For more than a decade, the Governor's Office of Economic Development has been spending $5 million dollars per year on promoting tourism, in particular the "Mighty Five" national parks.
Yes, it has benefited developers around the parks. It has generated tax dollars - but all of them plus more have had to be reinvested in infrastructure in the gateway cities of Moab and Springdale, and their surrounding communities, because the success of the tourist outreach has created new needs.
As a result of the huge tourist infusion, property values have skyrocketed, and many longtime residents have found themselves priced out of their homes.
It's delightful to share the wonders of Utah. But I believe that we can do that without causing widespread harm to Utah citizens - and if we can't, then maybe we need to rethink what we are doing
Government should not be picking economic winners and losers.
Election integrity has become one of the hot issues in my campaign, due in part to recent actions in Washington County.
In my role of Chair (and before that, Vice Chair) with the Libertarian Party, I have had extensive interactions with the elections division of the Lieutenant Governor's office. The truth is that part of my motivation for being my party's candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2020 was the opportunity to address some of the problems I see in that office at the state level
Do I have evidence of wrongdoing? No. But when the response to questions about procedures and processes is "Don't worry about it, everything is fine," that does not make me confident.
Our system depends on the people believing that our elections are fair and accurate. If they are, then there is nothing to fear from transparency about how they are conducted. As your senator, I will insist that whatever is needed be done to assure everyone that our elections give 100% accurate results. No excuses!
“There is no such thing as government money: there is only taxpayer money.”
That's an adage that will guide everything that I do as your state senator for District 28. Utah's taxes are too high, its willingness to spend your tax dollars on things you would not choose to pay for, far too common. I will fight to reduce the footprint of government on the lives of you, your family, and your neighbors.
I will vote to eliminate the grocery tax.
I will vote to offer school choice to every student in Utah.
I will work to make everyone confident that our elections are fair and honest.
I will consistently stand for you making your own medical choices.
I will fight for inexpensive and easy access to whatever medications you choose.
And when necessary, I will introduce legislation to achieve those goals.
I believe in a society based on cooperation and voluntary interaction. I believe that YOU know what is best for you and your loved ones, far more so than any bureaucrat ever could.
I will be the fighter for freedom that Utah desperately needs in the state senate. Give me one term, and see what can happen!
www.shortforsenate.org
Candidate, Utah State Senate 28