Stephen Sandstrom
Stephen Eric Sandstrom (born 1964) was a member of the Utah House of Representatives from 2007 to 2012. Born in Provo, Utah, Sandstrom is a Latter-day Saint. Sandstrom has a bachelor's degree in political science from Brigham Young University, but has largely worked in architecture. From 1993 to 2006 he served as a member of the Orem City Council. In 2006 he was elected to the Utah State Legislature.
In 2010, Sandstrom announced that he was drafting immigration legislation similar to Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB 1070.[1] He later reversed his position on unauthorized immigration and called for the passage of the DREAM Act. [2]
Early life
Stephen Sandstorm spent his early childhood in a politically active home. Instead of watching television, Stephen's parents would teach their children about American History, Politics, and the constitution. As a boy Stephen was riding his bicycle into Provo, Utah when he came across some campaign literature. He decided to help the candidate get the word out by passing out this literature. A short time later, he was awarded the boy scouts of America's eagle scout award. As a young man Stephen heard a P.O.W. speak and this influenced his desire to later join the military. At the age of 17 he merited his pilots licence. At the age of 19 he left to serve an honorable Latter-Day Saint mission. When Stephen came home from his Mission, he decided to join the military.
Adult life
After his fathers stroke, Stephen took over his fathers business and made it a success. Later he become a part of the orem city council. He is currently a member of the Utah house of representatives. When health care reform become a big issue, Stephen became the Co-founder of the Patrick Henry Caucus which is now in over 30 states across the United States. This caucus is designed to fight government over-spending.
In his career as a Utah representative, Stephen has been a strong proponent of public education and has a record of fighting against gambling and identity theft.
In 2011 Bob Lonsberry called into question the legitimacy of Sandstrom's biography during his radio show on KLO1430 AM. He noted that while technically accurate, Sandstrom's history was presented out of context in what appeared to be an attempt to enhance his resume.
Personal life
Steve is an avid outdoors-man, he is married to Jen Sandstrom and they are the parents four children.
Congressional campaign
On April 21, 2012, at the Utah Republican Convention, Sandstrom was defeated by Mia Love as nominee to run for Utah's 4th District congressional seat.
References
- ^ Condon, Stephanie (April 28, 2010). "Will Other States Follow Arizona's Lead on Immigration?". CBS News. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
- ^ {[cite news|last=Montero|first=David|title=Sandstrom Says Immigration Law He Pushed Should Be Axed.|url=http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56000222%7Caccessdate=11 June 2013|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=March 14, 2013]}