As Republican state Sen. Chris Wilson, of Logan, seeks a second term in the Legislature he also faces a rematch with Democratic candidate Nancy Huntly in Utah’s 2nd Senate District.
Wilson, a car dealer, competed against Utah State University ecology professor Huntly in 2020, and came out on top by more than 40 percentage points.
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.
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?
Huntly: Yes. Utah can expand solar, wind and geothermal energy and invest in new energy storage solutions. Energy-efficient infrastructure also helps.
Wilson: 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?
Huntly: Yes, with subsidies designed for easy access and lasting impact, and targeted to return high value and address financial need. Good information also helps.
Wilson: Did not answer.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, at the Capitol building in Salt Lake City on Friday January 20, 2023.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Huntly: Increase housing density in some areas; allow more types of housing; support improvement and flexible use of housing; coordinate zoning, planning and code to lower building costs and speed up construction. Subsidize access to first homes.
Wilson: 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?
Huntly: No.
Wilson: Did not answer.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Huntly: No.
Wilson: Did not answer.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Huntly: No, I do not support legal restrictions on reproductive health care.
Wilson: 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?
Huntly: Against. Utah is not giving adequate priority to funding public education and social services now, and removing the earmark would likely result in those receiving even less funding.
Wilson: 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?
Huntly: No.
Wilson: Did not answer.
