ROLE OF STATE GOVERNMENT
The role of state government is to protect the inherent rights of individuals and provide and administer services the private sector will not or cannot provide. Our government operates best when it is local and regulations are limited. State government should defer to county, city, or school board governance when possible. Barring compelling reasons, I will not support legislation that infringes on the rights of or adds mandates to local governments.
TAXES AND SPENDING
I take seriously my responsibility to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly with a taxpayer return on investment in mind. I have worked to provide more efficient budgets that fund essential services while providing the responsible growth our economy needs.
By keeping taxes as minimal as possible, carefully prioritizing taxpayer dollars, and focusing on increased revenue through growth, we can ensure our state remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
TRANSPARENCY
Citizens have every right to know what is going on and how the government is spending their tax dollars. All steps of the legislative process should be transparent and open to the public. As your representative, I have and will always answer questions honestly and be available and accountable to my constituents. My loyalty is to the citizens of Utah, and I will work hard to make the political process more open to you.
THE MILITARY
The men, women, and families that have given so much to protect our freedoms and the freedom of others around the world should be supported and given the resources they need.
PROTECTING LIFE
Being pro-life means protecting the sanctity and dignity of human life. I am 100% pro-life and will support policies to reduce the number of abortions.
IMPROVING EDUCATION
Decisions should be made locally, with parent input, whenever possible. It is imperative that there is collaboration and communication between educators, parents, districts, and the legislature so that students can thrive and learn the skills necessary to succeed and in our changing economy.
Utah currently has the lowest per-student funding in the nation, and many school districts are struggling with recruiting and retaining good teachers. We have to support beginning teachers (where the highest turnover happens) through mentoring and training and support legislation giving teachers more autonomy in their classrooms.
The legislature, school districts, and citizens working together can solve any of the issues facing Utah’s schools. It is our responsibility to ensure every Utah student has the opportunity for a quality education and a prosperous future.
RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP
Being a representative is more than casting votes, it’s listening and responding to the people you represent. I am committed to always being a phone call away and answering your questions honestly, even when it’s not what you want to hear. I commit to
- A pre-session survey that is direct and focused on key issues
- Weekly reporting during the session
- Regular town halls
- Attendance at Eggs & Issues and other events
- Post-session report
- Answering questions and emails promptly
PROTECTING OUR PUBLIC LANDS
The recent creation and reduction of national parks in Utah has displayed an existing gap between different sides in this debate. As a state, we must develop procedures for the proper management of our lands and avoid future federal mandates that may not work in our best interest. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful state and must ensure it remains that way for future generations. I have always voted for the right of Utah to control our land.
PRESERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Agriculture is a significant and vital part of Utah Valley’s legacy, providing local fresh food and adding to our economy. However, our agricultural lands and water are at risk of disappearing. I endorse the ideas and goals outlined in the Utah County Agriculture Toolbox, and I will work to promote and sustain agriculture in our state while respecting property rights.
AIR QUALITY
Poor air quality affects all of us, and it is a matter of life and death for some. Each of us should take responsibility for how our choices affect our environment and those around us. Our beautiful valleys are always going to struggle with air quality because of forces beyond our control. However, there are many things we can do to keep our air as clean as possible. Utah will double in population in the next 50 years, and our leaders need to plan for this growth with air quality in mind thoughtfully.
Citizens should not be forced to adopt green behaviors, but expanding choices to those who want to limit their footprints should be a priority and driven by the free market. Policies should encourage and support actions to help keep our air clean. This position is fiscally responsible because pollution has real costs. Families and companies think twice before moving to a place with poor air quality. Also, during inversions, emergency room visits go up, and productivity goes down.
We can leverage the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic to keep our roads and air more clear. Many employers have found that their employees can work well at home, or only come in occasionally. Not only does this free up our freeways and improve air quality, but it can also be a boon to rural Utah; employees who can work remotely will be able to live in less populated areas while still working in Silicon Slopes or the Wasatch Front
INFRASTRUCTURE/TRANSPORTATION
As Utah continues to grow, so will our transportation and infrastructure needs. Planning for the future is more than merely widening our roads and freeways, we must create other innovative, fiscally sound, and environmentally responsible ways to address our transportation needs now and in the future. I support legislation that is forward thinking and data driven.
SECOND AMENDMENT
As a firm believer in the constitution, I will always stand for the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly keep and bear arms.