The Daily Utah Chronicle sat down with the candidates for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the U and some of the surrounding areas. The election on Nov. 4 is between incumbent Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah), and State Sen. Luz Robles (D-Salt Lake). The two answered questions about issues that students face.
For the purposes of this article, Robles and Stewart were each asked three personal questions in order to provide readers with background; they were then both asked the same five questions about their stances on key issues. Their answers are alternated to avoid bias for one candidate.
Introduction to Luz Robles
Q: You graduated from the U — what was your degree in, and how do you remember your time at the U? How has your time here shaped the person you are today?
A: I graduated from the U in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in business marketing and in 2005 with a master’s in public administration. It impacted me from an academic perspective, but it also was a door that opened my eyes to public service. I was involved in ASUU in my undergraduate years. I love the U.
Q: Your campaign seems to be focusing a lot on young people, why is that?
A: Utah is the youngest state in the nation; we have a very high number of children under 18. When you see the low number of participants of 18 to 25-year-olds in the election process, it’s sad. They are the future of this country — they are educated and have access to a lot of information. The greatest challenge is getting them to participate. They have a totally different approach to solutions: They’re more tolerant and global-oriented.
Q: There was a recent news story about how Utah is the “worst” state for women in the country; what is your reaction to that, and how do you intend to change it if elected?
A: I think that’s sad. I’ve been involved in the conversation about the role of women. This election year there are only three female candidates — two of us are Democrats and then Republican Mia Love. I think that the gap on salaries are an embarrassment to our nation and who we are as a country. But we also need more women involved in elections and politics. I believe public policy and the legislative process become more enriching and fulfilling when having more diversity with women. Right now I am serving on the Women’s Commission, something that passed last session that is addressing some of the issues that came out in that report. So, as a senator, I’ve already been working to address some of this.
Introduction to Chris Stewart
Q: In the debate against Robles, you emphasized your roots here in Utah; how can students at the U relate to your upbringing within the state?
A: I identify with the vast majority of students at the U. I’m just kind of a normal guy. I grew up in a family of 10 kids, milking cows. I worked in college myself, paying my own college tuition. I always had this idea that all of us could achieve our dreams. And I really mean that. The university is a great example of that; kids from all over the country are coming here, and it gives them a great start in their life.
Q: With such a low approval rating of the whole, how can you separate yourself from other members of U.S. Congress?
A: A low approval rating isn’t that unusual. I didn’t set out to run in Congress. I was a best-selling author on The New York Times bestsellers list. I was frustrated and set out to make a difference. I was given leadership in Congress, something unusual for a freshman congressman. We always reached out to opponents and Democrats to pass bipartisan leadership. You want to be accommodating and everything. But people elected me on certain standards and principles, so you have to stand by that as well.
Q: In response to the issue of Amendment 3, where do you now stand? From what I recall, you’ve been for it in the past. Now that the issue has been settled by the Supreme Court, have your views evolved? If so, how will you be moving forward in issues of LGBTQ equality and adapting to the recent ruling?
A: My faith and my moral teaching tells me marriage is between one man and one woman. And my other view is that states have the right to define marriage. But we have to treat each other with respect. There are people of goodwill who may differ with us on our opinions.
Q&A Responses
Q: Students today are faced with high amounts of debt upon graduation. How will you fight for students in the U.S. Congress?
Robles: There is a very critical role for federal government in funding for higher education. My parents are professors; they have been their entire lives. I have seen the power of education and what it does for societies and communities. We need to continue investing in our students. Federal loans are critical and the way they are structured. I don’t know if I could have had a master’s degree without federal loans. I am still paying them, and I’m proud to pay them every month.
Stewart: I’ve got six kids, four of which will be in graduate school or college next year. I worked through college; I know how tough that is. I think it was terrible for the federal government to take over and monopolize student loans. My son is graduating with a lot of debt. We want to make as many options for loans as possible. We need to keep pressure on administration and legislators to keep the cost down on education.
Q: Historically, younger people are more apathetic in the polls. As a result, many issues that vary by generation tend to be determined by older generations. What do you think of young people in creating policies and governing when they just aren’t turning out to the polls like their parents and grandparents?
Stewart: I think it is unfortunate, but I also think we are at a time where it isn’t as true as it used to be. I always have young people at my town hall meetings. A lot of people on my campaign are young people. I think part of it is that at this time there is some urgency to the decisions we are making and that is bringing it to people of all ages.
Robles: When I first go talk to young individuals, the first thing is like, “Who cares? All politicians are the same.” But when I talk about issues that impact them personally, they start to pay attention, such as the economy and environment. When we start talking about who is voting for those issues, they want to get involved because their voices aren’t being heard.
Q: The minimum wage has been a hot topic lately, and just last week New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he was tired of talking about it. How do you see the issue of minimum wage and do you think the debate and idea is gaining traction or is losing its foothold in American politics?
Robles: Minimum wage is a real issue. I’m sad that we talk about minimum wage rather than living wages. It’s still less than living wages. There are progressive states that have done the math and realize that by increasing wage to living wage, it has impacted their states and economies in positive ways. You will have more people with more income to spend money. It’s part of the cycle.
Stewart: I don’t think it is gaining traction. Minimum wage hurts people, and it hurts the people you are trying to help the most. It is a stepping stone. There is no question that you decrease employment most for the people who need it. I used to be a businessman before I came to Congress, but I paid people more than minimum wage because we required skills. If you raise the minimum wage, it would be harder to hire people.
Q: Due to the fact that this is not a presidential election year, the American population as a whole is not expected to turn out to vote in large numbers. What is the importance of this election and why should those at the U make time to vote?
Stewart: Some of the issues that are decided in this election are critical to the future of this country. We are going to decide what to do with healthcare, national security and environmental issues. I could go down a long list of things.
Robles: This will be the year of who gets their voters out. We have big decisions, and our Congress is dysfunctional. They are probably the only employment where you can do nothing and still get paid. They shut down the government, and we end up paying for the aftermath. My opponent voted for that. I wish people would take a look at the people they are voting for. Do you want change? People are dying in other parts of the world to be able to vote; our armed forces fight for it so we can.
Q: What do you think is the number one issue facing college students today and those in that age group? Is there a single issue that will be definitive of this generation?
Robles: I don’t think there will be one issue; this generation is so smart, and the way their brains are wired, they are able to handle issues simultaneously. The economy is doing better, but I think there is a fear about employment for young people at the university getting close to graduation. Wages and salaries are not very responsive to our cost of living. I think the economy will affect all generations, young people included.
Stewart: That’s tough. That’s like asking which one of my kids I love the most. We’ve talked about a few of them, such as employment opportunities and the cost of tuition. Will we keep the American dream for the next generation? Will kids graduate from college with the knowledge they can buy a home and raise a family? Many young people are questioning this today. That’s the defining issue: keeping that alive.
Q: Do you have any final statements?
Stewart: It’s important for college kids to vote. They’re busy, and they have a lot going on, but unfortunately there’s a lot more talk about the football team this week than the election.
Robles: Everyone’s vote is important in this election cycle. Early voting is taking place now. If you live within [Salt Lake County], you can register the same day you vote and get a provisional ballot. I know college students are moving a lot, but they can still vote while they are checking their registration and everything. We don’t want them to stay away or be shy because they haven’t registered or changed their address. They can still exercise their right to vote on Nov. 4.
Go to vote.utah.gov for more information on the election, such as how to find your district or polling place.
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@shaunsmith19