Q: Would you AGGRESSIVELY pursue legislation that would require members of congress to read ALL potential bills before voting on them?
A: I believe that the way to get legislators to read all bill’s is to give them enough time to do just that. I am not sure if we can force everyone to read the legislation but for heaven sakes we should not be putting a bill in front of the representative 8 hours before the vote and have the document be 1000 pages. I would support having a timeline based on length of document so that there is adequate time to read what you are going to vote on. As Mayor and now County Commissioner I need to read and importantly understand what I am raising my hand to support or deny.
Q: Would you AGGRESSIVELY pursue legislation requiring all members of congress to live by the same laws, receive the same healthcare and any other benefits members of congress receive that the ordinary American does not receive?
A: When I was elected mayor of Layton City I was asked if I wanted a designated parking place. I asked why and was told, “You are the Mayor.” I laughed and told them I could find a place to park no different from anyone else. Yes, I believe that we all put our pants on the same way and that this pertains to government positions. All federal workers, including members of congress, should receive the same benefits as any other citizen, nothing better nor special.
Q: If elected, would you AGGRESSIVELY pursue legislation on term limits?
A: I have already signed a commitment to support 3 terms for Congressional positions and 2 terms for Senators. I do not believe that when you go into a government office that you are there for time and all eternity. I served years ago as a city council member for 10 years and then did not run again. I was elected as mayor twice and have been serving as a commissioner in my first term. I find it interesting that if you look at corporate America, or even the Military for that matter, no leadership position is forever. They put their time in and then move on. Very important in my opinion in bringing new and refreshed ideas to the place of business. Government can learn from the private side.
Q: What are your thoughts about creating legislation that benefits a select few instead of ALL Americans?
A: The laws of our land are to be the benefit of all. To start choosing winners and losers is a formula for failure in the long run. What has made this country great is we all have the opportunity to excel if we are willing to put forth the work ethic that it takes.
Q: Do you agree with President Trump’s 2-for-1 regulation order? Why or why not?
A: Over many years this country has created so many regulations that soon we will need to complete a form and do a study before we can get up in the morning. Many of these must be done before you can move a project forward and have come from special interests that want to control and even stymy progress. I agree that we need to continue to deregulate our society. President Trump’s 2-for-1 may not be totally manageable but I support the need to deregulate. As an example I have been involved in the process to have the West Davis Highway developed here in Davis County. Before anything could get going there needed to be an (EIS) environmental impact study completed. That process took 10 years to complete. Now think of costs today as compared to 10 years ago or even 8 years ago. Regulation costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually.
<Q: What is your record on taxes?
A: As both a Mayor and County Commissioner, I have developed a reputation of “getting things done.” I take seriously the responsibility of carefully guarding and spending taxpayer dollars. During my tenure as Layton Mayor we cut taxes twice. As Davis County Commissioner, I continue to watch over taxpayer dollars, which is why Davis County is the only one of the three largest counties in Utah (the other two being Salt Lake and Utah counties) to not raise taxes.
Q: You say Utah’s economy is an important issue in this election. What are your plans to keep our economy growing?
A: My role as your Congressman will be to assure we receive the help we need from the federal government as we face the challenges of providing infrastructure that will support expected population growth, water management and housing. I will work with federal programs such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Incubator, Mentoring, and others to assist entrepreneurs in developing and growing local businesses.
Q: How have you been involved with Hill Air Force Base, and how will you support the base in the future?
A: As your Representative in Congress one of the most critical issues that I will fight for is Hill Air Force Base. Not only is the base important to our economic well-being, but it is a vital component of our country’s security. As a member of the Utah Defense Alliance I am well versed in the process to promote HAFB and secure its continued presence in Utah. The battle to keep HAFB in Utah is ongoing. I have been fighting for the base since 2013, I have already established a network of contacts in Utah, Washington DC, and with military officials. I know what to do, who to talk to, and how to be prepared for future Base Realignment and Closure reviews.
Q: Energy development is a very important issue, particularly in the Uintah Basin. How will you address this issue?
A: Energy development in the Uintah Basin is of vital importance to Utah and to our nation’s energy needs. I am committed to knocking down federal barriers to energy development. I will work with government and community leaders in the Basin to promote that development. The extraction of oil from oil shale is of vital importance to the future economic growth of Utah. Energy independence is critical to our nation’s future energy demands.
