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Democrat Travis Hysell is going against the incumbent Republican, Rep. Jon Hawkins, for a chance to represent House District 55, which includes Pleasant Grove.

Hawkins served two terms as District 57’s representative from 2018 to 2022, and is now seeking a second term serving District 55.

In a survey response, Hysell wrote about the need for clean air, better transit, increased teacher pay and restrictions for data centers. Hawkins did not respond to The Salt Lake Tribune’s request to complete a candidate survey, with questions posed by readers.

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

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?

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: Voters see a system rigged for wealthy elites while working families struggle. They want leaders who answer to people, not super PACs. I’m working class. I’ll take no corporate PAC money, refuse lobbyist gifts and support independent ethics enforcement. I’ll fight for transparent budgets and audits, and for policies that put families, workers and small businesses first. Utahns can trust me because I’ll be accountable to HD55, not insiders.

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?

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: Utahns are squeezed by rent, groceries, gas, childcare and healthcare. I’ll fight for grocery tax relief, child tax credits, renters’ protections and public investment in affordable housing, not handouts to corporations. I’ll fight for stronger wage protections, and union rights so work pays enough to live. I’ll support public transit, weatherization credits and clean energy that lowers bills. Government must side with working families, not corporate greed.

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?

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: Water is a public trust, not a commodity for speculation. I’ll fight for aggressive conservation, tiered pricing for wasteful use, and replacing nonfunctional turf. We must fund agricultural efficiency and water banking to send saved water to the Great Salt Lake. Data centers (if approved by voters) must meet strict and rigid water and energy standards, use closed-loop cooling, and pay their fair share. No subsidies, ever.

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

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: We need to fully fund public schools, raise teacher pay, reduce class sizes and expand mental health and career-tech programs. I’ll protect Medicaid, cap prescription costs and fight for a public option. I’ll hold insurance companies accountable. I’ll fight for clean air, stronger pollution limits, better transit and accountability for polluters. Data centers should not worsen air or water; they must follow strict standards. Working families deserve schools, Healthcare and clean air.

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.

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: Against.

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.

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Hawkins: Did not respond.

Hysell: “Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich. The author goes undercover in low-wage jobs to show how hard it is to get ahead and that hard work doesn’t guarantee survival. It makes the case for expanding opportunity so hard work can lead to a stable life.