ALAN CHOATE - Daily Herald | Posted: Thursday, December 28, 2006 11:00 pm
Nine of the 10 people competing for the open House District 62 seat met with delegates Thursday at Provo City Hall and did their best -- mostly through one-on-one conversations -- to set themselves apart from the crowded field.
They are seeking to replace Jeff Alexander, who resigned his seat but announced his decision too late to replace him on the November ballot. Republican Party delegates from the district will vote on a replacement Tuesday.
There was an hour-long session of formal questions and answers in addition to the retail politicking.
Chris Herrod, a real estate developer, said he's interested in addressing the flood of illegal immigrants.
"It's a fundamental fairness issue and a rule of law issue," he said.
Dennis Hoagland, a lawyer and corporate vice president, emphasized his business acumen and stressed the importance of allocating resources properly.
"I'm concerned with the $10.7 billion budget that the governor is proposing and how it's going to be allocated," he said.
Grant Misbach, meanwhile, was the only candidate to bring up proposed government reforms in how lobbying activities are reported, and called for campaign finance reform.
"We do well in Utah, but we can do a lot better, and we need to do better," said Misbach, a retiree who is active in the Utah County Republican Party.
David Starling, a high school teacher who also runs a drug treatment center, said that "local representation is what I really am after. Next to that, service."
Lawyer and rare documents dealer Brent Ashworth said that concerns about youth -- including drugs and online pedophiles -- drive his candidacy.
"The onslaughts against our youth are beyond anything we had to face," he said.
John Curtis, the chief operating officer of Action Target Inc., also emphasized his business background and the fact that his company often works with law enforcement.
"Every time my wife hears me complain about government, she says, 'So what are you going to do about itfi' " he said. "I feel we all have a responsibility to get involved and to come up with solutions."
Schipper Clawson, an elementary school teacher, said that "One common thread that I've heard more than anything else is wanting to make sure that Utah County and Provo is represented. ... I believe it is just the time for me to serve."
Chuck Stewart said that as a doctor and a former state senator, he knows the legislative process and how to address concerns with health care.
"I would be seen immediately as an expert in health care problems," he said. "I know how to do this. I've done it before."
Former Provo city councilman Paul Warner also played the experience card, noting that about a quarter of the bills filed in the last legislative session dealt with municipalities.
"It gives me an insight into the needs a city has," Warner said.
A 10th candidate, former state senator Rulon Garfield, did not attend Thursday's session.
Delegates will gather starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rock Canyon Elementary School to vote on the candidates.
One question asked of the candidates was how many terms they intended to serve. Their answers:
Chris Herrod: Four terms, "unless there's a chance for leadership."
Dennis Hoagland: Three terms, "unless the Constitution happens to hang from a thread -- then I might be called upon for something else."
Grant Misbach: "I've not given that one bit of thought. I think it's premature to consider that."
David Starling: "No one can say how long."
Brent Ashworth: "If you decide I am worthy of your trust, I plan on serving as long as I have that trust."
John Curtis: "I will commit to at least one term, and then we'll see how it went."
Schipper Clawson: "We'll take it as it comes. Let's start with the first time and then see how many times after that."
Chuck Stewart: "I am actually a big supporter of term limits." He did not specify his limit.
Paul Warner: "As I understand it, the voter decides how many terms you serve, so I'll leave it to them."
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.