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LOGAN — Candidates vying for the Utah's open U.S. House seat for District 1 presented differing opinions on stemming illegal immigration at the southern border, the country's debt crisis, and housing affordability during a debate Tuesday night at Utah State University.
Republican incumbent Blake Moore contended with Democratic nominee Bill Campbell and Libertarian candidate Daniel Cottam during the Utah Debate Commission event.
Immigration
Cottam said the immigration issue isn't as complex as people make it out to be and that the solution is to give out more work visas. He said certain industries in the country rely on a workforce dominated by immigrants. "We should acknowledge that and give out more worker visas that can come and go."
He added, "We should have a big wall and a big door that swings both ways."
Cottam said it is impossible for Moore to be an independent voice, adding that if Trump is elected, he will shut down all immigration again.
Moore focused on the need to get border security under control before any other step can be taken to improve immigration. He emphasized returning to a "remain in Mexico" policy and said Democrats have been unwilling to work with Republicans on immigration reform.
Campbell said even though recent bipartisan proposals on immigration haven't been perfect, Congress needs to start making progress on this issue as it is impacting health systems, crime rates and more.
"I support legal immigration; it's part of our nation's DNA," he said, adding that Americans need to interact better with immigrants once they are here.
Campbell contended that immigrants aren't being properly managed once they arrive in this country, and the government needs to take better accountability of the process going forward.
Spending
All of the candidates agreed that fixing the country's spending would solve other problems.
Campbell called the spending on both sides of the aisle "out of control," and said the "debt culture has been increasing." During a question about foreign policy, Campbell said it's important for America to support its allies, but he thinks the extent and nature of U.S. involvement should be different.
He emphasized the importance of being defensive rather than offensive. Campbell said instead of sending billions of dollars to Ukraine, he would prefer to use the funds to secure the southern border and help with issues such as hungry children, homeless vets and health care for seniors.
Cottam focused on his status as a Libertarian candidate, saying a lone voice would be more important in a divided Congress where both parties are prone to high spending.
"People have prioritized conveniences over liberty and spending over strength on both sides of the aisle," he said. The parties' "priorities are different, but their spending is the same."
Moore said the Republican majority cut spending for the first time in over a decade.
"We need to build on that, and I want to be a part of that momentum," he said. "If the federal government is involved in your life, we are not doing our job. We have to create a pro-growth environment that lets you live the American dream."
Housing
On the issue of housing, candidates were asked what role the federal government has.
Moore said the federal government can aid in the housing issue through low income tax credits. In 2025, when tax provisions expire, it will be crucial to create "market based solutions to allow individuals to get into living situations that let them grow," he said.
He also said there has to be more supply to have more growth.
Campbell said the federal government does have a role, and with three grown children who can't get houses, he has seen how this issue is affecting Utahns. He said the federal government has been incentivizing builders, and instead it should be incentivizing individuals.
"We need to create a level playing field," he said. "Our children don't have a fair chance."
Campbell spoke out against letting development occur on Bureau of Land Management lands, saying he believes in "clean air, clean water and open spaces." He said it's important to preserve open spaces and that inspiration can be taken from Ogden, which has been revitalizing vacant lots and buildings rather than going into nature.
Cottam said he thinks the federal government has a very limited role in the housing crisis, but the biggest thing it can do is reduce inflation that is being fueled by "out-of-control spending."
He said a big issue in the housing crisis is supply. He lives in North Salt Lake and said there was a big apartment complex being proposed, but all of the residents said "no" on letting it be built.
"You can't have affordable housing — have your kids and grandkids live near you — if you're not willing to bend a little and allow it in your backyard," he said.
On the issue of building on protected lands, Cottam said it is already happening in St. George. He doesn't think the government should be cutting down any city's growth, so "let's build."
Political division
Candidates were asked how they are approaching the political gridlock and divisiveness that has been evident in recent times.
Moore said during his first term he was able to enact legislation by working with representatives on the other side, including a proposal to study saline lakes.
He said although the House has a Republican majority, it is difficult to get things enacted. He said the House has created some gridlock to limit the monetary supply, but things are still getting done on a daily basis that don't always get noticed by the public.
Campbell said if elected, he would promote unity. He also voiced that having candidates in the majority who say they can't get things done is "just setting an excuse for failure going forward."
He said elected representatives need to be treating people with respect and they have to work together to be successful.
Cottam said the two major political parties have dominated for as long as he can remember, and "they are broken."
"We need a better voice out there. Neither party knows how to say 'no,'" he said. Cottam said both of the candidates were giving "answers of fairy tales" on how they would solve issues immediately, when "both parties have failed."
"Republicans have had their chance, and the Democrats have had their chance. America needs to take note that there are other people out here and we're not afraid to say 'no,'" he said.
In response to the fairy tale claim, Moore said, "Promoting a strong economy and making sure we have the right environment for America to thrive is not a fairy tale."
He emphasized that having a good business environment and economy allows companies and individuals to thrive, who will then create wealth and contribute in issues they care about. He said this can, in turn, help address other issues Americans face such as the mental health crisis or negative impacts from social media.
