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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?
A. Revisit issues dealing with taxation issues, specifically the property taxes levied on the elderly, veterans, and widowed spouses of those public servants killed in the line of duty.
B. Provide additional legislation to support and encourage the Public School System (K-12)in
Utah
. Propose legislation to create additional scholar- ship awards for college and vocational training.
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
Education, and therefore, educational funding is a basic responsibility of a society that depends upon input from a knowledgeable citizenry. Funding must be derived from a tax system on that citizenry that receives the benefit from and educated population, which includes many corporate entities not paying a fair share today. I propose a reevaluation of the tax incentive mechanism that encourages businesses to move here. Studies indicate that $50B of tax exemptions annually, nationwide are allowed.
I support education and training programs within our educational system for anyone needing, wanting and willing to work at becoming a productive member of our society.
- Energy resource development and clean air
I strongly support the development of alternate energy sources to replace or complement our present carbon-based supplies. I know our present usage levels of all energy types could be reduced and/or used more efficiently and effectively. The reduction of energy usage would ensure both energy independence and an improvement to the environ- mental conditions facing us. Clean air, water, soil will be the result of a concerned citizenry.
- Water development and conservation.
It is obvious that our present methods of water usage and levels of contamination are violating a most precious commodity--an adequate, clean drinking supply. We must recognize that what we are doing to our water supply now precludes our having a sustainable in the future. Similarly, as the need for additional energy resources has been recognized, additional water resources has been recognized. It is important to realize that it is more difficult and expensive to find new sources than it is to use what we have more wisely.
- Better communication between elected officials and their constituents
Elected officials must recognize that governance is a grant from the people, and as such, transparency is a basic tenet to that relationship. I want openness in all matters that concern the well-being of our society. While the national security may depend upon a level of secrecy, nothing at the state level can justify hidden agendas, closed meetings or legislation that defies the common good!
3. If the State had a revenue surplus of $100 million, how would you allocate the money? (Response should include $______________ for ________________________________.
$100 million
A. $50M For support and development of additional local clinics and health programs around the state
B. $10M Added support for the loss of federal funds in the housing assistance program
C. $10M Contingency funding for COPS and JAG programs shorted by federal budget for 2009
D. $25M Community Development Block Grant program in anticipation of Utah needs
E. $5M To combat poverty in
Utah
Opponents:
- Seth Lisonbee (C)
- Paul Ray (R)
The Central Utah Water Project (CUP) in our state has been a great success. I would use that program as a template in other regions of our state.
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