Karen Hyer is running as the Democratic candidate in U.S. House District 3. Her opponents are Jason Chaffetz (R) (incumbent),, Joseph Puente (U), Jake Shannon (L), and Douglas Sligting (C).
Her website is www.hyerforcongress.com, her Facebook fan page can be found here, and no Twitter account was provided. She can be contacted at info@hyerforcongress.com.
Here are Karen’s answers to my absurd questions:
1) How long have you lived in your district and what made you move there in the first place?
I moved to Provo which is in the Third District 22 years ago; I moved there to teach Public Administration and Ethics at the Marriott School of Management at BYU.
2) What does your family look like (married; kids; pets)? My husband and I have 11 children between us, but only the two of us are at home. Our family, between us, now includes 40 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. I raise koi and goldfish and we have birds. We feed wild birds and hummingbirds, and other wild animals come through our yard that’s in the hills. I used to have a ranch with cattle, dogs, sheep, cats and chickens.
3) What do you drive? What is your dream vehicle? I drive a 1997 Ford Explorer. My DREAM vehicle is an electric or hybrid that will get 100 miles to the gallon.
4) What was the last book you finished? I just finished “Rediscovering Values on Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street: A Moral Compass for the New Economy,” by Jim Wallace. I usually read 1 new book / week.
5) What is your favorite store and/or restaurant in your district? I like the Sunflower Market and Cafe Rio.
6) Turn your head to the right, what do you see? I see a telephone, a camera, a computer, and a bulletin board full of names and numbers, and an open window where I can watch the birds’ nests that get built there every year.
7) In 25 words or less, explain why you are a Democrat. I’m unaffiliated, been a Republican, but am on the Democratic ticket because I consider myself an American first. I’m concerned about our future, fed up with professional politicians, negative rhetoric, extreme partisanship, lack of thoughtfulness, and Utah’s one-party system.
8 ) Who would win if a bear and a shark fought each other (feel free to explain)? It depends on the environment: shark in the water, bear in the forest.
9) In 50 words or less, explain why you want to be a public servant. I feel we’re greatly blessed in this country; we’ve had many die for the freedoms we take for granted. To repay this nation for my good life of opportunity, joy, and safety for my family, the least I can do is serve the public honorably and apply my education, expertise and experience to some of the serious problems facing this nation.
10) What was the last cultural event you went to? I recently went to the Native American Festival, the Mestizo Art festival, and the Spring City Art Festival, as well as an organ recital. A few months ago, we attended an Asian dance festival.
11) What are the three things you plan to fight for when elected? I plan to help grow our economy to create jobs; ensure fiscal responsibility; and bring ethics to government.
12) Do you know what OMGWTFBBQ stands for? Sort of.
13) What is the most important amendment in the Bill of Rights? The First; it leads to the rest.
14) What is your favorite band? Chieftains
15) If you could change one thing about your district, what would it be? I would make it at least a two-party district.
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