Nolan Karras' Response to April 2004 Questionnaire on Utah's Top Issues

Registered voters identify Public Education as their number one issue of concern.

1) What role does public education play in shaping the future of Utah?

Public education is our future. It is the one place where we, as a society, can help prepare students for life and the challenges of an increasingly competitive world.

A quality educational experience is critical to our well being as individuals and a state. Because we live in a knowledge-based society our children will be competing for jobs in a global marketplace. What they've learned will determine what they earn.

My goal as Governor is to be the catalyst for a world-class educational program that provides Utah with a skilled and creative workforce, as well as a wholesome society that is centered around the family.

2) Public policy debate has centered around ideas of school choice in the form of charter schools, tuition tax credits for private schooling and the creation of magnet programs focused on specific subject areas. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in implementing school choice?

Choice gives parents greater say in the education of their children-it gives them a reason to become even more involved in their children's school. Choice can foster competition and innovation. It may also be a very important part of addressing the funding crisis we face as 145,000 new students enter our school system in the next decade.

Conversely, choice can put public schools at a serious disadvantage if money is drained, good students are cherry-picked, and an excess of struggling students remain.

I believe competition is good but is has to be fair. I am convinced that innovation in education is absolutely essential. But I won't gut the public school system or send a message to the majority of our educators who do a great job that they are somehow inferior.

a. How much choice should Utahns have - are charter schools and inter-district transfers enough or should the state adopt a tuition tax credit or some other solution?

Utahns should have as much choice we can give them without harming the overall system. It's too early to say exactly what form that should take, but charter schools seem promising and early indications are that they will be successful. I will also support tuition tax credits or vouchers under certain conditions.

One thing I am adamant about is local control and I want to involve local school districts in designing programs of choice.

Education is most successful when parents are partners with their schools. Parents choosing charter or private schools will generally choose to become actively involved in their school's function and their child's education. Offering tuition tax credits to parents who choose a non-public education system is not a simple formula. There are numerous suggestions on implementation of a tuition tax credit, some of which are plausible and some that are not. The growing popularity of charter and private schools is evidence to me that school choice is here to stay. But we're going to have to be very careful how we handle this transition.

It does seem to make sense that during a time of rapid growth in our school age population that some savings can be found by allowing children to migrate to private schools. If the cost to the state is less than the cost of educating that child in public schools and if the private system attracts students from all socio-economic conditions, now is the time to see if vouchers or tuition tax credits will work.

My experience of being on the State Board of Regents has demonstrated to me how public institutions and private institutions can work together to educate our children. Student aid is granted to students in both private and public institutions and the public institutions are able to compete very well under such circumstances.

Hastily implementing a tuition tax credit system may send a message to the many fine educators in that public system that they are somehow second rate. There are many fine educators in Utah that do a great job for our students. We must review their needs as well.

b. How do you address concerns of parents in rural areas that they will not have access to education alternatives?

I think that's a very valid concern. Rural districts and slow growth areas may stand the most to lose. That's why local control is so important. School districts should be run by superintendents, not the state legislature. For now, we may need to limit our charter schools to high growth areas.

3) Utah dedicates all of the state's income tax revenue to fund public education, yet because of the large percentage of children in the state, per-pupil funding is the lowest in the nation. Utah is also anticipating a large influx of new students over the next ten years.

a. In your view, is the low per-pupil funding a concern? Why or why not?

Obviously, it is a concern, but it is our reality. Our family sizes are never going to put us at the top of the spending list. The question is how can we use and reallocate funding to get an even bigger bang for our buck.

b. If so, what solutions would you offer for public education funding?

As Governor, I will work to get us out of the bricks and mortar mentality and focus on the fundamentals of classroom success. Before spending one dime we always need to ask ourselves, "Will this expense go to our classrooms to improve learning?" If we can't answer yes, we shouldn't spend the money. That will help us focus on our greatest problems, class size and skills learning.

Previous administrations made spending decisions that delayed dealing with growth, or focused solely on financing buildings. That strategy won't work any more. We must put all of our support into the classroom for our kids.

Over the past decade we have masked our funding deficiency with dedicated teachers and committed families. Both are tapped out. Family demographics are changing and teacher shortages loom.

As Governor, I will propose the following strategies to improve education funding:

Put people first: We have to change our funding priorities. We have to get out of the bricks and mortar mentality and focus on the fundamentals of classroom success. That starts with people. People are our greatest asset. Great teachers are essential to a successful education.

Local control: I will ask every school district to provide me with a list of every state and federal mandate they have been given. We will discuss what can be done to lift those mandates so local officials can get better use out of the funds they have. Next, I will ask them to come up with a plan for improving classroom learning now. The answer to that question will probably vary from district to district and will require the input of administrators, teachers, and parents. Based on that, I will make sure that we spend money where it matters most.

The key word here is innovation. We must learn to drive costs out of the system without compromising our ability to provide world-class educational experiences for our children. Concerned school board members, administrators, and teachers at the local level know best what works for their situation.

Wise use of natural resources: we must find responsible ways of increasing revenue from public lands-whether from the federal government or through commercial development. I will work vigorously to earn more from our natural resources to benefit Utah's educational system.

I think it's important to realize all of the easy answers have already been tried. There is no one simple solution to our funding crisis. However, I don't think that means we should be satisfied with where we are. Frankly, I think our most promising solutions are probably still waiting to be discovered. That's going to require a governor who can bring people together and creatively address our needs. I believe I have that ability.

As Governor, I am determined to give our children the educational opportunities they need. I will do that through innovation, technology and long term financial planning. I will consider every funding request in every other state agency in direct competition with education. I will not approve those requests if it means sacrificing our children's futures with a mediocre education.

4) Survey respondents listed "teacher quality" as the education issue about which they are most concerned.

a. What solutions or programs would you offer to improve the quality of Utah's teachers?

I think it comes down to three things:

1. Competitive salaries
   
2. Transparent accountability for the entire system. One must measure it to manage it. I believe we need better outcome based measurements to help us better evaluate the education our children receive.
   
3. Providing teachers with the respect the deserve

I think we need to realize that, for the most part, we have an exceptionally fine corps of teachers working hard in Utah's schools. We'll probably never be able to pay them what they are worth, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

I believe we need to make it easier for qualified individuals who are transitioning from other careers to enter the teaching profession. Teacher certification needs to be reviewed. Many business professionals, technical experts, and others who already have experience in related fields should be able to transfer their knowledge to the classroom. We need to streamline the certification process so we can put these people to work.

b. Finding qualified teachers is a particular challenge in rural areas. What would you do to address rural residents' concerns?

Improving education in all areas of the state will require re-thinking our delivery systems. Part of that improvement should come in the form of technology. Technology can be used more effectively to train teachers and to teach students. While it's not a panacea, it could be an important part of the equation. We may also want to consider special incentives for teachers who are willing to work in rural Utah, either in terms of college benefits or after graduation signing bonuses. The parents, teachers and administrators that live and work in rural Utah are probably the best ones to help develop solutions to this problem.

5) Do you feel Utah's curriculum taught to students has weaknesses? If so, what are they and how would you address them?

I'm concerned too many of our students are graduating from high school without the basic competencies they need in math, science and English. I recently heard of a very innovative plan to address this problem. In the Washington County School District, Superintendent Max Rose wants to test students for these competencies in the 11th grade, not the 12th. Then, if there are weaknesses, instead of taking elective courses seniors will be required to take remedial classes designed to bring them up to speed in these important core competencies.

At Morgan High School teachers, working with their community council and administrators, have increased the amount of time sophomores spend in English. They feel students will be better prepared to pass national achievement tests and college entrance exams with stronger English skills. The state didn't mandate the change. Neither did the district. Parents and teachers working together came up with a plan that prepares students better.

I would like to see competency-based criteria which would allow students to move faster through the system. Similar to college courses, if they can prove they know the material they can receive credit for the class.

While the state needs to mandate the core curriculum, I believe local school districts need to design their own plans of how best to manage and teach these subjects.

6) Through the No Child Left Behind Act, future federal funding will be tied to improvements in Utah students' test scores. Please briefly share your thoughts on the debate surrounding No Child Left Behind.

As Governor, I will work to get the federal government out of the classroom. I believe the intention of No Child Left Behind is good but the implementation is completely flawed. Anytime government begins to mandate how students should be taught, it's a recipe for disaster--which is what we have now.

It is clear to me that driving the accountability and control of our schools to the lowest level possible will provide long term benefits, which means we must resist efforts from the Federal government to dictate policy from Washington DC.

Superintendents who are doing their jobs well already know where their students rank. Mike Jacobsen, of the Weber School District, is one of them. He tests his students every year. He knows which students are struggling, which schools are seeing success, and how much it's costing. Innovation and accountability must be at the local level if our schools and our children are going to enjoy the success we desire.

7) Finally, please share briefly your own experiences with the public schools and how those experiences have shaped your policy positions on education.

As a guy who unloaded boxcars at night so I could go to college during the day, I understand the importance of education.

Some of my most vivid public school experiences stem from the days when I was a student myself. As a child, I remember my father telling me if I ever got a spanking at school to come home and tell him and he would give me another one. That was his way of saying a teacher is to be respected and revered. Anyone who's been in the military will tell you when the commanding officer enters the room or passes down the hall you stand at attention and make way. It would be wonderful if we showed that same respect to our schoolteachers.

Before I spent time in the state legislature I was pretty smug about all the waste I was sure I'd find in education. Then I took the opportunity to visit Roy High School for the day and job shadow the principal. I was humbled and shocked by what I saw. Our schools are a microcosm of all the ills we face in society as a whole. Administrators deal with budgets and tests and parents every day. But they also deal with teen pregnancies, abuse, drug use, and a variety of other challenges. I have tremendous respect for their dedication and patience.

My own children have attended public schools and been enriched by their experiences. My daughter became a schoolteacher herself and taught for six years. Every year we planned a father/daughter shopping trip to pick up a few things for her classroom. I was amazed at the amount of money teachers contribute from their own pockets to cover basic needs.

My education experience has taken on a new depth through my service as Chair of the Board of Regents. We meet regularly with the State Board of Education and discuss common issues. Two of the State Board members sit on the board of Regents. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of the Ogden Weber Applied Technology College. We meet monthly to help oversee applied technology education in the greater Weber County area.

I serve on the Weber School District Foundation Board of Directors. I have seen first-hand how small financial awards have made huge differences in the experiences of students and teachers alike.

We have large families and we may never be at the top of the per-pupil spending list, but I am determined to give our children the educational opportunities they need. I will do that through innovation, technology and long term financial planning. I will not sacrifice their futures with a mediocre education.

Job Creation and Economic Development ranks second on the list of issues Utahns are most concerned about.

1) Please outline how you would bring more jobs to the state and on which industry sectors economic development should focus.

Utah needs a vision for economic development. As Governor, I will create a "Committee of 1000" and make job growth a top priority. The number symbolizes the many influential people in Utah with business experience that spans the country and sometimes the globe. I will seek out these people and encourage them to help us develop an economic strategy that works for Utah and puts Utahns to work. This committee will also include the economic professionals inside and outside of government, education, business, and the political world. We need to tap into all our resources to create a more effective and cohesive approach to economic development.

I have met influential people in this state who are willing to help but we have not found the means to harness their assistance and use their contacts. The "Committee of 1000" will be designed to enlist such help, coordinate it with what is being done now, and help us all "sing from the same sheet of music." A unified voice from Utah will be heard around world.

Under my leadership, this committee will help develop a strategic vision plan for job growth and economic development. I will lead the effort to define and assess:

1. What efforts are underway in every corner of this state now that can be harnessed to help with job growth and economic development. There is no need to re-create the wheel but we must be coordinated in our efforts.
   
2. Our strengths and weaknesses. What assets do we have to attract and keep good jobs and are we effectively using them now?
   
3. What we want our state to look like economically based on our review of our strengths and weaknesses?
   
4. What types of jobs and careers we want for our children.
   
5. What we'll need to do to make that vision a reality.

Specific business targets will be included in my economic plan. Success will be measured with outcome-based accounting. The plan will include a combination of existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and business recruiting. I also believe organic growth or helping in-state businesses will be more successful than bringing in outside companies. However, a focused and targeted effort to bring companies here from states like California will be an essential part of the plan.

Once our vision has been established, each economic development program will be reviewed in relationship to our overall goal. The intention is to determine which programs may need to be eliminated, enhanced, or adjusted to more effectively reach our economic goals.

I will restructure the state economic development organization so that public and private sector organizations are complimenting one another's efforts, not competing. I will work to more closely tie local Chambers of Commerce and trade associations to our efforts.

Government does not create jobs in the private sector but government can be an impediment to job creation. As Governor, I'll work to remove the barriers and facilitate the private sector to create jobs. I believe private efforts of groups such as the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, of which I am a board member, are essential to Utah's future. I also applaud the dedicated efforts of the Chambers of Commerce throughout the State for their efforts to provide jobs. I will continue to support local, regional and State efforts in the private sector to bring jobs and economic growth to our State.

I will work to make Utah an incubator for companies who get their start in the classrooms of our colleges and universities. Combined, the University of Utah and Utah State University bring more than $450 million in research grants to our state each year. I believe the state should do more to encourage the growth of these good ideas into successful companies. Companies that get their start in Utah are more likely to stay in Utah. This effort will require our post-secondary schools focus on research that spins off jobs and creates companies who will headquarter in Utah and provide jobs for our children.

It is clear that to accomplish this goal the State will need to find space or a place to house the entrepreneurial efforts of our university faculty, help secure private funds for such efforts and make certain the universities are able to attract the best professors in key areas who will, in turn, attract the best graduate students to Utah.

High tech companies like these offer good jobs and good salaries. Those are the kinds of companies we ought to court, both in state and outside of Utah. We want jobs that offer life-sustaining wages, not just a bare minimum. Again, those kinds of companies will need workers with good skills. We've got to make certain our children have those skills.

In addition to growing "organic" start-up companies, I'll do everything I can to attract business from outside the state as well. However, I'm not willing to give away the bank in order to get them here. Our very best incentive is our life style. If a company is seeking more support than a great way of life, we will have to be reasonable and do what we can to help them locate and be profitable. A profitable business, no matter how large or small and no matter where it is located within this state is vital to our economy.

A focused, inclusive economic development program that measures outcomes will become even stronger with the direct leadership of the Governor and a financial commitment that reflects priority status. One of the reasons I believe we need better long-term financial goals is to allow us to free up additional funds for economic growth and tourism promotion. The budget for these efforts must be enhanced.

2) Utahns are also concerned about wages. Past economic development strategy for the state has focused on selling the state as a "low-cost" place to do business and low wage rates were part of that strategy.

a. Should that change?

Yes, we need to promote our State in a way that attracts high salaries and corporate headquarters to benefit the State.

Technology-based companies offer good jobs and good salaries. Those are the kinds of companies we ought to court, both in state and outside of Utah. We want jobs that afford life-sustaining wages, not just a bare minimum. Again, those kinds of companies will need workers with good skills. We've got to make certain our children have those skills.

A labor shortages looms in our country's future as baby boomers retire and the skilled workforce shrinks. If we have highly skilled workers being trained in our colleges and universities, we can attract great companies to locate here and hire our workers. Education is the key.

b. If so, how would you market the state to companies interested in relocating or expanding?

I would start with my Committee of 1000 and determine where existing relationships have already been cultivated. Following our vision plan, I would use those individuals to make contacts and be personally accountable for progress.

As I mentioned earlier, I would like to see Utah become an incubator for companies who get their start in the classrooms of our colleges and universities. Combined, the University of Utah and Utah State University bring more than $450 million in research grants to our state each year. I believe the state should do more to encourage the growth of these good ideas into successful companies. Companies that get their start in Utah are more likely to stay in Utah.

3) What measures would you take to foster home-grown businesses?

A solid educational system that provides skilled workers, a fair tax structure and rules and regulations which are fair and reasonably enforced are absolutely necessary.

I would also focus my efforts on home-grown businesses first and then looking to attract outside the State employers and businesses.

4) Innovation and technological advantage are key areas of future economic growth. Much of that takes place on college campuses. How would you assist universities in "spinning-off" new businesses?

I believe Utah's colleges and universities can be the engines that drive economic growth. As Governor, I would start by increasing salaries of college professors to attract the very best and brightest. These professors would in turn attract the top graduate students who often innovate new companies.

Second, I would reduce the amount of money these new companies must pay the state in exchange for use of university facilities. These high up-front costs could be changed to include lower amounts of cash in combination with stock options in the new company. I support the constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall that would permit universities to take stock in lieu of cash for the transfer of technology from the university to the private sector.

Third, new companies need space. I would encourage the development of support facilities that include office space and laboratories.

I will also support additional efforts to bring venture capital and other financing to the State. We need to attract capital. We currently have some very capable companies and individuals working in this area but I believe we need to do more.

5) Rural economic development is very different from what can be done along the Wasatch Front. What would you do to bring jobs into rural areas of the state?

As Governor, I'll explore dividing the state into economic regions, similar to the travel regions we already have. Each region would have a direct line to the Governor's office. I want to be personally aware of economic development needs and plans in every corner of the state. I also want to use the Lt. Governor more for economic development purposes and to allow him or her to use the status of their office in helping secure more jobs for Utahns.

On a recent trip to Blanding I met Chris Webb, City Manager. Blanding is a small community and there isn't much of a business base. But instead of wringing his hands and complaining about what he doesn't have, Chris has gone to work to build the businesses he does have. One of them is Eagle Air, a medical air transfer service. The company flies patients from remote corners of southeastern Utah to area hospitals. Chris secured a federal grant to help the company build a bigger hanger and add employees so that aircraft maintenance work would stay in Blanding.

Chris, and others like him, is a valuable resource for other communities looking to build their economic base. I will personally lead the effort to coordinate our efforts and share successful strategies. Whether it's a job in Blanding or Beaver or Brigham City, each success will be good news for us all.

A job created in any part of the State should be a basis for celebration throughout the state. As Governor, I will lead and foster this attitude.

6) What has been your greatest success in fostering business growth and economic development?

I am a career financial advisor and CPA who has built financial security for an impressive list of clients. These clients range from widows to CEO's of large corporations who have trusted me for many years to increase their personal wealth and business assets. I take their trust very seriously. As Governor, I will use my financial expertise in behalf of Utah's citizens and take their trust equally seriously.

That experience has given me a broad overview of the types of businesses that can grow in Utah. Every business that comes to our state is an asset.

My current appointment as Chairman of the Board of Regents is one of my most demanding roles and one I am most proud of. As Governor, I can greatly help our public and higher education community work as a system to the benefit any citizen who wants to learn and improve their job skills. In a knowledge-based society, a quality education system and job growth go hand in hand.

As a state legislator for ten years, I am proud of my efforts to improve Utah's business climate. I sponsored the bill to eliminate sales tax on manufacturing equipment to encourage Kimberly Clark to locate their plant in Ogden. The company pays more than $1 million in property taxes to Weber County every year. Since then, other companies have used the same exemption to bring business to Utah.

I sponsored the legislation that brought the 2002 Olympic Winter Games to Utah. I served on the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for more than six years where I chaired the Finance Committee.

As the CEO for Western Hay Company, headquartered in Ogden, I am constantly aware of the unique needs of Utah's farmers and ranchers. I appreciate as never before the fact that your best efforts can be reduced to rubble by an errant rainstorm. I believe Utah's farm families will benefit from having someone who understands their industry in the Governor's office. My door will always be open to those who work the land and rely on natural resources for their livelihood.

I am a member of the Boards of Directors for Beneficial Life and Scottish Power, both of whom employee hundreds of Utahns. As the CEO of Western Hay and the owner of my own investment advisory business, I understand the pressures of making payroll.

Water availability and quality ranks third on the list. The latest drought as well as growth in areas with limited water supply has really brought this to voters' attention.

1) What are your ideas for creating an adequate water supply for now and into the future?

Experts say Utah's population will increase from more than two million people to over five million by the year 2050. They predict about four million of those people will live on the Wasatch Front. Whether you live in Provo or Panguitch, water is a critical commodity.

Five consecutive years of drought have helped us all realize the importance of this precious resource. As CEO of a small hay company, I know agriculture has been hit especially hard. Short of magically making it rain, I believe we will have to focus on three areas: 1) conservation 2) conversion and 3) long term project development.

2) What role, if any, should conservation measures play in water development?

Conservation should be at the top of our list of ways to stretch our water resources. As Governor, I will urge planning and zoning commissions on the city and county level to consider re-thinking their approach to landscaping new developments. Local governments may be able to offer incentives to developers of public and private facilities that use landscaping conservation techniques.

We need to look for new water resources as well. That would include the completion of existing water projects and planning for others. Those might include the Lake Powell pipeline, Bear River development, and even the Green River system.

Ultimately, a market-based system which provides price signals to the user is the best way to encourage conservation.

a. Which aspects of conservation should be voluntary and which mandatory?

I would favor voluntary conservation before mandatory regulation. However, even in water issues, I believe local control is critical to finding and implementing the best solutions. The wisest course may be to evaluate conditions on an area-by-area basis, with local leaders setting conservation policy.

b. Should the state offer incentives to conserve water? What types of incentives would you promote?

I believe the free market system is the best approach, namely, users pay for the water they use. Many people were dismayed to learn after diligent conservation efforts last summer that their water bills actually went higher. Some cities were unprepared for the effectiveness of voluntary conservation and had to pass along costs regardless of use.

In addition, the State Water Resource Committee could provide incentives for conservation by lowering interest rates on water projects or moving conservation projects higher on the priority list. These incentives could be offered to cities and special service districts. It would reward them for efficiency and help eliminate bureaucracies built around high water flows.

As Governor, I will also explore incentives for agriculture to use the most efficient means of irrigation.

I believe we need to realize that what some consider wastewater is often environmental wetlands. The checks and balances for conservation create a very fine line.

There may be some incentive for converting water from other uses to domestic supplies. Experts predict agricultural water needs will continue to decline over the next 50 years. Some of that water would naturally be diverted but other conversion opportunities may also exist.

Water reuse is becoming more critical not only for secondary systems but also for the environment. As Governor, I will work to more clearly define ownership of water rights for effluent water. This effort is currently scheduled to begin in June of 2004 and continue for two years.

3) Should the 1/16 cent sales tax allocation to fund water projects continue? If so, what changes would you make to the current way monies are allocated?

Yes. As Governor, I would seek to increase the funds dedicated to water resource development. Additional funding will be difficult to find and the need is huge. The project to bring water to Washington County from Lake Powell is estimated to be more than $300 million in today's dollars. Such water is needed by 2020. I do not have a simple solution to this demanding issue but I believe the State will need to play a role in water development in the future.

Water and roads are critical infrastructure for business. When we think about economic development they must go hand in hand. A healthy business environment means a healthy tax base for education funding.

I can understand the financial pressures that have caused previous administrations to reclaim water funding. However, as I look to the future I believe it would be unwise to shortchange planning and paying for water resource development. As I indicated earlier, a market-based approach should determine what users pay for water.

Cost of health care is the issue of greatest concern for Utahns within the health category.

1) What would you do to address the rising cost of health care?

In 2001, almost 200,000 Utahns lacked health insurance coverage. (Utah Tomorrow Strategic Planning Report, 2003) Experts estimate another 240,000 are underinsured. Each year in thousands of people are hospitalized for conditions that would have been easier, cheaper and better treated in outpatient settings.

Experts predict that by 2012 Medicaid costs will exceed $578 billion. With the aging of our population, spending for long-term care alone is expected to quadruple by 2020. At this rate, funding for Medicaid will suck dry every other program in the state of Utah. We are going to have to explore ways of changing Medicaid to improve Medicaid.

We need to ask ourselves some basic questions about what we want insurance to be. Historically, the purpose of health insurance was to cover catastrophic events. Now, it covers a lot more. That isn't a bad thing, it just means that the more we want from health insurance the more it costs. At the same time, new technology and new treatments are improving the length of life and quality of life for many individuals.

We need to explore the question of how we can put patients in a position to act more like consumers when it comes to their health care. How can we make sure that they get the information they need to make choices that make sense from both a treatment and financial perspective? It has been my experience that unless the consumer feels some financial ownership there is no control over costs.

Lastly, we need to get as many people in the insurance system as possible. The idea behind insurance is that we each pay our fair share--knowing that if and when we need it, insurance will be there for us. When people don't pay their fair share, things get even tougher for those who do. We need find a way to encourage everyone who can to pay their fair share.

2) What experience or insights do you have that would guide your policies on public health programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare and health care in general?

I have served on the Boards of Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance and Humana Hospital. I have been involved with health insurance issues as a board member or as a consultant to insurance companies for many years.

As the owner of a small business that provides health care coverage to my employees, I understand how expensive insurance coverage can be. I understand the issues from the standpoint of a consumer.

I believe solutions to health care issues must be based on the free market system.

I understand the critical needs, spiraling costs, and the importance of making decisions that maximize what we can do and, as necessary, recognize what we can't.

3) Children's health issues ranks high on the list of issues. What are specific policies you would adopt to assist parents with healthcare for their children?

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides insurance for children without coverage and whose family's income is less than 200% of poverty, or $36,800 for a family of four.

According to Utah Tomorrow, a strategic planning group, there are more than 20,000 children enrolled on CHIP. However, in 2001 there were nearly 55,000 children without any health insurance in our state.

 I would like to find a way for children and parents to be treated as a family and to be covered by the same commercially available health plan. This would avoid confusion and transitions in coverage. Such solutions will not come easy.

To do this, I think we should consider expanding the public/private partnership principles of the "Covered at Work" initiative. Currently, the state pools temporary government funds with employer and employee funds to provide insurance to uninsured, working adults. I think we should try to combine funding it a way that puts families together, lets them experience the benefits of private health insurance, and encourages them to become more self-reliant.

This, I believe, can also help us reduce the financial pressure on CHIP that has resulted in an enrollment cap. While I fully support the idea of a cap to keep the program on budget, I think we have to recognize the inequity that such an enrollment cap creates between those who are on the program and those who are waiting. Most of the waiting children will eventually be allowed on the program during an open enrollment period. But I would like to see if we could help children and families transition to private insurance and reduce the need for the cap.

I am concerned that Utah's teenage suicide rate is one of the highest in the nation. I believe this is a tragedy we must be willing to address. I will encourage discussions between parents, educators, religious and community leaders on how we can reverse this troubling trend.

I will to make immunizations a priority to safeguard the health of Utah's children.

4) How can the state encourage better health insurance coverage for workers that do not have health insurance through their employer?

As Governor, I will make sure Utah's High Risk Insurance Pool (HIPUtah) remains strong and viable. HIPUtah is the insurer of last resort for Utahns that do not have insurance at work and cannot get insurance on their own because o poor health. Keeping HIPUtah strong is the key to making sure all Utahns have access to insurances.

I will encourage the development of more health insurance products for Utahns who are not insured at work. The ability to choose from a variety of insurance plans with a different prices and benefits would be helpful in keeping coverage affordable and available.

I support Utah's "Covered at Work" initiative. This plan pools money from the employer, the employee and the state to purchase a commercially available health plan. State funding is not permanent but it jump starts coverage and provides an extra incentive for business to offer insurance.

I will encourage the use of Medical Savings Accounts by the self-insured and work to make information on the advantages and disadvantages of these plans more readily available to the public.

As a small business owner, I've been alarmed at the dramatic rise in insurance costs over the past five years. The vast majority of businesses have made a tremendous financial commitment to purchase health insurance for their employees. I believe the state needs to support that commitment in every possible way.

1) Beyond the recently installed Amber Alert system, what would you as a state policy leader do to help Utahns feel more secure about their children's safety?

I cannot imagine a worse nightmare than to have a child abducted or harmed in any way. Protecting our children is a community effort. According to Utah Tomorrow, the number of full-time law enforcement officers increased by more than 40% between 1992 and 2001. But schools, churches, and community groups can also play an important role in watching over children.

As former vice-chairman of the Commission on Crime and Juvenile Justice, I understand the importance of a team approach when it comes to law enforcement. I will work with law officers throughout Utah to supply resources, not just rhetoric.

2) In your opinion, how can state policy makers protect citizens from becoming victims of ID theft?

I know from personal experience how disturbing ID theft can be. I cannot imagine the elderly or any other Utahn having to experience the confusion and mind-numbing bureaucracy of having to reclaim one's own good name and good credit.

The right to privacy is guaranteed by our constitution. As Governor, I will protect that right. I will meet with law enforcement and technology experts to discuss specific areas where Utahns may be vulnerable and options for reducing that threat.

Higher Education is the sixth issue. Respondents were most concerned about graduates finding jobs in Utah and about tuition costs for students.

1) How do you keep recent graduates from leaving the state and taking their knowledge and expertise with them?

2) What is the best way to address concerns about rising tuition costs?

As Chairman of the State Board of Regents, I know that in the last four years tuition has increased almost 40%. It's a trend that has me worried. This year's increase came at the urging of student body presidents statewide after lawmakers did not fund the schools.

Over the past several years, State support for higher education has declined and a higher reliance on tuition has been forced upon the students. The trend has continued from the mid 1980's until today and there is no end in sight. The State needs a long- term look at education funding and a new approach to determining subsidies to students. The Regents recently were briefed on an innovative plan used elsewhere that is market based and charges tuition at different levels for different degrees. I believe it is important for the political body (legislature) to fix the amount of tax money going into the higher education system but I believe the governing body (Regents) should have more latitude in allocating the money and using such authority to encourage innovation and cost cutting in higher education.

I am not willing to shut out students. However, students who plan to attend college must be academically ready for college course. In a knowledge-based society, we simply must provide our children with the education and job skills they will need for success. Public education has a responsibility to prepare students for college. I support efforts to make remedial courses self-funding.

Because of that, I am leading the way for Utah's colleges and universities to drive down costs through innovation, such as increasing the number of on-line classes and offering performance incentives. More market-based approaches may be necessary.

3) What role does higher education play in Utah?

I believe higher education can become the engine that drives our economy. We can do this by making certain are students are prepared with job skills for a global marketplace and by encouraging "organic" business growth. I believe a variety of post-secondary learning environments should be available to students prepared to learn and succeed.

College is the time many students discover themselves in terms of ability, understanding and goals. I am convinced this evolution of character is every bit as valuable as the skills they acquire.

4) In your opinion, what does a "quality" post-secondary education mean?

To me, a quality post-secondary education is one that prepares students for meaningful employment with a skill that commands a life-enhancing wage. This experience is not limited to traditional college settings, but may also be found in technical colleges, trade schools, and recognized apprenticeship programs.

Taxes are seventh on the list. Government spending ranks number one in the list of sub-issues under taxes.

1) Is government spending at the state level growing too quickly? If so, how would you curb spending?

I believe the number one task in managing government spending is planning. That leadership must come from the Governor. In a state with a part-time legislature, there is no substitute for gubernatorial leadership.

In the past ten years, a time of unprecedented economic growth in Utah, we nearly maxed out our debt load and failed to put anything aside for the educational funding crisis we now face and a Medicaid drain that is just around the corner. Currently, we are almost $2 billion in debt. A conservative is NOT someone who lowers taxes only to turn around and borrow money. At the same time, the budget increased from about $3 billion to $8 billion (1990-2004).

As Governor, I will get our financial state house in order by:

1. Curbing spending by long-term planning. I propose a five-year plan to project our spending needs. This plan will serve as a road map to our financial future. I'll ask every state agency to do the same. I want the people of Utah to be able to see the consequences of today's spending decisions on tomorrow. Such a projection may not be pretty but it is essential to forcing a transparent discussion of the issues facing us. I am convinced that the existing tax structure will not support the current "needs" of the State as presently constituted. We will not solve this issue without studying the issue.
   
2. Adapting government to the spending plan, not spending to accommodate government growth. I support House Bill 66, which restricts general fund expenditure growth to inflation and population growth, without placing limitations on education and transportation spending.
   
3. Instituting non-lapsing budgeting for state agencies. Our current system rewards agencies for spending with a "use it or lose it" budget rule. I will encourage efficiency and innovation by working with state agencies to develop incentives. Such incentives do not come easily to government but we must develop ways to hold government accountable and to manage the assets of this state. Most of the issues facing Utah are management issues and we need a governor willing to manage the State.

I'll also introduce "Accountability 101." Every department will be expected to provide a full accounting for every tax dollar. Just like Utah families, we'll sit at the table and ask ourselves, "Where can we trim? What can we cut? How can we make every dollar stretch a little farther?" By becoming more accountable we will also become more productive. When performance is measured performance improves.

2) Compared to other states, Utahns pay a relatively high income tax and relatively low property taxes.

a. Should local governments including school districts raise more revenue locally, rather than relying on state funds?

Tax revenues come primarily from three sources: property tax, income tax and sales tax. Like a three-legged stool, proper balance in all three areas keeps our state fiscally sound.

The state legislature, as mandated by the voters, has kept Utah's property taxes among the lowest in the nation. (Despite a public perception to the contrary.) In proportion to the other two funding legs, property tax is out of balance. However, that balance will not change until the public decides, through their elected officials, that they want change. The Uniform School Levy is the only state imposed property tax.

Property tax has always assumed a large role in the financing of local governments. Over the past decade some local governments, particularly cities, have dramatically shifted their funding away from property tax and toward sales taxes and other revenue sources. A vigorous public debate would be needed to ever change this trend.

The long-term state revenue picture clearly indicates a revenue shift from the state to local governments is unlikely. However, any increased local ability to collect revenue must come with increased accountability on how that money is spent.

b. If so, how would you encourage this?

Through vigorous debate throughout the State on a five-year projection comparing resources and needs of the State. This type of discussion will illustrate for Utahns the structural issues facing policy makers.

3) Is the tax burden in Utah spread fairly?

As a general rule, taxes should be broad based with low rates rather than narrow with high rates. Adherence to that principle means there should be a constant review as to the nature of the tax base.

Sales taxes were initially imposed in the depression. The tax base reflects a manufacturing economy. Today's economy is a service-based economy. Without a closer tie with the tax base and the economy there is inevitable pressure to increase rates to simply stay even.

In the case of income taxes, it has been over thirty years since income tax brackets were realigned.

I believe it would be wise for us to look carefully at our current tax structure with the intent of finding any efficiencies or inequities.

4) Related to tax burden, Utah Foundation asked respondents if there were any other tax issues that were not addressed in the standard questions on taxes. Of those that responded, 14% said "get rid of the tax on food." Would you as a candidate support this? Why or why not?

I would not support eliminating this tax at this time. We have 145-thousand children entering our schools in the next ten years and a state budget that's already strained to the breaking point.

When we do discuss this plan we need to consider the fact that many small cities and towns rely on the local sales tax, most often from grocery retailers, to fund local government. In some instances, the effect of stripping that money from local communities would be devastating.

It is unfortunate that during the past decade of enormous economic growth there were significant tax cuts that could possibly have addressed this very issue. Unfortunately, there was little debate about Utah's overall tax structure.

As Governor, I will insist on long-term planning that identifies our priorities and matches our budget with our needs.

Growth ranks eighth on the list. 66% of those polled said the issue was about how to accommodate growth through infrastructure rather than trying to control growth.

1) Do you have specific plans on how to fund building projects for things like roads, water and sewer, and assisting with school building projects?

As Governor, I will use the following strategies to improve funding:

a. Grow our economy more aggressively with assistance from the Committee of 1000.

b. Develop a compensation strategy for lands currently not taxed because of federal ownership

c. Encourage careful, planned development of natural resources.

d. Replace a bricks and mortar mentality with emphasis on technology and innovation.

Our state faces a structural imbalance, meaning we can't afford the level of government we currently have. Also, we've already borrowed almost $2 billion. We're going to have to take a hard look at every funding request. We need to trim back in every non-educational area and demand even greater efficiency from education.

2) What is the role of state government in building new infrastructure?

3) What role do local governments play in these projects?

A sound infrastructure makes our state more attractive to business and that benefits all Utahns. I think the state should lead the way in planning and paying for infrastructure improvements that impact the state as a whole.

Environment is issue number nine. It has two sub-topics, air quality and hazardous waste.

1) What is the state's role in addressing issues around air quality?

2) What is your plan for addressing concerns about the safety of the proposed hazardous waste storage sites?

3) Should Utah be in the business of storing hazardous waste? Why or why not?

I believe we should curtail any further development of hazardous waste sites. I would not be in favor of any further development. I believe site approval rightfully rests with the Governor and legislature.

Parental Rights ranks as number ten.

1) What would you do to balance the rights of parents and the rights of the state to intervene in cases where a child may be in danger?

Over the next ten years our youth population, children aged 0-17, will increase by 27%. That's more than 20,000 children per year. By the time they turn 18:

• 1 in 31 will enter DCFS custody or supervision
• 1 in 11 will spend time in locked detention
• 1 in 43 will be committed to Youth Corrections custody

(Statistics courtesy of Utah Tomorrow Strategic Planning Report 2003)

I believe children are harmed when they are in bad homes. I also think that children can be harmed when they are removed from homes without just cause.

As Governor, I will take a close look at the state's protocols for removing children from their homes. Children must be immediately removed if they are in danger. The majority of children who are taken from their parents are generally reunited with them.

I will work to create a constructive approach in working with parents who may be struggling but are not a danger to their children.

2) What are your concerns surrounding this issue?

3) Do you have concerns about the Division of Child and Family Services? If so, what would you do to make the agency better?

I have tremendous respect for Richard Anderson and those that work with him. We expect a great deal out of the Division of Child and Family Services. Families and children deserve nothing less. I also recognize the tremendous pressure of their profession. I am sure they feel undermanned, under-funded and probably under-appreciated.

As Governor, I will work to keep our focus on the big picture as it pertains to individual families and make sure we are making the best decision possible in each situation.