I am running for Utah House District 6. This is part of the Utah Legislature. The Legislature has power to make laws that govern all of Utah. This includes things that range from state taxes to state parks, housing to water use, business to transportation, and much more. Northern Utah voters need a voice in those laws, and we do that by electing leaders who listen.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

I am the President and owner of a small Utah business that produces business accounting software. This requires me to listen and understand a diverse range of customers operating in Utah. I have learned to create solutions based on their needs and feedback. I have also had to learn accounting principles. These skills of listening, problem solving, and accounting know-how uniquely qualify me for working with Utah’s people, problems, and tax budgets.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

I want to prioritize making housing more affordable to first time home buyers, restoring the Great Salt Lake, making state provided health care easier to access for those who already qualify, amplifying the voice and will of the people through fair voting districts, and listening to voters – even those that I might disagree with. I am uniquely able to achieve these because I am running with the Forward Party which emphasizes gathering voter input and acting on it instead of conforming to the wishes of party bosses. The Forward Party also emphasizes finding solutions that are backed by measurable data, and them making changes if the data doesn’t support the intended results. This means I am not beholden to real estate developers and can propose solutions that actually make housing more affordable. I am able to listen to voter concerns throughout Utah to find a wide range of ways to restore the Great Salt Lake. I don’t have any big money interests that are demanding solutions that only benefit them.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

Compromise in politics means finding solutions that are fair to all. The purpose of government is not to force one particular view point on others, but rather to work with all to find ways to live together in peace. This can only be done when every person is valued and listened to. I cannot find a solution that is fair to all if I refuse to listen to some group – even if that group espouses beliefs contrary to my own. A very simple example is planning a family vacation. A family vacation is not fun if some family member is ignored and ends up miserable the whole trip. Each family member has a unique point of view about the activities and places that make up the vacation. By better understanding why each person, compromises about where to go and what to do can be made that benefit everyone. As a result, the family vacation is a wonderful experience and love between family members grows.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

Earlier this year a public forum was held regarding the proposed data center in northern Box Elder County.  At that forum the public was quite clear about their opinions on the data center. Unfortunately the political leaders seemed not to listen. The great feature of the Forward Party is that they encourage listening to the public instead of shutting the public out. If a representative does not listen to the public, then what is that representative there for? I certainly bring my own understanding and knowledge to a wide range of problems, but I am not more important than anyone else. I value others’ experiences and knowledge as much as my own.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

Please visit https://move.forwardwith.us.