- Do you support or oppose the Independent Redistricting Commission and Standards Act that Utah voters approved in 2018? Please explain your reasoning.
- I do support the Independent Redistricting Commission and Standards act as approved by Utah voters in 2018 -- for the very fact that it was voter approved. Government of the people must remain a government of the people and by the people. Individuals and special-interest groups who usurp the power to make determinations that affect all of us, exist in error and against principles of democracy.
- What should happen when the legislature disagrees with a map the commission produces, and what would you do in that situation?
- When the legislature disagrees with a map produced by the commission, the map at issue should be presented for public discussion and vote, with opportunities for both the legislature and the commission to present supporting information to voters, since the voters stand to gain or lose the most in regard to the outcomes to be determined.
- Do you support Utah's vote-by-mail system as it stands?
- Yes, I do support Utah's vote-by-mail system as it stands. Our vote-by-mail system is a product of sound planning, protections in place, and valid oversight. It is my belief that the vote-by-mail system is the fairest method of allowing all citizens the opportunity to participate in civic decisions, regardless of status, income, or available financial resources. Illegal uses have been rare occurrences. The system provides for rights to all of our privacy, personal opinions, and beliefs.
- What would you do to encourage more people to vote who currently don't vote?
- I am impressed by BURRN's "Ready? Set... Vote!" campain to assist potential voters in securing and checking up on their voter registration status, and reminding friends to do the same. I have been passing out your "checklist" cards, and I'm grateful for that stress-free way of encouraging more people to vote.
- Utah voters can put questions on the ballot through citizen initiatives and referenda. Should the threshold for passing them be changed? Why or why not?
- The simple majority vote threshold for passing citizen initiatives and referenda is a reasonable system, because we have a "check and balance" in place. Citizens are free and capable of initiating a statutory change, but the state legislature retains the ability to amend or refine these if necessary. I believe this is a safeguard that can prevent unintended consequences, yet it leaves direct democracy accessible to all Utahns.
- What do you see as the relationship between transparency and corruption?
- Honesty is the easiest way to live a productive life... rather than hiding the truth or covering up mistakes that grow into bigger mistakes. Transparency is simply shared, reciprocal honesty. Transparency allows all of us to improve life for ourselves and others. Lack of transparency may appear to benefit for some people, in some ways, in the short term. Lack of transparency festers, aggravates, and corrupts. Corruption, when revealed, makes life difficult and complicated. I value having fewer regrets and more mutual respect and trust.
- Does Utah's GRAMA support the public's right to know, or does it need strengthening? Or is it too stringent?
- I personally benefitted from Utah's GRAMA early in my professional life. What I learned from it changed the trajectory of my career and allowed me to contribute to others' education throughout the rest of my career. I am not aware of how GRAMA may have changed in the last 18 years, but I'm willing to take a look at that and listen to other knowledgeable reasoning about it.
- Describe a specific action you would take in office to make sure every person in your district has equal access to government services and equal protection under the law, regardless of citizenship status.
- I am passionate about it being my responsibility to doggedly reach out to my constituents during legislative sessions with requests for feedback, ideas, and opinions about matters that will affect our lifestyles and relationships. I think too many of us cast our ballots and listen for election results, and then do not pay attention to, or stay informed about what our elected officials DO with that trust and responsibility. I want to make it easy and inviting for constituents to contact me, to question me, to inform me, and to offer input in the work I'm elected to do. My website is still being built, but my intention is to transform it to open it up to facilitated dialogue once I'm involved in the legislative process.
- Is there anything else you think is relevant that our questions did not reach?
- I think it is critical for today's candidates to become aware of concerns that are specific to youth in our schools, to young adults in college or beginning their careers, to all types of families who are trying to provide a productive life for their loved ones, to single adults of all ages who want to contribute to their communities, and to aging populations who still have a lot they want to contribute. All of these situations deserve our respect and protect.ion As a write-in candidate, I am not likely be elected, but if given the opportunity, I believe I can make a difference.
