Issues

John has unique and valuable experience working with others to find solutions that promote responsible growth and alleviate traffic congestion. Our district is the fastest-growing in Utah and we need leaders experienced on this issue. The explosive growth and development in Tooele, western Salt Lake, and Utah Counties has greatly outpaced the ability of critical infrastructure like roads, schools, and utilities to keep up. Responsible development means not only keeping housing affordable, but closely tying that development to the infrastructure growth needed to support it. We must not allow the quality of life and character of our communities to suffer from poor planning, increased traffic, and a lack of needed infrastructure.

Utah’s housing affordability challenges are driven by rapid growth and policies that restrict supply. State regulations and mandates can unintentionally raise costs and slow down new construction. The solution is not more subsidies, but fewer barriers to building homes and apartments, paired with needed infrastructure investments. Smart growth policies should respect local input while allowing supply to meet demand. Utah must remain a place where families can afford to live and put down roots.

Government works best when it is limited, disciplined, transparent, and accountable to the people who pay the bills. Utah’s success has come from careful budgeting and restraint, not from growing government for its own sake. Every dollar the state spends should deliver a clear and measurable benefit to taxpayers. Legislators should regularly review programs to ensure they are effective and eliminate those that are not. Fiscal responsibility is not just good policy, it is a responsibility we owe to families and future generations.

Utah lawmakers often point to cutting taxes by over a billion dollars, but many families do not feel that relief in their everyday lives. Rising property values should not automatically translate into higher property tax bills for homeowners, seniors, and working families. Real tax relief is relief people can see in their monthly budgets, not just in press releases. We must prioritize ensuring property taxes remain fair, predictable, and affordable. Keeping people in their homes should be a priority of state tax policy.

Beyond property taxes, Utah should continuously look for ways to reduce the overall tax burden on families and small businesses. Income taxes are among the most expensive taxes to collect and among the most invasive to personal privacy. Lowering or eliminating state income and business taxes helps families keep more of what they earn and allows job creators to reinvest and grow. Tax policy should encourage work, savings, and investment, not punish them. A competitive tax environment is one of the reasons Utah’s economy has remained strong. The goal should be a simple and consistent approach: let Utahns keep more of their money

Parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education. Schools should focus on strong academics, transparency, and measurable outcomes. Families deserve a clear understanding of what is being taught and how schools are performing. Choice and accountability are essential tools for improving education across the state. Education policy should support and empower parents, students, and teachers, not bureaucracies.

Utah has some of the lowest energy costs in the country and we need to keep it that way. A stable and affordable energy supply is essential to Utah’s future. That’s why I support an “all of the above” approach to energy – fossil fuels, nuclear, geothermal, wind, and solar. State energy policy should prioritize reliability, affordability, and responsible development. Utah has a strong track record of balancing economic growth with stewardship of natural resources.  Decisions about energy and natural resources policy should be practical and grounded in what works for Utah families and businesses now, while also planning for and preserving our resources for future generations.

Water policy should incentivize conservation efforts without the use of punitive, heavy-handed government mandates. In light of Utah’s explosive growth, sustainable water policy requires a collective effort between state and local governments, water conservancy districts, industry, agriculture, and homeowners to ensure water needs are met now and in the future. 

Preserving the Great Salt Lake must also be a priority. Senate District 11 borders the southern end of the Great Salt Lake making it a critical component of our heritage and quality of life. The State must continue to act with a long-term mindset to increase inflows and preserve this iconic landmark and important resource for both the health of our economy and our people.