WHERE I STAND
Community
I love this community. We have great neighborhoods and wonderful people. I believe our streets should be safe and our quality of life defended. I make sure that we are not ignored or overlooked by state government. Here are my views on a few issues.
Transportation
I will make certain that your voice is heard on Utah’s Capitol Hill to assure fair allocation of funds for Westside projects. Current Westside traffic is appalling and with further development on the west bench, it will only get worse. Past emphasis has been on north-south conduits. A forward-looking policy must focus on east-west traffic congestion with an economical mix of public transportation and solutions such as flex lanes, continuous-flow intersections and overpasses at Bangerter Highway. I will resist establishing toll roads which impose costs disproportionately on the Westside. For more click here.
Education
As an early-childhood educator, a parent, and an employer, I recognize the need for better educational outcomes. We must eliminate wasteful spending and reinvest those dollars in the classroom and in programs that work. To meet our current budget shortfall, we must keep our dollars in the classroom and cut elsewhere. I promise to be a strong voice for fair allocation of funds to Westside schools. In the long-term, I will advocate treating education as a major engine of growth and job creation. For more click here.
Jobs
National unemployment is hovering near 10%, temporary programs such as “Cash for Clunkers” have had little lasting impact save for increasing our National Debt. The Democrat Obama Administration continues to kill Utah jobs by locking up federal lands in Utah to energy exploration and other use. Utah’s energy development is one of my top business priorities.
Small and start-up businesses are the key job creators and the lifeblood of Utah growth. I understand the challenges that these businesses face and will work to make Utah a small-business-friendly state. Taxes, regulations, and up-front fees inhibit business development. These business issues, as well as transportation, education, and quality of life shape the landscape for job creation and economic growth.
Utah Democrats led by their gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon are proposing plans to spend more taxpayer money to encourage employers to hire new employees, go into debt for more “infrastructure,” and make employers' hiring decisions for them. Read the article.
As an employer I can assure you that I have never hired somebody because of a proposed tax break. Employers hire employees when there is work to be done. They do not need a taxpayer funded bonus for doing that. In addition, our state government needs to live within its means. We do not need to go further into debt to try and build a utopian society right now. We can expand our infrastructure when we have the money to pay for it.
For more read my article on the economy and jobs.
Taxes
The best way to raise tax revenues is through economic growth, not tax increases. By keeping rates low, economic activity is stimulated. Especially in times of economic stress, it is important to encourage economic expansion, not discourage it with tax increases. I will support adequate tax rates to fund vital needs such as transportation and education, but do so while minimizing tax burdens. I will not support tax plans designed primarily to redistribute wealth or force certain behaviors. An overall balanced approach to spending is key to keeping taxes low. My approach will be to maintain taxes at levels that allow Utahns to prosper. For more click here.
Immigration
The long-term solution to illegal immigration is to both enforce existing laws and correct the faults in the present immigration system. I favor enforcing existing laws, controlling our borders, reviewing the “anchor baby” laws, reducing incentives for illegal entry, and mandating English as the official language for the conduct of governmental proceedings.
Furthermore, I support innovative ideas like guest worker programs which allow willing workers to be paired with willing employers. Programs like these could remove much of the incentive for immigrants to cross the border illegally and would help Utah firms be competitive in the global marketplace.
Immigration is in large part a federal funding and law enforcement responsibility, but the state can play a constructive role in the process. State involvement provides a method of avoiding the “one size fits all” approach inherent in federal law and allows tailoring some laws to Utah’s unique needs. We can also send a message to Washington, D.C. that we want something done.
I will support laws which are constitutional, effective, fair, affordable, and which meet Utah’s specific needs. For more click here.
East-West Divide
A huge majority of the state legislators in Salt Lake County are Democrats, mostly representing Eastside districts. As a member of the influential Transportation and Education Committees I am able to be a strong Republican Westside voice to assure that state transportation and education funds slated for Salt Lake County are not skewed to the Eastside. If Democrats gain this seat, our Westside voice will be muted. I will work diligently to make sure that our Westside issues get the attention needed.
Transparency and Credibility
Citizens need to be able to trust that their elected officials are being open, honest, and doing what is right for their constituents. I am strongly in favor of open meeting laws and the use of technology to make government more accessible and accountable. I am deeply opposed to the idea of elected officials receiving gifts from lobbyists and special interests. I will not compromise your trust in anyway.
Economic Development
Small businesses are the lifeblood of Utah’s economy. They employ a majority of Utahns, build our communities, and keep our dollars local. I understand the challenges that small businesses face and I work to make sure that Utah is a great place for small business.
My Promise
I will LISTEN to you and will be ACCOUNTABLE for my record. As your Representative, I will truly be your REPRESENTATIVE.
More
Clearly, there are other issues that face our community and our state. I look forward to discussing any concerns, comments, or suggestions that you may have. I promise to listen before acting. I do not go to the legislature to represent a political party or a hardened philosophy. I go to represent you.
