The Legislature decides the things that actually shape daily life in Davis County. They influence our property taxes, how much our schools get per student, whether there’s water for the growth we are seeing, what a prescription costs. Those decisions get made in 45 days each winter, often with little public input, and they bind us for years and shape our future. District 18 deserves a representative who treats that as a public trust rather than a title. We deserve someone who shows up, reads the bill, reports back and fights to make our lives better.

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

I’ve lived in this district for nearly 20 years. My kids go to our public schools; my wife cares for patients in this community.

Professionally, I lead a large team at a public institution, managing budgets, people, and competing priorities under public scrutiny. I know how public money is actually spent and where it gets wasted.

I’ve also done this work from the outside. As a private citizen I wrote, advocated for, and helped pass legislation protecting Utah children. I learned how to navigate committees, how to find sponsors and how to build a coalition. I won’t be learning that on the job.

I also don’t accept corporate PAC money, so I owe nothing to anyone but the people in this district.

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

Affordability first: property tax relief targeted at middle-income homeowners and seniors, zoning that lets starter homes get built, and real movement on childcare costs.

Focus on public schools: we need to keep public money in our public schools. We should focus on competitive teacher pay, counselors in every building, and an honest accounting of programs that pull dollars out of public classrooms.

Healthcare people can afford: price transparency, lower prescription costs, and an end to surprise billing.

And saving the Great Salt Lake: we are facing an existential crisis as the Great Salt Lake disappears. It will take us all working together to turn this around. We will need to ask for a radical shift in our water use policies across the board from agriculture, to industry, to residential.

No more data centers without real community input!

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 is the whole ball game. It’s the price of governing in a state where I’ll be in the minority. I’d rather pass 60 percent of something real than give a speech about 100 percent of nothing. The line I won’t cross is trading away someone’s rights or safety.

When I worked to pass child protection legislation, I started with a broader bill than what became law. Getting it across the finish line meant narrowing the scope, accepting budget concessions, and letting members who had opposed earlier versions put their names on it. It was less than I originally envisioned, but it is protecting Utah kids for more than a decade on. I’d make that trade again.

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

I listen first, seek guidance from real experts, share my views and listen some more.

I listen closely and find ways to include people who don’t necessarily have the time to attend committee hearings. That means outreach, town halls, open communication and follow-through.

I am loyal to my community and to my values. No matter where a good idea comes from, if it helps Utahns, I’ll carry it.

I’ll lean on my own judgment as guided by real experts. On data centers, I want water and power consumption modeled and made public before the tax incentive is even considered. On water, conservation has to be measured honestly instead of assumed. On redistricting, I’ll follow what voters actually passed and put an end to gerrymandering.

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

Visit troxelforutah.com for my full platform, to volunteer, or to send me a question. I read and answer them myself. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads as @scotrox.