.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
I would join colleagues in creating a website listing each bill of significance and a clear description of the implications of the yea or nay vote as well as the way the bills would affect Utahans. The website would list each state representative and senator along with whether they voted yea, nay or failed to vote. Where more extensive understanding of the affects of bills would be needed, the site would also list a place where more lengthy or long range philosophical or constitutional implications would be outlined.
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 millions, how would you allocate the money?
$50 million for saving for possible future shortfalls, $30 million for refund to taxpayers, $20 million for education
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