I believe that DCFS would also benefit from more community oversight and transparency, especially by those without a financial or professional stake in the child welfare industry. Dozens of organizations have input on child welfare decision-making. Parents and critics alike should have more than a symbolic seat at the table in reviewing DCFS cases, policies, practices and procedures. As Utah's population grows in numbers, complexity and need, DCFS will continue to play a significant, albeit limited, role. It must not, however, exceed its authority and jurisdiction.

Parents stand at the forefront in raising and nurturing their children. That role should not be subject to unnecessary scrutiny and intrusion by the state. Where state intervention is absolutely necessary, DCFS should enter the sacred family environment with respect and support. This agency must be seen as a peacemaker and healer, not a forceful intruder.

5. A lawmaker recently proposed eliminating the asset test for children to qualify for Medicaid, allowing 7,000 additional children to get insurance. While the proposal would have cost several million dollars, the idea would be to fund it through a cigarette tax increase. Would you support such a proposal?

Family assets are an important factor. It is inappropriate to disqualify children for Medicaid because the family owns a $3,000 car. I would apply the asset test, but exclude certain minimum threshold for a $3,000-5,000 car. As for funding, we may have dipped into the 'sin tax well' once too often. I am more comfortable at looking at the overall tax structure and size of government and setting spending priorities. We can then focus on funding what citizens want most.

6. Some lawmakers want the state Department of Health to implement a preferred drug list to keep prescription costs down for certain consumers. Would you favor or disfavor a preferred drug list?

No one doubts that prescription drug costs are high, but there are even better ways to obtain cheaper prescription drugs for our state. I support the approach governors in Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Alaska and Nevada have taken. They pool their resources to buy cheaper prescription drugs from manufacturers for those on Medicare. Health and Human Services Director Tommy Thompson has indicated that he feels it is inevitable that importing drugs from Canada will become legal. There are many avenues open to Utahns for cheaper prescription drugs if we join with other states in making our case.