Utah Policy regularly profiles policymakers from across the state. In this edition we profile Utah Representative Acton, Republican, District 43.
Occupation: Writer.
Education: B.A., English
Growing up: All over the Kansas City area.
Fond memory: Coin flip victory at my special election in 2017, followed by general election victory in 2018.
Childhood ambition: To be a veterinarian.
Family: Happily married with two sons and two daughters, all adults, born in three decades and two millennia.
Why politics: Politics is the intersection of two of my lifelong interests: current events and history.
My perfect day: Road trip adventure day with my family discovering a beautiful place.
Hobbies: Writing, reading, researching, photography, travel, current events.
First job: Summer internship at an Army post in Arizona
Current motivations: Promoting human flourishing in a free state and country.
Lesson taught me by my mother: Respect everyone, including yourself.
Hottest issues I’m watching: Civil unrest, anti-police sentiments, COVID recovery.
Biggest challenge in public life: Seeing myself on television, on a billboard, mailers, etc.
Biggest accomplishment: Raising four kind-hearted, smart, talented, funny, interesting children.
Proudest moment: Passing HB136 Abortion Amendments (2019) into law after compiling my own arguments and overcoming many obstacles.
My philosophy of government: Government should provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. Government should hum in the background of our lives, like an operating system on a computer, always facilitating our progress but never obstructing it.
Why my political party: Republicans believe in equality of opportunity, not outcome; in personal responsibility, not mandates; and in individuals and families, not the collective.
Personal motto: Love is the answer. What was the question?
Inspiration: Margaret Thatcher.
Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
My district is cool because: It’s full of hardworking individuals and families who look out for each other.
I like serving in the Legislature because: It’s like having a temporary superpower vested in me by the people of my district to make Utah even better.
Running for political office is: More time-consuming than anyone would imagine, but also very rewarding because I have the opportunity to meet more of the people I serve.
Historical figure I’d like to take to lunch: John Adams.
Favorite pet: Dogs! Especially my golden retriever puppy, Daphne.
My priorities for 2021 session: Physical and economic recovery from COVID for individuals, families, and businesses.
