8. Do you favor or oppose the tuition tax credit bill proposed in the 2004 Legislature by Rep. Jim Ferrin? If you would have signed the bill as governor, what specifically will you do to help that bill, or one similar to it, be passed in the 2005 Legislature? If you oppose Ferrin's bill, what is your plan to move forward on the school choice issue?

Had the Legislature passed Rep. Ferrin's bill I would have signed it. As governor I will assume that the public debate during the legislative process would incorporate citizens' concerns with the intent of the bill. I philosophically support giving parents as many choices as possible in educating their children. However, I will be vigilant in protecting the public education system. And I will oppose any drastic change that will erode the public education system.

9. How can Utah prepare for 145,000 new public education students entering schools over the next decade? Be specific. Should the Legislature give local school districts more flexibility in assessing their own taxes? Should we just gut out the influx, counting on dropping student numbers in years ahead?

First, we have to face up to the problem. Second, we have to realize that we're not going to be able to tax our way out of it. Third, we have to focus everything we do on what happens in the classroom and make sure that teachers have the support and the tools they need to do the job right. Fourth, we have to think outside of the box. We have to be as innovative and as creative as we can be.

To me, this means pushing issues down to the local level and giving local school officials the flexibility they need. In return, I will require a much higher level of accountability using outcome-based measures. We can't cut corners when it comes to our children's education.

10. The state gasoline tax has not been raised since 1997, when it went up to help pay for reconstruction of I-15 in Salt Lake County. When tax revenues dropped off in the early 2000s, lawmakers and the former governor took sales tax revenue out of roads and bonded. How do we pay for more road repairs now, including rebuilding I-80 on the east side of Salt Lake County?

The state has an endless need for road construction and repair. The cost for these needs in incalculable. As priorities are set in my five-year plan, we'll determine what the priorities are and how to achieve them.

11. Do you believe the state gasoline tax must be adjusted upwards for inflation during your first term in office? I don't believe an increase in the state gasoline tax is needed.

Utah's gas tax is already high compared to surrounding states. To raise it is not practical.