I talked with Rep. Pierucci yesterday about some of the big bills she has been working on, including exempting military retirement pay from being taxed and putting guardrails on no-bid contracts during an emergency.
Take a minute to get to know her better:
Name:
Candice B. Pierucci
What is your occupation?
Adjunct professor, research associate
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s in Political Science with an emphasis in American Government (UVU); Master’s in Public Administration (U of U)
Where did you grow up?
My family moved from Provo to Herriman when I was 10. I grew up in Herriman, attended Herriman Elementary, South Hills Middle, Fort Herriman Middle and Riverton High School
What was your childhood ambition?
In elementary school I wanted to be a hair stylist, in middle school, a professor, and in high school, a lawyer.
What is the makeup of your family?
My husband and I have been married five years and have an adorable 19 month-old little boy. I am the oldest child of four and have two brothers and one sister.
Why politics?
I really enjoyed learning about history in middle school and since high school, I have enjoyed following politics and the policy making process. While a senior in high school I had the unique opportunity to intern up at the Capitol during the legislative session, I remember watching votes on the house floor thinking this is how I wanted to make a difference. In college I was chair of UVU’s College Republicans and Vice Chair of the State College Republicans and helped with presidential, congressional, and local campaigns. There is a saying, “decisions are made by those who show up.” Politicking is integral to the American process, and civic engagement is critical to making a difference and having a voice in our communities.
Describe your perfect day:
My perfect day would be at Disneyland with my family. We’d take my little boy to Cars Land, eat lunch on Pixar Pier, and spend the evening in the Magic Kingdom watching a parade while eating their street car corn-on-the cob and enjoying the fireworks with hot chocolate and a funnel cake.
What are your hobbies?
I love baking, particularly cakes and cupcakes. I enjoy traveling, baseball, going to the movies, and all things Disney.
What was your first job?
I worked in retail at a clothing store for tween girls.
What lessons were taught to you by your mother?
My Mom taught me:
- Don’t mix your plaids and patterns in the clothes you wear. (My Mom started going to school for fashion merchandising in college.)
- Cool your French fries off using your AC vents in your car.
- To always be kind and give people grace. Whenever we were at the grocery store, library or park, my Mom always managed to find the mom’s who needed a hand with their little kids. She would have an extra succor in her purse to calm a crying toddler and it wasn’t out of the ordinary for her to help other mom’s out to their car with their kids.
- To think of others. Growing up, about once a week there was always an extra roast or casserole in the oven for dinner for a family in our neighborhood. She taught by example and was always looking out for others. I remember one experience in particular, we were shopping for an Easter dress and the family in front of us and misread the sale sign and thought the dress their daughter had picked out was less than it actually was. As the Dad tried to explain to his daughter they couldn’t afford it, my Mom walked up and paid for the dress and wished them a happy Easter. She is the most selfless person I know.
- How to make childhood magical and fun. My Mom went to great lengths to make us feel special growing up. At Christmas, she would shave carrots out on the snowy porch, write letters back from Santa, and leave Chocolate Santas under our pillows so we knew when Santa had come.
Hottest issues you’re watching:
Emergency powers of the executive branch and education funding
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My little boy/my family.
What time does your alarm clock go off?
My little boy is my alarm clock.
What is your philosophy of government:
I believe in limited government and community-driven solutions.
Why are you Republican?
Like Arthur Brooks, I believe that conservatism is the compassionate approach. As a conservative, I believe in the dignity of work, the value of community, entrepreneurship, freedom and families. Now is the time for our party to demonstrate that the principles of conservatism are the best way to empower I individuals and uplift communities.
What songs are on your favorite playlist?
Happy Man by Thomas Rhett, She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5, Where the Green Grass Grows by Tim McGraw, Perfect by Emma Blackery, Lover by Taylor Swift, Centuries by Fall Out Boy
Who is your inspiration?
Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Becky Lockhart, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emmeline B. Wells
What is your favorite book?
The Churchill Factor, The First Family: Abigal & John Adams, Star Girl, The Children of the Promise Series
What is your indulgence or guilty pleasure?
Bacon cheese burgers, chocolate caramel dipped pretzels, rocky road ice cream
A historical figure you would like to take to lunch:
Amelia Earhart, Susan B. Anthony or John Adams
My priorities for the 2021 session?
Increasing transparency and accountability in the emergency purchasing powers, exempting military retirement pay from the income tax, improving resources for victims of domestic violence, empowering cities in the land-use decision making process.
