3rd Debate Highlights AI, Housing Solutions

Published Date::18/10/2024

In a relatively calm 3rd Congressional District debate, Republican state Sen. Mike Kennedy and Democrat Glenn Wright sparred over their qualifications and stances on key issues like artificial intelligence and housing affordability.

In a relatively calm 3rd Congressional District debate, Republican state Sen. Mike Kennedy and Democrat Glenn Wright engaged in a discussion that highlighted their differing approaches to pressing issues such as artificial intelligence and affordable housing. The debate took place at Brigham Young University, and while Kennedy felt the race lacked energy, both candidates worked to differentiate themselves and showcase their qualifications.

Kennedy, who has served in the Utah Legislature since 2012, emphasized his experience as a doctor, lawyer, and lawmaker. He stressed his commitment to serving the people of Utah and ensuring a future of freedom and opportunity. “If you send me to Washington, D.C., I will work diligently, as I've worked my whole life, to serve you well, to make sure that our children and grandchildren have the United States of America that we all hope for—a place that has freedom and an opportunity for all,” he said.

Wright, a Summit County councilman and Vietnam veteran, focused on his ability to work collaboratively and solve problems. “We will build a country with an economy that is built for the many, not just the few, protect your freedoms, and protect and improve our environment,” he stated.

The Utah Debate Commission has emphasized civility this year, but Wright took a critical approach, questioning Kennedy’s ability to work with civility and thoughtfulness in the state legislature. “His explanation that he learned that from working in the state legislature is kind of an oxymoron. People like Sen. Kennedy are told how to vote,” Wright said. Kennedy called this “frankly insulting,” defending his experience and the importance of avoiding similar lack of civility in Washington D.C.

  Affordable Housing   

Both candidates recognized the significant challenge of affordable housing in Utah. Kennedy believes that reducing government regulations and allowing Utah to build homes on public lands through the HOUSES Act is key. “We can't build on 70% of our land,” he noted. He also proposed working to reduce tariffs on construction materials to lower costs. “We could actually resolve some of these issues, but once again, we confront the feckless nature of our Congress and the fact they can't seem to do anything right,” he added.

Wright, on the other hand, sees the issue as an “all-of-government problem” and advocates for federal funding to support affordable housing projects. “If we have cities and counties willing to zone for housing, I think what the federal government can do is target grant money for those cities and counties to help them build affordable housing,” he said. Wright believes increasing supply will help drive down costs for potential homeowners.

  Artificial Intelligence   

Both candidates acknowledged the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential impact. Kennedy emphasized the need for the U.S. to lead in the global AI arms race but cautioned against excessive government involvement. “Washington D.C. and Congress is a meat cleaver. We need a surgical scalpel,” he said. He sees AI as a valuable tool in higher education and supports regulated use to enhance learning.

Wright believes AI will significantly impact white-collar jobs while leaving blue-collar work, such as construction, relatively untouched. He stressed the need for Congress to train the education system to effectively use AI. “The more efficient we are, the more productive we are, the richer we are, both individually and as a country,” he said. Wright also expressed concerns about the potential for AI to escalate foreign conflicts and emphasized the need for strict controls.

The debate provided a platform for both candidates to present their visions and solutions, highlighting the importance of these issues in the upcoming election.

FAQS:

Q: Who are the main candidates in the 3rd Congressional District debate?

A: The main candidates in the 3rd Congressional District debate are Republican state Sen. Mike Kennedy and Democrat Glenn Wright.

Q: What key issues did the candidates discuss in the debate?

A: The candidates discussed key issues such as artificial intelligence, affordable housing, and their respective qualifications and approaches to governance.

Q: What is Kennedy's stance on affordable housing?

A: Kennedy believes in reducing government regulations and tariffs on construction materials to lower costs and supports the HOUSES Act to allow Utah to build homes on public lands.

Q: How does Wright propose to address the affordable housing crisis?

A: Wright sees the issue as an 'all-of-government problem' and advocates for federal funding to support affordable housing projects, emphasizing the need to increase supply to drive down costs.

Q: What are the candidates' views on the role of artificial intelligence?

A: Kennedy emphasizes the need for the U.S. to lead in the global AI arms race but cautions against excessive government involvement. Wright believes AI will impact white-collar jobs and stresses the need for Congress to train the education system to use AI effectively.

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