The Democrat running for Utah House District 9 would support a six-week abortion ban but not a pair of now-void potential constitutional amendments.
Angela Choberka, a Democrat, is running against Libertarian Jacob K. Johnson and Republican Jake Sawyer to represent the district covering parts of Ogden, West Haven and other portions of Weber 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?
Angela Choberka: Absolutely. I support those who work in the coal-fired power industry but also want to ensure we are working toward a future with cleaner air.
Jacob K. Johnson: Did not answer.
Jake Sawyer: 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?
Choberka: Yes. Although homeowners are only one piece of the solution; industry, agriculture, and government should also be asked to do their part in helping to conserve water.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: Did not answer.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Choberka: We need to work beyond political divides with local stakeholders to create policies that work for their cities and towns. They are not all the same, so there should be consideration for local issues when creating state legislation.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: Did not answer.
(Angela Choberka) Angela Choberka is running for Utah State House of Representatives for District 9 in northern Utah.
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?
Choberka: Yes.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: Did not answer.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Choberka: No.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: Did not answer.
(Jake Sawyer) Jake Sawyer is running to represent House District 9 in the Utah State Legislature.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Choberka: No. A person, along with their provider, should be able to access any research-based medical care or intervention that they determine is appropriate.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: 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?
Choberka: Against. We need to invest more money in education and social services.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: 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?
Choberka: No.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Sawyer: Did not answer.
