State Rep. Cheryl Acton supports two now-voided constitutional amendments but wouldn’t support a complete abortion ban or restrictions on in vitro fertilization.
Acton, the Republican incumbent in Utah House District 38, faces a challenge from Democrat Steven Laude, Jr. for the seat representing 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?
Cheryl Acton: I favor an all-of-the-above approach to energy, including nuclear. Energy from all sources must be clean, reliable, dispatchable, and affordable.
Steven Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
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?
Acton: Recent drought conditions have accelerated changes in how we use and value water. Incentives for voluntary metering of agricultural water have made a significant difference. As the fastest-growing state, wise stewardship of all resources is critical.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Acton: The government can play a role by expanding land access, reducing building fees and minimizing barriers to home ownership. But too much interference can also make matters worse. Housing affordability is critical to the economic security of individuals and families.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
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?
Acton: Yes.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Acton: No.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Acton: The government should facilitate, not restrict, in vitro fertilization.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Acton: I am for Amendment A. Our current system sounds noble, but as a practical matter it renders Utah at or near the bottom of states each year in per pupil spending. Earmarks are not a wise way to allocate resources. It also removes the state sales tax on food.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
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?
Acton: Yes.
Laude, Jr.: Did not answer.
