Utah House of Representatives District 40 candidate surveys, 2022
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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Utah House of Representatives District 40 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
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Candidates and election results
General election
General election for Utah House of Representatives District 40
Incumbent Andrew Stoddard defeated Thomas Young and Tim Loftis in the general election for Utah House of Representatives District 40 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Andrew Stoddard (D) | 55.7 | 6,456 |
 | Thomas Young (R)  | 40.5 | 4,686 | |
| Tim Loftis (United Utah Party) | 3.8 | 439 | ||
| Total votes: 11,581 | |||
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Thomas Young (R)
Generating wealth and opportunity for the younger generation: Right now, the Silent Generation – born before 1945 – and Baby Boomers - born between 1946 and 1964 – hold 70% of the nation’s wealth. Generation X – born between 1965 and 1980 – has around 20% of the wealth. Millennials – born from 1981 to 1996 – has around 8% of wealth. And the youngest generation – Generation Z – has around 2%. The younger generation is far behind where the Baby Boomers were at this point. Overall, today's 40 year-olds own half the wealth of older generations when they were the same age. Twenty-first-century America has somehow managed to produce markedly more wealth for its wealthholders even as it provided markedly less work for its workers.
The loss of meaningful work and the consequent evaporation of pride, purpose, and dignity in labor. In 2012, there were around 41,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. In 2021, the number surpassed 100,000. In 2012, there were 4.7 murders for every 100,000 people. Last year, the hit rate rose to 6.9, a 47% increase. Carjackings, shoplifting, and other crimes are also on the rise. The nation’s mental health was in steep decline before the pandemic, with major depressive episodes up 60% between 2007 and 2019. From what we know about the effects of lockdowns and school closures, the situation has only gotten much worse. We can do better.
Caring for the least among us by creating ways in which state and local governments can support individuals and the core family unit rather than replacing it.
The loss of meaningful work and the consequent evaporation of pride, purpose, and dignity in labor. In 2012, there were around 41,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. In 2021, the number surpassed 100,000. In 2012, there were 4.7 murders for every 100,000 people. Last year, the hit rate rose to 6.9, a 47% increase. Carjackings, shoplifting, and other crimes are also on the rise. The nation’s mental health was in steep decline before the pandemic, with major depressive episodes up 60% between 2007 and 2019. From what we know about the effects of lockdowns and school closures, the situation has only gotten much worse. We can do better.
Caring for the least among us by creating ways in which state and local governments can support individuals and the core family unit rather than replacing it.
Thomas Young (R)
I care deeply about economic development, education, tax policy, leadership, democracy itself (representative government), spending, privacy, individual choice and initiative, regulations, affordable housing, encouraging ownership among all age groups, affordable and flexible healthcare, criminal justice, the changing labor market, improving air quality, gun ownership, school safety, equality for all backgrounds, wealth inequality, small business generation and overall health, economic growth, worker control over their time, the future, religious freedom and individual freedom.
Thomas Young (R)
Since this is about politics, two leaders I look up to are Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. I don't look up to either because I agree with everything they did, but rather because they had conviction and the ability to seamlessly communicate their drive for a better world. They had a quest for excellence that was unsurpassed, and combining this drive with the ability to make a difference made a difference for billions around the world.
Thomas Young (R)
Watch Top Gun. America still stands for excellency; our democratic ideals are worth promoting at home and abroad. America has made mistakes, but still stands as the beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs freedom leadership.
Thomas Young (R)
I think it's important for an elected official to use his/her office to help people, to bring jobs and economic activity to his/her area, and to plant trees for future generations.
Thomas Young (R)
I spent 15 years leading the economics work of the Legislature in a non-partisan manner. I know what makes a successful and unsuccessful legislator. I think the qualities that would make me an effective legislator for our area are: I care about the future of Midvale, Murray, and Sandy; I've work well across the isle to get things done; I'm trusted by both Republicans and Democrats; and, I care about the things that are important.
Thomas Young (R)
The person elected to this office is a lawmaker. I think the core responsibility of this office is to use this office to expand free enterprise, increase free expression, expand freedom of thought, and broaden the many other freedoms we hold in high regard.
Thomas Young (R)
I'd like to see the younger generation begin to generate much more wealth that what they are currently achieving. I think it is one of the top issues of our time and has far reaching consequences if the younger generation continues to feel like they're spinning their wheels living paycheck to paycheck. I'd also like to see a smaller, more responsive state government that supports rather than replaces core units of society. I'd like to see greater trust in each other and our community, and a greater understanding of multiple viewpoints.
Thomas Young (R)
I don't remember much before 8 years old, and even then my memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember vividly the Challenger Space disaster, and the feeling of sadness. It instilled in me a sense of respect for first-timers and others pushing the boundaries of what is possible. A key theme of my campaign is to instill in the younger generation a faith that their efforts at improving the lives of themselves and others will materially generate wealth as it has for prior generations. We need that American drive for excellency back. Our future depends on it.
Thomas Young (R)
My first job was as a retail sales clerk at Hart Brothers Music. I had the job from when I turned 16 to when I went on a mission to Germany at 19 years old. I learned the importance of the arts and music. I personally learned to play the clarinet, the piano, and the guitar while working there. I loved it.
Thomas Young (R)
My favorite book is Lord of the Flies. Two reasons why Mr. Golding's book is my favorite: first, its themes are issues I think about often - the tension between groupthink and individuality, between rational and emotional reactions, and between morality and immorality. Second, I think it would be awesome to be stuck on an island with classmates and see how we would survive.
Thomas Young (R)
I'd love to try out being Jon Snow, Draco Malfoy, Forest Gump, The Hulk, Superman, Ron Swanson, Captain America, Frodo, Sherlock Holmes, Aiden Waite, and lots of others. Maybe virtual reality or the metaverse will some make the transformations possible.
Thomas Young (R)
Top Gun Anthem. I think it speaks to the incredible good America does in the world. The theme is also a reminder that we ought to be on a quest for excellence.
Thomas Young (R)
I think I struggle with typical things: watching too much Netflix, eating too many Big Macs, and getting distracted on inconsequential things. Life is a challenge to be the best you can be, and I'm working on it.
Thomas Young (R)
I think the governor and state legislature should be cordial with each other, and work together when the time calls for it, but not let the relationship become too cozy. Just as companies in the same industry are subject to anti-trust provisions, so should it be with political leaders. The different branches are government should be separate and powerful in their own sphere - people should be entitled to experience different opinions from the leadership of the both branches.
Thomas Young (R)
I think our state's greatest challenge over the coming decade will be dealing with growth without harming growth for the coming three generations. I think we also need to work on finding ways to get along without vilifying the other side. Kindness should win.
Thomas Young (R)
The main benefit of a unicameral state legislature is that it is easier for leadership to get things done. The drawback is that it's easier for leaders to get things done. The answer really comes down to how much discussion and separation of power a given individual wants from their government. If you think that it should be easier for elected officials to make changes, then a unicameral state legislature may be your choice. If, instead, you think that government policy should take more time and be subject to more scrutiny before being enacted, then a bicameral legislature your choice. I generally think that the best policy is to distribute power as much as possible.
Thomas Young (R)
I think a mix of experiences serves everyone best. On the one end of the extreme are those who argue that everyone desiring elected office should serve in government. This shifts power towards bureaucratic influence. On the other end are those who say that state legislators should provide independent oversight, and as such, should have experience in business. I think it's best for some members to have strong experience in government and some members to be freshly introduced to government when elected.
Thomas Young (R)
I'm good friends with many members of the state legislature, both Republican and Democratic. I think it's important for legislators to build relationships with other legislators, constituents, business leaders, life-long government employees, teachers, and generally speaking, individuals from all walks of life.
Thomas Young (R)
Independent, with some measure of political influence.
Thomas Young (R)
I have presented hundreds of times over the past 15 years to many legislative committees, including the Executive Appropriations Committee, Revenue & Taxation Interim Committee, Public Education Appropriations Committee, Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee, Business and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, and many others. I'm most interested in working on issues dealing with economic development, tax policy, public education, and higher education.
Thomas Young (R)
Spencer Cox. He is now governor, but as a legislator, he was caring and concerned about the least of us. He was a uniter who appeared to care more about the policy than about party lines.
Thomas Young (R)
Perhaps, but no plans for a different office right now.
Thomas Young (R)
I think perhaps the most touching person I've met on the campaign trail was a mother who had watched two of her children die from criminal connections. I think we need to change the message on crime. It destroys a neighborhood quicker than almost any other force.
Thomas Young (R)
I don't approve of political jokes ... I've seen too many of them get elected.
Thomas Young (R)
No. Legislatures today are available 24/7, and as such, should be ready at a moment's notice to deal with issues the public finds important.
Thomas Young (R)
I have 15 years of experience advising elected officials. Individuals - whether elected or not - that don't compromise get almost nothing done. The most effective representatives are those that can listen, persuade, be persuaded, be accurate, and be caring.
See also
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