Utah Policy regularly profiles policymakers from across the state. In this edition we profile Utah Representative Dunnigan, Republican, District 39.
Occupation: Small business owner, insurance agency.
Education: B.S. Business Management, U of U.
Growing up: Millcreek area, graduated from Cottonwood High School.
Fond memory: Feeding baby animals that my dad would bring home.
Childhood ambition: Astronomer.
Family: Wonderful wife, 2 kids, 6 cute grandkids.
Why politics: To make our part of the world as good as it can be; to make Utah a great state to live in, raise a family, work and recreate.
My perfect day: Spending time with my entire family doing something involving ice cream.
Hobbies: Camping, competitive volleyball, exploring red rock Utah.
First job: Doing cleanup at Mits Produce farm market, 50 cents per hour.
Current motivations: My grandkids motivate me to provide good educational opportunities, clean air and future employment options.
Lesson taught me by my mother: Have faith, be honest.
Hottest issues I’m watching: COVID, education processes and funding, transportation needs, minimizing taxation.
Biggest challenge in public life: Representing a swing district where constituents have a wide variety of beliefs.
Biggest accomplishment: My family.
Proudest moment: Convincing my wife to marry me.
My philosophy of government: Minimal regulation, help those in need, provide opportunities for all to succeed.
Why my political party: My dad was a union Democrat, my mom was a Republican. I am grateful to pull out the best from both parties.
Playlist: Neil Diamond, Shania Twain.
Personal motto: People over politics.
Inspiration: My dad, who worked as a union electrician for 40 years. He taught me to work hard and build things that would last.
Retreat: Kauai.
Favorite book: Lord of the Rings.
Indulgence, guilty pleasure: Ice cream.
I admire most in the world: My dad.
My district is cool because: People volunteer enormous hours to make our community better and to help others.
I like serving in the Legislature because: I like having a voice in establishing policy for our state. Utah is consistently named as one of the best managed states in the nation and I like doing my part to make that happen.
Running for political office is: Rewarding and challenging.
Historical figure I’d like to take to lunch: George Washington.
Sports team: U of U football.
Favorite pet: Puddles (rabbit).
My desk is: Manageable.
Biggest issues ahead in 2021 session: Economy, jobs, healthcare.
My priorities for 2021 session: Getting our economy going, providing a safety net for those that need help.
