Note to readers • Click here to find an interactive map where you can enter your address to see all the races on your ballot that have a voter guide from The Salt Lake Tribune.

Utah’s House District 16 was the focal point of two political bombshells this year.

The first came when Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson knocked off firebrand conservative Rep. Trevor Lee in the June Republican primary. The second dropped in September when Lee was charged with four felony counts of fraud and forgery.

The primary loss means there is no incumbent in the race between the Republican Stevenson and Democratic nominee Abigail Treasure, a mechanical engineer.

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 of the candidates. Their answers may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar 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?

Stevenson: All levels of government as a rule do a good job of representing the constituents they represent. Unfortunately, at times individuals take advantage of positions they are in and make government as a whole look corrupt. I was taught within my family years ago the importance of respecting your responsibility and, by doing so, you will respect your family name. I have lived by this philosophy throughout my career.

Treasure: Good governance is transparent and responsive. Utahns are frustrated when government is more responsive to powerful interests than to the people it represents. Trust is earned through transparency, accountability and listening. I’m a mom, educator and engineer, not a politician. I’ve built my career solving problems with integrity and I’ll bring that to the Legislature. My community deserves accountable representation, not backroom deals with unelected officials or corporate billionaires.

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?

Stevenson: Government for years has created laws and regulations that are meant to safeguard us from situations that could cause harm, whether physical, mental or financial. Regulations in housing, medical, transportation, etc., add costs to the bottom line of many goods and services that we depend upon in our daily lives. Government at all levels needs to do a major housecleaning internally to clear the clutter of costs through regulations, fees and taxes to make life affordable.

Treasure: Affordability is about more than lowering prices; it’s about making sure earnings keep up with economic growth. I’d support policies that promote starter homes and expand access to affordable childcare, while advocating for fair wages for educators, union workers and hardworking Utah families. When childcare consumes a full paycheck and wages don’t keep up with costs, families can’t get ahead. The Legislature should create policies that help Utahns build a brighter future through hard work.

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?

Stevenson: With the growth that the State of Utah has seen and will continue to see in the future, we must continue to improve our conservation efforts. It’s impressive to see the efforts that most all of us are putting forth to learn to live water wise. The agriculture industry in our state is one of the key economic drivers for our state and we must protect this key element. To fill the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River over the next few years we really need the help of Mother Nature.

Treasure: Utah cannot continue diverting water upstream while the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River bear the cost. I support reducing upstream diversions by 30% and using water markets to compensate farmers who voluntarily transition away from water-intensive crops like alfalfa. I would also oppose new data centers that put Big Tech profits ahead of the needs of Utahns. Our water should sustain Utah communities, agriculture and ecosystems while preparing for continued responsible growth.

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

Stevenson: The most important and valuable resource we have here in our state is our people. We have been working to help the young families be able to get into homes and we must continue to find ways to drive down the costs for affordability. But we cannot forget those who have worked many years and are now the grandparents of this rising generation. It is time that we do away with the state income tax on Social Security benefits. Our seniors deserve this savings for all they have done for us.

Treasure: Strong public education is one of my highest priorities. More than 90% of Utah students attend public schools and they deserve the resources to succeed. I’ll work to keep public funds in public schools, increase the weighted pupil unit and reduce class sizes, especially in early elementary years, to promote literacy. Evidence-based policy can give every student the support they need to reach their full potential.

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.

Stevenson: For

Treasure: 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.

Stevenson: Against

Treasure: Against

What’s your favorite book and why?

Stevenson: A good book is like a good movie. Each time I read or watch one, it becomes No. 1.

Treasure: Jacques Lusseyran’s autobiography, “And There Was Light,” inspires me to draw on inner strength through challenges. His story of leading a resistance in occupied France and surviving a concentration camp gives me hope in discouraging times.