Carl Wimmer is a quintessential Reagan Republican who favors private-school vouchers, tax cuts for businesses, a flat income tax and the recently passed income tax cut. Democrat Ian Spencer is opposed to vouchers, says the flat tax is regressive and that the tax base should be broadened, including taxing professional services.
The Tribune editorial board believes sending Wimmer to the Legislature would be adding one more conservative voice to Utah's already lopsided legislative chorus. Spencer would better defend public education and sensible tax policies.
Wimmer, a West Valley City police officer, favors mandatory-minimum sentencing, particularly for child sex offenses, and would junk Utah's indeterminant sentencing system.
His largest contributions are from school-choice advocates and Realtors.
Spencer, an accountant who works for Zions Bank, says vouchers are a terrible idea because they would give upper-income families money to send children to private schools and do nothing to help the majority of children. He favors the Jones/Mascaro proposal to eliminate tax breaks for large families and the wealthy and thus increase funding for education.
Wimmer, 31, believes policies and tax cuts that benefit businesses and the wealthy will eventually help the overall economy. Spencer, 40, supports economic development by encouraging innovation, providing quality infrastructure and a well-educated workforce.
Wimmer and Spencer agree that the existing health-care system is not working, but Wimmer would not support what he calls "socialized health care." Spencer says the current Legislature has neglected uninsured Utahns. He would assemble a broad-based panel to come up with a plan.
Spencer supports a sales-tax increase to fund transportation but would give TRAX extensions priority. Wimmer supports privatization and making the Mountain View Corridor a toll road. He would also favor increasing the fuel tax, as a user fee.
Spencer would better represent the interests of most Utahns.
HOUSE DISTRICT 52 includes Herriman, Riverton and part of South Jordan from 11800 South to 13800 South, east to 1300 West.
