Conservative Principles and Values
I am a Reagan Republican. I believe that the best government is fiscally responsible, limited in size and scope, prioritizes local control, and protects families. I will make decisions based on these and other conservative principles and values.
Optimizing Government for Utah Families
Prioritizing is an inherent part of decision making. In engineering, we call it optimization. We maximize the desired results and minimize the undesirable effects within given constraints. I will always choose to optimize solutions for maximum benefit to Utah families! I will oppose any efforts to maximize for party control, legislative power, re-election bids, or special interests.
Childhood Literacy and Education
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Canyon’s District is one of the best in the state, yet in 2024, only 69% of Canyons district K-3 students tested at grade appropriate reading proficiency. For grades 3-10 it was only 51%. This is a tragedy, but we can do better.
In 2022, SB127 established statewide standards for the science of reading. SB241 from 2026 makes a number of changes and dedicates funding for paraprofessionals who support literacy. Governor Cox has made literacy a priority for his administration this year.
I believe it will be critical to continue to monitor reading proficiency and work with teachers, researchers, administrators, school boards and parents to help every child read. I will also work with these stakeholders to develop a statewide volunteer program to support literacy. Together we can help children experience the joy of reading!
Money for education is important. How we optimize the use of that money is critical!
Canyon Transportation
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UDOT has approved a 3 phase plan for Little Cottonwood Canyon with the final phase being a highly unpopular Gondola. Currently no evaluation of phase 1 or phase 2 effectiveness is included in the UDOT plan. I will work to ensure that Phase 1 and 2 are not just stepping stones to phase 3. Phase 1 and 2 must be implemented, evaluated, and iteratively improved. Testing of the effects of varying toll and private vehicle restrictions during peak times must be required.
I will also work with stakeholders on what level of transportation reliability we want in the canyon. UDOT’s recommendation came primarily from a focus on achieving 95% reliability despite accidents or avalanches. Although that is a nice theoretical feature of the Gondola, it seems it is not important enough to residents to justify the Gondola. Different requirements require different solutions.
An environmental study of plans for Big Cottonwood was released in December and is being revised after the public comment period. No gondola is included. We need to carefully evaluate how the proposals will affect our district.
Outrageous Water Bills and No Representation
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Most of our district gets water from Salt Lake City Public Utilities. Depending on your usage, your water bill has nearly doubled in the last few years.
We are actually paying 40% more for the same water to the same utility than Salt Lake City residents are! Despite the millions of extra dollars they’re taking from us, they have done nothing to maintain our aging infrastructure. They waste millions of gallons of water each year because the lines break and they are slow to respond. The public utilities’ leadership, appointed by democratic mayors in SLC, have been indifferent and we have no representation on the board.
As a legislator I will explore specific solutions such as: requiring equalized rates, joining metropolitan water directly, or taking control of our own water rights and infrastructure. I will find a more optimal and equitable solution.
Failing Infrastructure
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In our neighborhoods we see almost constant repair of broken water pipes. The American Society of Civil Engineers most recent report gives Utah a D- grade on levees, and a D+ grade on canals. In many cases the actual state of levees and canals is unknown. This is very concerning.
I will work to get a clear evaluation of our critical infrastructure and how it can be maintained, repaired, or replaced.
Housing Affordability
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The median home price in Utah has jumped 134% since 2016 while the average household income has only increased 44%. Some say we need more government programs, grants, and incentives. There may be a place for that, but I believe it is most important to identify and address the root causes and create sustainable solutions.
We currently have a shortage of over 30k homes. Starter homes and middle income homes are the most scarce. This lack of supply and high demand naturally leads to higher prices. We need to adjust regulations to make building starter homes financially attractive. Governor Cox and legislators are already working on this, but there is more work to be done at the state and local levels.
With the high rates of appreciation on residential property, the property tax base has shifted and residents are paying a higher percentage of property taxes than they used to. This needs to be corrected, preferably in a permanent way.
Out of Control Healthcare Costs
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Health Insurance premiums for a family are about $27K a year (before employer contributions or federal tax credits). High deductible plans can be lower but are still high. Insurance costs rise because medical costs rise. I believe we need to find and address the root causes of rising medical costs. For example, we need more price transparency. Costs for common tests and procedures can vary widely, but doctors, nurses, and patients have no idea what they are. This makes it impossible, to choose wisely and reduce costs.
Fiscal Responsibility and Limited Government
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As a legislator I will always remember that the money we are budgeting is your hard-earned money. I feel a great responsibility to make sure your money is spent wisely and responsibly on things appropriate for state government to be involved in.
State government has important roles, but there are many instances where solutions are better handled by local government, non profits, and the private sector.
Government Caused Inefficiency
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Have you heard of, “addition by subtraction?” I believe we can achieve great results by getting rid of outdated, wasteful, and burdensome laws and regulations.
I will review existing laws and regulations and seek input from families, schools, businesses, cities, and others to find and remove barriers and inefficiencies to improve outcomes and achieve better affordability and quality of life for Utah families.
Communication
Reach out to me! I have provided my personal phone and email address. I will also reach out to you to inform you in clear, concise ways what is happening, what I’m working on, and why I plan to vote a particular way. Representative government needs good two-way communication!
I will listen to all sides and will communicate with kindness and respect. I will work to give you accurate information and will not tell half truths or try to manipulate your emotions.
Fairness for All
I will always strive for win-win solutions! In 2015, negotiations over religious liberty and LGBTQ rights resulted in “The Utah Compromise” which simultaneously banned discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in housing and employment and protected religious organizations. This type of negotiation and compromise came to be known as “The Utah Way” or “Fairness for All.” This is important to me and the model I will follow and advocate for.
Issues Summary
- Childhood literacy and education
- Canyon transportation
- Outrageous water bills
- Failing infrastructure
- Housing affordability
- Out of control healthcare costs
- Fiscal responsibility
- Government caused inefficiency
- Fairness for All