PRIORITIES

These Priorities indicate what I value. As a member of the Forward Party, I do not need to comply with the ideology of any platform. I am free to seek solutions based on science, data, and compromise when needed.

And I am happy to have a discussion.

Election Reform & Voting Systems

The right to vote contains the power of each U.S. citizen to participate in how they are governed.  This power is sacred and should apply equally to all citizens. Legislation surrounding elections and the power of the vote should focus on protecting the ability of each individual to access this right. No law nor policy should make it more difficult for any U.S. citizen to exercise that right. Fair maps, alternative voting systems, open primaries, increased polling sites, and mail-in voting are all ways to increase the access of individuals to their governing power. When looking which methods would work best, the needs of the locality should be taken into consideration where possible.

Ethical Governance

Those who have been chosen by the voice of the people have a responsibility to work in the best interest of all people. In many cases it appears that our elected officials only superficially act in the interest of the people while enriching themselves through their positions. Legislation clarifying and increasing the ethical expectations of our law makers and executives should be constantly reviewed for effectiveness. This review should include campaign finance, conflicts of interest, lobbying, gifts, and all emoluments.  Lawmakers should be held accountable not only by the voters, but by the courts when in violation of ethical laws.

Lawmakers should also take into consideration the unintended consequences of their legislation on all people, but particularly on populations that have historically been oppressed or marginalized resulting in constriction surrounding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of those populations

The Economy

The market pressures that exist in global, national, and local economies are myriad and varied. When discussing or constructing legislation, it is important to take a balanced approach to address any weakness in the economy. Free market capitalism is a boon to innovation and socioeconomic mobility, however, to protect the people and prevent crony or oligarchic capitalism from taking hold, antitrust interventions, small business protections, labor protections, and social safety nets should be utilized and reviewed regularly to ensure our economy is healthy enough to continue to provide opportunities for all people to participate and access individual prosperity.

The Environment

The physical health and mental health of human beings are inextricably tied to our environment. Environmental protections are essential to prevent carelessness and greed from negatively impacting our environment. Elected officials are responsible to ensure that they understand the science surrounding the issues that face us such as Global Climate Change, Waste Disposal, Energy Creation and Consumption, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Fossil Fuels, The Great Salt Lake, Effects on the Ecosystem and create reasonable legislation to ensure that the government, companies, and individuals are motivated to keep the environment clean and safe for everyone. Where opinions differ, a risk management approach should be adopted in favor of preserving the environment and the health of the people residing there.

Sustainability and public health should be the top considerations in environmental legislation.

Social Justice

Social justice is imperative to building an equitable society. It is founded on the principles of Equity, Access, Participation, and Rights. Legislators have a responsibility to learn about, understand, and then remedy laws or policies that limit any of those principles where they may apply unevenly to one population over another. It is particularly important where previous laws or policies may have created long-term barriers for individuals and groups in pursuing life, liberty, and happiness. 

Personal opinions and beliefs regarding certain groups should not be a basis for legislation, but allowing others to live as they choose, so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others, is central to the principles upon which this nation was founded.

Policies surrounding Fair Housing, Infrastructure, Health Care, Urban Planning, Immigration, Poverty, Homelessness, and Education should be approached with the principles of Equity, Access, Participation, and Rights at the forefront of the decisions. And compassion should always temper our discussions surrounding our fellow human beings.