Two years after beating out a longtime member of the Ogden School District’s Board of Education, Stacy Bernal has set her sights on replacing a first-term lawmaker who tops the Senate Education Committee.
Sen. John Johnson, a management information systems professor at Utah State University who lives in North Ogden, is seeking a second term representing Senate District 3. Johnson was a key player in the effort to eliminate diversity programs in Utah’s higher education institutions.
Bernal, on the other hand, helps oversee one of just a few school districts in the state that are not minority white, and previously served on the Ogden City Diversity Commission.
The Salt Lake Tribune submitted the same set of questions, based on top issues readers said they were watching in this election, to each candidate. The questions and their answers that appear below — with the candidates listed in alphabetical order — may have been edited slightly for length, style or grammar.
Utah’s largest electricity provider has canceled plans to replace its coal-fired power plants with nuclear power and has walked back comments about investing in clean energy. Should Utah be looking for more sustainable and less fossil fuel and carbon-dependent energy sources? If so, how?
Bernal: Yes. We need to find sustainable energy solutions, focusing on workforce access, economic growth and preserving our quality of life.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Water scarcity continues to be a challenge for the state. Recent legislation has attempted to conserve water and to get more water to the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River. Should Utah do more to subsidize homeowners’ efforts to conserve water? What other steps should be taken to deal with water scarcity?
Bernal: Yes, we should subsidize homeowners’ water conservation with rebates for efficient appliances and smart irrigation. Larger scale solutions like stronger water rights policies and efficient farming techniques will help protect Utah’s water future.
Johnson: Did not answer.
What policy changes would you support to address Utah’s affordable housing crisis?
Bernal: I’ll advocate for balanced solutions to the housing crisis and support policies that ensure affordable housing while preserving neighborhood character and providing options for adults with neurodiversity and disabilities, as well as those on fixed incomes.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Following the Utah Supreme Court’s recent decision to keep a near-total abortion ban blocked, anti-abortion lawmakers and advocates called for additional legislative action to circumvent the court-ordered injunction. Would you support banning abortion after six weeks?
Bernal: No.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Would you support a state constitutional amendment to ban abortion?
Bernal: No.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Should there be other restrictions on reproductive health care — especially fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization?
Bernal: No. Individuals should have the right to make their own family planning decisions about their bodies with their doctors.
Johnson: Did not answer.
Are you voting for or against the constitutional amendment that removes the requirement that income taxes be used for education and social services? Why?
Bernal: I will be voting against the amendment to remove the requirement for income taxes to fund education and social services. We must prioritize investment in education, our students and social services for a stronger Utah.
Johnson: Did not answer.
A Utah judge has voided Amendment D and said votes for or against it cannot be counted, but the state is appealing. Do you support changing the Utah Constitution to guarantee that the Legislature can repeal or amend ballot initiatives?
Bernal: No.
Johnson: Did not answer.
