John Dougall

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>John Dougall completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dougall's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs Utah’s trusted taxpayer watchdog, State Auditor John “Frugal” Dougall spent years rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption – without fear or favor. In the legislature, he fought to get government off your back and out of your wallet.\r\n<p>Dougall’s record is unmatched. His visionary leadership won real victories for tax reform, government transparency, election integrity, educational freedom, pension reform, and most importantly budget accountability. He’s hailed by the Deseret News as \"possibly the most impactful auditor in Utah history.\"\r\n</p><p>Chaos, scandal, and division among Republicans jeopardize America’s economy and security. Rescuing the American Dream requires big, innovative ideas and serious, adult leadership, built on mainstream principles not MAGA antics. Working across the aisle, Dougall’s trustworthy voice for Utah values will deliver real results. \r\n</p><p>Using his demonstrated approach, Dougall will tackle America’s most critical problems. He’ll work to fight inflation and boost the economy, cut reckless spending and overreach, strengthen our national defense, secure the border, and fix our broken immigration system. He supports onshoring key industries, saving Social Security for future generations, and patients controlling their healthcare not candidates and special interests who defend federal government control of medicine. \r\n</p><p>Utah needs Dougall’s proven track record in Congress.\r\n</p>\nVote Frugal!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Fiscal sanity. Rein in reckless spending. With almost $35 trillion in national debt, America's spending trajectory is unsustainable. It punishes American familes, undercuts our economy, and poses a critical national security threat. Congress has 2 key responsibilities: budgeting and oversight. It's failing at both. Budgeting and oversight are my key skills, as a legislator and auditor.\r\nI believe that the solution to our national deficit and national debt requires a combination of both cutting spending and growing the economy. Targeting wasteful spending and improving the efficiency of government programs can yield savings without cutting essential services while the government can make substantial progress in lowering the deficit.</li><li>My Ellis Island Immigration plan rests of 2 pillars: securing the border and fixing legal immigration. Legal, hardworking immigrants helped build a strong, vibrant America. Criminal chaos weakens it. Like Ellis Island, America needs an orderly pathway for immigrants seeking lawful entry and the pursuit of the American Dream. We can have immigration policies that keep our communities safe while building a stronger, prosperous, and secure America.\r\n\r\nFixing consists of streamlining green card applications and temporary worker programs, conducting comprehensive background checks, and requiring each immigrant to have a job or a sponsor. Border security involved completing and reinforcing the southern border wall, restricting asylum laws,</li><li>Economic vitality and energy dominance. Capital flows where it is rewarded and flees where it is punished. America must have a tax and regulatory structure that rewards domestic investment, rather than pushing industries offshore. Right now, America is too beholden on other nations for critical industries. Unfortunately, rather than creating a welcoming economy, the Biden Administrating is trying to bribe some companies to invest domestically while imposing massive tariffs on others to supposedly protect domestic industries. We must unleash our energy sector, whether nuclear, oil, gas, geothermal, etc. to supply the world. When the U.S. supplies the world with energy resources, it promotes global security.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading1-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t1. Fiscal responsibility, including responsible budgeting and meaningful oversight.<br/>\n<p>2. Limited government, including fighting against government overreach and excessive tax burden to empower citizens to govern themselves and to reward entrepreneurs to start businesses and grow the economy.<br/>\n</p>\n3. Peace through strength, ensuring we have a military prepared to defend America against the many threats poses to our security and vitality.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading2-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tJohn Adams is one political mentors. I'm impressed by his courage to defend the British troops after the Boston Massacre because he believed all deserved legal counsel. He proclaimed that: “Council ought to be the very last thing that an accused Person should [go without] in a free Country.” His firmly believed that “it would be an injustice to deny these rights to Preston and the British soldiers.” Adams proclaimed, “Always stand on principle ... even if you stand alone.” Adams would largely stand alone over the next ten months. Moral courage demands risk. Adams was willing to risk everything to prevent injustice. , I believe in the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution despite opposition. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. May we each have Adams’ strength and the courage of our convictions when confronted with the difficult choice: of doing what is popular or doing what we know to be right, despite incredibly difficulty.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading3-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tU.S. Constitution<br/>\n<p>The Law (by Frederick Bastiat)<br/>\r\nEconomics in One Lesson (by Henry Hazlitt)<br/>\r\nApplied Economics (by Thomas Sowell)<br/>\r\nThe Road to Serfdom (by F.A. Hayek)<br/>\r\n1776 (by David McCullough)<br/>\r\nThe Innovator's Dilemma (by Clayton M. Christensen)<br/>\r\nCapitalism and Freedom (by Milton Friedman)<br/>\r\nAtlas Shrugged (by Ayn Rand)<br/>\n</p>\nThe Rational Optimist (by Matt Ridley)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading4-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSpeaking truth to power. Consistently standing on principle, despite the challenges. Focusing on the issues that matter most, rather than the issues that get the most attention.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading5-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm a hard works, visionary problems solver, willing to reach across the aisle to create bipartisan solutions to address the critical challenges facing America. I will work with anyone to bring fiscal sanity to Congress. I have a 2-decade history of championing key issue like tax reform, transparency, government accountability, and entitlement reform.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading6-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCongress is filled with cheerleaders for one administration or another. A congressman's duty is to the U.S. Constitution, not any given personality. As such, the core responsibility of a member of congress is to provide oversight, checking the worst tendencies of our leaders. They should focus primarily on the enumerated duties in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, protecting the rights of citizens, and otherwise leaving Americans free to govern themselves.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading7-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI will consider my time in Congress a success if I am able to solve critical federal issues, like border security, immigration, fiscal responsibility, economic and military strength, and retirement and entitlement reform, without most Americans even knowing my name. I want to fix difficult problems, not gain a TV or social media following.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading8-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember the Ford/Carter presidential debates. I was in elementary school.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading9-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn elementary school, I had a paper route. I had it for a few years. I originally had 1 paper route, then added a second. I was in the process of adding a third when I was hired to work in a local greenhouse.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading10-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCrucial Conversations -- Teaches how to approach emotionally-charged, difficult conversations. It equips readers with actionable strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations effectively. <br/>\r\nThe Count of Monte Cristo -- Compelling plot of betrayal and revenge, timeless themes like justice and redemption, historical context, and masterful storytelling. Dantès' pursuit of vengeance in the novel ultimately leaves him isolated and empty, highlighting the destructive nature of revenge. It's a cautionary tale about the importance of forgiveness and redemption.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading11-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAtticus Finch or Sherlock Holmes or Jefferson Smith.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading12-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDon't stop believin' (by Journey)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading13-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs an innovator, entrepreneur, and elected officials, I've had to confront decades of naysayers.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading14-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House of Representatives is unique due to (1) proportional representation, attempting to ensure demographic representation; (2) frequent elections, making members more responsive to constituents; (3) smaller constituencies, representing smaller, localized districts, should fostering close constituent relationships; (4) large membership, 435 members should provide diverse perspectives and opinions; (5) power to initiate revenue bills constitutionally restricted to the House; (6) distinguished (and undistinguished) history over the years; (7) created in the U.S. constitutionally.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading15-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, depending on the experience. Experience can show how one has performed in the past, providing a strong indication of how they are likely to perform in the future. Also, certain types of experience are more beneficial than others. Congress has 2 key responsibilities: budgeting and oversight. No one in this race has the government budgeting and oversight experience that I have.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading16-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tReckless spending. The federal government has almost $35 trillion in debt with another over $80 trillion in unfunded liabilities anxiously waiting in the wings. Almost everything else in government depends on wrestling with America's debt addiction, whether border security, national defense, economic strength, tax policy, retirement security, etc.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading17-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. I don't believe the problem in Congress is the length of House terms. The problem is that Congress is attempting to control too much of the economy and the scope and reach of the federal government have grown well beyond reasonable bounds.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading18-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits, including self-imposed term limits. I supported a Utah Constitutional amendment supporting term limits for full-time elected officials.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading19-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVarious individuals shared stories about the concern they have for their children, who felt like the government didn't care about them and that the system was stacked against them. These individuals wanted their kids to live the American Dream but felt like the crushing cost of living and housing, as well as college debt, make it difficult for them to see how they could afford to get married, raise a family, and live in the shiny home at the end of the cul-de-sac. A vision more personal than Reagan's shining city on a hill.<br/><br/>\r\nOther talked about the challenges of legal immigration. One individual shared about his nephew who just graduated from college with an engineering degree. Unfortunately, this graduate would spend thousands of dollars and 3 years working to get a green card to work in the U.S. Clearly, this is exactly the type of legal immigrant that America should be quickly welcoming.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading20-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes, compromise ir necessary for effective policymaking.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading21-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy primary focus is fiscal issues. As such, I will use this role to fight against reckless tax increases and work to rein in federal spending, work to balance the budget, and limit the scope and reach of the federal government. Most federal spending is on autopilot, removed from the regular budgetary process. Congress’ incentive is to kick the fiscal crisis off to future generations. Congress refuses to touch so-called “mandatory” spending because they know that the bill will come due not for themselves but for younger generations. Politicians love giving out “free stuff” that someone else pays for, especially when that someone is a taxpayer who hasn’t been born yet.<br/><br/>\n<p>In addition, Congress loves budget gimmicks to hide the true cost of its spending. For example, the recent “minibus” spending bill claimed to cut the FBI and EPA when in reality the agencies were prepaid through earmarks and prior-appropriated slush fund money. Additionally, Congress knows how to game the Congressional Budget Office’s 10-year window for determining the cost of legislation. Time and time again Congress has passed legislation that appears to save money across this 10-year window, while blowing out spending in later years (years 11, 12, etc.). In addition to the cuts I spell out below, I will fight for transparency with the taxpayer, calling out Congressional leaders who use gimmicks to disguise the real costs of federal spending.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nI believe the federal government’s top priority is national defense. Almost everything else could have been left to the states or the people. I would prioritize cutting areas of the federal budget that aren’t clearly delineated in the U.S. Constitution. As such, I would proposed eliminating the departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Agriculture. I would propose reducing the bureaucracies of the departments of Commerce, Transportation, EPA, Energy, Interior, Justice, Health and Human Services Services, and Homeland Security.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading22-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House of Representatives should use its investigative powers responsibly and effectively to ensure government accountability, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest. Specifically:<br/><br/>\n<pre>- Ensuring Accountability and Transparency: Conduct oversight of the executive branch and federal agencies, looking past good intentions to actual outcomes. The top priority is to investigate federal programs, personnel, and practices.<br/>\r\n- Protecting the Rule of Law: Investigate corruption, abuse of power, and safeguard election integrity.<br/>\r\n- Focusing on National Security: Investigate threats and oversee intelligence activities.<br/>\r\n- Informing Legislation: Use findings to shape effective laws and hold public hearings.<br/>\r\n- Utilizing Subpoena Power Judiciously: Use and enforce subpoenas appropriately.<br/>\r\n- Protecting Whistleblowers: Encourage reporting and ensure confidentiality.<br/>\r\n- Educating the Public: Share findings and issue comprehensive public reports.<br/><br/>\r\n</pre>\nBy adhering to these principles, the House can promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading23-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI haven't sought any endorsements. My proven leadership and experience speaks for themselves.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading24-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFinancial Services, Natural Resources\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-215508-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading25-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-215508-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-215508-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-215508-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDougall continues to be a key leader in Utah championing financial transparency and government accountability. As a legislator, Dougall sponsored the financial transparency website. As State Auditor, Dougall now runs Transparent Utah, which includes transaction-level financial details for almost every governmental entity within Utah (transparent.utah.gov). Dougall launched Project KIDS (kids.utah.gov) which reports where the money goes in public education, on a student-by-student basis, and how money reaches the K-12 classrooms. Project KIDS put more information in the hands of stakeholders to allow them to better determine how well that money is being spent. As a legislator, Dougall also sponsored the Public Meeting Notice website (pmn.utah.gov), allowing citizens to sign up to receive email notices about upcoming public meetings of cities, counties, school boards, and other public bodies.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJohn Dougall completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dougall's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. As Utah’s trusted taxpayer watchdog, State Auditor John “Frugal” Dougall spent years rooting out waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption – without fear or favor. In the legislature, he fought to get government off your back and out of your wallet. Dougall’s record is unmatched. His visionary leadership won real victories for tax reform, government transparency, election integrity, educational freedom, pension reform, and most importantly budget accountability. He’s hailed by the Deseret News as \"possibly the most impactful auditor in Utah history.\" Chaos, scandal, and division among Republicans jeopardize America’s economy and security. Rescuing the American Dream requires big, innovative ideas and serious, adult leadership, built on mainstream principles not MAGA antics. Working across the aisle, Dougall’s trustworthy voice for Utah values will deliver real results. Using his demonstrated approach, Dougall will tackle America’s most critical problems. He’ll work to fight inflation and boost the economy, cut reckless spending and overreach, strengthen our national defense, secure the border, and fix our broken immigration system. He supports onshoring key industries, saving Social Security for future generations, and patients controlling their healthcare not candidates and special interests who defend federal government control of medicine. Utah needs Dougall’s proven track record in Congress. Vote Frugal! Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Fiscal sanity. Rein in reckless spending. With almost $35 trillion in national debt, America's spending trajectory is unsustainable. It punishes American familes, undercuts our economy, and poses a critical national security threat. Congress has 2 key responsibilities: budgeting and oversight. It's failing at both. Budgeting and oversight are my key skills, as a legislator and auditor.\r\nI believe that the solution to our national deficit and national debt requires a combination of both cutting spending and growing the economy. Targeting wasteful spending and improving the efficiency of government programs can yield savings without cutting essential services while the government can make substantial progress in lowering the deficit. My Ellis Island Immigration plan rests of 2 pillars: securing the border and fixing legal immigration. Legal, hardworking immigrants helped build a strong, vibrant America. Criminal chaos weakens it. Like Ellis Island, America needs an orderly pathway for immigrants seeking lawful entry and the pursuit of the American Dream. We can have immigration policies that keep our communities safe while building a stronger, prosperous, and secure America.\r\n\r\nFixing consists of streamlining green card applications and temporary worker programs, conducting comprehensive background checks, and requiring each immigrant to have a job or a sponsor. Border security involved completing and reinforcing the southern border wall, restricting asylum laws, Economic vitality and energy dominance. Capital flows where it is rewarded and flees where it is punished. America must have a tax and regulatory structure that rewards domestic investment, rather than pushing industries offshore. Right now, America is too beholden on other nations for critical industries. Unfortunately, rather than creating a welcoming economy, the Biden Administrating is trying to bribe some companies to invest domestically while imposing massive tariffs on others to supposedly protect domestic industries. We must unleash our energy sector, whether nuclear, oil, gas, geothermal, etc. to supply the world. When the U.S. supplies the world with energy resources, it promotes global security. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? 1. Fiscal responsibility, including responsible budgeting and meaningful oversight. 2. Limited government, including fighting against government overreach and excessive tax burden to empower citizens to govern themselves and to reward entrepreneurs to start businesses and grow the economy. 3. Peace through strength, ensuring we have a military prepared to defend America against the many threats poses to our security and vitality. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? John Adams is one political mentors. I'm impressed by his courage to defend the British troops after the Boston Massacre because he believed all deserved legal counsel. He proclaimed that: “Council ought to be the very last thing that an accused Person should [go without] in a free Country.” His firmly believed that “it would be an injustice to deny these rights to Preston and the British soldiers.” Adams proclaimed, “Always stand on principle ... even if you stand alone.” Adams would largely stand alone over the next ten months. Moral courage demands risk. Adams was willing to risk everything to prevent injustice. , I believe in the importance of upholding the U.S. Constitution despite opposition. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. May we each have Adams’ strength and the courage of our convictions when confronted with the difficult choice: of doing what is popular or doing what we know to be right, despite incredibly difficulty. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? U.S. Constitution The Law (by Frederick Bastiat) Economics in One Lesson (by Henry Hazlitt) Applied Economics (by Thomas Sowell) The Road to Serfdom (by F.A. Hayek) 1776 (by David McCullough) The Innovator's Dilemma (by Clayton M. Christensen) Capitalism and Freedom (by Milton Friedman) Atlas Shrugged (by Ayn Rand) The Rational Optimist (by Matt Ridley) What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Speaking truth to power. Consistently standing on principle, despite the challenges. Focusing on the issues that matter most, rather than the issues that get the most attention. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I'm a hard works, visionary problems solver, willing to reach across the aisle to create bipartisan solutions to address the critical challenges facing America. I will work with anyone to bring fiscal sanity to Congress. I have a 2-decade history of championing key issue like tax reform, transparency, government accountability, and entitlement reform. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Congress is filled with cheerleaders for one administration or another. A congressman's duty is to the U.S. Constitution, not any given personality. As such, the core responsibility of a member of congress is to provide oversight, checking the worst tendencies of our leaders. They should focus primarily on the enumerated duties in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, protecting the rights of citizens, and otherwise leaving Americans free to govern themselves. What legacy would you like to leave? I will consider my time in Congress a success if I am able to solve critical federal issues, like border security, immigration, fiscal responsibility, economic and military strength, and retirement and entitlement reform, without most Americans even knowing my name. I want to fix difficult problems, not gain a TV or social media following. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember the Ford/Carter presidential debates. I was in elementary school. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? In elementary school, I had a paper route. I had it for a few years. I originally had 1 paper route, then added a second. I was in the process of adding a third when I was hired to work in a local greenhouse. What is your favorite book? Why? Crucial Conversations -- Teaches how to approach emotionally-charged, difficult conversations. It equips readers with actionable strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations effectively. The Count of Monte Cristo -- Compelling plot of betrayal and revenge, timeless themes like justice and redemption, historical context, and masterful storytelling. Dantès' pursuit of vengeance in the novel ultimately leaves him isolated and empty, highlighting the destructive nature of revenge. It's a cautionary tale about the importance of forgiveness and redemption. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Atticus Finch or Sherlock Holmes or Jefferson Smith. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Don't stop believin' (by Journey) What is something that has been a struggle in your life? As an innovator, entrepreneur, and elected officials, I've had to confront decades of naysayers. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House of Representatives is unique due to (1) proportional representation, attempting to ensure demographic representation; (2) frequent elections, making members more responsive to constituents; (3) smaller constituencies, representing smaller, localized districts, should fostering close constituent relationships; (4) large membership, 435 members should provide diverse perspectives and opinions; (5) power to initiate revenue bills constitutionally restricted to the House; (6) distinguished (and undistinguished) history over the years; (7) created in the U.S. constitutionally. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, depending on the experience. Experience can show how one has performed in the past, providing a strong indication of how they are likely to perform in the future. Also, certain types of experience are more beneficial than others. Congress has 2 key responsibilities: budgeting and oversight. No one in this race has the government budgeting and oversight experience that I have. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Reckless spending. The federal government has almost $35 trillion in debt with another over $80 trillion in unfunded liabilities anxiously waiting in the wings. Almost everything else in government depends on wrestling with America's debt addiction, whether border security, national defense, economic strength, tax policy, retirement security, etc. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. I don't believe the problem in Congress is the length of House terms. The problem is that Congress is attempting to control too much of the economy and the scope and reach of the federal government have grown well beyond reasonable bounds. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits, including self-imposed term limits. I supported a Utah Constitutional amendment supporting term limits for full-time elected officials. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Various individuals shared stories about the concern they have for their children, who felt like the government didn't care about them and that the system was stacked against them. These individuals wanted their kids to live the American Dream but felt like the crushing cost of living and housing, as well as college debt, make it difficult for them to see how they could afford to get married, raise a family, and live in the shiny home at the end of the cul-de-sac. A vision more personal than Reagan's shining city on a hill. Other talked about the challenges of legal immigration. One individual shared about his nephew who just graduated from college with an engineering degree. Unfortunately, this graduate would spend thousands of dollars and 3 years working to get a green card to work in the U.S. Clearly, this is exactly the type of legal immigrant that America should be quickly welcoming. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Yes, compromise ir necessary for effective policymaking. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? My primary focus is fiscal issues. As such, I will use this role to fight against reckless tax increases and work to rein in federal spending, work to balance the budget, and limit the scope and reach of the federal government. Most federal spending is on autopilot, removed from the regular budgetary process. Congress’ incentive is to kick the fiscal crisis off to future generations. Congress refuses to touch so-called “mandatory” spending because they know that the bill will come due not for themselves but for younger generations. Politicians love giving out “free stuff” that someone else pays for, especially when that someone is a taxpayer who hasn’t been born yet. In addition, Congress loves budget gimmicks to hide the true cost of its spending. For example, the recent “minibus” spending bill claimed to cut the FBI and EPA when in reality the agencies were prepaid through earmarks and prior-appropriated slush fund money. Additionally, Congress knows how to game the Congressional Budget Office’s 10-year window for determining the cost of legislation. Time and time again Congress has passed legislation that appears to save money across this 10-year window, while blowing out spending in later years (years 11, 12, etc.). In addition to the cuts I spell out below, I will fight for transparency with the taxpayer, calling out Congressional leaders who use gimmicks to disguise the real costs of federal spending. I believe the federal government’s top priority is national defense. Almost everything else could have been left to the states or the people. I would prioritize cutting areas of the federal budget that aren’t clearly delineated in the U.S. Constitution. As such, I would proposed eliminating the departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Agriculture. I would propose reducing the bureaucracies of the departments of Commerce, Transportation, EPA, Energy, Interior, Justice, Health and Human Services Services, and Homeland Security. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The U.S. House of Representatives should use its investigative powers responsibly and effectively to ensure government accountability, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest. Specifically: - Ensuring Accountability and Transparency: Conduct oversight of the executive branch and federal agencies, looking past good intentions to actual outcomes. The top priority is to investigate federal programs, personnel, and practices. - Protecting the Rule of Law: Investigate corruption, abuse of power, and safeguard election integrity. - Focusing on National Security: Investigate threats and oversee intelligence activities. - Informing Legislation: Use findings to shape effective laws and hold public hearings. - Utilizing Subpoena Power Judiciously: Use and enforce subpoenas appropriately. - Protecting Whistleblowers: Encourage reporting and ensure confidentiality. - Educating the Public: Share findings and issue comprehensive public reports. By adhering to these principles, the House can promote good governance, transparency, and accountability. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? I haven't sought any endorsements. My proven leadership and experience speaks for themselves. What committees interest you? Financial Services, Natural Resources What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Dougall continues to be a key leader in Utah championing financial transparency and government accountability. As a legislator, Dougall sponsored the financial transparency website. As State Auditor, Dougall now runs Transparent Utah, which includes transaction-level financial details for almost every governmental entity within Utah (transparent.utah.gov). Dougall launched Project KIDS (kids.utah.gov) which reports where the money goes in public education, on a student-by-student basis, and how money reaches the K-12 classrooms. Project KIDS put more information in the hands of stakeholders to allow them to better determine how well that money is being spent. As a legislator, Dougall also sponsored the Public Meeting Notice website (pmn.utah.gov), allowing citizens to sign up to receive email notices about upcoming public meetings of cities, counties, school boards, and other public bodies.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Dougall’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>“Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.”<br/>\n–Ronald Reagan\n</p><p>You are the solution. You make America great!<br/>\nYour family deserves a secure, strong, prosperous and free America.\n</p><p><b>RESTORING THE AMERICAN DREAM</b><br/>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Secure the border and fortify our national defense</li>\n<li>Cut taxes and eliminate regulations to strengthen our economy</li>\n<li>Unleash Utah’s energy resources and public lands</li>\n<li>Reward entrepreneurship and innovation</li>\n<li>Stop runaway spending and fight inflation</li>\n<li>Battle federal overreach and champion federalism</li>\n<li>Abolish policies that favor China over America’s economic competitiveness</li>\n<li>Defend and restore the U.S. Constitution</li>\n<li>Expand individual freedom<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_18-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-18\">[18]</a></sup></li></ul>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—John Dougall’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-19\"><a href=\"#cite_note-19\">[19]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>John Dougall did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "Dougall’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” –Ronald Reagan You are the solution. You make America great! Your family deserves a secure, strong, prosperous and free America. RESTORING THE AMERICAN DREAM Secure the border and fortify our national defense Cut taxes and eliminate regulations to strengthen our economy Unleash Utah’s energy resources and public lands Reward entrepreneurship and innovation Stop runaway spending and fight inflation Battle federal overreach and champion federalism Abolish policies that favor China over America’s economic competitiveness Defend and restore the U.S. Constitution Expand individual freedom [18] ” —John Dougall’s campaign website (2024) [19]\n\nJohn Dougall did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey."}]