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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?
1. Bi-partisan citizen legislative reapportionment committee--equal membership--it is time to take this important process out of the hands of the Legislature
2. Increase ongoing salary increases for teachers--no more one time bonuses, etc. teachers on
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
Utah
is one of the lowest funded states, if not the lowest, for education. If we intend to prepare our children to be our leaders of tomorrow, we must provide them with a world-class education. Teachers salaries need to be increased substantially. Class room sizes must be reduced--kindergarten through 3rd grade. These are critical years for our children and they deserve the best education possible.
English is the primary language of our great country. It is essential that we teach the non-English-speakers the primary language. The children in turn will be able to teach the parents and the underage school children in the home.
If the prison inmates are not better prepared to return into the public sector, the possibilities of repeat offenders is increased. Everyone in the State of
Utah
is guaranteed by the Constitution a free public education. A strong education background is essential in rehabilitating our prison inmates.
- Energy resource development and clean air
The price of gasoline at the pumps in the State of
Utah
is outrageous. The surrounding states are not charging the prices as we are experiencing in
Utah
. Why is this? I feel it is greed.
We need to develop oil shale. We have known for several years that oil shale is abundant in
Utah
. Why didn't we move forward several years ago? Once again, I think it is greed. Several oil wells are not pumping in
Utah
as we speak. Why not? Greed! Why weren't more refineries built years ago? Greed! Can we change? Yes! We need to stop reliance on foreign countries for oil--develop are resources and move forward.
As far as clean air is concerned, we the consumers are at fault. We need to enforce laws that are currently on the books. Every citizen in the state must do his or her part in keeping our air as clean as possible. It is our duty.
- Water development and conservation
Water is our most precious resource. We need to conserve. A dam on the
Bear River
is a necessity. Excessive use of irrigation water for lawns needs to be closely monitored. Excessive use of city water for irrigation purposes need to be controlled. Conservation of water should be our number one priority. Conservation is up to "we the people." Police ourselves and become responsible citizens.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
If I am successful in becoming elected to the House of Representatives, I will keep in touch with the constituents of my district and all citizens of the state who contact me. A legislator is answerable to the people. The people have placed trust in their elected officials and expect to be represented. Every citizens in this great state has the right to be heard and to be listened too. We may not agree on issues, but that is the beauty of living in this great country, we can express our opinions. I will listen to the people. After all, it is "government of the people, by the people and for the people."
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 million, how would you allocate the money? (Response should include $______________ for ________________________________.
$100 million - Education--class size reduction and teachers salaries
Opponents:
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