Two candidates are running to replace long-time Salt Lake Democratic Rep. Mark Wheatley in the Utah House of Representatives.
Democrat Rosalba Dominguez and Republican Mike Bird are vying for the open seat.
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 amendment 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?
Mike Bird: Did not answer.
Rosalba Dominguez: Utah should absolutely pursue and invest in renewables like solar and wind to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure sustainability in the future.
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?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: Yes, we should subsidize homeowners’ water conservation efforts and incentivize farmers, the largest users, to cut back as well. Expanding education on sustainable practices and investing in infrastructure is necessary.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: To tackle affordable housing, I’d support policies requiring 10-30% of new developments to be affordable at 30-50% Area Median Income. Affordable housing boosts our economy by creating jobs and strengthening communities. I see this as a win-win for everyone.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rosalba Dominguez in 2019.
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?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: Did not answer.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: No.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: No additional restrictions on reproductive health care are needed. Family planning decisions should remain between patients and their doctors.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: I oppose Amendment A. Investing in public education is vital for meeting every family’s needs and ensuring a strong future for our community.
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?
Bird: Did not answer.
Dominguez: No.
