Rick Taggart
Republican | Colorado
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Rick Taggart
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 55
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Syracuse University, Syracuse, Bachelor of Science, 1976
University of Phoenix, Phoenix, MBA, 1990
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Board Member and Chairman, Grand Junction Regional Airport
Board Member and Chairman, Grand Junction Housing Authority, Board Member
Colorado Mesa University Foundation, CEO, Mesa County Business Incubator
Board Member, Saint Mary's Foundation, Board Member
Suicide Prevention Coalition, Board Member, One Riverfront Commission
Ex-Officio Member, Los Colonias Development Corporation, Board Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
City Council Member for Grand Junction, 7
Mayor of Grand Junction, 2
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Presently waiting on approval from Colorado Secretary of State on Petitions Submission.. endorsements to follow after officially being on the Republican Primary Ballot
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
This is a deeply personal, complex and difficult subject. In my opinion it is not a subject that the government should be involved in. Having said this we have a Colorado Law which is very specific in terms of circumstances where abortion is allowed with specific timelines. There is a case pending in the Supreme Court which may have a significant impact on the state laws going forward. While I again state that I do not believe the government should be involved in family matters I will wait on clarification from our Supreme Court and then listen to my constituents as to how to address the state abortion laws in the future.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
This is a deeply personal, complex and difficult subject. In my opinion it is not a subject that the government should be involved in. Having said this we have a Colorado Law which is very specific in terms of circumstances where abortion is allowed with specific timelines. There is a case pending in the Supreme Court which may have a significant impact on the state laws going forward. While I again state that I do not believe the government should be involved in family matters I will wait on clarification from our Supreme Court and then listen to my constituents as to how to address the state abortion laws in the future.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
I would need to understand the circumstances of these services before taking a position on this subject.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
I would need to understand the circumstances of these services before taking a position on this subject.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Our constitutions honors the separation of church and state, the government should stay completely out of this subject.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Our constitutions honors the separation of church and state, the government should stay completely out of this subject.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Our federal government should continue to search out the individuals and groups responsible for terrorism and bring them to justice. This should be done with our foreign allies as compared to us being the police watchdog of the globe.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Our federal government should continue to search out the individuals and groups responsible for terrorism and bring them to justice. This should be done with our foreign allies as compared to us being the police watchdog of the globe.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Neutral
This is far too complicated of a subject to give a one word or one phrase answer.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Neutral
This is far too complicated of a subject to give a one word or one phrase answer.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
My views align with C. Governments do not manage businesses with efficiency. Rather than have the continued conversation about a universal health care our legislatures should work closely with experts in the field of health care to determine the root causes of costs being out of control and work to solve this problem.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
My views align with C. Governments do not manage businesses with efficiency. Rather than have the continued conversation about a universal health care our legislatures should work closely with experts in the field of health care to determine the root causes of costs being out of control and work to solve this problem.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I would prefer the government and public school boards stay out of mandating vaccinations. If a private employer chooses to do so to protect its employees and customers this should be their decision.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I would prefer the government and public school boards stay out of mandating vaccinations. If a private employer chooses to do so to protect its employees and customers this should be their decision.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
i would like to see a much more simple approach to IRS income tax code that is fair to all citizens. I would eliminate the fast majority of deductions making it far easier for the average citizen to understand. I do believe in a graduated scale for income taxes, but this again could be simplified if the deductions were removed.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
i would like to see a much more simple approach to IRS income tax code that is fair to all citizens. I would eliminate the fast majority of deductions making it far easier for the average citizen to understand. I do believe in a graduated scale for income taxes, but this again could be simplified if the deductions were removed.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
This is a very difficult question to answer because so much of our federal and state budgets is allocated to entitlement programs. To reduce a specific area of the budget requires " a zero based budget analysis" as we would do in business. This would enable law makers to analyze all spending determining which budget items are the priorities to citizens and which have little impact on making our lives better.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
This is a very difficult question to answer because so much of our federal and state budgets is allocated to entitlement programs. To reduce a specific area of the budget requires " a zero based budget analysis" as we would do in business. This would enable law makers to analyze all spending determining which budget items are the priorities to citizens and which have little impact on making our lives better.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Individuals should be allowed to immigrate into the US that have followed our laws either for permanent status or temporary status.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Individuals should be allowed to immigrate into the US that have followed our laws either for permanent status or temporary status.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I support all of the above with the exception of voucher programs. I am not against these programs, but in the states where voucher programs exist the results have been mixed, from an academic standpoint. More research is necessary in this area, if the underlying issues can be corrected in these voucher programs I am open to discuss further.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I support all of the above with the exception of voucher programs. I am not against these programs, but in the states where voucher programs exist the results have been mixed, from an academic standpoint. More research is necessary in this area, if the underlying issues can be corrected in these voucher programs I am open to discuss further.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We need to protect the 2nd Amendment.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We need to protect the 2nd Amendment.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the citizens of our country.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the citizens of our country.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
As an elected official many of my positions have been included in news stories in our local media. The most thorough information is available through the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
As an elected official many of my positions have been included in news stories in our local media. The most thorough information is available through the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Absolutely not.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Absolutely not.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I have led companies for over 30 years in leadership roles, or as a CEO. As well, I have served the community of Grand Junction, Colorado for 7 years as a City Council Member and as Mayor. I have always worked hard on behalf of my fellow business peers and my constituents. I research issues diligently and I listen to all sides of a discussion before taking a position. I respect all points of view and honor the individuals that express their point of view. I am driven to make the best decisions for the people I serve.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I have led companies for over 30 years in leadership roles, or as a CEO. As well, I have served the community of Grand Junction, Colorado for 7 years as a City Council Member and as Mayor. I have always worked hard on behalf of my fellow business peers and my constituents. I research issues diligently and I listen to all sides of a discussion before taking a position. I respect all points of view and honor the individuals that express their point of view. I am driven to make the best decisions for the people I serve.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Choose not to answer
I need to better understand this subject before answering this question.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Choose not to answer
I need to better understand this subject before answering this question.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was brought up in a deeply religious Presbyterian family and I have a strong belief that all of us should seek spiritual guidance in are own way. To me there is no perfect religion we need to respect the beliefs of all faiths. Common to all faiths, on a global basis are the values of honesty and integrity. These have been my principle values throughout my life.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was brought up in a deeply religious Presbyterian family and I have a strong belief that all of us should seek spiritual guidance in are own way. To me there is no perfect religion we need to respect the beliefs of all faiths. Common to all faiths, on a global basis are the values of honesty and integrity. These have been my principle values throughout my life.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
The laws of the State of Colorado work fine for voting, I see no reason to change them.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
The laws of the State of Colorado work fine for voting, I see no reason to change them.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, this is a threat to domestic security. Our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution protect the rights of all people. We need to live by this and honor our diversity. If we do not we will continue to create strife within our society. If on the other hand we embrace the concept of inclusivity we will all benefit.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, this is a threat to domestic security. Our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution protect the rights of all people. We need to live by this and honor our diversity. If we do not we will continue to create strife within our society. If on the other hand we embrace the concept of inclusivity we will all benefit.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Choose not to answer
I am not at all certain how we can put a monetary value on the harm that has been caused by racism. Where do you start and where do you stop on this subject. Like some previous questions this is a very complicated subject that requires very thorough discussion. One word answers are not appropriate.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Choose not to answer
I am not at all certain how we can put a monetary value on the harm that has been caused by racism. Where do you start and where do you stop on this subject. Like some previous questions this is a very complicated subject that requires very thorough discussion. One word answers are not appropriate.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
Having made my career in the outdoor industry and being an avid outdoorsman I favor answer "B". Having said this our government has to be very thorough in its analysis of an environmental issue before instituting further regulations. Knee jerk solutions do not help anyone over the long term.
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
Having made my career in the outdoor industry and being an avid outdoorsman I favor answer "B". Having said this our government has to be very thorough in its analysis of an environmental issue before instituting further regulations. Knee jerk solutions do not help anyone over the long term.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
