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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?
Legislation must address the township issues in Salt Lake County, and allow the townships to continue to prevent haphazard annexation by neighboring cities. Presently the township organizations have only an advisory role that does not adequately address the concerns of its residents. Whether citizens choose to remain a township, form a new city or join an existing one, legislation must give residents in these areas more control over local issues.
I fully support ethical reform in the legislature, including restrictions on the use of campaign funds, additional information about campaign donors, full disclosure of all conflicts of interest and other measures to restore the confidence of the voters in our legislature.
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
In Utah we invest a large percentage of our budget each year on education. We need to make sure the funds are spent wisely, exploring new ways to stretch each dollar. I propose that we tap into a readily available educational resource: retired teachers. Retired teachers could return to the classroom on an hourly basis, tutoring at risk students, presenting units on favorite subjects, and mentoring new teachers. Their contribution would not only help teachers and students, it would also aid active retirees who are looking for additional involvement and income.
- Energy resource development and clean air
I support exploration and development of our state's tar sands and oil shale resources in a responsible manner. The state should also give tax credits and incentives for use of clean and renewable energy to both businesses and individuals. One area that needs to be targeted is increasing the number of filling stations offering natural gas so that as more vehicles are converted to the cleaner burning fuel, it is readily available.
- Water development and conservation
The people of Utah have shown that they can decrease their water use and that mind set must be continued even in good water years. We can encourage the recycling of water for irrigation by offering incentives to cities and builders who make available dual water systems for both drinking and irrigation water.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
The use of emails, websites and blogs can be greatly expanded by legislators. Concerned, intersted or just curious constituents can register their email address and get regular updates about what their representatives and senators and doing for them. Hopefully electronic communication will facilitate more in person conversations.
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 millions, how would you allocate the money?
$50 million: education
$10 million: Salt Lake County jail
$40 million: rainy day fund.
Education: hiring retired teachers to tutor and help in the classroom, teacher raises. Jail:
Criminals are being released from the county jail because of overcrowding. If sentences aren't served, there is no credible threat of incarceration to act as a deterrent to criminal activities.
Rainy day fund: with looming shortfalls, putting money aside is always a good idea.
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