Over the last few weeks, The Globe has contacted, or attempted to contact, all major candidates running for national offices in the 2018 midterm elections. The following candidates replied to our questionnaire; their responses, provided by the candidates or their campaigns, are available below.
Lee Castillo
Democratic candidate for Utah’s 1st Congressional District
Age: 41 years old
Occupation: Clinical social worker
Residence and hometown: Layton, Utah
Education: Masters in social work from the University of Utah
1. What is your position on Utah’s public lands and the federal government’s involvement?
Utah public lands are only those owned by Utah. The federal government can and has declared some federal government protected. It is simple, the federal government can be involved in regulations and management of those lands they oversee. Though for areas close to populations and First Nation people they need to be included as part of the decision process.
2. What is your view on the current presidential administration?
The current presidential administration is self-serving and divisive.
3. Do you support the Proposition 2 Medical Marijuana Initiative? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I personally support Proposition 2. Medical marijuana has the potential to reverse the opioid crisis.
4. Is there anything you would like to say to SLCC students?
It’s time for Utah to have representation that reflects everyone. My motto is “Utah is for everybody.”
Shireen Ghorbani
Democratic candidate for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District
Age: 37 years old
Occupation: Associate Director, Communication & Organizational Development, University of Utah
Residence: Salt Lake City, UT
Hometown: Bismarck, ND
Education: B.A., St. Cloud State University (2004); M.A., University of Nebraska (2009); M.Phil, University of Utah (2016)
1. What is your position on Utah’s public lands and the federal government’s involvement?
Our public lands are our national treasure. The thought of a future where my son and our children’s only connection to this pristine and protected land is photographs and stories of what it was like before we sold it off for short-term gain is unacceptable to me.
When we protect and support our monuments, our rural communities are more resilient. Billions of dollars come into this district in tourism and recreation and because of this, our rural towns see diversified economies and sustainable growth.
I am not accepting any corporate PAC money because I want to represent the voices of Utahns and Americans. Attacking the future of America’s public lands is unpopular outside of Utah’s Congressional delegation. The danger of the Monuments’ boundaries reduction poses a direct threat to all public lands in the United States. This action sets a dangerous precedent for the most beloved places in our country and cannot stand uncontested.
2. What is your view on the current presidential administration?
This administration does not represent the very best of who we are as Americans. From national security to corruption to taking care of people, I know we can do better. My team and I have knocked on over 35,000 doors, and I have heard from you what’s important to you: affordable healthcare, education, fiscal responsibility and fairness, clean air. I am ready to work across the aisle on these issues. I am ready to work for you.
3. Do you support the Proposition 2 Medical Marijuana Initiative? Why or why not?
I support the ballot initiative process fully. Voters were tired of waiting for the legislature to address this important issue. Personally, I will be voting for Proposition 2 as I would like to see an alternative to opioids that are killing far too many of our fellow Utahns and to help patients in pain.
4. Is there anything you would like to say to SLCC students?
Please know that I will be working for you on issues that matter most — things like student loan debt, net neutrality, affordable housing. I’m here to listen to you — I’m here for Utahns. Know that you can reach out and you will get a response from me — shireen@shireen2018.com or call/text us 801-382-7293.
Rep. John Curtis
Republican candidate for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District
1. What is your position on Utah’s public lands and the federal government’s involvement?
We all love Utah’s public lands and consider them a huge part of our culture and history. Like most Utahns, I want to preserve and protect these resources by investing in their long-term success. This is why I was an original cosponsor of Rep Bishop’s bill that starts a funding process to help the parks address the backlog of maintenance.
The state and federal governments should be working together to make the best decisions possible.
2. What is your view on the current presidential administration?
As with all administrations, it’s the responsibility of the legislative body to be a watchdog. When the administration takes a position that’s in harmony with my district and my constituents, I’ll be the first person to express support. In addition, as I’ve shown in the past, I’m also the quick to point out when tone or position isn’t consistent with Utah and our values. Tariffs is a great example of where I feel the administration should be using other tools to contest bad trade practices.
3. Do you support the Proposition 2 Medical Marijuana Initiative? Why or why not?
To be clear, I’ve been an advocate for medical marijuana and the research needed for the states to make a decision. In the case with Prop 2, while I haven’t joined any formal organization or coalition in outspoken opposition, I don’t plan on voting in favor this November.
I worry about the language making it difficult on law enforcement. It would supersede all state laws. It requires all sales records be destroyed within 60 days so law enforcement cannot track illegal uses while all other physician prescribed medications has a 5-10 year mandatory record retention period.
The initiative allows dispensaries to give out free samples of marijuana and paraphernalia associated with it.
Lastly, there’s a reason every law enforcement agencies in the state is opposing this language.
4. Is there anything you would like to say to SLCC students?
This is a critical time in our country and it’s important you invest and get involved in your government. Find issues you’re passionate about and find ways to get plugged in with the goal to make a difference.
Ben McAdams
Democratic candidate for Utah’s 4th Congressional District
Age: 43 years old
Occupation: Salt Lake County Mayor
Residence: Salt Lake
Education: University of Utah graduate; Columbia Law School graduate
1. What is your position on Utah’s public lands and the federal government’s involvement?
Utah’s public lands are an incredible asset, both for recreation, tourism, hunting and fishing and for the economy. Visitors from around the world come to ski in our national forests and visit our national parks and monuments. The federal government should consider input from all stakeholders when adopting management plans. I do not support selling federal lands to the state or removing them from public access.
2. What are your views on the current presidential administration?
I am running for Congress to be a voice for the people of Utah and to represent their views. I will work with all sides on issue that affect Utah families. I am someone who reaches across the aisle to balance the budget, lower health care costs and keep college loans available and affordable. When the current administration puts forward a solution that is good for Utah families, I’ll support it, but will not hesitate to oppose policies that aren’t in the interest of the people I’m elected to serve,
3. Do you support the Proposition 2 Medical Marijuana Initiative? Why or why not?
I respect the right of the public to have their voice heard at the ballot box on Proposition 2 and I plan to vote for it, out of compassion for the illness and suffering of those who may benefit. I also respect the right of the medical community, faith leaders and law enforcement to state their views on this important community issue. I am an advocate for federal declassification of marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 2 drug, so that more studies and research may be conducted into its medical use, efficacy and safety to treat illness and medical conditions,
4. Is there anything you would like to say to SLCC students?
I believe that public service is an important way to give back to the community. It’s been my honor to serve as the twice-elected Mayor of Salt Lake County, and to be a Utah State Senator. The United States is a shining beacon of freedom and opportunity, the envy of people throughout the world. As citizens, our democracy works best when everyone is engaged in civic affairs and in elections. Students are America’s future and it is critical that they participate in this election to ensure that their views are represented in Congress. I ask for your vote and give you my pledge to always support the people of Utah ahead of any political party.
Jenny Wilson
Democratic candidate for United States Senate
Age: 53 years old
Occupation: Salt Lake County Council Member, at-large
Residence and hometown: Salt Lake City
Education: East High School, University of Utah, Harvard University
1. What is your position on Utah’s public lands and the federal government’s involvement?
Utah’s public lands are national treasures and deserve to be protected as such. I oppose the idea of federal lands being managed by the state, and support the original boundary for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the Obama-proposed boundary for Bears Ears National Monument. I favor land preservation and supported Salt Lake County funding that backed the Bonanza Flat purchase.
2. What are your views on the current presidential administration?
I don’t believe that the current administration is demonstrating moral leadership. Particular to the world stage, President Trump’s actions on foreign policy are minimizing our ability to support global stability through diplomacy. The policies of this administration do not reflect American – nor Utah – values.
3. Do you support the Proposition 2 Medical Marijuana Initiative? Why or why not?
I have been a supporter of Prop 2 since day one. The ballot initiative came about due to the Legislature’s refusal to hear prior requests from Utah patients for the legalization of medical marijuana. At the federal level, I support moving cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule II substance.
4. Is there anything you would like to say to SLCC students?
Please vote. There is so much at stake in Utah right now – our public lands, healthcare, the air we breathe, and guaranteeing economic opportunity for you when you complete your degree.
Recently, I put out a plan to secure the future for young Americans. It includes raising the minimum wage to $15/hour, banning the federal government from profiting off of student loan debt, ensuring college is free or low-cost for low income students, and managing our national spending so that you do not inherit a broken economy and ballooning deficit.
Visit vote.org and make your voice heard.
