As a delegate, my goal was to get more information about each candidate so that I could make a more informed choice. I met and briefly interviewed each candidate.
I also interviewed each candidate by phone to ask additional questions and record the calls (link below).
I'm impressed with how each candidate focused on their own campaign and benefits and "kept it clean" and free of attacks.
Chuck Bateman
Bio/Summary
Mr. Bateman was involved for many years in the family business (ranching) and was also a teacher. He spent the last 20+ years working with large financial firms, primarily in providing consulting and software platforms to them. He is currently winding down his consulting contracts (mostly retired).
He became involved in politics as an advocate in interacting with elected officials and candidates over the past several years. He has spent time studying the constitution and local and federal issues relating to it.
His main “selling points” I got from his site and talking to him are:
-Real-world experience as a leader in the private sector and in education.
-Proactive vision of how Utah can mitigate and avoid “government bloat”, keeping more of our tax revenues in the state and reclaiming more of Utah’s rights to land within our state.
-He will join with other
My thoughts after my research:
Mr. Bateman appears to be very passionate about what
The primary reason I became a delegate was to have a voice in helping our nation stay away from socialism, and to return to our roots and what made us great. Namely, more freedom and less control of the individual by the government.
Mr. Bateman has presented ways this can happen, both concerning local issues as well as things states can do to push back against growing federal mandates.
He is passionate about bringing more freedoms to Utah and has researched how other states have successfully passed laws that accomplished similar goals.
General Links:
Other links
Background story on North Dakota banking system
Patrick Henry Caucus Mr. Bateman referenced in his interview.
Herald Journal article general background on both candidates.
R. Curt Webb
Bio/Summary:
Mr. Webb has just over four years of experience as a legislator (he was appointed twice when others stepped down, and he was elected also- details here). He has also been involved in the Republican party on a county level.
He owns Cache Title Company, and has operated it for over 30 years. Direct links to more info on his career, voting, etc. below.
His main "selling points" I got from his site, the interview with me and others are:
-Mainstream Republican Conservative that represents constituents well.
-Private property specialist and advocate.
-Experience and trust in the Utah House (influence with other legislators).
My thoughts after my research:
Mr. Webb appears to be a moderate Republican (by Utah's standards) according to analysis by the organizations linked below. He appears to have a good handle on the bills he votes on and takes input from constituents as he makes decisions.
After reviewing the bills he has written, it seems that his primary "proactive" focus is on issues connected to his title company business, namely legal and land issues.
Although I think it is good to focus on bills related to your area of expertise, I also feel that to truly represent an area well there should be a more broad focus outside of one's private business or profession.
I appreciate the effort Mr. Webb has put into serving Utah and researching the issues and taking feedback for each bill, and for his services as Utah's "private property rights" watchdog for the legislature. I also appreciate him being a good sport even though I gave him a bit of a hard time on a couple items.
More Background and Links for Mr. Webb
Here is the Utah Taxpayers report card I mentionedChoice In Education report card and info
My quick list of bills he sponsored, four of which have been signed. State link to research Webb's bills and votes to see more on each bill.
Public utility easements signed
Expunge Amendments
Attorney's Lien
Business Liens
Title and Escrow Commission Acts
Condo and Community Association Provisions
Victims Rights Ammendments signed
Subdivision Approval Ammendments signed
Collection Agency Ammendments
Link to the bill I mentioned about paying teachers to campaign on the taxpayer's dime. Summary: Webb voted for this bill, but language in the form of an ammendment was introduced that negated the purpose of the bill. This is one I'll be following up on as I believe it is unethical for teachers to be paid to work for a private organization by my tax dollars.
Other links:
Vote Webb Campaign Site
