Greg Skordas, Democrat
1. What is the major issue facing Utah today and how would you deal with it?
Increasing crime is one of the biggest problems facing Utahns today, and the rates have escalated over the past four years. Homicides against women are 21 percent above the national average. Identity theft in Utah grew by 42 percent last year. The number of meth labs has remained steady and has not decreased as my opponent claims. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice reported last year that "Methamphetamine is readily available in wholesale quantities throughout Utah." Even Rep. Chris Cannon admitted last year that "Utah ranks No. 1 nationwide for 'speed cookeries.' "
I have prepared a three-point crime plan to help reduce crime that affects all Utahns. My crime plan focuses on violent crimes against women, making our schools safer, and identity theft. You can read my crime plan at www.SkordasforAG.com.
2. How will you handle having to defend legislation you personally disagree with?
As attorney general it is my duty and obligation to uphold the laws of the state regardless of my personal beliefs. It is also the attorney general's job to provide legal advice to the state Legislature, which I will do proactively when it is warranted and also when it is requested.
3. Does the Utah attorney general need to use outside counsel? Under what circumstances? How would you control costs?
As attorney general, I will do everything I can to conserve Utah tax dollars. The Attorney General's Office should make every effort to use the talent of the employees in the office. When necessary to utilize counsel outside the office, I would look first to capable Utah lawyers in order to keep the costs at a minimum and to keep the dollars in Utah's economy.
4. In the past, some AG incumbents/candidates have been criticized for accepting campaign donations from law firms that currently have, or recently had, outside contracts with the Attorney General's Office. Have you accepted donations from firms or law firm principals with outside contracts? If so, why?
I have wide support from Utah's legal community in both endorsements and contributions. Some of those individuals probably have performed work for the Attorney General's Office. Every elected official must do what is in the best interest of the public and every attorney must represent his or her client without regard for political contributions or consequences. I understand those ethical obligations and have practiced them my entire career.
5. What is the one personal trait/characteristic that you want voters to know about you, and why is that important in this race?
I have spent my whole career protecting people, and I can make Utah safer. My public service with police officers, the Children's Justice Center, the Rape Recovery Center, the Governor's Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, and my extensive experience practicing law — especially actually successfully prosecuting criminals in Utah — will help me lead others in working to make Utah safer.
6. How have you funded your campaign, and what, if anything, does it show voters about your candidacy?
My campaign has over 600 different contributors, all but a few of which are Utah residents. My candidacy has strong grassroots support from Utahns rather than from special interest groups.
7. In Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled sodomy laws, such as the one on Utah's books, as unconstitutional. There have been several unsuccessful attempts to strike the Utah law in the courts. In light of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, should Utah's sodomy law be taken off the books?
The state Legislature, as it is currently comprised, will never voluntarily repeal Utah's sodomy laws. However, a court challenge from someone with appropriate standing may very well lead to Utah's sodomy laws being struck down in whole or in part in the wake of Lawrence v. Texas.
8. The Utah Supreme Court is considering a dispute between the University of Utah and the state over the university's policy of prohibiting faculty, staff and students from bringing guns on campus. The state contends only the Legislature has authority to enact guns laws in the state, while the university contends it should not be subject to the Legislature's authority.
A. What is your personal view about guns on college campuses?
I do not believe guns belong in schools or on school campuses.
B. Should state colleges and universities be autonomous from the Legislature's authority? Why?
Yes. True academic freedom cannot exist under the surveillance of the Legislature. Of course, state colleges and universities are dependent upon the Legislature for state funding, but that power should not be used by the Legislature to demand control over curriculum and policy.
C. Should the state have appealed the lower court ruling that found the university's gun ban was legal? Why?
No. I believe the lower court was correct in its ruling. The current attorney general's lack of experience with court cases has resulted in pursuit of a faulty case, again at taxpayers' expense.
9. As you know, public attorneys often say they have dual roles. They represent their state and officeholders, but they are elected by the public and represent it, also. As AG, how would you divide those roles? Would you put your responsibility to the public ahead of your legal responsibility to a particular officeholder, department or other state client?
I represent the people of Utah, and that includes the officers of the state. Having represented thousands of clients, including Salt Lake County, I understand the responsibility to clients and know how to advise them and advocate for them.
10. The above questions are aimed at finding out where you stand and why voters should pick you. Can you give us one (or more) reasons why voters should not pick your general election opponents (include minor party candidates if you wish)? For example, does he lack experience, education, vision, does he bring conflicts of interest or is he too closely associated with minority political views, etc.?
The current attorney general has not made Utah safer. He has not had results. He is out of touch with the Utah community. He has no experience as a lawyer that enables him to lead and mentor attorneys, exercise judgment on spending taxpayer dollars, nor the know-how to win a case.