My name is Chuck Goode and I am running for the Utah State House of Representatives in District 71. This includes the eastern half of Washington County and the eastern part of Iron County. Even though 25% of the population in these counties is Democratic, all four southern Utah representatives are Republican.
We need a Democratic voice for southern Utah. I believe in listening to the people rather than the corporate-paid lobbyists. I want to represent the many diverse viewpoints that Utahns hold. We need to hear all sides of the issues. I will listen to you and then represent your voice in the legislature.
There is a disconnect between what the people want and what the legislature is doing. This is evidenced by the number of initiatives on the ballot this year. The legislature is not listening, so the initiatives let the laws be determined directly by you - the voter.
Technology is transforming education, healthcare, transportation and the social lives of our children and our grandchildren. We need someone with technical expertise in the legislature. My experience as a computer engineer in the space program at NASA's Johnson Space Center has prepared me to be an innovator. I know how to work with others and how to get things done. I understand the privacy issues, the ethical issues and the cyber-security issues that we must face. I will find innovative ways to use technology while saving money and cutting costs.
If you are like me, you are tired of always hearing our politicians trying to find someone to blame. It's time that we have someone to analyze the problem and work for a solution. This is what I did when I saw so many families going to bed hungry in St George. I worked with the entire interfaith community to facilitate a soup kitchen at Grace Episcopal Church which now serves a hot meal to hungry families five days a week. The wonderful people who carry on this program are serving over 3,000 free meals each year. This program was so impactful that it is now part of the Switch Point homeless shelter for the City of St George.
Sen. Paul D. Wellstone defines politics this way: "Politics is not about money. Politics is not even about winning. Politics is about improving people's lives."
I care more about people than about corporate profits. We need expanded Medicaid, fully-funded education, equal pay for women and equality for the middle class. There are people suffering in our community. I want to improve the quality of life for our young people, for our women, for our seniors, for our immigrants, for our LGBTQ community and for our working families. Together we can start "Improving People's Lives".
We don't do all these things because they are easy. We do them because it is just; it is inclusive, and it is time.
My name is Chuck Goode and I am running for HD71. I am asking for your support and for your vote.