Dan Eastman on the Issues

Here are the key issues facing Utah, in Dan’s own words:

Education

“Our primary focus has to be getting resources into the classroom. Programs are nice — but no program should interfere with the basics and a consistent effort to teaching.

“One area that deserved our continued attention is the school trust lands. When we first took a hard look at that untapped resource, the trust value was just $70 million. Now our schools are benefiting from a trust balance of more than a half a billion dollars. We have to continue down that road.

"I believe Tuition Tax Credits to be a sound concept, if administered correctly. My plan is to support a gradual phase-in of TTC and then take careful measure of its impact and effectiveness. The numbers can be spun either way, as we have all seen. We have to make sure there are not any unforeseen, undesirable consequences that could happen if the rollout is not controlled.”

Higher Education

“We need to put the money where it can best be spent. We can’t duplicate the same services everywhere. We need to bolster the top programs where they currently exist rather than create new ones.”

Transportation

“Completing the Legacy Highway is a must. But we must also maintain our existing infrastructure while we look at a ‘multi-modal model’ of moving people from one place to another; trolley, light rail and commuter rail are all an important part of the mix.”

Economic Development

“All other problems and challenges are much easier to handle if the economy is booming. There are jobs to be had and tax receipts are rolling in. We have to refocus our attention to economic development. The state must be corporate friendly when it comes to our tax policy. Our lifestyle is a great draw for corporate headquarters; likewise, how we treat these corporations has to be just as friendly.

“Our priority should be with smaller and medium-sized businesses. These firms need to know that we have a well-educated, highly motivated workforce.

“We also need to capitalize on tourism. We really missed the boat after the Olympics. Colorado spent 20 times as much as we did — that state took advantage of our Games! We have unmatched beauty and recreational opportunities here, and we need to let the world know.”

Water/Natural Resources

"Water is the common denominator in natural resources. It defines the quality of life for man and beast. Our mountains, valleys, deserts and wetlands are among the grandest in the world. Wildlife is abundant. The beauty of the landscape is profound. These assets must be managed wisely."

Social Issues

"All of the major social issues we face today — immigration, crime, drugs — are the reflection of a more basic problem: the lack of respect for law, and civility one towards another. We need to foster more respect and more civility in our public and private lives. I think that should start in the home, where parents can set the example and expect that respect from their children.”

Other issues

Dan would like to hear from you. Feel free to contact him to share your thoughts and opinions.