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House District 25 is the most diverse district in the state, with less than half the population white, according to the last census, and has been represented since 2013 by Angela Romero, who currently is the body’s Democratic leader.

She is being challenged by Richard Nowak, who runs Avian Sanctuary and Protection, a bird rehabilitation and education center in West Valley City.

The Salt Lake Tribune posed the following questions, based on a reader survey about the issues Utahns felt were most important this election season, to each candidate. Their answers may have been edited slightly for style and clarity and are listed in alphabetical order based on the candidates’ last names.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Utah voters told us government corruption is their top concern in this year’s election. Why do you think voters feel this way? And why should Utahns trust you to represent them?

Nowak: Voters do not trust lawyers or politicians. I am neither, I am your neighbor.

Romero: Voters have lost trust in elected officials because they feel there is a lack of accountability and transparency. We’ve seen this in recent community reactions to data centers, Flock cameras and other major policy decisions made by elected officials without public notification or input. People over big business will always be my priority.

Utahns told us affordability is their second-highest priority in this election. How would you help Utahns afford housing, groceries, gas and other day-to-day expenses?

Nowak: Becoming energy-efficient and returning business to the public sector and not the corporate sector would be a plus for our country.

Romero: Affordability is top of mind for all people I have interacted with this election cycle. It also hits home for me. My son recently moved back home because he could no longer afford to pay his rent and everyday living expenses. This session our caucus will sponsor legislation that will provide access to affordable childcare, maintain healthcare coverage for our most vulnerable and expand workers rights. I’ll also support any policies that ensure families are not priced out of homeownership

Water resources were also a top concern for voters. What policies would you support as Utah looks to balance growth with preservation of the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River?

Nowak: Passing a bill for statewide xeriscaping and water recycling.

Romero: No single solution will save the Great Salt Lake or the Colorado River. In 2024, the Great Salt Lake Strike Team outlined steps I support, such as water conservation and investing in infrastructure. I’m working on legislation with the House Minority Caucus, making sure that the water usage and environmental impacts of large infrastructures, like data centers, are taken into account while they are being planned. Indigenous voices and their sovereignty need to be included in all conversations about water.

What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?

Nowak: Students need less screen time and more physical books.

Romero: This legislative session, my focus will be on sexual assault and domestic violence prevention. As a lifelong advocate for marginalized communities, I will also continue to stand up for working families, our children, our neighborhoods, our environment, our values and our community.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment A? If passed, the amendment will stop the practice of publishing the full text of amendments and ballot questions by lawmakers in a newspaper for 60 days ahead of an election and instead require that text to be published on two state websites.

Nowak: Against.

Romero: For.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment B? If passed, citizen-proposed laws that increase taxes would need to be approved by 60% of voters, instead of a simple majority.

Nowak: For.

Romero: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Nowak: The dictionary. It defines clarity.

Romero: “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison! I was able to identify with Pecola Breedlove, who was othered by society.