Summary
Current Position: Law Professor
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2020 Governor
I’m running for governor because I want to fight for working people. Despite Utah’s successes, too many of our families are still struggling to get by. Every Utahn deserves access to affordable health care, a great education, clean air, and a government that respects public opinion.
Like many of you, I am frustrated by a state government that too often ignores the public. The Utah Constitution says, “Each bill passed by the Legislature, before it becomes a law, shall be presented to the governor.” This check and balance in Utah is broken. Bills are rubber stamped and often approved without listening to the voices of ordinary Utahns.
Source: Campaign page
OnAir Post: Chris Peterson
About
Chris Peterson has spent his career fighting for working families. A professor of business law at the University of Utah, he has worked tirelessly to help industry to improve the lives of their employees and customers. When our neighbors were losing their homes and the economy was crashing before our eyes, Peterson helped build a team in Washington, D.C. that returned $12 billion to cheated American families. Chris knows Utahns need a fair marketplace that treats customers right and gives every business a chance to succeed.
Chris’ government and policy experience include:
· Working as a Special Advisor in the U.S. Department of Defense where he helped lead the Pentagon’s efforts to protect military servicemembers from predatory lending. The Secretary of Defense awarded Peterson the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence for his efforts on behalf of military families;
· Serving in the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau where Peterson’s team stopped deceptive and abusive practices by banks, payday lenders, and debt collection agencies. His team won $12 billion in refunds and restitution for Americans who were victimized by illegal financial practices; and,
Leading at the University of Utah where he worked as an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs with managerial responsibility for the educational mission of the University’s College of Law.Peterson is a national leader and authority on consumer protection. He has published several books including a university textbook on consumer law and an award winning book on predatory lending. The National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, an association of state and local consumer law enforcement agencies, gave Peterson its national consumer advocate of the year award for his public service. Chris lives in Salt Lake City with his amazing wife and three wonderful kids. He’s a fifth generation Utahn with deep pioneer roots. Chris was born and raised in West Valley City and attended Utah’s public schools. A father of three, Chris is married to Tera Peterson who is also a practicing attorney. Tera was an Assistant Solicitor General in the Utah Attorney General Office’s Criminal Appeals Division. Recently, she has moved back into private practice. The Petersons enjoy skiing in Utah’s mountains and hiking our state’s majestic deserts.
Web
Campaign Site, Twitter, Facebook
Politics
Source: none
Issues
Governance
Every Utahn deserves to be treated with honesty and fairness in organizing their finances. Utah government has a responsibility to ensure that predatory businesses do not prey on working families. And honest businesses deserve a marketplace that is free from unfair competition.
Putting a stop to gerrymandering and political corruption.
Utahns voted for Proposition 4, creating a strong, independent redistricting commission to create fair and balanced legislative districts. I support fully respecting the will of voters and will insist that voters chose their representatives—not the other way around. We also need limits on campaign contributions.
Economy
Standing up for Utah’s workers.
Workers deserve good jobs, fair wages, and humane working conditions. Too many Utahns work hard, but cannot keep up with the rising cost of living. I will fight to ensure that Utah’s economy works for working families.
Helping small businesses succeed.
Small business is the foundation of Utah’s economy. Our small businesses need a level playing field and access to financing. I will work to expand financing opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses, cut unnecessary red-tape, and create incentives to invest in research and development, training, and employee capacity.
Growing rural Utah and family farms.
Family farms and ranches are an important part of Utah’s economy and culture. I will work to ensure that economic development and changing technology works to enhance and preserve this way of life. Utah government should use clean energy, technology sector jobs, and other resources to build our rural communities.
Utah should continue to lead the way on the development of the technology sector. Utah government should leverage our growing population, quality of life, and educated workforce to build an economy of the future.
Education
Ensuring quality education for our children.
Every student deserves a quality education. The Utah Constitution established a permanent school fund to guarantee that all Utah children would have access to the best possible education. But, too often our government has failed to use and develop this fund to provide the resources our kids need. I will work to bring more resources to Utah’s K-12 schools and to make higher education better and more accessible. Utah should build the best public education system in America.
We should also give teachers the respect they deserve. They are the foundation of a good economy and good citizenry. Utah has some of the largest student-teacher ratios in the nation. Too many of our best teachers face burnout and leave the classroom after only a few years on the job. We need to increase compensation and provide more resources for textbooks, supplies, technology support, special needs students, counseling, and career training.
Environment
Responsible environmental stewardship and clean air.
The Wasatch Front has some of the poorest air quality in the nation. Our children, families, and businesses need clean air to thrive. I will fight to reduce air pollution and transition to a clean energy future. Our national and state parks, forests, and wilderness areas are a heritage we should preserve for all.
Health Care
Expanding access to affordable health care.
In civilized society, all people deserve access to affordable health care. Health care is a basic human right.
Advocating for Disabled Utahns.
Utahns with disabilities have unique experiences and needs. Disabled Utahns, their families, and their communities should have access to the support, recognition, and resources they need to thrive.
