Laura Black
Candidate for: Utah House District 45

Political party:  Democrat
Birth date:  02/21/58
Birth place:  Salt Lake City
Current city of residence:  Sandy
Current occupation: Executive Director, Jordan Education Association
Education: BS University of Utah
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening; outdoor activities; reading great fiction

1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office. What compels you to take on this responsibility?
   
   In general, I have felt compelled to run for office because there has been a lack of responsiveness from the past two representatives in this district. Furthermore, there is a quote by Helen Keller that helps explain my motivation; “I am only, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.  I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”  I understand the legislative process and believe I can collaborate across party lines to create good, solid legislation to help turn around the public’s perception of the legislature.
     
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. Education
   2. Health Care
   3. Economic Downturn
   
   One the strengths of this state is its well-educated work force.  While gains have been made in statewide education funding, Utah still ranks lowest in the nation for per pupil funding.  Doing “more for less” may be a great business model, but we are teaching students, not manufacturing a product that can be boxed and sold.  We need to reduce class size.  Class size reduction would improve student scores as well help retain teachers because they would experience greater success in their classrooms.
   
   The rising cost of health care and medical insurance has left many families without adequate protection against illness and injuries.  With our value on families, we need to make sure that family members, and especially our children, have preventative medical care before minor illnesses become emergencies.
   
   I believe state lawmakers must use prudent measures in addressing the economic issues in the state.  While lawmakers have been quick to cut taxes during times of economic prosperity, it may have been more prudent to use those resources to invest in infrastructure and human resources that will provide long-term economic benefits.
     
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
   
   Sponsoring or co-sponsoring bills that will address the class-size issue is at the top of my list.  There have been bills each session to address this issue, and I will work tirelessly with both sides of the aisle to make this happen.
   
   The State must actively participate in programs such as CHIPS to help families recognize the resources available to them.  Continued, adequate funding of state agencies that service the medical needs for all citizens must be maintained particularly in hard economic times.
   
   There is considerable research available from surrounding states that dispels the commonly held assumption that cutting taxes always yields an increase in economic development. In fact, states that have invested in the education and health care sectors have experienced a much greater economic return on that investment than states which have provided corporate tax breaks of the same magnitude.
      
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
   
   After teaching high school for five years, I was twice elected by the 2,300 members of the Jordan Education Association to serve as their President. Subsequently, I have served the JEA for ten years as their Executive Director. During all of this time I have advocated for teachers, lobbied the legislature for increased funding for education, and worked collaboratively with the Jordan School District to create and implement an effective teacher evaluation process. I have chaired the annual teacher contract negotiations with the Jordan School District and served on numerous district level committees, including the Health Insurance Committee.  Consequently, I have had experience working with budgets from $300,000 to $300 million, working with contracts and legal documents, and I understand the function and responsibility vested in the legislative process.
      
5. What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder? 
   
   I am a problem solver and can work without having my ego get in the way.  I have learned to work effectively with individuals and with groups. I believe I will bring a moderate, responsive voice to any legislative assignment I have.  I will work hard and have the time to offer to be a well-prepared legislator.
     
6. Why do you belong to your political party? 
   
   I believe that my values about the needs of serving the whole society, not just some, are best exemplified by the Utah Democratic Party.  The Democratic Party in this state is more inclusive of all citizens and I believe that everyone should have the chance to participate in the political process.  I believe that if more people would actually read the Utah Democratic Platform they would be surprised how it aligns with their own beliefs.