Ralph Okerlund
Candidate for: Senate District 24

Political party: Republican
Birth date: 07/28/52
Birth place: Salina, UT
Current city of residence: Monroe, UT
Family members: 3 Children, 7 Grandchildren
Current occupation: Sevier County Commissioner
Education: Bachelor of Science – University of Utah
Hobbies/Interests: Anything with the family, boating, fishing, camping, fishing, etc.

1. Using 150 to 200 words, please state your reasons for running for office. What compels you to take on this responsibility?
    
   The challenge of running for the state legislature is a great opportunity.  It is a challenge that I believe I am well prepared for.  I believe that my experience in local government for many years and my leadership in these positions will benefit the citizens of our state.  It would be an honor to serve and service is the reason I am running.  I have no “axe to grind” or hidden agenda; I simply believe that my service in the legislature can benefit my constituents.
   
   There are many challenges facing the 24th District of the State Senate, including growth and infrastructure issues, economic issues, resource issues, education and transportation issues and many others.  I believe that my experience will help in addressing the needs of the Senate District 24 and the state of Utah.
    
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. Energy Independence: The costs and availability of energy will determine the ability of our current and all future generations to have a stable and prosperous lifestyle. 
   2. Economy: A healthy economy is important to all citizens because it will allow a better lifestyle, more education opportunities, better health, more money for the infrastructure needs that we will experience as our population continues to grow.
   3. Health Insurance: We cannot continue to afford the double digit inflation in health insurance costs that we have seen for the past 10 years.  We must find a way to make health insurance available for everyone at an affordable and portable rate.
    
3. What do you plan to do to address your top three issues?
    
   If elected I would work for a strong economy by using conservative principles that would encourage business to expand and encourage new businesses to start up.  I believe that we must develop our energy resources and would support strong energy policies that would enable our country to reach energy independence.  We must continue to expect population growth in our state and a strong economy will allow us to be able to handle this growth. 
    
4. What are your most important accomplishments that would make you the most qualified candidate for office?
    
   I have been a city councilman, mayor, and county commissioner for 26 years.  I have been president of the Utah Association of County Commissioners and Councilmen and am currently serving as First Vice President of Utah Association of Counties. 
    
5. What skills, talents, and strengths do you have that enhance your ability to be an effective office holder?
    
   My experience gives me a good background in issue oriented policy adoption as well as executive decision making.  I believe that I have the skills and experience necessary to be effective in the state legislature.
    
6. Why do you belong to your political party?  
    
   My political party platform reflects most of my political beliefs and moral standards.  The Republican Party embodies the conservative values that I believe are most important for our state and country.