District 10 Utah House hopefuls preach importance of listening, seek to address affordability issues
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- Rep. Rosemary Lesser is seeking reelection in Utah House District 10.
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- Jill Koford is running to represent District 10 in the Utah House of Representatives.
Since 2021, Democrat Rosemary Lesser — an OB/GYN by trade and an Air Force veteran — has served District 10, which encompasses southern Ogden, part of South Ogden, northern Riverdale and northern Washington Terrace, in the Utah House of Representatives.
With Election Day looming, she is being challenged once again by Republican Jill Koford, who lost to Lesser two years ago by a mere 500 votes.
“My decision to run for the Utah House of Representatives stems from a passion for public service and a desire to represent the values and interests of my House District at the state level,” Koford told the Standard-Examiner of the race.
As Lesser and Koford vie for votes heading into the election on Nov. 5, both have espoused the importance of representatives actually listening to those they represent.
“Listening is a skill I’ve honed over my professional career in medicine. I understand that patients value being heard, and I believe that careful listening leads to better outcomes and trust. This same principle holds true in my interactions with constituents,” Lesser told the Standard-Examiner.
Said Koford: “My top priority will be to actively listen to the voters of House District 10. One of the greatest concerns facing our community and state is the perception that elected officials are not truly hearing their constituents. … The unique perspectives of our district deserve to be heard and acted upon.”
Koford added that, if elected, she would establish a House District 10 advisory committee, hold regular town hall meetings and promote her newsletters in an effort to keep people informed.
Where issues facing the district are concerned, Lesser says she has had conversations that have helped her identify key issues by age group, all of which she has committed to address.
“I recognize the breadth of concerns,” Lesser said. “Seniors are concerned about rising home values that result in increased property tax, working parents are concerned about childcare costs and availability, and parents and grandparents want quality, well-funded schools. Across all age groups, HD 10 residents are worried about sustainability and protecting our environment.”
Koford similarly seeks to tackle issues of affordability if elected.
“The primary issues facing our district are centered around affordability — whether it’s the rising costs of everyday necessities, housing, or reining in government spending in Utah. These escalating expenses are placing increasing pressure on families, and addressing them, and keeping government in its lane will be a top priority.”
Lesser also called expanding access to prenatal care a top priority and has stated goals relative to having healthy families, healthy communities and a healthy environment. Specifically, she cites accessible and affordable physical/mental healthcare, affordable housing, preservation of the Great Salt Lake and clear air.
For more information about Rep. Rosemary Lesser, go to https://www.rosemarylesser.com/. For more information about Jill Koford, go to https://votekoford.com/.
