“After the presidential and congressional election results, I, like many Democrats, have been wondering, what the hell happened? What are we going to do to fix this?,” asked one Helper Democrat at the debate between congressional candidates Tuesday night.
Democratic Party candidates for the Third Congressional District, Ben Frank, Carl Ingwell and Kathie Allen, met with citizens at the Rio Theatre. They are vying to compete against the Republican candidate to fill the remainder of the term left vacant by Jason Chaffetz.
More of a love fest than a sparring match, the candidates agreed on most major issues. The event was attended by less than 30 locals.
Economic diversity
First and foremost, all three candidates are against the use of fossil fuels. They argued that the carbon industry contributes to global warming and want to move to renewable energies. Frank is in favor of the nation switching to renewable energies by 2030. Though all candidates argue that coal is on its way out, they propose diversifying the economy in rural Utah to transition to other industries. Ingwell summed up his environmental position stating, “Climate change is one of the biggest threats in Utah.”
The candidates are all in favor of the Bears Ears National Monument. Allen argues that the federal government can do a better job protecting the petroglyphs in the area. Ingram felt that the process to create the monument was fair and open. All three candidates are opposed to Utah taking over any of the land.
When questioned about local issues, the Gooseberry Dam project and President Donald Trump’s proposed cuts to train routes, none of the candidates had enough knowledge to give an opinion. They all promised that they will listen to all stake holders before taking a position.
Single-payer healthcare
According to all three candidates, a single-payer healthcare system (where all citizens pay the government and there is health care for everyone) is the solution to the current health care crisis. Allen, an M.D., argued that the process must be thought out, with a full and open debate. Every candidate believes that health care is a right and all people should have access.
In answer to the question, “What the hell happened?,” Frank argued that the Democratic Party needs to update their platform. They are using the same positions that they used in the ‘90s and it is time to change.
The biggest issues for each candidate were defined by their opening remarks. Frank is pushing for campaign finance reform, by moving toward publicly-funded elections. Allen argued, “Trump care is cruel and inhumane. It is an abomination.” Her goal is universal health care access. Ingwell, who has lobbied for environmental protection, wants to continue his focus on improving the climate while balancing the needs of workers.
Delegates from the counties will cast their votes this weekend for one of these candidates at the state convention. It will be held at Weber State University.