OGDEN -- Matthew Glover had a question for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon, and the political science major at Weber State University made sure he asked it at Monday's town hall meeting.
When he was handed the microphone, he asked, "What will be your policy on immigration?"
Glover, 22, was one of nearly 100 people who attended the meeting with Salt Lake County Mayor Corroon, who is running against Gov. Gary Herbert.
"First of all, I think our federal government has let us down," Corroon replied.
Then Corroon talked about how it is the federal government's job to create immigration policy that works. He said the federal government needs to tighten the country's borders, crack down on crime that comes with illegal immigration and punish companies that knowingly hire those in the U.S. illegally.
"At the same time, we need to come up with a system that works for the United States," Corroon said.
"I think that having 50 states with 50 different immigration plans is not the best solution. We need our federal government to do something, and as governor, I would push our federal government, hopefully along with other governors, to come up with a solution that works for this country."
When Glover left the meeting, he did so satisfied with Corroon's answer.
"I think, where he's trying to appeal to the moderates of the state, it was a pretty safe answer," Glover said.
"I think he gave a good response in saying, 'There's only so much I could do as the governor of the state of Utah,' and is looking for the federal government to come up with the answer."
That was just one of the many issues Corroon tackled Monday.
After being introduced by WSU President Ann Millner, Corroon talked about why he thinks now is such a critical time for Utah. He said Utah used to be the best-managed state in the nation.
"But in 2010, I think we have some issues that are not being focused on by our state leaders," Corroon said.
"I think they're too busy doing things other than what they should be focusing on, which is our jobs and our economy, which is our education system, which is our quality of life as we continue to grow in this great state."
Then came the questions.
"After you're governor," one woman asked, "is Utah still going to be one of those rogue states rallying against health care?"
"I don't think spending millions of dollars fighting our federal government at the end of the day is going to do us a whole lot of good," Corroon said.
"I think we need to figure out how we're going to implement what's been passed and make it work for Utah."
"Are you familiar with the proposal (to expand Harrison Boulevard)?" another woman asked.
"It seems pretty wide right now," Corroon said. "One of the better alternatives is to look toward mass transit."
Glover said he was impressed with how Corroon answered the questions.
"He doesn't do a whole lot of ranting like I've seen other candidates do in the past," Glover said. "He's pretty straightforward."
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