This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Address » 2660 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City
Party affiliation » Republican
Occupation » Realtor
Education » Graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with majors in history and English literature; post-graduate work for teaching credentials
Experience » Lifelong grass-roots activist for conservative candidates and issues; graduate of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce leadership class; member and/or chairwoman of Salt Lake Board of Realtors', Utah Association of Realtors' and the National Association Realtors' governmental or fair housing or international properties committees; certified residential property specialist; certified international property specialist; many years of following bills and working with legislators to pass bills affecting real property or the rights of home owners; past volunteer for such groups as the Utah Historical Society, the Landmarks Committee, the Utah Heritage Foundations' speakers circuit, Habitat for Humanity; past chairwoman of the Sugar House Community Council.
Information » www.gracesperry.com; gracesperryD31@aol.com
Key issue » The No. 1 issue will be the economy and the creation of Utah jobs for our young people joining the work force. Without jobs, we cannot maintain our state infrastructure and support our teachers and fund our schools and classrooms. Having watched the exodus of our skilled young people from Utah in the '80s, I will work hard to control our state budget and not raise taxes so that the citizens of our great state will be able live, work and study here and to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
Address » 1450 W. 3300 South, West Valley City
Party Affiliation » Democrat
Occupation » Retired building inspection and investigations administrator; currently president of Elkay Consulting Services LLC
Education » Graduate of Granger High School; Attended SLCC and U. of U.
Experience » Appointed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. in 2005 to fill the vacant seat in District 31 vacated by Rep. Ty McCarty; elected to the House in 2006 and 2008
Information » larrywiley@hotmail.com
Key issue » For the past few years there have been several pieces of legislation debated regarding illegal immigration. I oppose and will continue to oppose frivolous immigration legislation that will cost millions of dollars to defend in court. Immigration is a core federal issue and needs to be addressed at the federal level. Utah and other states have the ability to pass laws to impose sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants. This type of legislation would be a systemic approach to the illegal immigration issue and would send a message to all illegal immigrants that they will not be able to find employment here unless they have the legal documents to work.
As your legislator I will continue to oppose unenforceable legislation or legislation that will become a financial burden to the good people of Utah. There is a better way to mitigate and address illegal immigration issues without imposing fear and financial responsibilities to those legal citizens living here in the great state of Utah.