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U.S. Senate Republican Candidate I appreciate this opportunity to talk about issues important to all of us. I first ran for the U.S. Senate based on my conviction that I could truly make a difference for Utah, and the people I was elected to represent. Today that same conviction burns deeper than ever before. The stakes for Utah right now are higher than they have ever been. Utah may not have the power or the population of the larger states. But with the right representation, the voice of Utah can be powerfully expressed and effectively heard. We are at a critical crossroads. The issues we are facing today will define generations to come. The health and well-being of our children and families has always been a top priority of mine, a priority I will continue to champion. For years, I have labored to hold the government responsible for nuclear testing in our backyard. I led the charge with the Radiation Exposure Compensation (RECA) Act, which provides claims for those contaminated by fallout from the testing. This year, RECA hit the milestone of $1 billion provided to “downwinders” and others hurt by the tests. Also, I have opposed continued testing - nuclear and otherwise - in the area, such as the proposed “Divine Strake” plan. This summer I convinced the Department of Defense to delay and re-evaluate testing a bomb in a radioactive environment. I also successfully led the Utah delegation in killing reckless plans to store nuclear waste in Skull Valley near Tooele. I pledge that I will continue to support local control for education; lower taxes so our families can better care for their needs; a national defense and security system that is second to none; safeguarding our promises to Social Security and Medicare; and a healthcare system that meets the needs of our citizens. I will keep looking for real solutions to our nation’s energy problems and continue advocating for more alternative sources of energy – many of which can be found in our own state, including the development of oil shale and tar sands, and geothermal energy. And, I will work to improve immigration enforcement so that our country that has been built as a nation of immigrants, also upholds the rule of law. I believe in the promise of this great state. I pledge to work each day with all my might for the people of Utah, to ensure that needs are met, and to represent you with courage and conviction. I would appreciate your continued support. Pete Ashdown U.S. Senate Democratic Candidate For the first time in the history of human democracy, we have the opportunity to make our government truly representative. I am uniquely suited to make this opportunity a reality. Through the use of modern communication and collaborative technologies, the public can have a voice equal to paid lobbyists who see our elected officials every day. Unfortunately, the majority of our federal representation not only lacks the ability to implement these changes, but the will to do so as well. They retain office through a system which depends on keeping the general public uninformed and cynical towards politics. Enabling the American voice to focus on our toughest problems will eliminate apathy towards our government. Implementing transparency in our representation will ensure that American public interest comes before private. This change will start by electing Pete Ashdown. I am a husband and the father of three children. We live in the Marmalade area of Salt Lake City. I am proud to be a native Utahn who was raised by two loving parents. Growing up in Bountiful, I was raised at the family home my mother and father built together by hand. I attended Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah. In 1993, I started Utah's first Internet service provider, XMission, which is now among Utah's largest independent companies. I have tried to run XMission with business values, putting the needs of my employees, customers, and community above my own. That means paying a living wage, providing health care and pensions, and being charitable. My campaign is restoring the trust of the American people in their government. Why is this Congress so interested in monitoring the American people, even to the extent of violating the Bill of Rights, and they can't even monitor themselves? I choose to lead by example, publishing my calendar online and demanding full public accountability for my office and all departments of government. I will strive for broad public collaboration, equally weighing and considering the input of the American people with those alongside me in Washington. If you wish to learn more about my campaign, my biography, or the issues I feel are important in this election, please visit my Web site, www.peteashdown.org. It details my views on: health care, a plan for victory in Iraq, immigration reform, fiscal responsibility, and others. You can also call (801) 983-PETE. I ask for your vote Nov. 7. Scott Bradley U.S. Senate Constitution Party Candidate Scott Bradley is a university administrator and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Westminster College and a Master’s of Public Administration from BYU. He is founder and chairman of The Constitution Commemoration Foundation, an organization which fosters increased understanding of the United States Constitution “in the tradition of the Founding Fathers,” and which advocates returning to the sound principles of good government upon which the United States of America was established. Scott believes the Founding Fathers intended the U.S. Constitution to be a binding contract between office-holders in the federal government and citizens of the nation. All who hold office are required to take an oath to abide by the Constitution, and the Constitution is the "job description" of the office-holder. By only granting specific powers, the Constitution withholds all other power from national government. Scott is concerned those who currently hold the reins of power at the national level have largely forgotten the sound principles of proper government which are embodied in the plain English words of the United States Constitution. Consequently, they frequently stray into paths which undermine our liberty and God-given unalienable rights. Scott has spent much of his adult life encouraging a return to the principles of proper government as understood and practiced at the time of America’s founding. As a U.S. senator, he will be committed to seek a return to those foundational principles, working to restore a national government that acts only within the framework defined within the Constitution. He believes this restoration will assure protection of our individual God-given unalienable rights, and allow us to preserve the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. Scott Bradley is concerned that for many years this nation has been mired in party politics, and that Americans continue to vote for the same two parties, with the same disappointing outcomes. “If you are tired of ‘politics as usual’ and weary of the political agendas of the current two-party system; if you’re fed up with the ever-increasing encroachment of big government in your life, regardless of which party holds power, please join with me and other like-minded citizens who love liberty more than the political process. Please vote for the restoration of the principles which made this nation the greatest, freest, most prosperous, most respected, and happiest nation on earth. My only contract with America is my oath to uphold the United States Constitution. I ask for your sustaining vote in favor of that commitment,” he said. www.ScottBradleyforSenate.com U. S. House Austin Sherwood Lett U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 Libertarian Candidate I believe in freedom. Both personal freedom and property freedom are important to me. The greatest threat to my freedom is my own government. It takes my money and believes it knows how to spend it better than I do. It passes so many laws regarding my personal behavior that it can always find ways to charge others and me with a crime if it so chooses. If elected, I would do everything I could to shrink the size of government. I would close more than half the government starting with the Departments of Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development. I would then cancel the Federal Income Tax. I would honor the list of permissible government operations found in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. If elected, I will not take a salary and I will not hire any staff. Experiments have been run to test how more government does rather than less. Did East Germany with more government or West Germany with less do better? Which way did people jump over the Berlin Wall? Do people swim to Cuba with more government or to Florida with less? Where do poor people so better; North or South Korea? There is no exception. More government always results in more poverty. I am a graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis and have an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan. I served several tours in Vietnam and earned a Navy Commendation Medal and Bronze Star for combat operations. I have been Chief Financial Office of a Fortune 500 company. I am affiliated with Bollinger Wells Lett and Co, Inc. (www.bwl.com) and currently am Managing Director of Cluster Alteration Technology, a company doing research and development on nanometer metals. I have been married for 35 years and have two grown children. Bob Brister U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 Green Party Candidate Voters in Utah's 2nd Congressional District deserve the right to vote for a candidate that wants the U.S. to leave Iraq now. Bob Brister is that candidate. U.S. Out of Iraq, Now The war in Iraq is a tragedy and a mess. Over 2,700 American soldiers have been killed. Over 100,000 Iraqi have been killed. Over 300 billion of our tax dollars have been spent on the war and occupation of Iraq. The U.S. has been in Iraq for 3 1/2 years and the situation is getting worse. Iraq is now in a state of civil war. Bring the troops home now. Raise the Minimum Wage to a Living Wage Work has worth and dignity. When we work all day in the richest country in history, we deserve to make enough money to live on. A living wage keeps families independent and not reliant on public services. We all deserve to make enough money to have life's necessities in 21st Century America and to fully participate in society and democracy. National Health Insurance for All It is wrong for over 45 million Americans to go without health insurance. Health care is a matter of human rights and dignity, not just another commodity to be bought and sold. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation without a national health care system. Americans should not have to live in fear of bankruptcy if they get sick or injured. A single-payer national health insurance system would cover everyone and cost no more than the patchwork of private health insurance that leaves so many uninsured and under-insured. Americans deserve no less. Protect the Earth We all need clean air and clean water. Safeguard our wildlife habitat on public lands. Utah's 2nd Congressional District has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, including five national parks. We need to protect these treasures. Utah should not be the dumping ground for the nation's toxic and nuclear waste. Shut down the nuclear power industry that is targeting Utah to be the nation's radioactive waste dump. Bob Brister is a five-year resident of Salt Lake City and lives near Liberty Park. He has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Brister has worked in public lands conservation for the past 10 years. When you vote, vote your values. Vote Brister for Congress. Please visit http://www.bristerforcongress.org. Jim Matheson U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 Democratic Candidate Jim Matheson is currently serving his third term as Utah’s 2nd Congressional District Representative. Matheson is a sixth generation Utahn with family roots in Iron and Juab counties. Before being elected to Congress, Matheson worked 13 years in the energy industry, both for several private companies and as the head of his own small business. His wife Amy is a pediatrician an they have two sons. During his time in office, Matheson has championed bipartisanship, looking to reach across the aisle to find solutions to problems. He says his promise has been to put Utah first, ahead of politics, party or partisanship. He learned from discussions around the family dinner table that there are good ideas in both political parties. Many of the initiatives he has pursued—such as removing radioactive waste from the banks of the Colorado River, securing funding to improve the Cedar City Airport and helping returning National Guard and Reservists pursue education—came from listening to Utahns. Matheson highlights the following three issues: As the son of a Downwinder, he learned you cannot always trust the federal government. He refuses to allow the government to take us down the path of renewed nuclear weapons testing. He opposes any new funding for research and development of new nuclear weapons. He said “show me the data” when the government planned a massive conventional bomb test at the Nevada Test Site—a blast that would produce a giant mushroom cloud. He promises not to let the health and safety of Utahns be compromised on his watch. Matheson believes the federal government should have to balance its checkbook, just like Utah families. He is cautious and frugal when it comes to people’s money. He fights hard for a return to fiscal sanity in Washington and for an end to the ever-growing mountain of debt. A good start, he believes, would be an end to automatic pay raises for Congress, absent an open, up-or-down vote. Matheson is working to give parents more power to keep children safe online. It is wrong for pornographers to peddle adult material to kids. Sexual predators are hiding behind the anonymous nature of the Internet to harm children. Matheson is trying to put roadblocks in place that protect children. He is working to give law enforcement additional tools to combat these criminals. Matheson wants the same thing for his family that you want for yours—a safe, healthy and prosperous community with an opportunity for all to succeed. LaVar Christensen U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 Republican Candidate My name is LaVar Christensen and I am the Republican candidate for Utah’s second congressional district. I ask you to please carefully consider the national consequences of this year’s election for Congress. We will decide the direction of our country with our vote. It comes down to our guiding principles, not politics or personalities. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada has told his fellow Democrats that to get elected they should “move to the middle.” How does a principled leader just uproot himself and “move to the middle?” There is a critical difference between politicians who merely follow a weather vane to achieve popularity and principled public servants who follow a compass and faithfully uphold those truths upon which our nation was founded. There is a word for that type of leadership – it is statesmanship and we need much more of it in Washington, D.C. It would be very easy to focus so completely on local issues that you could unknowingly cause a major shift in our country that was unintended and not what Utah supports. In past presidential elections, Utah has said no to John Kerry, Al Gore and Michael Dukakis. However, you don’t get to vote directly on the critical question of who will lead Congress. Only your congressman gets to cast that pivotal vote. The Democrat incumbent will cast that one vote for Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. I WILL NOT. It does not make sense and it does not put Utah first to give majority control of Congress to the Democrats in Washington. Utah does not support their liberal national agenda. That is why AMERICA NEEDS UTAH. We can tip the balance in the right direction. I have not been timid in the Utah Legislature and I will not just go along to get along in Congress. I will not waiver in maintaining a strong, moral and prosperous America. That means low taxes, less government, a strong military and defense system, lowering gas prices, securing our borders, affirming traditional marriage and our nation’s continued firm reliance on divine providence as declared by the founders of our nation. I ask for your vote on Nov. 7. Together, we can make the difference. For more information please visit lavarforcongress.com. W. David Perry U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 Constitution Party Candidate I pledge to do all I can to help repair the fabric of the constitution and restore freedom by acknowledging God, defending the family, and working to restore the American Republic. This is our country – we the people – not the president's country, not the two major parties' country – it is "We the People's" country. I am willing to stand up in congress and say NO if a bill is not constitutional as per our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Article 4 section 4 of the U.S. Constitution states that "the United States shall protect each [State] against invasion . . . " America is experiencing an invasion! The equivalent of four military divisions are coming over our border weekly and planting the flag of their country on our soil. It is time to enforce the laws and stop the freebies. The power to declare war rests solely with the U.S. Congress (Article I, section 8, clause 11) and may not be delegated to anyone else including the president or any international body. We are a sovereign nation and have no need to go to the United Nations to get permission to go to war. We are not the world's policeman and have no need or obligation to enforce a United Nations Security Council resolution. This war is unconstitutional because Congress has not acted as the constitution directs. If we are to go to war, Congress must deliberate and then declare it and must bear the total responsibility afterwards for so doing. The Constitution is to control the government, not to help the government to enslave the people. The United States Constitution was designed to keep the government as the servant of the people, not become more and more the master. I honor the Constitution of the United States. I consider it an inspired document. The Constitution now hangs by a thread because of political abuse and party politics. I pledge to do all I can as a legislator to help bring our government, as our servant, back under the control of the Constitution. This was the purpose and intent of the founders to whom we owe so much. I pledge to choose principle over political advantage. The Constitution is to Control the Government - Not the other way around State Senate Dennis Stowell Utah Senate, District 28 Republican Candidate The election campaign for the Utah State Senate has been a very positive, educational experience for me. Without a doubt, the thing I’ve valued the most while on the campaign trail is the opportunity to meet with hundreds of people from all walks of life. I’ve enjoyed hearing your successes and learning of opportunities where improvements can take place. District 28 is one of the largest districts in the state of Utah. And as I considered how to approach the campaign, I decided that the best plan would be to learn as much as possible about the problems our various communities in the district face. Doing so has been a formidable task because the district spans six counties, consisting of Millard, Beaver, Iron, Kane and Garfield counties as well as eastern Washington County. Iron County has been a place I’ve spent a fair amount of time during the past several months. I’ve been privileged to spend time with several of our healthcare provider leaders and have learned of the many challenges facing our community’s health care needs today. I’ve met with constituents who are suffering from the lack of affordable housing. Assessed tax valuations have increased in a single year from $2.2 billion to $3.3 billion in Iron County alone. That’s roughly a 50 percent increase, bringing a roller coaster of property taxes to the wallets of the people. We need to take a hard look at the state’s system of taxation because Iron County is facing some of the state’s toughest growth challenges. I’ve had the opportunity to testify before the legislative Taxation and Revenue Committee about these issues. I’ll continue to represent Iron County and the five other counties in District 28 in the people’s best interest. I am passionate about appropriately representing Iron County in the State Senate. My track record of 19 years as Iron County Commissioner and Parowan City mayor has enabled me to see some incredible things here. Iron County is a community with a great history and a promising future. In lieu of the seemingly insurmountable changes in the community, the strength and character of the people remains. And the challenges and issues residents in Iron County face are very real. I’m confident I can effectively and proactively represent the community. I look forward to serving you and hope I can count on your vote at the polls Nov.7. Emily Bingham Hollingshead Utah Senate, District 28 Democratic Candidate It’s about people. Not politics. I believe in investing in our children._I believe we can fully fund education and give teachers what they need to be successful. We can put money back into our local schools by reducing classroom size, and we can do it without raising taxes. It’s just a matter of choices and priorities coupled with dedication to get it done. I pledge to make public schools the very best choice for our children. I believe in Utah families._Utah families deserve a break! The average Utah family will spend $528 on school supplies this year. To help ease this burden, I support a tax cut like the back-to-school sales tax holiday. A ‘Back-to-School’ sales tax holiday puts real money back into the pockets of Utah families who already contribute so much to Utah’s growing economy. I support removing the remaining portion of the state sales tax on food. If the sales tax on food were removed, food products would be easier to purchase. Parents would have an easier time feeding their kids. People on a fixed or limited income would be able to stretch their dollars further at the grocery store. Fewer people in the state of Utah would go without enough to eat, and that is a cause we can all rally behind! I believe in a representative democracy. I believe that Utah citizens should never be left out of the democratic process. When state goals are pursued through un-elected boards and commissions, government is less accountable to the people. I propose that we change Utah law so that water boards are elected, not appointed. As Southwestern Utah continues to grow, we must all work together — elected officials and constituents — to find common ground and equally beneficial solutions. When special boards are accountable only to county commissioners, it leaves the public out of the process and can lead to back room deals that only benefit a select few. I Believe In You! As your senator, I will work hard to represent the values and issues that are most important to you. I do not subscribe to "Petty Partisan Politics" nor do I believe that decisions affecting Southern Utah and our rural communities should be dictated by Wasatch Front politicians. As your senator, I will listen to your ideas and fight hard to make sure that your voice is heard. Visit www.emilyhollingshead.com. Woodard Westfall Utah Senate, District 28 Constitution Party Candidate I have always been awed by the Founding Fathers of this country. They were humble men who relied on God and each other to forge the greatest country on this planet. They were not paid to do this. They did it because they loved this country and wanted the best for it. This isn't what is happening now. The Democrats and Republicans have sold out to special interest groups. They live their lives looking to the polls to see what is popular and not what is right. I subscribe to what Edmund Burke once said, “A representative owes the People not only his industry, but his judgment, and he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion.” I got into this race because I wanted to give back to the community that has given me so much. Though I am not a native Utahan, when my family moved here we were welcomed with open arms and open hearts. Utah soon became my home, and Cedar City has been my home for the last 19 years. I want to do what is right. I feel our country has lost its way. We stopped following the Constitution decades ago. Even here in Utah, illegal aliens are given drivers licenses and access to government programs to which they do not contribute. At the same time, our legislators sit on there, pretending to be compassionate and caring, while turning their backs on the most helpless victims there are: the young victims of child sex abuse. Currently, a convicted felon of a violent sex offense in Utah routinely receives 1 to 5 years in prison. That is not justice. Now, to what I will do in office if elected. The Preamble of the Constitution states that the founders purpose for writing it was: 1. To Form a more Perfect Union 2. Establish Justice 3. Insure Domestic Tranquility 4. Provide for the Common Defense 5. Promote the General Welfare 6. Secure the Blessings of Liberty to a. Ourselves b. Our Posterity I promise to uphold these principles. Any law that I draft or vote for must meet one or more of these criteria. I will also uphold the Utah State Constitution. I will work to pass just laws that provide just punishment against criminals. I will work to repeal those laws that are unjust and/or unconstitutional. God Bless America. God Bless Utah. God bless the Constitution. State House DeMar “Bud” Bowman State House of Representatives, District 72 Republican Candidate Representative DeMar “Bud” Bowman is serving his seventh term for District 72 of the Utah House of Representatives. Bud has spent his entire life in Sourthern Utah. He graduated from Branch Agricultural College (now SUU) and Utah State University, receiving a Business Administration degree. Bud married Marilyn Jackson Bowman. They have five children, 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Bud Worked for the Utah Highway Patrol for 30 years, receiving the “Trooper of the Year” and the “Public Safety Distinguished Service” awards. Bud has an extensive background in public service, having served honorably on several state and local committees. Bud’s contributions to the community have been recognized by many, and he has received distinguished service awards from numerous organizations, including Southern Utah University, the Iron County Board of Realtor’s “Citizen of the Year Award,” the Utah Chief of Police Association’s “Dedication to Service Award” and the Public Employees Association’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” As a representative, Bud Bowman assisted in securing the funding for the purchase of the Iron County School District property, the SUU Physical Education Building, and the renovation of “Old Main.” He passed his Recreational Land Use Immunity Bill, allowing the construction of the Exit 59 Skate Park and many others around the state. Bowman sponsored the bill to include Old Iron Town in the Utah Parks System. He was instrumental in securing funding for the SUU Teacher Education Building, now under construction. Bowman is excited about the opportunity to work in the legislature and to help protect the future of Southern Utah. He plans to support the Utah Shakespearean Festival Land Acquisition Proposal, and the “Special License Plate for the Festival;” which will support the arts program and be visible in many place on vehicles. As always, he’ll support public education and efforts to reduce class size and increase salaries. Bud plans to sponsor a bill “Prohibiting any child from viewing or downloading pornography on any public school’s computers.” He will support Southern Utah University’s capitol Development Request for a Science Center Addition, and the Southwest applied Technology College’s request for Future Campus Expansion Property. He will continue to support higher education. Southern Utah University is ranked “top ten in the nation for quality and value” by Consumer Digest, and Bud expresses a strong desire to keep the school there. He is anxious to continue serving the community. He appreciates the citizens’ support and welcomes their input. Larry Daniel State House of Representatives, District 72 Democratic Candidate All governmental power is derived from the people, and government exists to protect the liberties of the people. I am running for office because this past legislative session I learned that one person can make a difference. I learned that my strong voice can make a difference for our community. I am a veteran who served as an Intelligence Officer in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. Because I know families of soldiers suffer the most from war, I proposed House Bill 407, Counseling for Veterans Families, the first state law in the country to provide counseling for veteran’s families in rural Utah. Making HB 407 a reality took countless hours of hard work; traveling to Salt Lake often, and speaking with many people who didn’t know me, yet were inspired by the opportunity to make a real difference with common sense legislation. My years of experience as a negotiator, law professor, and advocate for families has taught me to be a voice of reason and persuasion. This bill passed unanimously in the legislature, and over 100 counselors in Southern Utah have been trained in military specific issues and are now qualified to counsel veterans and be paid by the VA. I will be a strong advocate for education. Education is not a governmental program that can be cut at the whim of the legislature. Education is crucial to our way of life as an investment in our children, our future, our economy, and our security. Our schools in Iron County, including SUU, are inadequately funded. We must demand better for our children and our future. I will work tirelessly and be a strong voice in Salt Lake to improve education in Utah and to promote SUU. I am a law professor at George Wythe College. I will champion efficient, effective government and fair taxes. I do not support bigger government. We don’t need tax increases, we need to ensure our taxes are spent wisely. We must streamline government, without sacrificing the needs of Utah families. We must find intelligent and creative solutions making our government more effective. I will be an advocate for smart, responsible spending, and work to bring solutions to government, not more partisan bickering. I support government that protects families with real solutions, not rhetoric. I will work hard and be a strong voice to protect Utah families and fight for laws that make sense. Sharla Christie Utah House of Representatives, District 72 Constitution Party Candidate I am Sharla Christie, a 41-year-old wife and mother of seven beautiful children. I represent the Constitution Party, a party unique in its stand to return to constitutional principles and ideals. The motto of the Constitution Party is God, Family, Republic. Although simple, these words stand for powerful ideals that embody my priorities. God must be our first priority. The third verse of our national anthem acknowledges our complete reliance upon God: Blessed with victory and peace May the Heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made And preserved us a nation. The first amendment forbids government to make any law respecting religion. With the decision that removed prayer from school in 1947, the Supreme Court actually ruled in favor of a religion—atheism. God has since been removed from many areas of our lives by law. I favor putting God back in our lives, our families and our government. Without God we are nothing. With God, we have unlimited potential. Family is the next priority. Strong families are the cure for many social ills of this nation. I encourage responsibility within families, allowing them to make choices and eliminating government interference. Finally, we must restore the republic to its trim constitutional form. Taxpayers should not be forced to support bloated government agencies and programs. Government is instituted only to protect the rights of the people. Unfortunately, government has replaced God as protector, provider and defender of mankind. We must reign in this federal monster and restore constitutional rights to the people. Most federal programs would be better administered by the state, including education. The Constitution Party is growing rapidly, especially in Utah. As prophesied, this people will uphold the Constitution and its principles when it hangs by a thread. I challenge you to carefully read and consider the platform of the Constitution Party, found at www.CPUtah.org. I will stand for your rights in the legislature, and only vote for constitutionally-correct legislation. I do not give special favors to any group. I will uphold the constitution to maintain our rights, our country, our freedom. Consider your vote a sacred right. I offer an alternative, to avoid a lesser-of-two-evils choice—an option you can wholeheartedly vote FOR, rather than against an idea or party. I encourage you to pray about your choice and take this election seriously. I am always willing to talk about any issue. Please contact me at 435-691-0059. Allison Howes Utah House of Representatives, District 73 Constitution Party Candidate My name is Allison Howes and I am running for the Utah House of Representatives, District 73. I was born and raised in Cedar City. I love the area and want to serve the many wonderful people of Southern Utah. I do not want a career in politics. I believe the Founding Fathers wanted people in the community to take turns serving the country and allow the principles set forth in the Constitution to dictate our choices in leading the community, state and nation. I believe many of our leaders are not doing this. They are fiscally irresponsible; they vote to limit freedom instead of protecting it; they encourage the specific welfare of groups and individuals instead of the general welfare as stated in the Constitution; they delegate powers to people and organizations that should not have it; they allow problems, such as the invasion of illegal aliens, to go unchecked until it has become nearly impossible to deal with. I will not make a lot of campaign promises, but I will let the constitutions of the United States and Utah dictate which laws I will support and which I will reject. Benjamin Franklin stated that, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." It is not government's job to protect us from accidents and give us safety, as gun control laws purport to do, but rather to give us the freedom to take care of ourselves. In Utah, the Federal Government controls nearly two-thirds of our land. The constitution gives no provision for the Federal Government to own land in any state. Individual states should have the choice whether its land should be set aside for public use or decide the best use to benefit its citizens. Government exists to protect our rights and freedoms and, if elected, I intend to work toward that end. John Adams said, "Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Further, it has been said that evil triumphs when good does nothing, so let's be good and let's do something that will serve our people and enhance our constitutional liberties. Mike Noel State House of Representatives, District 73 Republican Candidate Noel is running for his third term for Utah Legislative District 73, which includes all or part of Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Piute, Sevier, Washington and Wayne Counties. It is the largest district in the state with the most counties. Mike serves on the Public Utilities and Technology Standing Committee and is vice-chairman of the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment standing committee, as well as the Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. Mike is a member of the Native American Liaison Committee and is also the legislative designee for the Public Lands Coordination Council. Mike serves in the leadership of the Conservative Caucus and is member of the Rural Caucus. Mike is a Century Member of Farm Bureau where he has been recognized as a Friend of Farming. He is also a member of the Utah Cattleman’s Association and was recognized this summer at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo for “his significant role in promoting the high integrity of the cowboy way of life.” Mike has worked hard to keep access to public lands open for all Utahans, passing critical legislation that ensures the counties control access across public lands. In the past legislative session Mike had a 100 percent approval voting record in support of the National Independent Business Association and a 93.3 percent approval rating from the Utah Taxpayers Association and received the endorsement of the Utah Manufactors Association and the National Rifle Association. Mike is married to the former Sherry Mackelprang (41 years) and has 5 married children and 12 grandchildren. He has a bachelor’s degree in zoology, a Master of Science degree in biology/plant ecology and he matriculated at Utah State University in the Biology Doctoral program. Mike and his son-in-law operate a commercial cow/calf cattle ranch in Johnson Canyon and raise alfalfa hay. He also has his own consulting business, his main client being the Kane County Water Conservancy District where he serves as the executive director and general manager. Mike feels some of the most important issues facing the legislature this coming session will involve returning some of the huge projected budget surpluses to the taxpayers, limiting the growth in state government, keeping public and higher education adequately funded, making sure we keep ahead of our transportation needs, ensuring that we continue to facilitate natural resource development and protecting children from sexual predators. He is honored to represent the people of District 73 and would appreciate your vote Nov. 7. State Board of Education Debra Roberts State Board of Education District 15 Debra Roberts has served the past four years on the State Board of Education. During that time she has served as chair of the board’s Law & Policy Committee, on the Communications Committee, Superintendent Evaluation Committee, the National Association of State Boards Value Added Study Group, as a board member on the Utah Rural Schools Association and on the Professional Excellence Committee. As your representative on the State Board of Education, Debra has met with each of the boards in her five districts twice each year, held meetings with teachers, community members and superintendents. She has visited schools and worked hard to understand and appropriately represent the needs of our area. She has spent hundreds of hours reading and researching the latest educational materials. She has prioritized the needs of individual students. Debra has pushed the board’s Professional Excellence Initiative, which works to attract, retain and appropriately compensate teachers as we face a looming teacher shortage. Its greatest attraction is that it is a state framework that can be developed and adapted to the needs of each district, supporting local control. Debra will continue to support and encourage the ETI Initiative which will work to put technology in our classrooms and support that technology with excellent professional development. At this point in time, not counting computers in labs and administrative offices, our student computer ratio is 14:1. This must improve if our students are to be engaged in meaningful ways and become competitive in this technological age. Debra is concerned with how well we are engaging children’s innate curiosity. With this in mind, she will support more music and the arts, especially at the elementary level. Debra’s other educational service has included being an ACT College Exam Tutor, on the Southwest Region Sterling Scholar Committee and a Judge in the English category. She has served on a High School Accreditation Committee, PTSA Committee, School Trust Lands Committee, Student Education Plan Committee, as a trained Counselor in the Families in Education Program and as a volunteer interpreter for a deaf girl in Released Time Seminary. Debra attended Brigham Young University as a National Merit Scholar, graduating with a BA in English. The most important work Debra does is as the mother of her six children. The oldest is serving an LDS mission in Sweden, while the other five are in public school, ranging from a third grader to a high school senior. Sara S. Urquhart State Board of Education District 15 I am running because Southern Utah needs a stronger voice on the State School Board. County Assessor Dennis W. Ayers Iron County Assessor Republican Candidate Having served as Iron County Assessor for nearly 20 years, I am again asking the people of the county to support me in this office for another four years. I enjoy serving the citizens of Iron County with an open-door policy and welcome all questions. I have administered the office at less cost than most other counties. For each of the past 19 years the Iron County Assessor’s Office has been one of only two counties in the state to consistently meet required valuation standards without corrective action orders from the Utah State Tax Commission. My wife Linda and I live in Enoch and have four grown children and six grandchildren. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and Soils Science from the School of Tropical Agriculture, University of Hawaii. I served in Vietnam as an aerial photo interpreter in an Army Intelligence Unit. I hold to the ideals of the Republican Party and lobby our legislators for improvement of state assessment and taxation statues when needed. I am a: • Certified General Appraiser (commercial and residential) • Associate Member of the Iron County Board of Realtors • Member of the International Association of Assessing Officers I have been: • Enoch City Councilman • President of the Utah Assessors Association • Awarded State Assessor of the Year 1997 • Awarded Outstanding Assessment Jurisdiction 1995 • Member Utah Farmland Assessment Committee • Research Associate- University of Hawaii • Research Associate- Pineapple Research Institute of Hawaii • Agricultural Business Analyst- Lokahi Pacific • Irrigation Equipment Salesman • Assistant Ranch Manager I fervently believe that I am accountable to God and the citizens of this county for honest and fair valuation of property as required by the statues of this state. I hold that others who use these values to tax the citizens of the county are likewise accountable. I believe that my record and experience qualifies me to continue in this office as the best candidate to serve the citizens of this county. I appreciate your past support and desire to continue serving you with honesty and integrity for another four years. Lalena Taylor Iron County Assessor Constitution Party Candidate My name is Lalena Taylor, and I am running for Iron County Assessor. I grew up in Parowan and was glad when the opportunity to return arose. I am the mother of four children and they and my spouse are second only to God in my life. Since deciding to run for office, there have been times when I have wondered how I got here. I’ve never been very good at public speaking and I feel uncomfortable attracting attention to myself. Then I think of where I come from and how my parents taught me to care about what’s happening in our world, including politically, and it doesn’t seem so strange. It's still scary and a lot of work, but I'm glad for all I'm learning. Something I would like to address that concerns me, is how we have become party line citizens. We vote for a party instead of a candidate. We have locked ourselves into choosing our public leaders from two groups of people who have, incidentally, started to look a lot alike. If we look around we’ll see that we have many good people who are interested in contributing to our communities, state and nation who are overlooked because they aren’t part of the two major parties. I hope we can be willing to look beyond the two parties and vote for good people who care, looking at who they are and what they have to offer, instead of the party under which they have chosen to run. It’s time for change in the assessor’s office. After a while, some elected officials forget how they got where they are. They forget the people who put them there. I approachable and willing to listen. I have spent many years working with the public and have found most people like working with me. Some of those years were spent in the VIP Services department for a hotel. While there I had the opportunity to help people, making sure their needs were met and their concerns resolved. I learned even though the concerns brought to me varied greatly, the thing they all had in common was the desire to be heard and feel their concern was taken seriously. I would be someone you could feel comfortable coming to share concerns, knowing I would be sensitive to those concerns. If I ever forgot that, I would hope to be voted out. County Attorney Scott F. Garrett Iron County Attorney Republican Candidate For the past four years, I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as the Iron County Attorney. During that time, the county attorney’s office (in conjunction with all law enforcement agencies) has worked hard to make Iron County a safe place to live and raise a family. We have aggressively prosecuted those who violate the law and pledge our commitment to continue to aggressively pursue justice. While in office, I have worked hard to educate students in our elementary, middle and high schools about the dangers of drugs and the effects that those drugs can have on them. By informing them early, we hope to prepare them to stay away from the harm that drugs can do. Each and every child has great value and potential, and it is imperative that we work together as a community to fight the war against drugs. Currently, drug cases account for nearly one-half of our case load (approximately 42 percent excluding minor traffic offenses). We are also seeing an increase in theft, fraud and sexual assault type cases. This appears to be a result of a growing community. I wish there were easy answers to solve these issues, but like most things in life that are worth having, much work is required. We are willing and committed to continue to work closely with law enforcement and the community (as we need your help) to fight crime in our county. Over the past four years, our office has grown. We have added more attorneys to meet the demand. One attorney is devoted to civil matters and four attorneys work the criminal cases. Recently, we relocated from Main Street in Cedar City to 100 East, near the courthouse. The change has been good in that we were able to centralize some of the county services and locate ourselves next to the Fifth District Court where we prosecute most of our cases. I would appreciate your support as you go to the polls this November. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your county attorney. County Auditor H. Eugene Adams Iron County Auditor Republican Candidate Dear Iron County Voters, My name is H. Eugene Adams and I am the Republican candidate for Iron County Auditor in the November election, and would appreciate your vote. I have many years of experience in accounting and I am looking forward to the challenges of this position. I have had a wide range of experience in my career and have spent much time on budgeting, payroll and accounts payable, which will be of help as the county auditor. I was born and raised in Iron County and care a great deal about the people of this area and the future for ourselves and future generations and will promise you that I will do my best to represent the people of Iron County and look after what is in their best interest. I am conservative, both in my politics and in my financial issues. I believe that the people of Iron County should only spend money on expenditures if the benefit is greater than the cost. I look forward to a period of growth in Iron County which we must plan for and I would like to be a part of that growth and change in the county. I am honest, fair, and dependable, qualities which are very important today, especially in public office. Thank you for taking the time to vote and I look forward to receiving your vote in the upcoming election. County Commission Lois L. Bulloch Iron County Commission, Seat B Republican Candidate Lois L. Bulloch – “Protecting the Past, Securing the Future” Public Service Experience (Could list many more) • Iron County Commissioner - four years • Utah State Parks Board (Governor’s appointment), Represent Southwest Utah • Cedar City Regional Airport Board • Three Peaks Recreation Area Board • Enoch City Council – five years Personal Qualities and Convictions • Common sense approach to Government with fortitude to make tough, informed decisions based on thorough, personal study of all sides of an issue. • Well organized with strong work ethic • Able to devote full time to Commission position • Willing to ask the tough questions • Knows that “Together Everyone Achieves More” • Strong individual relationships with National, State and Local elected officials Iron County issues needing continuous attention: (There are many others) • Growth and the associated infrastructure such as water, power, roads, etc. • Affordable housing • Providing essential services without increasing taxes • Providing open recreational areas, trails, parks • Combating distribution and use of illegal drugs VOTE – Express Your Freedom I urge you to vote Nov. 7, 2006. (Early voting available between Oct. 24 and Nov. 3, 2006.) For voting details contact the Iron County Clerk’s Office, 68 South 100 East, Parowan, Utah (477-8340). We are so proud of our Triple Deuce, yet we don’t even take time to exercise one of the freedoms they served to protect. HONOR THE 222nd BY CASTING YOUR VOTE. Show your appreciation! Let’s have the highest voter turnout ever in Iron County. Ryan Bundy Iron County Commission, Seat B Constitution Party Candidate My most important issue is freedom—the agency for one’s self to choose how he will live. Our Creator gave us this right. The only legitimate end of government is to protect the people’s right to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When government assumes other functions it is usurpation and oppression. I must ask, as County Commissioner how can I accomplish this task? How can I address the current issues facing Iron County today to improve the lives and liberties of the county’s citizens? The Constitution of the United States, and the laws made under it, will mark the line of my official conduct. Tremendous growth, endangered species, water usage, inflated taxes, and low wages are some of the current issues. I feel we should better utilize the water being wasted in Iron County before looking for outside sources, which would also eliminate the recent proposed tax hike. I will not tolerate environmental whacko agendas; therefore, no mitigation for prairie dogs will be allowed. The growth occurring in Iron County is astounding; planning ahead for good transit systems is a must. I feel that agriculture land is very important to our future and should be protected from shortsighted development. It would not be my right to impede development, but agriculture-capable lands should have “green belt” protection zoning. I will try to help the economy and improve means for families to earn a living. I do not pretend to have answers to all of our challenges, but as a public servant I will do my best to figure them out to best benefit the people whom I serve. As George Washington said, “If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.” Our nation was founded on moral and religious principles, and this government is wholly inadequate for any other. Our freedoms are being challenged on every hand, from around the world and from right here at home. It is my main intent to return our nation and this county to its proper constitutional form of government and encourage a return to moral and religious principles, which is the lifeblood of our sovereignty. A vote for Ryan Bundy is a vote for freedom as intended by our Founding Fathers. Joshua Miller Iron County Commission, Seat B Democratic Candidate In 2005 I was married to my wife Sheri. We had our first child in February of this year, and we named him Ethan. I love to hunt, fish and water ski. I am an electrician. I am currently employed by PacifiCorp Energy. I decided to run for office to give working people a much needed voice. It doesn’t seem to matter what party politicians are from, nobody is representing the working class. Something needs to be done now to ensure the future of the middle class. America depends on it. This is the first time that I have run for an elected office. I see my lack of experience in an elected office as a positive. Iron County needs a new voice. We need somebody who will represent ordinary citizens that work for a living. I am not wealthy, I don’t own land, and I don’t own water, but I do have a job, I do have a mortgage, and I do have a water bill. As for the water board, I don’t think that the current system is working. The fact that an unelected body can tax us doesn’t sit well with me. Another problem is eminent domain. Not only can the water board tax us, but they can also take our property. This should be an elected body. If elected I would work with other officials to make it an elected body. In recent years Iron County has experienced rapid growth. I believe in smart growth. To me smart growth is the type of growth that can keep our economy growing steady, but also maintain the small town values that make Iron County a great place to raise a family. As for taxes, I think we need to put a cap on the amount that people’s property tax can increase in a year. Unless we put a cap on this it is going to force people out of their homes because they will no longer be able pay their taxes. When you go to vote I would like to ask that you put party politics aside, do some research and look at where we stand on issues and then vote for the best candidate. If that isn’t me that is fine, but if it is me I promise that you will see new ideas in the county. I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 7. County Recorder Patsy Cutler Iron County Recorder Republican Candidate My name is Patsy Cutler. I have served as the Iron County Recorder for six years. Prior to that I was chief deputy recorder for 12 years. I started my County experience in the assessor's office where I worked for 10 years. I am a Paragonah native and a Parowan High School graduate. I feel that my experience and on the job training qualify me to continue to serve as the recorder in Iron County. I am proud of the people on my staff and feel that we do an excellent job of serving the public. County Treasurer Geraldine (Geri) Norwood Iron County Treasurer Republican Candidate It has been a privilege to serve as Iron County Treasurer during the past five years. Prior to this position, I was chief deputy treasurer for 14 years, worked in the recorders office for 2 years and was data processing coordinator for 5 years, for a total of 27 years. I believe these years of experience and service are invaluable, giving me the understanding and knowledge to continue as Iron County Treasurer. In addition to accepting advance payment for property taxes, I have implemented credit card payments and online payments. It is my desire to offer the latest technology to better serve the property owners in Iron County. I have completed a financial certification program, consisting of over 100 hours of classroom training on tax administration, public investment, cash management and public service, sponsored by Utah Association of Counties and University of Utah. It is my desire to maintain integrity by running an efficient & accountable office to continue operating & staying within a very conservative budget. I believe in being courteous, friendly, and the kind of public servant the citizens expect and deserve. I love and appreciate living in Iron County and ask for your continued support. County Justice Court Margaret Miller Iron County Justice Court Judicial Retention Margaret Miller began working in the Cedar Precinct Justice Court in May 1973. She has held positions within the Justice Court Judges Association, such as District Director and Assistant District Director for the Fifth District. She has participated on many panels and training programs to assist other judges of her level. Miller gives of her time in the community to sit on Boards and committees. She is a member of the Cedar City Housing Authority Board. She has assisted with juvenile offender programs within the Fifth District. Miller has completed the certification requirements each year by attending and completing trainings given by Utah State Office of Court Administration. She has served on the Board to review Court Procedures. Through her years on the bench, she has received several awards: • Cedar City Business and Professional Women’s honor as Women of Achievement for years 1986 and 1997. • Utah Federation Business and Professional Women’s State honor as Women of Achievement – 1986 • Justice Court Judge of the year – 1987-88 and 1992 • Quality of Justice Award – Presented by former Utah State Supreme Court Justice – Michael Zimmerman • Iron County Resource person of the year award • Division of Youth Corrections Region III Volunteer Award – Outstanding Volunteer • Dedicated Service Award given by the Justice Court Judges Association Miller is a lifetime resident of Cedar City. County School Board Barbara Corry Iron County School Board, District 4 My name is Barbara Corry. My husband, Bob, and I are the parents of six children. All graduated from the Iron County Schools. Of the 35 years I have been a parent I have been volunteering in this school district for 31. As a parent I felt it was my responsibility to be involved enough in my children’s lives so that I knew their schooling was providing the type of education and learning environment that they needed to be successful individuals. I learned that to improve my child’s education, everyone’s education had to improve. As I served as school, council and region PTA president I learned how important it is to create an atmosphere of learning that permeates the entire school district. The School Board sets the tone for the entire district. If members of the board are argumentative, untrusting of employees or disrespectful of students or parents, it creates an atmosphere within the district that allows such behavior to grow and feed upon itself. If board members are respectful to all, open to new ideas, willing to educate themselves regarding educational issues and hold themselves to standards of behavior and accountability, those working in the district are more likely to model that behavior. I have worked to create an encouraging, creative, enthusiastic learning atmosphere in the Iron County School District. I am a consensus builder. I want the best for everyone and do all in my power to make it happen. I am a voice of reason. My knowledge of the school district, school board decisions and the rationale for those decisions provide depth and understanding to district discussions, allowing the board to look at the broader picture of how a decision fits into the history and desired direction of the school district. I am a standards person. I feel strongly that we must teach morals and value judgment in the schools and I hold everyone: students, parents, teachers, aides, custodians, district staff, superintendent, the school board, responsible for their actions and decisions. My children have graduated but there are 3 grandchildren now attending public schools. I am very concerned that they receive the education that will fit them to have a good life and I want to do all in my power to see that the Iron County School District continues to provide the atmosphere and environment that allows learning to happen. Tonya Fails Iron County School Board, District 4 Please vote for Tonya Fails, A New Voice for the children, parents and taxpayers of Iron County! When Elected To the School Board, it would be my desire to serve as the communities’ link to the school district; help provide for the school district’s needs, programs and accomplishments for the community; and interpret the communities needs and aspirations to the superintendent and staff. I will find out what residents want and provide clear channels of communication between the community and its schools. With Growth Comes Change, I am Stepping Forward to strengthen the quality of life for our community. I am excited about serving and devoting the time necessary to meet the challenges of this position. Over the past 20 years, Iron County has experienced a great deal of growth and change. It is time for our schools to start looking to the future, not the past. Over the past few years, I have had many opportunities to give back to this wonderful community. I am active in AYSO as a division coordinator, coach and team mom, PTA, wrestling boosters and Cedar City Fire Ladies Auxiliary. As a wife of a Cedar City Fire Department volunteer, it has allowed me the opportunity to help coordinate fund-raising and donation efforts for the University Hospital’s Burn Center and Shop with a Cop. It has also been a great pleasure to help distribute Christmas to local families in need. As a mother of four children, I look forward each day to seeing and hearing all about the many things our children are learning. It gives me great joy to call Iron County my home. I will work hard to create a district that will support that vision and establish accountability to the taxpayers. Contact me at info@tonyafails.org. I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 7, 2006. Curtis Crawford Iron County School Board, District 5 I am a lifelong resident of Cedar City, and am married to Anita Ramos Crawford. We have seven children and 10 grandchildren, some of which are attending schools in this district. I share the citizen’s concerns to provide all children with the best education and ensure their safety and protection. I have recently retired from 30 years as a business owner/operator of Best Western Town and Country Inn, and other business developments. I am a graduate of SUU in Business Administration. I have served in many community organizations, but am currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Children’s Justice Center. I am also the Membership Committee Chairman for the District Boy Scouts. I express my deep gratitude to the citizens of Iron County for the opportunity to serve on the Board for the past four years. I have greatly enjoyed listening to and addressing their concerns, as they have expressed them to me, and have confided in me. During the past four years, I have visited a school each month throughout the district, so that I, (as a Board Member) can see, hear, and get a feel for myself the needs of the principals, teachers and staff. They are the ones out on the “battlefronts” working hard with our children, ensuring that there are no casualties. I feel strongly to support them, as our children are the future leaders of tomorrow! I am dedicated to improve school policies to ensure they are in accordance with the values and moral standards of the family and community. I welcome the diversity in this community, which has increased rapidly. I am confident that our district can be an example regarding challenges of growth in all aspects. As a conservative businessman and property owner, I bring skills acquired from more than 30 years of experience, which I have applied in the decision-making process within the realm of the Iron County School District and community. I feel this is a great asset to ensure the wise and conservative use of public funds. I will continue to strive for the confidence of the public as I serve. LynAnn Ellsworth School Board District Five A teacher by profession, I am passionate about education. My husband, Lansing, and I know that our children benefit from outstanding teachers, caring administrators and professional support staff here in Iron County. We are part of a great community that values the success of children. But there is room for improvement in our school district, and I plan on pursuing a course of action to help bring student achievement, health, and safety within the reach of all children. My goals as a student advocate include reducing our district’s high school drop-out rate, as well as reducing class size in kindergartens through third grades. I will promote parental involvement in the educational process, even the involvement of businesses and communities, so that our students are competitive in a changing world. These changes lead to academic achievement, one of my top priorities. Utah’s reputation in education is somewhat tarnished. Here in Iron County, let’s create a bright reputation of educational excellence. Decreasing bullying and preparing schools for a flu pandemic are important parts of my campaign platform. In Utah, 93 percent of fourth through ninth graders surveyed by the Utah Behavioral Initiative said bullying was the biggest problem facing schools – far ahead of drugs and gangs. My safety concerns also include securing school entrances and initiating intruder drills. Another current issue that has my attention is that of nutritious school lunches and their role in overall student health. The simple switch of having recess first and then lunch results in children sitting down to eat their food, an improvement that doesn’t require any additional tax payer’s money! (http://health.utah.gov/hearthighway/gms) My experience serving on community governing boards includes the PTA at North Elementary, the American Children’s Christmas Festival, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, the Iron County Medical Alliance, the Valley View Medical Center (VVMC) Board of Trustees, and chairing the VVMC Foundation and Happy Factory Boards. Additionally, during the past two decades our family has lived in many different school districts throughout the states of Arizona and Washington. These exposures have prepared me to resolve a variety of educational dilemmas, like rapid population growth. Your ideas, observations, and experiences are important to me. I commit to listen; please do not hesitate to contact me. These are our children, our schools, our communities – let me be your voice. Thank you for taking the time to consider voting for LynAnn Ellsworth. www.LynAnnEllsworth.org County Sheriff John B. Martineau Iron County Sheriff Libertarian Candidate Greetings Iron County Citizens My goal is to work for the Iron County citizens, with no outside influences. A sheriff is only as good as the people that work for him. I want to place the best qualified lawmen to run the Sheriff’s Department, starting with shifting Bret Allred (Jail Captain) to the captain of the Iron County Sheriff’s Department. I will place Lt. Brad Spencer in charge of the Iron County Jail. I will show you that by making these changes we will save taxpayers over $100,000.00 per year by multitasking. Each person I have named, including myself, are all cross certified to work at the jail and the Sheriff’s Department. I will ensure the Corrections Officers and Deputies that I will support them. I will not cut any manpower on my part. I will eliminate the non-merited under sheriff position. I do not need an under-sheriff. I do need deputies and corrections officers. Some members of the community have spread the rumor that when I get into office, I will not enforce the law. Far from the truth! I want you to know that I cannot change any laws. I took an oath when I was sworn in as a deputy sheriff, to up-hold and enforce the local, state, and federal laws and protect the Constitution of the United States of America, the same oath my Republican and Democrat opponents swore to also up-hold. I have served you honorably and faithfully over the last 17 years as an Iron County sheriff’s deputy, this will not change as your elected sheriff. I have pointed out there are some must needed changes that we as citizens must face for the times we live in. I look back at my great-great-grandfather James H. Martineau who was the third Iron County Sheriff in 1856. Times have changed from when he was sheriff, but the principles of the sheriff have not. The sheriff must work for all citizens of the county, follow the Constitution of the United States of America and be faithful to the citizens he serves. I believe the sheriff and deputies must make judgement calls with their hearts in some situations and weigh the laws we enforce with common sense. Please visit www.ironsheriffjohn.com for complete history or contact me at 590-9040. Mark Gower Iron County Sheriff Republican Candidate I have lived in Iron County for 42 years and am married to Traci Gower. Together we have five children ranging in age from 5 years old to 18 years old. I consider it my home. I started with the Iron County Sheriff’s Office in 1987 as a search and rescue volunteer. In 1992 I graduated from the police academy in Salt Lake City as a category 1 peace officer. In 1993 I became a full-time patrol deputy under the direction of Sheriff Ira Schoppman. I’ve served in the positions of Iron County Deputy in the Iron/Garfield County narcotics task force and Sheriff’s Office lead detective. In 2003 I was appointed as the Iron County Sheriff and I am currently serving in that office. I have worked for the Sheriff’s Office for over 13 years and have served with honesty, integrity, honor and hard work. When I took office it was my goal to make the Iron County Sheriff’s Office excel and become one of the finest Sheriff’s Offices in the state. I believe this goal has been accomplished only because of the dedicated deputy sheriffs and staff that I have the privilege of working with everyday. I have worked hard at promoting a teamwork atmosphere at the Sheriff’s Office. I have a vision for the Sheriff’s Office. I plan to keep the office up with Iron County’s rapid growth. I believe we need to have the best equipped and well-trained deputies to stay up with this growth. It is my goal to promote community-oriented policing in our jurisdiction. This involves the citizens with the Sheriff’s Office and makes it easier to keep your neighborhoods safe. I believe in proactive law enforcement, which means we need to take the fight to the criminal element instead of waiting for a crime to be committed and then responding. I agree with the saying “the best defense is a strong offence.” I plan to increase staffing levels at the Drug Task Force and in corrections and patrol as Iron County continues to grow. I am a dedicated law enforcement officer who takes the job of public safety seriously. That is by aggressively and relentlessly seeking out criminals, who victimize our citizens, and putting them in jail where they belong. Iron County is our home and I am committed to keeping our home a safe place to live and raise our families. Michael Crouch Iron County Sheriff Democratic Candidate I am currently a detective with the Iron County Sheriff’s Department and have been fully certified through the Iron County Merit Commission and post certified by the State of Utah. I have ten years of law enforcement experience in Iron County. In addition, I have twenty-six years of experience with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. I have extensive experience consisting of lieutenant, sergeant, corrections (responsible for the operation of a large correctional facility with over 1,200 inmates), detective, vice/narcotics officer, field training officer, patrol officer, search and rescue coordinator, and citizen patrol coordinator. There is a drug problem in Iron County. I would increase the number of officers working in the narcotics task force from two to four. With drugs comes an increase in crime. We must get the message out that if you possess, use, manufacture or sell drugs, you are going to jail. It is not the responsibility of the Iron County Sheriff’s Department to “search out” illegal immigrants. It is the responsibility of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce the immigration laws and control the borders. However, when it affects us, it becomes our responsibility. If determined necessary, I would seek funds from the federal government to support an immigration task force. Taxpayers should not have to pay for this. Community involvement is essential to facilitate a free flow of information between the public and law enforcement. Crime prevention should be the concern of every citizen. The community can help by starting a neighborhood watch program. In addition, I would start a citizens’ volunteer unit to assist in business and residential security checks, welfare checks, assist in traffic control, and to assist the patrol officers by being an extra set of eyes and ears. I would improve the communication between the Iron County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcement agencies. It is essential to have open communication to ensure we are working in partnership to protect our citizens and their property. I want to be your sheriff. I have the experience and training necessary to lead the Iron County Sheriff’s Department in a positive direction. As sheriff, I will serve you with honor, accountability, progressiveness, and above all, integrity. I believe that law enforcement officers should relentlessly investigate criminal acts and arrest those who are guilty of violating the law, while building a positive relationship with those we serve. www.michaelcrouchforsheriff.com
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