Politics & Government
Senate District 22 candidate Q&A
Ballots have been delivered and votes are being cast throughout Lehi. This year’s June 25 Primary Election features contested Republican races, from Governor and U.S. Senate to State Senate and local school board. Utah Senate District 22 incumbent Heidi Balderree is up for re-election, challenged by Emily Lockhart and Garrett Cammans. We asked the candidates a few questions, and their responses are below.
Lehi Free Press: Why are you running?
Emily Lockhart: I love our community and am committed to securing a future full of opportunity and economic prosperity for our children. With a strong conservative foundation of limited government and individual liberty, combined with my passion for solving problems with data-driven solutions, I will drive real impact for our district. I am dedicated to improving transportation, public education and air quality while also cutting taxes and regulations to ensure a strong economy in our state.
Heidi Balderree: I am running for re-election to continue serving the people in Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain and Draper. Our district deserves a leader who is tried, proven and tested. The length and depth of my service and experience set me apart. I have a longstanding track record and even awards for safeguarding the people’s liberties and taxpayer dollars.
Garrett Cammans: I am running to preserve Utah’s future for our children. I want my children to grow up with more academic and economic opportunities than I had. I want Utah to be a safe and affordable place for my children to raise their families. I want my children to graduate high school confident and prepared.
I am also running because I am disheartened by the growing turbulence in our political arena. Too often, politicians create division, make policy decisions in isolation without sufficient feedback from those impacted and exert more effort to hide and bury their mistakes than fixing them.
In the business world I have learned that true leaders encourage feedback and participation in the decision process, promote cooperation, own up to and resolve mistakes as soon as they are recognized and know how to bring people together. I want to promote these principles in our state legislature.
I want to be a part of the change I’d like to see in politics. An example of more rational discourse and less emotional volatility. An example of more accountability and transparency. An example of conservative values without unnecessary contention.
LFP: In your opinion, what is the top issue facing the legislature, and how would you like to work on it?
Lockhart: Inflation is taking a significant toll on our families, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities and manage household budgets. Compounding this issue, housing prices have skyrocketed, putting homeownership out of reach for many and straining renters with unsustainable costs. I believe the solutions are twofold. First, infrastructure is the backbone of our economy—where roads lead, economic growth follows. As Senator, I will work on investing heavily in our state’s transportation infrastructure. When businesses can efficiently transport goods and services, costs decrease, and consumers benefit from lower prices. Second, as Senator, I will cut taxes and eliminate burdensome regulations, which will help mitigate the effects of inflation by increasing disposable income and reducing costs for families. These strategic investments would not only ease immediate financial burdens but also pave the way for long-term economic stability. I am committed to combating inflation by investing in our infrastructure and cutting taxes to develop a resilient and strong economy.
Balderree: Growth is a top issue in the legislature. That encompasses many issues. From transportation to affordable housing and water needs, these challenges present an opportunity to improve our state. Utah’s population is expected to double by 2060.
As your Senator, I prioritized transportation and infrastructure. This year, I fought to secure funding for $1.4 billion for four new projects in our district. I was awarded this year’s “Transportation Champion” by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Outside of the legislature, I was chosen to serve as a member of the Fresh Look Transit study group with all of the significant transportation partners in our district, including MAG, WFRC, UDOT, and UTA.
I will continue working to ensure our cities receive the support they need and deserve. Our district will continue to grow. We need more East-West and North-South corridors, respecting existing property rights, along with increased transit options to relieve congestion and get us moving more efficiently. Affordable housing is a major concern, as is affording the house that you are currently in. Property taxes are ridiculously high! We need less property taxes and more user fees. Deregulating the housing market and moving to a free market system will help buyers. We can reform Utah’s water policy through tax reform. Utah water taxes are permanent and not voter-approved like other states. We can move to voter-approved bonds for specific capital projects like other states. Looking at sub-root water irrigation systems and potential desalination plants in other states are also viable options for addressing our state’s water issues.
Cammans: Now that UDOT has a plan to improve roads and infrastructure in Lehi and Saratoga Springs, I believe the top issue facing the legislature is economic uncertainty. Utah’s economic future is the number one concern for 36% of voters in District 22, more than any other single issue. Inflation, particularly in housing, is a top concern for most families.
As a legislature we need policies that strengthen our economic outlook, mitigate the effects of inflation for Utah residents and promote housing affordability. We need to promote local production, local services, local energy etc. The more self-reliant Utah becomes as a state, the less we will be at the mercy of national and global economic drivers.
While we shore up our economy, the legislature can’t ignore other community strains including overcrowded schools, the costs of illegal immigration to Utah taxpayers, lagging infrastructure and skyrocketing property taxes.
LFP: What sets you apart from your opponents?
Lockhart: I was born and raised in Utah County to parents who were actively involved in our community. From a young age, I was passing out flyers for Republican candidates, attending National, State, and County Conventions, and participating in political discussions around the dinner table and in our community. Today, I serve on the Lehi City Planning Commission. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and an MBA from Brigham Young University. I was on the founding team of a multimillion-dollar startup. Currently, I am the Continuous Improvement Manager at a local steel company. I specialize in identifying problems, collaborating with stakeholders to create solutions, and implementing lasting change within organizations. I believe in the power of genuine representation and am dedicated to being a conservative voice for you. It’s time to rise above the drama of today’s political environment and come together to develop and implement solutions for Utah.
Balderree: I have been actively and consistently serving our community for the last two decades. Back in 2005, with help from the surrounding cities, I led the efforts to take care of the humanitarian needs of the Hurricane Katrina evacuees at Camp Williams for two months, served in Scouting for years, was a member of the Utah County Good Governance Advisory Board, served as a room mom in our schools, was elected to be the Secretary of the Utah County Republican Party, served on an HOA board, was elected a member of the Republican State Central Committee for almost eight years, forging strong relationships statewide, fought to keep the prison from relocating to Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, worked to promote conservative policies as the Community Engagement Director for Americans for Prosperity Utah for years, and was appointed to serve as the Chair of the Utah County Planning Commission for the last three years.
Cammans: I am a parent, not a legacy or career politician. I haven’t spent years chasing political appointments. I have spent my time fostering economic opportunity, supporting numerous local charities, and devoting time in my children’s classrooms.
I don’t want to become a career politician. I have had a successful and fulfilling career, and I have many endeavors outside of politics that I want to undertake in my life with my family. I want to jump in and have a positive impact, preserving our liberties and opportunities, then leave to pursue other goals after one or two terms in the Senate.
I bring the understanding and awareness our senate needs to help resolve some of our state’s biggest challenges, especially those surrounding our economy. As a credentialed teacher, I also understand many of the challenges facing our education system and have the experience and passion to improve our academic environment for the rising generation.
———
Voters have several options for returning their ballots. First, they may return their ballot through the United States Postal Service if they add a stamp. Voters may also return ballots without a stamp, and Utah County will be charged a mailing fee. All ballots mailed through the USPS will be delivered. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by June 24.
Voters may also place their ballots in the drop-box on the parking strip just south of the Lehi Police Station (128 N 100 E). The old location is currently under construction while the new City Hall is being built. The drop-box is under video surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Utah County elections officials retrieve ballots.
Those who wish to vote in-person may do so on Election Day, June 25, at the Lehi Police Station from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
