People deserve to know where I stand. They deserve candor. As an example, take a look at these issue statements. I try to get straight to the point. My candor might not be very political, but it invites honest, effective discussion. And, heaven knows, we need more of that in our politics. Education Funding I will continue to champion education funding. When elected to the House, I promised that I would increase funding for public education. During my 4 years in House leadership, the Legislature increased funding for public education $1,000,000,000. A 40% increase. Those are record increases. No Legislator can say that he/she increased education funding more over any 4-year period than I have done while helping to lead the House. Facts tend to become casualties of campaigns, but on education funding the facts are clear. Republican leadership and the hard-working taxpayers of Utah have put forward a wonderful effort. We've walked the walk and must continue to do so. . Taxes Tax cuts improve the economy. The relationship between tax cuts and increased government revenues mystifies liberals. I am proud that I was able to work with Governor Huntsman to pass the largest income tax cuts in the history of Utah. When government reduces its tax burden on you, you are more productive, bettering your lives and - like magic - increasing the State's coffers at the same time. Thanks for the hard work! Illegal Immigration Utah must repeal policies that make us a magnet for illegal immigration. This year, the Legislature, and Senator Hickman, got the ball rolling. But, the House passed several measures to toughen Utah's laws, only to see them fail in the Senate. I'd like to help refine the Senate's direction on this issue. I appreciate that many issues relating to illegal immigration can be debated. But it cannot be debated that state policies affect the number of illegal aliens living in a state. I will continue to work for a tougher state stance on illegal immigration. Candor I believe in listening. To give you an example, I have been blogging longer than any currently-serving elected official in the Nation. (At least that is what has been reported in nationwide publications). This is just one way that I enthusiastically invite constituents to publicly challenge and help shape my decisions. Another way to listen is to invite public input and to always offer my cell phone number (435/668-7759). Dixie State College I cannot overemphasize the importance of this Senate seat to the future of Dixie State College. I am running because I can, and will, secure needed funding for Dixie State. This year, Dixie State College secured more new funding that any other institution in the system. That must continue. We have a unique opportunity to vault our educational and economic opportunities forward through an affiliation with the University of Utah. Our Senator either will have the knowledge and relationships to carry the day in the community and the Senate or the opportunity will pass. This year, Senators asked me to run more of their bills in the House than any other Representative. They know I can carry the day. The 3 returning members of Senate leadership - President John Valentine, Majority Leader Curt Bramble, and Assistant Whip Sheldon Killpack - endorse me for a reason. They want to work with me on the big projects, like the Dixie State College/UofU affiliation. Water, Energy, and Air Despite the message that Democrats are trying to sell in Washington County, the world is not simplistic. We need to conserve water and energy; and, we also need to develop our water and energy resources. A coal-fired power plant immediately upwind of our community is a very bad idea; but, the availability of cheap, abundant power from other sources is a great thing. As former chair of the House Committee on Public Utilities and Technology, I will continue to promote a balanced approach to Utah's resources. The St. George solar farm (Rep. Last's bill) shows that successful innovation and leadership come from balanced approaches to issues.