Josh Smith
Transparency | Efficiency | Accountability
Meet Josh
I am a sixth generation Utahn, born and raised in Ogden area. After graduating from Weber State University with a degree in Applied Math and Computer Science, I married my sweetheart and moved to the West Kaysville and Layton area where we have raised our two boys and two girls for the last 12 years. Our family is the cornerstone of my life and my motivation for striving to make our community a better place.
I am proud to call this area home and strive to help our community wherever possible. The desire to look for where I can help was cemented from my time serving an LDS mission in Mongolia. I saw a need in our legislature for diverse backgrounds and decided to offer my expertise.
I’ve encountered many intricately complex systems throughout my time as a Software Engineering Manager and know the frustration of dealing with systems that are weighed down by bureaucracy and bandage solutions. I focus on simplifying and streamlining those systems to enhance efficiency and functionality. This role has honed my skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership, all of which I am ready to use to serve Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forward Party
The Forward Party was formed in 2022 by a former Democrats, Republicans and Independents who were dissatisfied with the state of politics in the US and have a shared vision that fixing the issues would only be possible outside of the two major parties. Forward is focusing on building a grassroots movement in all 50 states and currently has ballot access in Utah, Colorado, South Carolina, Florida and Connecticut with the rest of the states following soon. Learn More
What are the Forward Party’s Policies
The Forward party doesn't have a litmus test or directly say what party members should believe. The party has foundational principles and expects members to research issues, listen to both sides of the argument and create solutions to resolve the problems rather than create political rhetoric. You can view the pledge every candidate takes here. This are some of our principles:
- Rule of Law, Respect for the Constitution
- Support and Strengthen Democracy
- Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility and Civic Engagement
- Treat everyone with Respect and Dignity
- Act with Ethics, Integrity and Compassion
Learn More at forwardparty.com
What is your stance on X or Y
It's not possible for me to list my stances on every issue. If you have specific questions, please reach out to me. Like the party, I believe in looking at the data and using the best ideas from whomever has them. I am open to changing my opinions when presented with new information. I am always interested in engaging in conversations about ways that we can make Utah better.
How can I show my support
Vote!
Donations are always appreciated as our funding comes from individuals like you.
If you would like to put up a yard sign or help in another way please sign-up. If you are interested in helping out with the Forward Party you can register at utahforwardparty.org
Why are Amendment A & D not being counted
The Utah Supreme courts sided with the LWV, MWEG and the UEA that sued over the language of Amendment A & D being intentionally misleading. Additionally, when adding these proposed amendments, the legislature failed to fulfill the constitutional requirements for the amendments to be legally added to the ballot. A & D will still appear on the ballot but will not counts will be given to the state.
It is still advised to vote NO on these two amendments regardless of it being counted or not.
How are you voting on the Constitutional Amendments
As the constitution is the highest law, any changes made to it should be made thoughtfully and precisely. As a living document changes should happen as required. Any proposed change would need to be convince me on why it is needed for me to vote for it.
- A. Against. This is the 3rd time it was proposed to change the income tax and each time it has been voted down by the people. It is important that Utah continues to maintain a lean and balanced budget, but the income tax was specifically set up this way to ensure education would be properly funded. Extra funds from the income tax should be going back to Education. We should look at alternative means to fund the rest of the budget.
- B. For. This amendment is a limited scope change with no foreseeable negative consequences. Provides more funding available without draining the funds.
- C. Against. I don't see any pressing argument why this needs to be in the constitution vs a law. Personally, I believe the Counties should decide how their Sheriff is appointed not the State.
- D. Against. It is important that the legislature has the ability to modify laws, it is also important that the vote of the people of Utah is not invalidated. Thankful the Utah Supreme court has said that legislature can make changes to ballot initiatives as long it does not gut the initiatives itself. You can read the court decision here
Issues
Education
From our pioneer beginings to today, Utahns have always prioritzed education. Thanks to the tireless investments of teachers and our communities, Utah is one of the most educated states in the country.
Adequate Funding
School funding comes primarily from property taxes and the state income tax. We need to ensure that education funding doesn’t go away with tax rate decreases and look at other ways we can increase funding for education.
Challenging Curriculum
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We need to ensure that child of all capacities are challenged to grow and learn.
Support For Educators
Educators are hard working professional that work tirelessly to provide a quality education to our children. The classroom is not a political battleground.
Utah Values
Faith
With our strong religious heritage, We understand the importance of freedom to worship according to the dictates of our consciences.
Community
With strong desire to help our neighbors and volunteer in our communities . We want to make sure our communities are safe places for individuals to interact and share experiences.
Self-Determination
Housing
With the cost of housing doubling in the last decade many Utahn find home ownership out of reach. We need to ensure that Utah is and remains an affordable place for our famlies.
Increase Housing Supply
Because of the 2008 housing crisis, Utah has not been building enough homes to keep up the increased demand. Promote the building of affordable homes along Wasatch Front.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Working with cities we can make it easier to have more accessory dwelling and enable sub-leasing which will make renting cheaper and alleviate some of the housing demand.
Diverse Housing Options
When building communities its important to have a range of housing options so that family can get started with the first homes and move into larger homes as their families expand. It also balances our neighbors with more established household with new ones.
Prosperity
Utah’s economy continues to grow with our unique culture of hard work, dedication to individual and collective success and family values.
Quality Jobs
Ensure Utahns have access to quality jobs that have competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, and support a healthy work-life balance.
Entrepreneurship
Utah brings life to the American Dream when it supports small business and entrepreneurs. We need policies that streamline business creation and support local business. These business enrich our state and make it more enjoyable to live here.
Government by the People
Our leaders are elected to represent all of their constituents. They should care more about good policies then scoring political points or consolidating more power for themselves.
Eliminate Spoiler Effect
Using Ranked Choice and Approval Voting methods. Voters can elect the best candidate regardless of party without worrying the about throwing away their vote.
Non Partisan Primaries
Increase voter participation by allowing voters regardless of party to participate in primaries. Parties no longer need to worry about party hopping and can focus on their platform and building excellent candidates.
Independent Redistricting
People should choose their representatives and districts map should be fairly draw by an independent board. The State legislature are actively attempting to dismantle ballot initiatives to prevent independent district maps. The Utah Supreme Court has upheld Utahns have the right to “alter or reform their government” and that the legislature overstepped their bounds.
Technology
“We have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions and godlike technology” — Edward Wilson. It is our responsibility to ensure technology is used for the benefit of Humanity
Privacy
Personal data about ourselves, images, and things we create should be respected and protected from use by governments, artificial intelligence and corporations without our consent or a court order.
Right to Repair
It is unsustainable to replace our appliances and electronic device every few years because of the cost of difficulty in repairing these devices. We should own the products we buy and be able to fix and maintain without them being vendor locked.
Online Safety
Social media and other media online can be used for great good in our society, but has also helped to divide our communities. Social media companies need to be transparent and accountable for their content algorithms. We need to protect ourselves from foreign actors influencing us and protect and safeguard harmful content from our youth.
Principles of Democracy
as stated by Sharon McMahon @sharondaysso
Fair and Free Elections with the Peaceful Transfer of Power
All who are eligible to vote are given access to the ballot without intimidation or discrimination. Elections are conducted transparently. The loser of the election accepts the results and steps aside.
Equality of Persons & Rule of Law
We are a nation of laws, not a nation of men, This means our legal system is not governed by what one leader says, but by the law. This means that all citizens are equal and the law applies equally to everyone, including leaders.
Consent of the Governed and Limited Government
We are a nation by the people and for the people. The power of the government is derived from the people and what the government has the power to do is restricted by law.
Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers
Power is seperated into branches at the National, State and local levels. Each branch has the right and duty to limit the power of the others.
Protection of Civil Rights
Civil rights are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution and federal law. These include the right to vote, the right to be free from discrimination, and more.