This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Ron Bigelow (I)
Address • 4658 Water Wood Drive, West Valley City
Party affiliation • Republican
Occupation • Certified Public Accountant
Education • Bachelor's degree in accounting, U. of U.
Experience • Served 16 years in Utah House, 10 years in House leadership and eight years as co-chairman of the Executive Appropriations Committee, plus many years working in accounting and budgeting.
Information • http://www.RonBigelow.net; 32ronb@gmail.com
Key issue • The No. 1 issue for the voters is illegal immigration followed by public education and jobs. For illegal immigration, we must prosecute criminal acts of identity theft, welfare fraud, theft of services and nonpayment of taxes and hold employers accountable for their hiring practices. We must also work to keep funding education while not increasing taxes in a recession. We must continue to create a business-friendly environment to keep existing jobs and attract new ones to the state. Merrill Humberg
Address • 4131 W. 4040 South, West Valley City
Party affiliation • Democrat
Occupation • Photojournalist
Education • Associate degree in broadcast technology; currently enrolled seeking bachelor's degree in music, U. of U.
Experience • 10 years experience as a photojournalist in national and local news, working closely with governmental and community leaders as an advocate to report important issues and information to the public.
Information • http://www.humberg4utah.com; merrill@humberg4utah.com
Key issue • In 2007, our Legislature made a fundamental mistake that is affecting our state's education system. Under the guise of a flat tax, presented by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., the Legislature changed the original flat tax concept, added back in deductions and turned it into a tax cut for the wealthy in Utah, lowering the top tax rate from 7 percent to 5 percent. The tax base was then effectively spread across the middle class, who has suffered the worst of the job losses, which in turn created huge losses to our schools as income taxes are their primary funding source. Less than four months into the 2010-2011 budget year, the state is already looking at a $50 million-plus shortfall. I believe we need to restore a progressive tax structure, to help bring our state and our schools toward economic health and stability. —
Jennifer Schmith
Constitution Party candidate Jennifer Schmith did not respond to the questionnaire.