Suzanne Marychild
Candidate for: House District 5

Political party: Democrat
Birth date: 11/27/1942
Current city of residence: Paradise, Utah
Family members: Husband, David Bigelow and 2 step sons living with families in California
Current occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A., M.A., J.D.

1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office. What compels you to take on this responsibility?
    
   People in Northern Utah need a responsive representative in the Legislature, one that listens and uses her skills to collaborate and negotiate positive results for residents in Cache County.
      
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. Health Care. Uninsured and underinsured residents face major challenges in their lives – many are forced into bankruptcy if a medical emergency arises or they postpone necessary or preventative care which adds to a burden for all.
   2. Education. Public education is still under funded resulting from many years of neglect.
   3. Preservation of open space, farmland and other critical lands. Quality of life in our state is being threatened by short-sighted growth and planning, or lack thereof. 
      
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
    
   Work with existing taskforces, educate myself more fully, and learn what other jurisdictions are doing. I will look to forming coalitions with receptive representatives.
      
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
    
   I am a family lawyer trained as a mediator and collaborator. I have experience in other areas of the law as well which could assist me in understanding the import of legislation put before the Legislature.
      
5. What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder?
      
   I work well with other people and have leadership skills developed in community and professional service over the years.
      
6. Why do you belong to your political party? 
   
   The Democratic Party has always represented open government to me – government is receptive and inclusive. It embodies the essential task of government to me which is providing a safety net to all our residents should they need help.