| Governor hopefuls face off | |
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By Bob Hudson The Spectrum | |
ST. GEORGE -- Two ideas struck Roger Stratford as he listened to the men running for Utah governor Wednesday. "I thought they had a genuine interest in Washington County," Stratford said after Jon Huntsman Jr. and Scott Matheson Jr. had spoken to members of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. "I'll bring my wife next time. I will take every opportunity I can to hear them speak. "I hadn't had a chance to see them face-to-face," Stratford continued. "It's much better than reading it in the paper when you can see them react." Matheson, the Democratic candidate, and Huntsman, the Republican, responded to five questions submitted to them beforehand and to four that audience members handed in as the forum proceeded. "As the general election campaign evolves, Jon and I get to be better friends," Matheson said. Each man addressed his policy on water development, school vouchers, expansion of Dixie State College, local transportation issues including the city's replacement airport, and the use of hotel room taxes to support tourism promotion. Since both men are the sons of prominent Utahns who share their first names, Huntsman joked, "nepotism is probably a pretty good thing so long as you keep it in the family." Turning to the questions, Matheson said, "The only thing in Utah thicker than blood is water. We should be moving forward with laying the groundwork for the Lake Powell Pipeline." "Water is both a quality of life and economic development issue," said Huntsman. He outlined what he considers the three pillars of excellence critical to the state -- industry, education and quality of life. "These things shouldn't change," he said. "Everything we're doing in this race falls under these things." Huntsman said the Lake Powell Pipeline "needs to be done sooner rather than later." Matheson spoke against school vouchers while Huntsman spoke in favor. "I have reached the conclusion tax credits would take us in the wrong direction," Matheson said. "Scott and I differ a little on this," Huntsman said. "We need to allow parents to make decisions on this. I do believe we can do something rather than just talk about it." Both praised the administrators at Dixie State College and recognized the important role it has in the community. "It's going to be a full-blown four-year institution; it's just a matter of time," Huntsman said. "Schools in this state are going to have to carve out a niche, embrace competition and show flexibility." Matheson said, "I'm convinced that the student demand and the employer demand will lead to more four-year degrees. I also want to put in a word for applied technology." Matheson said he hoped to play a role in making the replacement airport, the Southern Corridor highway project and other transportation projects happen. He noted that state Sen. Bill Hickman (R-29) advanced a bill creating a revolving loan fund to pay for the airport. "No money was allocated, but the framework is in place," Matheson said. "The airport is absolutely critical," Huntsman said. "And the Southern Corridor is going to have to be done." Of the promotion of tourism, Huntsman said, "I'm a big believer in the idea that we've missed the boat." He said he has had discussions with Colorado Governor Bill Owens on how state tourism promoters made it a "name brand state." "There's importance in rethinking, but more than rethinking the way the state travel council is working with the counties," Matheson said. "We need to recognize that tourism is a critical industry." The candidates also addressed the role of the board of regents of the state's nine institutions of higher learning, more vigorous pursuit of polygamists who defraud and abuse, expansion of public lands and whether they would support a constitutional amendment which would allow the state's legislators to call themselves into special session. Matheson noted that laws against polygamy are in place and need to be enforced. Huntsman agreed and noted that the attorney general has made efforts in that area. Both praised Gov. Olene Walker and her lieutenant governor for their roles in supporting private land owners and both opposed the idea of the amendment regarding the legislature. "You're looking at an attorney and a businessman," said Stratford, who sells for Sunbrook Communities. "Matheson is very bright and understands government. But I like Huntsman's ability to cut to the core. I don't think government is run enough as a business. | |
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TheSpectrum.com Originally published Thursday, August 12, 2004 | |
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