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.

As Republican incumbent Thomas Peterson runs for reelection in the Utah House District 1 race, he faces two challengers: Chris Reid, a Democrat, and Jason O’Dell, who belongs to the Constitution Party.

District 1 includes parts of Cache and Box Elder counties.

Peterson did not respond to requests to fill out The Salt Lake Tribune’s candidate questionnaire.

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.

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?

O’Dell: People feel this way because they see flip-flopping, rumors of backroom deals and a lack of transparency. That makes us wonder whether leaders are focused on the people’s best interest. You can trust me because my standard is the Declaration [of Independence] and the Constitution. I will keep that oath and will not trade your rights for party loyalty or personal gain. I want government to protect your prosperity and liberty, not tax and regulate them away.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: When politicians start out their political career in very modest living conditions and within a few years are living in much more lavish living conditions, what else are people supposed to think? I believe that the best method to root out corruption is transparency, and we need much more of that. If corruption is your concern, why would you want to vote for those already in office? Give others a chance to prove their integrity.

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?

O’Dell: Housing gets more expensive when rules block new homes. Unfunded mandates raise property taxes. Extra red tape adds cost to energy and daily life. I will fight those mandates, cut needless barriers to building, and let you keep more of what you earn. I cannot repeal supply and demand, but I will stop government from making life more expensive when they try to meddle with it.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: I will look at any laws and restrictions which may inhibit people from starting their own businesses, and see about removing or loosening them. We have an amazing populace which is very entrepreneurial-minded, and we need to provide every opportunity for Utahns to be able to create without government restrictions.

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?

O’Dell: Drought is no longer the exception. Heat and dry years are cutting runoff and water levels. We should not hope wetter weather will fix our water issues. We need to follow free-market principles while realizing overuse imposes costs on neighbors, the lake and future users. I support secure water rights, voluntary transfers and requiring new growth to bring its own water. That protects existing users and lets scarce desert water move to its highest-value use without force.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: We need to make sure that our water inflows are outpacing our outflows. With limited and uncertain rain and snowpack, I will look to the creativity and ingenuity of our fellow Utahns to seek innovative and new methods to make sure we have enough water resources for the next 50 years. We cannot expect the same policies which put us in this predicament to be the ones to get us out of it. We need change and innovation.

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

O’Dell: I believe we exist to have joy, and joy is highest when we live in liberty, righteousness and prosperity. Building that kind of life is the responsibility of individuals and families, not government. The Declaration of Independence says government exists to secure rights. Taking about one-third of what we earn through taxes is not liberty. I will work to return government to that purpose of protecting rights so our people can prosper at the highest levels possible. I am passionate about this!

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: I care about informed voters. I want to remove party line voting, and party affiliation from the ballots. I want people to vote for the candidate, not the party.

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.

O’Dell: Declined to answer.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: Declined to 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.

O’Dell: For.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: Declined to answer.

What’s your favorite book and why?

O’Dell: I love the Book of Mormon. Its accounts of liberty, pride and just judges taught me that government exists to protect rights, not to manage our lives. That is the standard I will take to the House.

Peterson: Did not answer.

Reid: The Book of Mormon. In these turbulent and troubling times, what could be better than reading a book which brings peace to my soul?