Utah's tax structure — which has not been significantly modified in thirty years — is ripe for review and revision. Currently a legislative task force, as well as, a panel appointed by Gov. Olene Walker and the Tax Commission, are assessing Utah's tax system and will make recommendations later this year. I hope to work with these committees and review their recommendations. I will also work with the Legislature, local government leaders, the business community and others, to determine the direction that we as a state should take on tax reform. I do support the elimination of the sales tax on food but with certain conditions being met first. Sales tax on food is one of the most regressive taxes in our society. It especially hurts seniors on fixed incomes and working families. With the seventh highest tax burden in the nation, we must find effective ways for reducing the tax burden on hard working families.

Eliminating the tax on food is the way to start. Eliminating sales tax on food is a matter of setting priorities. It can be done. Here's how: First, schools and local governments need to be held harmless from the tax cut. I will work with a team of mayors, county commissioners and city councils to ensure we do not burden communities with lost tax revenue. Second, the tax should be removed from only staple food items, such as the foods that are covered under the food stamp program. This would represent the most regressive end of a regressive tax and would, therefore, not have the financial impact of eliminating the entire food tax. Simplifying the transition is that most grocery stores already have these types of foods segregated in their computer systems. Most prepared foods, "junk" food items, and the like, would not be exempted. Third, the tax exemption would be phased in over the next four to five years, allowing for adjustment and adaptation by state and local governments. The elimination of the food tax also would be tied to a flow of new revenues from the capture of out of state sales tax from the interstate Streamline Sales Tax agreement. This new revenue flow would help to hold local governments harmless. (This also has the advantage of slowing growth of state government as the new "windfall" of money comes in.) Fourth, as governor I will be reviewing a complete overhaul of our tax system and the tax on food exemption is only one part of that review process. Fifth, we'll help to pay for the exemption like Ronald Reagan did to help pay for his tax cuts — look at closing special interest loopholes.

20. The above questions are aimed at finding out where you stand; why primary voters should pick you. Can you give us one (or more) reasons why voters should not pick your primary opponent? For example, does he lack experience, education, vision, does he bring conflicts of interest or is he too closely associated with a minority wing of your party, is he more likely to lose in the final election, etc.?

Utahns are not prone to vote negatively in elections. In other words, Utahns do not select one candidate because they are not as bad as another: Voting is an affirmative choice, not a negative reaction. My campaign is about discussing issues, finding solutions and presenting our positive message about "A New Day for Utah" that a Huntsman-Herbert administration would bring. I have faith in Utahns. They will not base their vote upon distaste for one candidate, but they will vote based upon preference for one candidate's vision, leadership ability and experience.