Here are a few things we talked about at the April 7, 2013, debate:
What makes you the better candidate?
I have experience with all the duties of the secretary. I have assisted with auditing delegate lists, drafting and printing meeting materials, stuffing convention packets, credentialing, scheduling venues and recruiting high school students.
As UCRP Education Officer I have demonstrated my ability to communicate effectively with the delegates.
I have taken minutes for the Steering Committee, Executive Committee, and Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
I have served on event committees and volunteered as I saw needs, even when I wasn't on a committee.
I am currently serving on the Steering Committee and have been a driving force for getting the work of the party done.
What would you do if the delegates elected someone you didn't like?
I would support the will of the delegates.
What is your idea of a perfect candidate?
My perfect candidate would:
I think a perfect political party would:
As your secretary, I will continue to promote the caucus system; improve communication and transparency; keep delegates informed; and set a positive, workable tone. I will keep delegate lists up to date because they are the means of communication and the foundation of our campaigns; I will keep accurate minutes so that we have history to share with future leaders; I will encourage the party to improve its presence in the community.
Lawsuit against SB54: I am actively involved in promoting the lawsuit and am following it closely. I have worked hard to protect the caucus system and make it more inclusive and efficient. I would love to see SB54 (Count My Vote's alternate track system) overturned.
Currently, however, SB 54 is law.
As a party we need to be prepared to handle the outcome of the lawsuit, regardless of what it is. We need to think through scenarios and be prepared to educate delegates and candidates on how to proceed. We need to explore ways to remain relevant as a party, to keep the voice of the grassroots alive and active.
Questions asked by a Precinct Chair
Why are you running for the position that you are?
I have seen the importance of accurate delegate lists, advance planning, good minutes, and effective communication. I have learned a lot from observations I have made over the years. A good secretary is critical to the effective operation of the party.
How long have you been registered as a Republican?
Since I first registered to vote at age 18. (You'll have to gather clues and do the math. I'm not going to tell you how old I am. :))
If you ever registered under another affiliation/Party what was it and why did you switch?
I have never registered with any other party or as an unaffiliated.
What positions have you held as a Republican?
Precinct Chair, VC and/or delegate; State Central Committee Member (two terms 2007-2009 and 2011-2013); Legislative District 27 Education Officer; LD 27 Chair; County Education Officer, UCRP Secretary. Please see my website for more details: kristenchevrier.weebly.com
How many Central Committee meetings have you attended in the last 2 years?
I missed one because I was at Disney World with my family. People who know me will tell you that I schedule my life around meetings. I try to never miss. Once in a rare while it is unavoidable.
How would you define the Republican Party in Utah County?
A group of people with a wide range of opinions, most of whom consider themselves conservatives. :)
Which Republican are you?
Constitutional, leaning slightly libertarian, with a lower case "L."
In the last Convention who did you vote for in the County Commissioners races? House?
Bill Lee and Greg Graves; Mike Kennedy
In the upcoming Presidential race who are you wanting to run?
I'm leaning toward Ted Cruz.
What are the best and worst things happening with the Republican Party in Utah County? In Utah? In the US?
Worst in UCRP: Too much focus on individuals and too little on principles and issues, effective operations, and community outreach.
Best in UCRP: Things are looking up. More people seem to be getting interested and involved. We have a lot more transparency and communication in the party now than we did 15 years ago.
Worst in Utah and Nationally: Too much capitulation to the federal government and too little backbone to stand up for the rights of the states and of individuals. Lack of understanding and implementation of the Constitution.
Best in Utah and Nationally: Lots of good people are getting involved in the process on many levels.
How do you see the future of the party and the caucus if SB54 stands?
If SB54 stands the caucus system will be deeply compromised and the voice of the grassroots will be stifled. We will have to find ways to remain relevant as a party and viable as a voice. I have been working closely with State Central Committee members and in contact with the State Party to streamline the caucuses, to make them more inclusive and effective, and to prepare for either outcome on the lawsuit.
What is most important to you in the Republican Platform?
The most important thing to me is the underlying philosophy of individual choice and accountability. I think the best governance is local governance that can be directly impacted by the people being governed.
What changes to the bylaws would you like to make?
I do not think we should make any changes right now. We need wait for a decision on the lawsuit and while we wait we need to focus on engaging the grassroots more effectively in furthering the principles in the Constitution and our platform.
What will be your main priority as a party leader?
As secretary, my main focus will be keeping the party machine running smoothly and effectively so that we can become a better vehicle for furthering the principles of good government.
What is your strongest and weakest characteristics?
Strongest: I have a lot of energy and passion for getting information out to people and involving them in the process. I can get along with anyone and work effectively with anyone who is willing to get in and work.
Weakest: I have a hard time saying no to something I think is important. I could use a good housekeeper. :)
What makes you the better candidate?
I have experience with all the duties of the secretary. I have assisted with auditing delegate lists, drafting and printing meeting materials, stuffing convention packets, credentialing, scheduling venues and recruiting high school students.
As UCRP Education Officer I have demonstrated my ability to communicate effectively with the delegates.
I have taken minutes for the Steering Committee, Executive Committee, and Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
I have served on event committees and volunteered as I saw needs, even when I wasn't on a committee.
I am currently serving on the Steering Committee and have been a driving force for getting the work of the party done.
What would you do if the delegates elected someone you didn't like?
I would support the will of the delegates.
What is your idea of a perfect candidate?
My perfect candidate would:
- champion the caucus/convention system
- be respectful of different perspectives, while basing decisions on the principles in the Constitution and the guidelines in our platform
- stay in close contact with constituents, keeping them apprised of pending legislation and addressing their concerns
I think a perfect political party would:
- have a platform that aligns with the U.S. Constitution
- have clear, concise, effective bylaws that provide a foundation for party operations and require minimal adjustment
- be transparent in all party operations and provide a level playing field for all who wish to serve
- actively promote the caucus system as the best mechanism for grassroots involvement in the process
- educate the community on their platform
- have leaders who set a positive, issue-oriented, proactive tone
- have effective means of communication between delegates and party leaders; delegates and elected officials; leadership and elected officials; and among the delegates
- recruit more members, young and old, teach them how to be effectively involved in the entire process—from caucus night to the legislative session.
- provide direction from delegates to partisan elected officials in the form of resolutions
- run effective campaigns to elect people who would move the principles embodied in the Constitution and their platform into law
- I helped draft proposals to improve the UCRP and URP Platforms, Constitutions and Bylaws and worked to keep the platforms in line with the principles in the U.S. Constitution.
- I was promoting the caucus system before promoting the caucus system was cool. :)
- I have been very active both with Keep Our Caucus and coordinating efforts with Protect Our Neighborhood Caucus. Some examples: I did research for the Caucus Booklet; I organized a presence on three college campuses to help educate students and gather signature removal forms; I helped draft proposals to streamline caucus night to help make it more efficient and inclusive.
- I have always promoted open communication, transparency, and fairness.
- I continually educate people in and outside of the party on the caucus system; the Constitution; our platform; and the process, from beginning to end.
- I recruit, and many who are now active in the process would tell you that I was the one who motivated and educated them.
- As education officer I communicate with and train the delegates and leadership.
- I have been deeply involved in numerous campaigns for great candidates over the years. We have some things to work on as a party, but there are a lot of things our party does right. We need to keep the positive and work to improve the rest.
As your secretary, I will continue to promote the caucus system; improve communication and transparency; keep delegates informed; and set a positive, workable tone. I will keep delegate lists up to date because they are the means of communication and the foundation of our campaigns; I will keep accurate minutes so that we have history to share with future leaders; I will encourage the party to improve its presence in the community.
Lawsuit against SB54: I am actively involved in promoting the lawsuit and am following it closely. I have worked hard to protect the caucus system and make it more inclusive and efficient. I would love to see SB54 (Count My Vote's alternate track system) overturned.
Currently, however, SB 54 is law.
As a party we need to be prepared to handle the outcome of the lawsuit, regardless of what it is. We need to think through scenarios and be prepared to educate delegates and candidates on how to proceed. We need to explore ways to remain relevant as a party, to keep the voice of the grassroots alive and active.
Questions asked by a Precinct Chair
Why are you running for the position that you are?
I have seen the importance of accurate delegate lists, advance planning, good minutes, and effective communication. I have learned a lot from observations I have made over the years. A good secretary is critical to the effective operation of the party.
How long have you been registered as a Republican?
Since I first registered to vote at age 18. (You'll have to gather clues and do the math. I'm not going to tell you how old I am. :))
If you ever registered under another affiliation/Party what was it and why did you switch?
I have never registered with any other party or as an unaffiliated.
What positions have you held as a Republican?
Precinct Chair, VC and/or delegate; State Central Committee Member (two terms 2007-2009 and 2011-2013); Legislative District 27 Education Officer; LD 27 Chair; County Education Officer, UCRP Secretary. Please see my website for more details: kristenchevrier.weebly.com
How many Central Committee meetings have you attended in the last 2 years?
I missed one because I was at Disney World with my family. People who know me will tell you that I schedule my life around meetings. I try to never miss. Once in a rare while it is unavoidable.
How would you define the Republican Party in Utah County?
A group of people with a wide range of opinions, most of whom consider themselves conservatives. :)
Which Republican are you?
Constitutional, leaning slightly libertarian, with a lower case "L."
In the last Convention who did you vote for in the County Commissioners races? House?
Bill Lee and Greg Graves; Mike Kennedy
In the upcoming Presidential race who are you wanting to run?
I'm leaning toward Ted Cruz.
What are the best and worst things happening with the Republican Party in Utah County? In Utah? In the US?
Worst in UCRP: Too much focus on individuals and too little on principles and issues, effective operations, and community outreach.
Best in UCRP: Things are looking up. More people seem to be getting interested and involved. We have a lot more transparency and communication in the party now than we did 15 years ago.
Worst in Utah and Nationally: Too much capitulation to the federal government and too little backbone to stand up for the rights of the states and of individuals. Lack of understanding and implementation of the Constitution.
Best in Utah and Nationally: Lots of good people are getting involved in the process on many levels.
How do you see the future of the party and the caucus if SB54 stands?
If SB54 stands the caucus system will be deeply compromised and the voice of the grassroots will be stifled. We will have to find ways to remain relevant as a party and viable as a voice. I have been working closely with State Central Committee members and in contact with the State Party to streamline the caucuses, to make them more inclusive and effective, and to prepare for either outcome on the lawsuit.
What is most important to you in the Republican Platform?
The most important thing to me is the underlying philosophy of individual choice and accountability. I think the best governance is local governance that can be directly impacted by the people being governed.
What changes to the bylaws would you like to make?
I do not think we should make any changes right now. We need wait for a decision on the lawsuit and while we wait we need to focus on engaging the grassroots more effectively in furthering the principles in the Constitution and our platform.
What will be your main priority as a party leader?
As secretary, my main focus will be keeping the party machine running smoothly and effectively so that we can become a better vehicle for furthering the principles of good government.
What is your strongest and weakest characteristics?
Strongest: I have a lot of energy and passion for getting information out to people and involving them in the process. I can get along with anyone and work effectively with anyone who is willing to get in and work.
Weakest: I have a hard time saying no to something I think is important. I could use a good housekeeper. :)