Morgan Bowen
Candidate for: US Congress, Utah District 1

Political party: Democrat  
Birth date: October 9, 1965
Birth place: Merced, California
Current city of residence: Hyde Park, Utah
Family members: Spouse: Kristen, Children: Brennon 21, Jeremy 21, Meghan 18, Samantha 17, Jeremiah 15, Hannah 10
Current occupation: Seminary Teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Education: A. A.  in Liberal Studies at Merced College, B.A. in History at California State University, Stanislaus, and a M.S. in American Studies at Utah State University
Hobbies/Interest: gardening, reading, travel
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1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office. What compels you to take on this responsibility?
    
   On March 11th I filed papers to become a candidate for United States Congress first district. I did so because I felt that someone had to stand up and speak out on key issues that are going unaddressed in this Nation. Quite frankly, many in government are talking about the problems but few are willing to speak of the solutions.
   Out of control fuel prices are driving up the costs of everything. If a product has to be delivered, the price is going up with no end in sight. Gasoline prices reached $4.00 per gallon in many places on Memorial Day. Oil prices have hit an all time high of $135.00 per barrel. These price increases are hindering business, individuals, and families: many are struggling just to make ends meet.
   
   To add insult to injury, the oil companies are posting record profits (some upwards to 45 billion dollars) and they still receive lucrative government subsidies and tax breaks. Our fuel prices go up, they profit, and foreign nations like Venezuela and the nations of the Middle East build mega cities, buy weapons, and support their infrastructure. While they prosper from our money, our nation slips further into debt.
   I simply cannot stand by any longer. We must change the irresponsible nature of congress and our federal government.
    
2. What do you consider to be the top three issues currently facing Utah? Please list them in order of priority to you (with #1 the most important) and explain why they are important to you and to Utah.
   
   • Energy Independence: We live in a large state. People have to drive to work, school, the store. With gas prices now over $4.00 people are in an economic crunch. The price of energy effects the prices of consumer goods. With an aggressive energy independence program our state would see economic benefits for centuries to come.
   • The National Debt: Our National debt is now over $9.4 Trillion. Broken down it equals $31 Thousand for every man, woman, and child in America. Much of the debt is owed to China, OPEC Nations, and others who do not have our best interest in mind. Our dollar is weak because of this debt. During the past 6 years, congress has been increasing the debt through uncontrolled spending. If we do not take action now to stop the debt our Nation’s economy will be threatened even more than it is today.
   • Keeping Utah Foreign Radioactive Waste Free: Italy, Energy Solutions, and much of our current delegation in congress, including Rob Bishop, want Utah to become the Radio Active dumping ground for the world. My first action as Utah’s newest congressman will be to sign onto legislation banning foreign radioactive waste.
    
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
   
   Energy Independence: It took 7.5 years for our Nation to put a man on the moon. It took 5 years for our Nation to become the world’s most powerful superpower during WWII. We should put together a massive effort in this Nation to become energy independent by 2020. We should pull together business, researchers, our university system, and government and build a renewable future of energy independence.
   National Debt: The simple solution is to pay for government costs as we incur the cost. If we do not have the money to pay for the program we don’t spend the money. If we rebuild our economy with an energy independence revolution, revenues will increase along with domestic growth and development.
   Keep Utah Radioactive Waste Free: Pass the bill to stop the waste. Out of all the federal elected office holders in Utah we only have one who will vote to stop the foreign waste. I will vote to stop the waste.
     
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
   
   I’m not a lawyer. I’m not a lobbyist. I have never held political office. I care about people, the future of this Nation, and will be a representative for Utah’s first district.
    
5. What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder?
   
   I have worked in the private, public, and religious sectors of the economy. I have over 15 years of experience in the sustainable agriculture industry working to solve problems. I have consulted clients throughout the world on a number of issues including: sustainability and productivity. I believe in the potential of every person, that is why I teach Seminary, that is why I am running for congress. I believe that our nation can do better.
    
6. Why do you belong to your political party?
   
   All parties have good ideas. I am a Democrat because they are the party of fiscal responsibility, energy independence, and they support the people who make this Nation great.