From Deseret News archives:

Steve Thompson answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

Published: Monday, Oct. 18, 2004 8:11 p.m. MDT
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6. As gasoline prices continue to rise in the United States, do you favor or oppose releasing some of the federal government's huge oil reserves in an attempt to drive down gas prices?

Favor. High oil prices are the result of world demand in the market — mainly from China. Even as supplies increase, we are going to see demand outpace supplies, resulting in higher fuel prices. We must get away from carbon-based energy and encourage development of "green" energy. Development and use of "green" renewable energies will create good-paying jobs at home, cleaner air and cleaner water.

7. The United States is now running huge budget deficits. How would you deal with this problem? Do you favor or oppose making the Bush tax cuts permanent? If so, how do you reconcile giving more tax cuts as the deficit just grows larger?

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Oppose. I believe taxes should be fair and would welcome a discussion around a "flat tax." We simply must decrease government spending. In the last three years, discretionary spending by Congress (pork) has increased 39percent. I would join Sen. McCain and Rep. Flake, as well as other likeminded members of Congress, to freeze and cut discretionary spending. This won't happen overnight, but I believe we can formulate a plan to reduce spending significantly over a four-year period.

8. As you know, having Hill A.F.B. closed would be a significant blow to Utah's economy, especially in the 1st District. What will you specifically do to help keep the base open?

Hill is a vital employer for the state and the first district. Jim Hansen has provided the leadership to maintain the base. We must leapfrog over today's technology and bring tomorrow's high-tech systems to the base, making Hill a base that is vital to our national defense.

9. Wilderness has become the black hole of Utah/federal politics. While a few state holdings have been traded out for other federal lands which can now be developed, what will you do to move the wilderness issue forward?

I will propose a wilderness summit and bring all parties together to share their vision for our state and through the open sharing of ideas, arrive at a plan to consolidate our trust lands to identify both wilderness and developable areas.

10. Do you favor or oppose No Child Left Behind? If you don't favor it, would you support plain repeal? Short of that, how can it be fixed?

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