Olene Walker's 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 schools provide our children with the skills they will need to compete in a global economy and with the knowledge they will use to participate and preserve our democracy. The state has the responsibility and an obligation to provide Utahns a foundation of education.

Utah faces a unique challenge. Approximately one-quarter of Utah's population is in public school. In the past ten years, the number of students grew by 17,000. In the next decade, the number will rise again by an additional 145,000 students. This fall alone, 7,160 additional students enter our classrooms; it will be almost half of what we've seen in the past 10 years. We must be creative and utilize all possible resources to provide the foundation for true democracy to continue.

We must implement competency-based education. Students need less time in the seat and more time with hands-on training. At the education summits last year, I heard the voices of both educators and parents saying that we need to focus on the basic skills of our young students. This is why I have implemented the "Read With A Child" initiative.

The surest investment we can make in improving our children's future is to read with a child. "Read With A Child" focuses on ensuring children can read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. From kindergarten through third grade, students learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. If a child cannot read, he or she will face challenges and failures as students and as adults. As part of this initiative, I worked to secure $30 million in funding for Performance Plus Reading Achievement in our elementary schools.

We must next work on writing which is an area where our test scores are slipping, and then we must work on math. Education is the engine for economic development and we owe it to ourselves and our children to educate and prepare our future workforce.

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?

I believe as a state we have an obligation to educate our future workforce. I believe in school choice. We should explore new methods of teaching and options to accommodate the increasing number of students. However, we must promote innovation and choice in a way that is designed to benefit our public school system. Most of our students will rely on the public education system and we have a responsibility to ensure it does not suffer because resources are drawn off by other programs.

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?

I support charter schools in Utah. I have seen many succeed and am impressed with the results at our New Century High Schools. I am concerned tuition tax credits could hurt public education, especially in the short term. While I support school choice, I've yet to see a proposal on tuition tax credits that doesn't do harm to public education and its funding.

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

I share that concern. It is unrealistic to expect that very many rural communities will have access to private or charter school alternatives. Distance learning through technology and college classes taught in rural high schools need to be expanded to provide more educational opportunities in rural Utah. Education is the basis for effective community, economic, and individual development. We need to support our great rural heritage by supporting quality rural public schools.

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?

Certainly. Utah spends the lowest amount per student in the country and now it is showing in test scores. We may never be number one in per pupil funding, but we can work together in the executive and legislative branches of government to hire and compensate more quality teachers, to provide competency-based education, and to bolster New Century High Schools and charter schools.

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

Make the education of our children a priority. This begins with stimulating the economy to build the financial resources within the state. We must also resist using our state monies to pay for programs that are not our basic, state obligations.

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?

Most Utah teachers consistently go beyond the call of duty. They contribute personal resources to ensure our children have a positive and rewarding educational experience. But we are losing quality teachers every year because they are not compensated for their efforts.

This legislative session, I proposed we provide a two-percent cost-of-living allowance and benefit compensation to our teachers. Because of tight budgets, teachers have not had a state funded raise for two years. We were successful in achieving an ongoing one-percent increase combined with a one-time, one-percent increase in salaries. If elected governor, I will continue to work for our education system, including teachers.

Developing quality teachers, however, takes more than just increased pay. I believe we must do better as a state to foster teacher morale while at the same time improving accountability. We have to exercise restraint in imposing a multiplicity of new programs and requirements. We must stick to, reinforce, and measure our performance in the basics. We can also improve the coordination between school districts and teaching programs in our colleges and universities. Both levels of educators can provide additional training and hands-on experience to better qualify our teachers.

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

We must first work to bolster economic development in rural areas. A thriving economy translates to increased revenues and that in turn attracts qualified employees, including teachers.

We also need to provide ongoing training opportunities for all teachers, including those in rural communities.

Technology-delivered education is another area we need to continue to support as a means of making quality education available in rural Utah.

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

We have taken pride in our high test scores. Unfortunately, we are beginning to see those test scores slip. Especially writing test scores. I ask, how far must we slip, before we become concerned?

Skills like writing, reading and math are essential to lifelong success. We need to increase our focus on competency based-education. One in five Utah students cannot read at grade level. With the Performance Plus Reading Achievement funding, I believe we will see some progress in the early grades. In addition to committing to providing our teachers with resources to focus on each child, we need to encourage parents to work with their children at home. The "Read With A Child" initiative encourages every parent, grandparent and community member to spend the "most important 20 minutes of their day, reading with a child." We can make considerable improvement in our children's education if we spend just 20 minutes a day reading with them.

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.

I believe the concept of No Child Left Behind is a worthy goal. However, I also believe that public education decisions should be made at the state and local level, not at the federal level.

Utah is a unique state, and we have a large number of rural schools. There are specific criteria within the act that are difficult to meet. For example, we have challenges ensuring rural teachers are certified in all subjects they teach. In rural Utah, the physics teacher may also teach general science, math and physical education.

On several occasions, I have communicated our issues with U.S. Department of Education officials, including Secretary Paige. I have received assurance they are developing solutions to address our concerns.

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

My mother and father were both educators. In addition to a major in political science and a minor in history at Brigham Young University, I also have a second major in secondary education. I have a doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Utah. I started the Salt Lake Education Foundation and served as the director for several years. I worked with the U.S. Department of Education evaluating Title III (innovative projects). As a director of ESSA programs (emergency programs) in Salt Lake School District, I worked with minority and at-risk students. In addition, I served as PTA president in the three schools my children attended and as regional PTA president. I served as the chair of a task force that evaluated the elementary curriculum of Salt Lake School District.

From my experience in the classroom and as a parent with children in the public schools, I have a commitment to improving our schools. One example is the Governor's Commission on Literacy which I recently formed.

Our children need an education that will enrich their lives and prepare them for jobs that can support a family.

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.

Our number one priority should be to keep Hill Air Force Base open. We have a quality employer in our state that provides a strong economic base to northern Utah. I am already working with our Congressional delegation and the Utah Defense Alliance to preserve Hill.

I also believe we must protect and preserve the quality jobs that already exist in Utah. All too often, small businesses reach a plateau and are quickly purchased by larger, out-of-state companies. I pledge to develop ways to grow Utah businesses.

No one is working harder or smarter than I am to bring quality jobs to our state. We must focus on increasing the number of venture capital companies in Utah. We must encourage the high-tech industry to continue operating here. We must incubate small businesses. And we must effectively utilize the Industrial Assistance Fund.

In just the past few months, companies like Orgill, Malt-O-Meal, MACC and Adam Aircraft are opening offices in Utah, which translates to more jobs.

I will market Utah to other states and countries not only to bring more high quality jobs to Utah, but to increase the export of Utah-based products. We begin national and international trade missions next week and this will be our emphasis.

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

Answer is for a. and b. We should continue to market Utah as a business-friendly environment. Utah offers a highly-trained, highly-motivated workforce as well as connectivity and recreational opportunities. Marketing Utah begins with focusing on educating our future workforce.

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

I know the real challenges it takes for an average Utahn to begin a business. My husband Myron and I second mortgaged our home to begin our family business, Country Crisp Foods. We eventually grew that business from 17 to several hundred employees before we sold it.

Our state agencies are providing e-government services for one-stop information and programs for Utah business owners. Now, a business owner can learn all he or she needs to know about starting, closing and growing a business in one location, even at 3 a.m. This is an example of state government assisting business development and not interfering with it.

I am also committed to ensuring we provide incubation for small businesses. Some of our best jobs and economic stability are found in Utah companies.

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?

In December I issued a challenge to the Utah Board of Regents to enhance technology-transfer from our educational institutions to new business. We are on the cutting edge of research at our colleges and universities and should take that opportunity to develop "new" businesses in Utah.

In the coming months, I will continue to foster dialog on this subject and lead action toward making our business and education partnerships the most effective and forward-looking possible. We have an opportunity to create an ongoing cycle of research to business development. As mentioned earlier, I believe education is THE engine for economic development.

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?

A large percentage of the land in southern Utah is owned by the federal government. This can limit the economic development opportunities for many counties. Much uncertainty about the future of those lands exists. I am working with county and federal officials, along with the public to end the uncertainty.

I have implemented the Outdoor Recreation Task Force and believe it is one way for our rural communities to enhance economic development. We must also expand our Smart Sites, a program that has shown success in adding jobs to rural Utah.

I recently met a rancher in rural Utah who does business in foreign countries. He does it all through the Internet. By ensuring connectivity, we can do business around the world with a click of the mouse.

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

In my short time as Governor, I have been managing the state to be fiscally responsible. This is critical to business decisions to locate or expand in Utah. As we have seen in other states, business development and retention is harmed by a lack of stability in state finances.

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?

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

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

We live in a desert and are emerging from a five-year drought. I was pleased these past few summers to see it had become vogue to let our lawns go brown.

I hope that every Utahn will see the benefit in conserving water. When our water levels are low, I believe we should restrict landscape watering to early mornings and evenings in order to reduce evaporation. Using less water on lawns or planting drought tolerant plants to reduce outdoor water use also save water. We should work to increase public awareness including using schools, government and business to set the examples.

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

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?

The 1/16 cent sales tax is used, along with federal funds, by state agencies to provide loans and grants to communities and water systems which need to expand or replace portions of water systems. Those are important needs, but I believe the use of sales tax to subsidize water development results in an artificially low water rate that does not encourage conservation. The existing revolving loan funds can provide assistance to communities with limited resources. Sales tax should be used to fund other basic state obligations.

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?

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?

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?

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

The state must constantly look at ways to assist the private health care market to provide health insurance coverage. I support the relatively new program called the Primary Care Network which helps low-income workers with health insurance. Crime and safety ranks fifth overall on the list of issues.

Within the category of crime, respondents were most concerned about child safety and being a victim of identity theft.

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?

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

Identity theft is a serious problem in our society and it is growing at an alarming rate. There are actions I propose to address the issue:

1. I will do more to inform our citizens of the danger of identity theft and the simple things to that each of us can do everyday to reduce the risk. Such as, not leaving outgoing mail in our street mailboxes and shredding important documents and papers before putting them in the trash.

2. I just signed SB16, sponsored by Senator Carlene Walker, which strengthens our ability to prosecute identify thieves. I will support reasonable legislation in the future to continue to help law enforcement in this area. 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?

One method is to continue to promote higher-education institutions to share research with "start-up" businesses.

We need to bring in strong companies to Utah that will provide jobs for our children and grandchildren.

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

This will always be a challenge as the number of students entering our colleges continues to grow rapidly.

I proposed in December that the Utah Board of Regents develop a self-supporting remediation program that will prepare college students for higher-education classes. This program would eliminate the costs associated with students retaking courses and would also reduce the amount of time a student attends a college or university.

3) What role does higher education play in Utah?

As previously stated, education is the engine for economic development. We are providing our future employees with the skills and knowledge to compete in the workforce.

Also, our higher-education institutions have an opportunity to develop research and technology that will spur new business and economic development.

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

I believe our college graduates need not only understand what they learned in a textbook, but they need hands-on experience. We need to nurture and foster knowledge in our post-secondary students and give them the opportunity to enter a job as a qualified professional.

Utah's students have much to offer Utah employers and in turn, Utah employers have much to offer Utah students.

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 have a record of being fiscally conservative and I am committed to work to limit bonding, replenish our savings and ensure sound and conservative spending.

We have an obligation to maintain structural balance within our budget. This was one of my top three priorities during this legislative session. It is unwise to continue to increase our obligations when revenues cannot keep up. In good times, we have given money to other programs that are not part of our basic obligations. Reasonable spending limits help gauge the state's spending.

I am committed to maintaining the state's Triple A Bond Rating. We save the state millions of dollars each year because of this great rating. However, we run the risk of losing this rating if we bond in large amounts and neglect to replenish our reserves, like the Rainy Day Fund (which I established).

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?

b. If so, how would you encourage this?

3) Is the tax burden in Utah spread fairly?

a. If not where are the imbalances?

b. What would you do to change the tax structure?

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 don't want to prejudge the results of the tax structure study that I have initiated by commenting on a specific tax issue. But, I would be receptive to a proposal to reduce or eliminate the sales tax on groceries, provided the entire package meets the obligations of the state.

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?

I would follow a set of principles including:

1. the user should pay an appropriate share of costs

2. costs should be allocated over the life of the projects

3. we should not and will not jeopardize our top bond rating, which saves taxpayers millions of dollars

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

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

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?

As citizens, we should all be concerned about air quality. I am committed to maintain safe air for our children and grandchildren to breathe.

I hope every Utahn will join me in working to improve our airsheds this year. The quality of our airsheds, like watersheds, is essential to quality of life for Utahns. The Choose Clean Air campaign reminds each of us that we can make a difference by reducing or eliminating the use of wood burning fireplaces during inversions on yellow and red burn days; driving less; using mass transit or carpools; making sure that our car is in good repair, to minimize emissions; and mowing the lawn early in the morning or late in the day to minimize the formation of air pollution. We can make a difference, one person and activity at a time.

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 do not believe Utah should be the nation's dumping ground for high-level nuclear waste. I will do all I can to ensure we don't allow anything hotter than we currently accept. Some Utah businesses generate hazardous wastes and need a reliable place for those wastes to be treated and disposed. In those cases, we should ensure that the wastes are properly managed to protect public health and our land, air, and water.

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?

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?