Two new candidates, Clint Okerlund and Travis Smith, are vying for Utah’s House District 42 seat. Current Republican Rep. Robert Spendlove is not running for another term. The seat represents parts of Midvale, Sandy and Draper.
Okerlund, a Richfield Republican, will prioritize housing affordability and homelessness, according to his campaign website.
Smith is a lawyer and tech entrepreneur who looks to enact water conservation measures for the Great Salt Lake and improve public transit, according to his campaign website. The Democrat was raised in Cottonwood Heights and Sandy.
The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same set of questions, based on top issues readers said they were watching in this election, to each candidate. The questions and their answers that appear below — with the candidates listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar. The questions were sent to candidates before a Utah judge voided multiple amendments from ballots.
Utah’s largest electricity provider has canceled plans to replace its coal-fired power plants with nuclear power and has walked back comments about investing in clean energy. Should Utah be looking for more sustainable and less fossil fuel and carbon-dependent energy sources? If so, how?
Clint Okerlund: It isn’t ready yet, but we shouldn’t give up on the idea of small nuclear plants which are our most practical path to reducing usage of fossil fuels.
Travis Smith: We should explore affordable, renewable energy options like solar and wind, balancing environmental protection with growth and fiscal responsibility.
Water scarcity continues to be a challenge for the state. Recent legislation has attempted to conserve water and to get more water to the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River. Should Utah do more to subsidize homeowners’ efforts to conserve water? What other steps should be taken to deal with water scarcity?
Okerlund: Over 80% of our water is used for farming. Incentives created to conserve our water will be meaningless unless directed at agriculture first and residential second. I support agriculture, but water-efficient farming is where we need to turn our attention.
Smith: Yes, we should increase subsidies for homeowners to conserve water. We must also invest in smart infrastructure, encourage drought-resistant landscaping, and promote efficient agricultural practices to ensure long-term water security for our state.
(Travis Smith) Travis Smith is a candidate for the Utah House of Representatives District 42, which covers the east half of Sandy.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Okerlund: Policies that improve education, the economy and higher wages are key to this discussion — along with a responsible outlook on permitting and zoning. Policies that don’t make future homes more affordable by diminishing the value of existing homes.
Smith: I support reducing regulatory barriers to speed up housing development, offering incentives for affordable housing projects, and increasing housing density where appropriate. We must ensure that housing remains accessible and affordable for Utahns.
Following the Utah Supreme Court’s recent decision to keep a near-total abortion ban blocked, anti-abortion lawmakers and advocates called for additional legislative action to circumvent the court-ordered injunction. Would you support banning abortion after six weeks?
Okerlund: Yes.
Smith: No.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Okerlund: Yes.
Smith: No.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Okerlund: I am a fan of IVF. Abortions should be permitted only in cases of rape, incest or serious imminent health complications to the mother or baby.
Smith: No, I believe families should have the freedom to access fertility treatments like IVF without additional government restrictions or interference.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Okerlund: I do NOT support removing the constitutional earmark while education is still underfunded. When class sizes are smaller and teachers no longer need to pay for their own classroom supplies, then we can revisit the issue — but we are not there yet!
Smith: I’m voting against the amendment. Education and social services are critical, and income taxes should continue to support them directly to ensure stable funding for our children and communities.
A Utah judge has voided Amendment D and said votes for or against it cannot be counted, but the state is appealing. Do you support changing the Utah Constitution to guarantee that the Legislature can repeal or amend ballot initiatives?
Okerlund: No.
Smith: No.
