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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?
One challenge I would like to be part of is based in
Utah
's ability to pursue identification and use of economically feasible energy resources which allows the preservation of our natural resources. Gas prices, air pollution, global warming, community growth, the list goes on. Energy resources are a big concern for all of us. Especially when considering the mixed implications of economic and environmental issues. We need to be pro-active at the state and community levels in dealing with these issues. We shouldn't wait for initiatives to be started at the national level to begin working on strategies to secure alternative energy technologies, in concert with protecting our quality of life. It is important for
Utah
's environmental resources to be protected and preserved for our children's children. It is also important to recognize how fast our communities we are growing along the Wasatch Front. Plans and strategies need to be in place, now, to minimize or negate any destructive implications on our communities need for economical energy resources and the preservation of our own precious environment and natural resources. I would consider it an accomplishment to be involved in focusing significant efforts of the Legislature in this direction.
Another area I would feel great satisfaction from would be the pursuit and work toward passage of legislation elevating the level of a security and safety of
Utah
's children. I am very vested in the belief all children deserve the right to exist in an environment where they can grow and develop, with a sense of safety and security.
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
Throwing money at a problem is not always a solution. It would be necessary to identify inadequacy in the current system, and if there are problems, find remedies to enhance and enrich the educational systems already in place. Strategies could then be implemented.
- Energy resource development and clean air
I want to ensure as we strive for an economically responsible way to live, we don't destroy
Weber
County
's, consequentially
Utah
's, own precious environment and natural resources. As stated earlier, I feel we need to be pro-active at the state and community levels in dealing with these issues. Plans and strategies need to be in place, now, for economical energy resources.
- Water development and conservation.
It is important to protect
Utah
's water resources for usage by our own residents. Conservation programs need to be supported and promoted. We need to look toward the preservation of
Utah
's precious natural resources by restricting the diversion of our water ways to other states.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
I would strive to work against the apathy and detachment, shown by many citizens. Elected officials are asked to be the voices of the people who elect them. An open and ethical form of government is the only way the business of our constituents should be conducted. Those we represent should have access to and knowledge of decisions made on their behalf. Our constituents should be encouraged to understand and participate in discussions involving issues impacting their lives.
I strongly believe it is important to consider different sides of an issue before making a decision. Sound decisions can only be made if you are able to gather and consider all information available to you, and not just from one side.
It has always been very important to me that all sides be heard and everyone equally represented. Right now, today, there is an imbalance and one sidedness, reigning in the State Legislature. This restricts the opportunity to debate significant issues. Poor legislation is forced through, which ends up being harmful. Regardless of political philosophy, having an open debate and discussion is at the heart of a true democracy.
I look forward to and am not intimidated by the prospect of reaching across the aisle of the Legislature, in order to pursue productive discussions, resulting in credible and sound decisions. Someone once asked me, if elected, how I would resolve the issue of being considered an 'outsider' at the legislature. My response was, "I'm more concerned about being considered an 'outsider' by my constituents."
I want to see there is balance and fairness in representation at the state legislature; that our public schools are taken care of; and our government is more accessible to the public and operates under a uniform ethical standard. It is vital State Representatives be responsible stewards of their constituents' trust as decisions are made about their future.
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 million, how would you allocate the money? (Response should include $______________ for ________________________________.
Given this choice, I would first use funds to find economical alternative energy resources, secondly education.
We need to preserve our public school system, and if there are problems, find remedies to enhance and enrich the educational systems we already have in place. We don't need to tear down the traditional and historical educational building blocks we now have in place for educating our youth, by creating more layering around it, such as adding a voucher system. It is counterproductive to addressing real issues hindering educational progress. Scarce resources should be used to repair and address needs of the current system, not create a diversion, causing problems to become worse.
Opponents:
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