On the Issues

I want you to know exactly where I stand and what I will do regarding the issues that are important to you and your family: 

1. Protecting States Powers, Individual Rights and Allowing Utahns Access To And Use of Federal Lands And Resources Currently Controlled By The Federal Government.

States Powers: We MUST protect and support The 10^th Amendment which says “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”  I believe the federal government has overstepped the bounds of the Constitution.  One example of this overreach is in the way the federal government has unconstitutionally taken public lands from Utahns.  Because of our vast natural resources, Utah can lead our nation in the development of both traditional and renewable energy resources. We should do this through a broad portfolio, such as coal, oil, and natural gas; as well as newer technologies like wind, solar, nuclear, and clean coal. As a legislator I plan to continue the fight to access public lands from the federal government that some of our great conservative legislators have started.

2. Creating A Business Friendly Economy And Increasing The Number Of High Quality Jobs.

Economy: The answer to our economic challenges is not more government.  Washington believes in government bailouts and government intervention in our lives.  President Reagan’s approach was the right one.  The role of government in economic recovery should be to lower taxes and do all we can to remove government barriers to market-based competition.  Part of a strong and vibrant economy and a key to economic growth is the development of well planned transportation infrastructure.  As a legislator, I will do everything within my power to provide an infrastructure and system that promotes competition and the free flow of business so the great economic potential that exists in our state can be fully realized.

3. Ensuring The Quality Of Education k-12

Education: We must properly fund education.  The teaching of our children happens in the classroom.  In Utah, we have the best teachers in the nation.  A strong public education system will provide opportunities for people to develop the skills to succeed in the future.   In fact, a vibrant economy depends on a well-educated work force and in order for our state to remain competitive we must focus on continual improvement of our education system.  As a legislator I will pursue any legislation that emphasizes attracting the best teachers into our schools and then retaining them.  I believe that will enable our education system to excel.

4. Keeping Our Community Safe

Reducing Crime:  The legislature’s first responsibility in regard to crime is to act to protect the innocent and pass laws that properly punish those who infringe on the rights of law abiding citizens.  The second responsibility of our leaders is to understand that poverty and lack of opportunity spur crime.  Improving education and maintaining a long-term focus on economic opportunity and vitality will ultimately lead to a more cohesive community and less crime.

5. Securing Our Borders

Immigration: The stark reality is that the Federal Government has dropped the ball in protecting our borders. Current immigration laws lack the strict enforcement necessary to shield us from the undesirable problems that come with illegal immigration such as higher crime rates and increased costs to education and medical systems.  As a state we must continue to be a leader in the effort to pressure the federal government to increase enforcement of illegal immigration laws already in place and foster a healthy system of legal immigration that meets our country’s needs.  I will support legislation that will fight to restore the integrity of our State’s and our Nation’s borders.

6.  I Will Represent YOU.

Ethics: Legislators work for and are accountable to the voters, not the other way around, and the legislature has not been responsive to the public’s desire for real ethics reform.  I have heard some argue that “you cannot legislate ethics”.  I disagree with this statement.  As a legislator I will pursue further ethics related legislation to implement a stricter ethical standard. Harsher penalties for ethical breeches would deter legislators and lobbyists from taking chances where ethics and morals are concerned.  I do not believe there are “gray areas” when it comes to ethics and morals and I commit to you now that I will never violate the public’s trust.  As a legislator my only role is to represent YOU and your interests.

7.  Common Sense Health Care Reform

Health Care Reform: It is not the role of government to provide health care.  Opposition to government mandated health care is not enough.  As a conservatives state, we must continue to develop alternatives that are market based and driven by principles of personal accountability.