Jessica Wignall would like to see the state increase funding for renewable energy, water-saving technology and affordable housing.
Wignall, an unaffiliated candidate, is challenging Republican incumbent State Rep. Ken Ivory for the Utah House District 39 seat that represents part of Salt Lake County.
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?
Ken Ivory: Did not answer.
Jessica Wignall: Utah should invest in renewable energy like solar, wind, and geothermal while promoting energy efficiency and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: I’d like to see Utah expand subsidies for water-saving technologies like low-flow fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping. Additionally, stronger water-use regulations and investment in recycling wastewater are essential to address water scarcity.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: I would support increased funding for affordable housing, statutes for corporations purchasing homes, and preservation of existing apartment and condominium rental units.
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?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: No.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: No.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: Restricted reproductive healthcare, like in vitro fertilization, is unnecessary. Families deserve access to safe, ethical fertility treatments without government limits.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: I’m voting against the amendment to remove income tax requirements for education and social services. This underfunds schools and critical programs, harming Utah’s future. Stable, dedicated funding ensures these essential services are protected.
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?
Ivory: Did not answer.
Wignall: No.
