Steven Burt, an independent, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah's 4th Congressional District. The general election is Nov. 3.

Other candidates in the race are Jonny Larsen (Democratic), Mike Kennedy (Republican) and Taylor Wright (Libertarian).

Asked why he is running, Burt said in our candidate questionnaire: "My decision started with a conversation with my 19 year old son. He challenged me to run … based on his concerns about the direction of the country. His generation is losing hope in the American Dream, and it's up to those of us who have lived it to ensure we pass on the same opportunities to the next generation."

He added: "I grew up in District 4 (Glenmoor in South Jordan), and still live here (Daybreak in South Jordan) … And I'm the only candidate in the race that lives in District 4."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Burt said: "Unaffiliated, just like approximately 29% of my neighbors in District 4. Unaffiliated is the fastest growing party identification in Utah."

Family: Burt said: "My wife, Dr. Becky Burt (DNP) is a Nurse Practitioner. I have two sons who are 20 and 17 years old."

Education: Burt said: "BA in Political Science from Brigham Young University. Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah." His Ballard Spahr profile lists a bachelor's degree in 2003 and a law degree in 2007.

Experience and public service

Burt described his background in our questionnaire: "I am an attorney, practicing since 2007. I worked for the Ballard Spahr law firm for 9 years, and then for solar companies for 9 years (including one year running my own law firm), and returned to private practice with Ballard Spahr."

He added: "As part of my legal practice, I have done a lot of pro bono work, and won the Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award."

This is his first campaign. Burt said: "I currently serve on the board of the Special Olympics of Utah. This is my first time running for elected public office."

On the issues

Top priority — artificial intelligence: Burt said: "Congress must stop acting powerless as it relates to regulation of artificial intelligence. I would support a comprehensive review of the good work that states have done already, including the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, and prioritize aggressive federal legislation that creates a pro-human, safety-focused regulatory regime."

Affordability and cost of living: Burt said: "Nothing has impacted affordability more than the disastrous decision to start a war in Iran, and the congressional cowardice that followed it. Second, we must address skyrocketing housing costs through policy that encourages local governments to reform zoning laws, government programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and developing public housing."

Immigration: Burt said: "Congress needs to enact comprehensive immigration reform that strikes the appropriate balance between securing the border and providing an orderly, fair, and strategically beneificial way to welcome immigrants into our country. Working to pass bipartisan immigration legislation such as the DIGNITY Act, and legislation to rein in ICE such as HB 7870, would be top priorities for me."

Federal spending and debt: Burt said: "Specifically, Congress should end deficit spending and enact legislation requiring a balanced budget."

Energy: Burt said he supports an "all of the above" strategy that "prioritizes renewables (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal) due to the environmental benefits, speed to deploy, and low (or no) fuel cost, without discounting other fuel sources such as nuclear and natural gas."

National security: Burt said: "The war in Iran should end. Period. It was ill-conceived, has been prosecuted in a haphazard manner, and our continued involvement has no discernible goals or exit strategy."

Responses were collected through the Sandy Herald's candidate questionnaire, distributed by Surround Sound News. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.