Republican gubernatorial candidate Jon Huntsman Jr.'s answers to the Deseret Morning News questionnaire:

1. What is the major issue facing Utah today and how would you deal with it?

Building a stronger economy is key to Utah's future and the key to funding a quality education for our children and our grandchildren. We must not allow this new century to begin without recognizing that economic development is critical to covering our costs going forward. Getting us there will require leadership, vision and a realistic plan. Utah's economy needs a positive new direction. If we stay on our current trajectory, we will be unable to fund education and support Utah's working families in the years ahead. We need a governor who will lead the charge in rejuvenating and expanding the state's economic base. In short, we need more high-paying jobs in our state, and we need them now.

Economic development is the critical link that will allow Utah to pay for education by raising overall revenues — not by raising taxes. In conjunction with many of Utah's best and brightest private sector leaders, I have developed a plan. This is a plan to revitalize Utah's economic base and provide the long-term funding required to educate our children. The plan to revitalize Utah's economic base centers on creating an environment that will allow Utah to attract and retain good businesses. In order for businesses to choose to relocate here or remain here, our state tax codes and policy environment must be more appealing. If Utah is successful in attracting and retaining good businesses, then job growth and long-term economic prosperity will follow naturally.

In order to deliver economic development for Utah, we need a governor who is capable of working effectively with both state officials and industry leaders to create a more business-friendly environment; an atmosphere in which companies can thrive and grow. We need a governor with extensive private sector experience and contacts, who can reach out to national and international industry leaders, and attract companies (and jobs) to Utah. And finally, we need a governor who cares about the businesses that are already located here in Utah and will do what it takes to keep them here for the long haul. I do not believe the government should be in the job-creating business, but together we can improve the environment in which our state's private sector operates and thrives.