House District 74 candidates Riddoch, Snow, on public lands and pipeline

ST. GEORGE – The Utah House of Representatives District 74 is one of many pivotal state election races, with candidates on both sides who promise to be a strong and clear voice for the people of Southern Utah.

Among the candidates for District 74 are Democrat Lee Ann Riddoch and the incumbent, Republican V. Lowry Snow. St. George News contacted both to gather their opinions on two pressing community issues, the Public Lands Transfer Act, which derived from House Bill 148 during the 2012 General Session and the proposed Lake Powell pipeline, as well as their primary campaign focus.

 

House District 74 candidate Lee Ann Riddoch, St. George, Utah, undated | Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Riddoch

Lee Ann Riddoch

Riddoch was born into an impoverished family in Kansas, whose struggles inspired her to become the hard worker she is today. She put herself through college by working two jobs and, after earning a Bachelor’s degree, embarked on a career as a financial analyst with the Department of Defense.

Since retiring to Washington County with her husband Barrie, she has remained active in the community as a member of the Democrats of Southern Utah, the Women’s Democratic Club of Utah and as a SCORE small business mentor.

Though this is her first time running for office, Riddoch has been passionate about politics since an early age. She believes that her financial expertise and ties with the community will make her a strong leader for District 74.

“I understand budget and government,” she said. “I have very good communication with my constituents. I represent the people.”

Question: If elected, what is the main issue you will address?

Answer: Riddoch said that her campaign is focused on jobs, and the need to create them in Southern Utah. The community needs more job opportunities, especially for recent college graduates. If elected, she will meet with technology and engineering companies and encourage them to create positions locally, rather than luring workers to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.

“I believe that quality of jobs translates to quality of life,” she said.

Question: What is your stance on HB 148 and the proposed Lake Powell pipeline?

Answer: Riddoch firmly opposes HB 148. She believes that if the state regains control of federal land, they will sell the land to the highest bidder who will then “fence it off, drill it or mine it.”

“We the people couldn’t take it back because it wouldn’t be ours anymore,” she said. “I think it’s the wrong thing to do.”

Riddoch recognizes a potential need for the Lake Powell pipeline in the future, but said that the project should not advance without public approval. She recommended that it be put to a referendum so that Utahns can vote on it.

“But at this point, I don’t think it’s something we should pursue,” she said.

House District 74 candidate V. Lowry Snow, St. George, Utah, undated | Photo courtesy of V. Lowry Snow

V. Lowry Snow

Snow, the incumbent, was appointed to lead District 74 in January 2012, after David Clark vacated the seat prematurely. He is a real estate, civil litigation, business and land planning attorney with over 30 years experience and a founding partner of the St. George-based Snow, Jensen & Reece firm. A past chair of the Washington County Economic Development Council and past president of the Utah State Bar, Snow recently received the Bar’s Lifetime Service Award.

Snow also helped found two local small businesses and believes that his experience in business and law give him the knowledge of legislature needed to effectively represent District 74.

“I understand the needs of the small business owner and the importance of protecting and promoting small business, which is the economic driving force of Washington County,” he said.

Question: If elected, what is the main issue you will address?

Answer: Snow said that education is a priority.

“Protecting the funding for education is important, as well as finding ways to expand our investment in education where we can,” he said.

Question: What is your stance on HB 148 and the proposed Lake Powell pipeline?

Answer: Snow views HB 148 as a tool to enhance Utah’s education. He believes that the potential tax revenue generated by the state gaining access to public lands will allow for more education funding.

Snow said that if the massive growth Washington County has experienced over the last two decades continues, expansion of water resources will be necessary. He believes that educating citizens about conservation will help, but that is only a partial solution.

“The pipeline is a way to ensure that we have enough of the most precious resource,” he said. “How it will be paid for and who pays for it are questions that need to be subjected to rigorous debate. If (the proposal) goes forward, we have to look closely at how the financial burden should be shared.”

For additional information on both candidates, visit their official campaign websites:

Lee Ann Riddoch

V. Lowry Snow

Map showing the four House districts in Washington County

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.

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4 Comments

  • Big Bob November 1, 2012 at 8:33 pm

    “Snow on public lands” or the increasing lack of? Lol!

  • Barbara Strisand November 1, 2012 at 8:38 pm

    I like Riddoch and her ideas already. I couldn’t agree more with having the ridiculous pipeline up for vote by the people who’d be paying for it. Vote for Riddoch!!

  • Dorothy Engelman November 2, 2012 at 5:18 am

    Remember you do have a choice but only if you vote! No vote equals no choice. Vote for Riddoch!

  • Damie November 2, 2012 at 7:41 am

    Re: Rep. Snow: Speaking as a small business owner, getting rid of public lands and having to fork over a ton of cash for the pipeline won’t help me any. Just sayin’……

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