Darren Croft

Education

I believe it will be critical to continue to monitor reading proficiency and work with teachers, researchers, administrators, school boards and parents to help every child read. I will also work with these stakeholders to develop a statewide volunteer program to support literacy. Together we can help children experience the joy of reading! Money for education is important. How we optimize the use of that money is critical! Learn more

I believe it will be critical to continue to monitor reading proficiency and work with teachers, researchers, administrators, school boards and parents to help every child read. Learn more

Environment / Energy

We are actually paying 40% more for the same water to the same utility than Salt Lake City residents are! Despite the millions of extra dollars they’re taking from us, they have done nothing to maintain our aging infrastructure. They waste millions of gallons of water each year because the lines break and they are slow to respond. The public utilities’ leadership, appointed by democratic mayors in SLC, have been indifferent and we have no representation on the board. As a legislator I will explore specific solutions such as: requiring equalized rates, joining metropolitan water directly, or taking control of our own water rights and infrastructure. I will find a more optimal and equitable solution. Learn more

Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon are considered at the highest risk of catastrophic wildfire. This would be devastating to our watershed and our way of life. Recently there has been some progress towards wildfire mitigation, but no work has been completed. We must ensure that barriers are removed and work moves forward before we have a disaster. I will work closely with private landowners, Salt Lake County, the US Forest Service and Metropolitan Water to make sure this moves forward. Learn more

As a legislator I will explore specific solutions such as: requiring equalized rates, joining metropolitan water directly, or taking control of our own water rights and infrastructure. Learn more

Government Reform

Conservative Principles and Values. Learn more

Optimizing Government for Utah Families. Learn more

I will review existing laws and regulations and seek input from families, schools, businesses, cities, and others to find and remove barriers and inefficiencies to improve outcomes and achieve better affordability and quality of life for Utah families. Learn more

I believe that the best government is fiscally responsible, limited in size and scope, prioritizes local control, and protects families. I will make decisions based on these and other conservative principles and values. Learn more

Healthcare

Health Insurance premiums for a family are about 27K a year (before employer contributions or federal tax credits). High deductible plans can be lower but are still high. Insurance costs rise because medical costs rise. I believe we need to find and address the root causes of rising medical costs. For example, we need more price transparency. Costs for common tests and procedures can vary widely, but doctors, nurses, and patients have no idea what they are. This makes it impossible, to choose wisely and reduce costs. Learn more

Housing

We currently have a shortage of over 30k homes. Starter homes and middle income homes are the most scarce. This lack of supply and high demand naturally leads to higher prices. We need to adjust regulations to make building starter homes financially attractive. Governor Cox and legislators are already working on this, but there is more work to be done at the state and local levels. With the high rates of appreciation on residential property, the property tax base has shifted and residents are paying a higher percentage of property taxes than they used to. This needs to be corrected, preferably in a permanent way. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

In our neighborhoods we see almost constant repair of broken water pipes. The American Society of Civil Engineers most recent report gives Utah a D- grade on levees, and a D grade on canals. In many cases the actual state of levees and canals is unknown. This is very concerning. I will work to get a clear evaluation of our critical infrastructure and how it can be maintained, repaired, or replaced. Learn more

An environmental study of plans for Big Cottonwood was released in December and is being revised after the public comment period. No gondola is included. We need to carefully evaluate how the proposals will affect our district. Learn more

UDOT has approved a 3 phase plan for Little Cottonwood Canyon with the final phase being a highly unpopular Gondola. Currently no evaluation of phase 1 or phase 2 effectiveness is included in the UDOT plan. I will work to ensure that Phase 1 and 2 are not just stepping stones to phase 3. Phase 1 and 2 must be implemented, evaluated, and iteratively improved. Testing of the effects of varying toll and private vehicle restrictions during peak times must be required. I will also work with stakeholders on what level of transportation reliability we want in the canyon. UDOT’s recommendation came primarily from a focus on achieving 95% reliability despite accidents or avalanches. Although that is a nice theoretical feature of the Gondola, it seems it is not important enough to residents to justify the Gondola. Different requirements require different solutions. Learn more

I will also work with stakeholders on what level of transportation reliability we want in the canyon. Learn more

I will work to get a clear evaluation of our critical infrastructure and how it can be maintained, repaired, or replaced. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

As a legislator I will always remember that the money we are budgeting is your hard-earned money. I feel a great responsibility to make sure your money is spent wisely and responsibly on things appropriate for state government to be involved in. State government has important roles, but there are many instances where solutions are better handled by local government, non profits, and the private sector. Learn more

I feel a great responsibility to make sure your money is spent wisely and responsibly on things appropriate for state government to be involved in. Learn more

I will always remember that the money we are budgeting is your hard-earned money. Learn more