David Chappell

David Chappell was born in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from the Heritage Academy, Mesa. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. His career experience includes working as a civil engineer.[1]

Chappell has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Infinity Consultants

American Society of Civil Engineers

Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure

Engineers without Borders

Cougar Pride Center

Strong Towns

Commons

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am from rural Arizona, from cowboys on my dad's side and immigrants on my mom's side. I grew up taking care of the land, chickens, and cows. I learned responsibility, hard work, and that small decisions matter. I went to a conservative charter school (Heritage Academy) where I developed a love of politics and the Constitution. After a mission to Italy, I moved to Utah to go to school at BYU, where I got my degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. My partner and I fell in love with Provo, so we decided to stay. Now, we are Provoans through and through. You can find a much more detailed about me on my website: https://www.davidforutah.com/about

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The Utah legislature has abandoned everyday Utahns. They side with bosses, landlords, and the wealthy because they are bosses, landlords, and the wealthy. It is time that every day Utahns take back power and make government finally work again to raise wages, lower the cost of living, and fight for the little guy.I've talked with hundreds of Utahns, and they all say the same thing: the cost of living is a crisis.

The legislature needs to do more to address the affordability crisis. We need to raise wages, and I believe that to do that, we need to fight for unions. We need to fight greedy corporations. We need to reward good bosses and tax bad bosses.

At the same time, we need to lower the cost of living. We need to build more housing. We need to break up monopolies that inflate prices just because they can.

Bottom line: the legislature needs to act now to help everyday Utahns afford a future.Utah ranks very low in both renters' rights and labor rights. It is time we pass a Renter's Bill of Rights and a Worker's Bill of Rights that will protect the "little guy." I believe in making Utah the #1 state for renters and workers.

I'm most passionate about making life more affordable and fair for everyday Utahns. With every policy, I think, "How will this affect my neighbor who is struggling to feed her kids?" not "How will this affect the profits of corporations?"

If it is affecting everyday Utahns, I'm passionate about it.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A good lawmaker must do what is right. I believe almost every politician is corrupted by power and money. The longer a person is in office, and the more money they raise, the more I become skeptical that they can do what is right, even when it is hard. I think that is why so many people have lost so much trust in the government.

The government should be made up of regular people who fight for everybody, not those with a lot of money or connections. I believe in government of the people, by the people, for the people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A good lawmaker is responsible for listening to their constituents. You should be able to easily get in touch with your representative, which is why I have a number that anyone can text, and I will listen (801-960-2217).

Next, a good lawmaker needs to be able to determine what is right. This means a lot of research and critical thinking. A good lawmaker thinks through every vote and determines the most likely consequences of their vote. I will prioritize passing legislation that helps normal people; that is what I think is right.

Lastly, a good lawmaker does what is right, even when it's hard. A good lawmaker should never be loyal to their donors, their party, or any special interests. A good lawmaker is loyal to the people and does what they know is the right thing to do.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to say, "Representative Chappell was a bridge builder who got shit done for working people. Utah is freer and fairer because of him."

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a camp counselor for a Boy Scout camp for a couple of summers. The second summer, I was promoted to Camp Commissioner. I had a lot of fun, but that was probably too much responsibility for a 16-year-old. I have also worked as a concrete laborer, landscaper, middle school math teacher, behavioral health technician, lab instructor, earthquake researcher, and executive director of a nonprofit (Cougar Pride Center). I have loved all my past jobs and learned so much from them.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The state legislature writes the law, and the governor enforces the law. I believe in strong checks and balances between the 3 coequal branches of government.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Utah is growing very fast, and we need to grow smart. It would be very easy to build lifeless rows of apartments, townhomes, and homes. I believe we need to stop and think about what future generations will be proud of. We need to build connected communities that are walkable, sustainable, and improve the quality of life for everyone.

We also need to grow without destroying our public lands. The Great Salt Lake will dry up and kill us all if we don't act fast. There is no future for Utah without the lake. I support the Governor's goal of saving it before 2034 and believe in granting him emergency powers to do so.

We need to build a future where renters and workers are valued. I believe we need to revive the American Dream. Everyone deserves a shot at a good life.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Overall, no. I believe power corrupts. However, experience in research and policymaking from a technical perspective can help.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. I am running as a democrat, but we need Republicans. We need to unify to address the crises we are facing.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have a lot of role models in politics. I believe in bridge-building and pushing for reform to benefit working people. The legislator who best fits that bill right now in Utah is Senator Escamilla. I hope to learn from her and get stuff done.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. I have no aspirations to become a politician (and I don't really trust anyone who does)

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have neighbors who have worked for 40 years and still can't afford a home in Provo. Another neighbor's rent increased by 50% after ownership switched from local to corporate. Another neighbor has had the hardest time finding a place to live here.

In talking with my neighbors, this issue of housing affordability comes up again and again.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, the legislature should serve as a powerful check against the executive branch (Governor). I believe the legislature should be able to declare emergencies (such as an affordability emergency, a housing emergency, an environmental emergency for the Great Salt Lake) and grant and oversee emergency powers of the Governor.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I will fight for a housing bill that reforms the outdated rules that curb development and establishes a new program to mentor and fund small developers. I want the attitude to shift in Utah. Everyone should be involved in handling this housing crisis. I want everyone to feel like they can develop the empty lots in their neighborhood or add another unit in their attic.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

It needs to become much easier for citizens to make laws or veto the legislature. We should make it possible for citizens to amend the Utah Constitution. If the people were a real check on the Utah government, I believe everything would change.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I would fight the reforms being put in place. It should stay extremely easy for citizen residents of Utah to vote by mail, early, in person, however they prefer to vote.