Candidates outline priorities at Davis County Conservatives forum

Dozens of local and state candidates used five-minute slots at a Davis County Conservatives forum on March 7 to outline priorities and preview bills they will support or oppose during the legislative session.

The host explained the forum’s format and schedule and asked candidates to name two bills they support; the event also included a fundraising announcement and a call for volunteers to attend an upcoming Davis School District board meeting to raise concerns. Candidates ranged from county-commission hopefuls to statehouse and senate contenders.

Highlights from candidate remarks:
- John Adams said he opposed House Bill 184, which he described as an effort to reduce cities’ zoning authority, and flagged Senate Bill 266 as a proposal shifting power from appointed managers to elected officials.
- Austin Gray said he supports House Bill 449, described as a taxpayer-oversight measure to require voter approval for tax increases, and House Bill 479 on election-code modifications and voter ID.
- Kendallin Harris backed HB236 to move truth-in-taxation earlier for more transparency and HB215 to allow property owners in wildfire-risk areas to clear vegetation despite local landscaping rules.
- Susan Lee said she supports HB88 to prohibit tax dollars being used for undocumented immigrants and urged action on HB399 to remove social-emotional learning from public schools.
- Jon Whitides, running for county clerk, said he supports proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting (HB209) and restoring an independent Secretary of State (HB529).
- Multiple sheriff candidates discussed public-safety bills (see separate article). Jon Whitides and other candidates emphasized election integrity measures; several candidates also urged caucus participation and explained why they are running convention-only, signature-only, or dual-path campaigns.

Organizers closed the forum by announcing logistical details for upcoming DCC events and urging attendance at a Davis School District meeting after a former district employee reported concerns about district finances and administrative practices. Organizers asked attendees to show up early to sign in if they wished to offer public comment.

The forum did not include formal votes or endorsements. Candidates encouraged voters to review their positions, attend caucus and convention events and contact legislators about bills they raised.