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Democrat Anne Berbert is looking to unseat Republican incumbent Ariel Defay in the race for Utah House District 15.

The Davis County district represents sections of Kaysville and Syracuse, along with a large swath of the Great Salt Lake, including Antelope Island.

Defay owns a small business with her husband, according to her campaign website, and has represented District 15 since 2023. Berbert has professional experience in healthcare, technology, and finance, according to her candidate website.

Candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

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?

Berbert: When one party dominates decision-making for decades, there are no checks and balances available to prevent abuse of power. Politicians can engage in quid pro quo, retaliation and other corrupt practices sans accountability. Trust is earned, not granted. I want constituents to probe my actions with scrupulous attentiveness. I will do my best to earn trust over time by taking responsibility when I err and by moving with ethical, empathetic sincerity in every human interaction and decision.

Defay: Did not answer.

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?

Berbert: The cost of living doesn’t align with salaries. I will work to raise the minimum wage and support collective bargaining. Higher salaries increase the money supply that supports business growth, which in turn increases job opportunities. Utah needs more starter homes. Singles, new couples and small families face a barrier to market entry when their only options are between high rental costs or six-bedroom homes. I will also invest in green energy initiatives to cut reliance on gas.

Defay: Did not answer.

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?

Berbert: When the Aral Sea dried up, around 500,000 people were displaced. We support growth by saving the lake, protecting 2.5 million Utahns from a similar fate. Preservation will require: 1) full community awareness, involvement and bi-partisan support; 2) multi-disciplinary thought leaders and engineers who can innovate real solutions; and 3) billions in funding. I support data-driven policies that endorse transparency, accurate information campaigns, ethical fundraising, cogent debate and viable outcomes.

Defay: Did not answer.

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

Berbert: I’m concerned that political solutions are increasingly zero sum, based on either-or thinking. Women’s rights or trans rights. Americans or immigrants. Capitalism or socialism. Workers or parasites. Neighbor or enemy. Woke or stupid. Us or them. I want, instead, to think of seven impossible things before breakfast and to seek solutions that protect women and trans people, Americans and immigrants, capitalism and welfare. Neighbors. Us. The “we” in “We the People” has no “or” in it.

Defay: Did not answer.

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.

Berbert: Against.

Defay: Did not answer.

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.

Berbert: Against.

Defay: Did not answer.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Berbert: “The Alchemist.” One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving. In a world where human worth and opportunities are consistently measured by shifting conditional standards, unconditional love becomes the optimal solution.

Defay: Did not answer.