Ronda Rudd Menlove
Candidate for: Representative, Utah House of Representatives District #1

Political party: Republican
Birth date: March 18
Birth place: Tremonton, Utah
Current city of residence: West Fielding, Utah
Family members: Husband: Martell Menlove. Children: Sara Doutre (Will); Taylor Menlove (Marisha); Megan Menlove; Ross Menlove; Rebecca Ward (Curtis). Grandchildren: Samuel Curtis Ward
Current occupation: University administrator: Vice Provost, Regional Campuses and Distance Education, Utah State University
Education: B.A., Spanish, Utah State University; M.A., Secondary Education, Indiana University at Bloomington; PhD, Special Education, Utah State University
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family; reading; family blogging.

1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office. What compels you to take on this responsibility?
    
   I am running for office to continue my service for the residents of my legislative district and the residents of the state of Utah. As I have served the past four years, I have learned the legislative process and the avenues for securing services and assistance for my constituents. At this point in time, I feel that I am prepared to continue to serve my constituents by addressing local concerns and issues and by sponsoring legislation that will positive impact my constituents as well as all Utahans.
   
   My experience is enabling me to be a more effective legislator. My track record of successful legislation and budget requests is improving. This is enabling me to better serve my district and the state.
   
   I appreciate the trust of my constituents. I want to assist them as they face challenges and work to better their lives and the lives of their families. Working together we can improve our lives and our communities. We can address the challenges facing our state through providing high quality educational opportunities, affordable healthcare, new and better-paying jobs to support families, protecting our family values, preserving our agricultural and food resources, and stimulating energy development.
      
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.
   
   1. Quality public and higher education opportunities for youth and adults
   Education enhances the quality of life and opens doors to opportunities and employment. We need a more effective public education system focused on providing youth with the skills that they will need to maximize their skills and talents. Higher education is the next step to a fulfilling life and successful employment. Education fuels our economy and attracts high-paying jobs to our state. The investments we make in education come back many times over. Supporting quality educational opportunities is my highest priority.
   2. Affordable and accessible healthcare
   Rising healthcare costs and decreasing insurance opportunities for employees coupled with an aging population is creating a healthcare crisis in Utah and the nation. We must look at creative and innovative ways to ensure that all residents of Utah have access to quality healthcare and the latest medical technologies. This will take the cooperation of healthcare providers, the insurance industry, all employers, state agencies, and all Utah residents. This is a complex problem that will require new and unselfish thinking. We must start taking the steps needed to address this large and complex issue. We can’t wait for an overall solution before we act.
   3. Preservation of agricultural and water resources
   Our very survival depends upon safe food supplies and clean water. Utah is a leader in agricultural production; however, our productivity is threatened by the cost of fuel and fertilizer and the development of prime agricultural land for housing. We also need to protect our valuable water resources for consumption and irrigation. We live in a desert where water is a valued commodity.
     
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
   
   Education: I serve on the education committees and task forces. I will continue to sponsor legislation addressing the need for effective teachers and schools. I am a strong advocate for payment that will attract talented persons to education careers.
   Healthcare: I will continue my work with healthcare legislation including sponsoring legislation that will reduce costs through the effective use of technology. I will continue my leadership as the vice chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
   Agriculture and water: I will continue to sponsor legislation that protects our agricultural  production and water resources. These are critical to sustaining our lifestyles and economic  development.
     
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
    
   I have a proven track record of success in sponsoring and passing legislation and securing funding for legislative initiatives. I am developing relationships with legislators, the Governor’s office, state agencies, local communities, and constituents that allow me to be more effective in serving my constituents. 
     
   I am not a person who seeks public recognition. I want to be judged by what I have done to serve and the legislation that I have sponsored and passed that makes a difference in the lives of my constituents and the residents of Utah. This includes legislation bringing more teachers into Utah schools, helping people with disabilities become employed, assisting the manufacturing industry in addressing mercury issues, preserving our agricultural production, strengthening local government, and other important issues.
        
5. What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder?
    
   I believe that my ability to listen to my constituents and then act in their behalf is my greatest strength. I have a desire to serve and to learn about the issues. I am also learning the legislative process, which is increasing my success in sponsoring legislation and budget requests. Finally, I am a hard worker. I will invest the time and energy needed to serve my constituents and the state.
    
   Also, my legislative leadership opportunities are increasing with my seniority. This is a definite advantage for my constituents. I am gaining the respect of colleagues on issues such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development and employment for persons with disabilities.
       
6. Why do you belong to your political party? 
     
   I belong to the Republican Party because the party platform and values more closely match my values and the values of the residents of my House district. I also appreciate the support that the party provides for individual residents and candidates. I appreciate the efforts of party leaders to involve and educate voters. Democracy is based upon participation of the people.