I dropped in on Station 3 with the Ogden City Fire Department this afternoon. The Captain was on duty, and I met two other station members as well. I took a tour of the building. I had a nice visit.
The building: just inside the front Bay door sits the engine, which is a loaner because their regular one is out for some undisclosed reason. It leaks water - drip, drip, drip, drip - onto the floor of the bay. It was said they need to fill it twice per day every day to make sure it is full of water for a call. The passenger seat is coming apart at the seams, and is like sitting on a wooden park bench. When strapped in with the seat belt, I was forced to sit at a 90 degree angle, with a bulge in my back - some piece of crucial equipment behind the seat.
Just at the back of the Bay is the exercise quarter - includes two elliptical-type machines, which are not adequate for keeping in top physical condition for when they have to pass their rigorous physical testing each year.
They have a nice TV on the wall in the Living Room, with comfy chairs all around. However, I was cautioned to sit down carefully, as the one I was about to sit in has a habit of tipping over backward if you lean back too much. The swamp cooler was working this day.
The Kitchen has cabinets that look like they belong in some old German Army barracks from WWII - they have no dishwasher - no AUTOMATIC dishwasher, that is. It seems that is a big concern because they are in contact with many sick people when carrying out the duties of their daily jobs.
They have female quarters, which includes separate sleeping quarters and showers - I understand it took a long time to acquire these separate quarters for the women at the station. They also have the men's quarters, with bigger sleeping quarters, and older showers. The showers and locker room areas have a distinct odor of mold and mildew - there is actually mildew visible in the corners of the tile showers. They can only afford Comet to clean with - no CLR or mold/mildew removers in the budget.
The basement - kind of scary: dark stairways, crumbling walls and definitely a musty smell. This area is used mostly for storage.
The building is of an age that when it was built, lath and plaster was the current method of forming walls - this plaster and the covering is coming off in many places that are visible, and crumbling at the base of the walls.
Interesting that they have to tolerate these working / living conditions; I say living conditions because each member of the station works a 24 hour shift - so it can be considered a second home every other day.
Also interesting is the fact that NEW firefighters who join the department receive the same pay as those who have been there a while - in other words the firefighters are not getting raises. As a consequence, the newly trained and highly desireable firefighters don't stay with the department -- they move on to departments in other cities with better benefits. Said benefits anywhere else would also include a local newspaper -- because in Ogden, they don't get the paper anymore.
Nice things were said about the current city council. Stories were told about engines breaking down on the way to or on location of a structure fire. It happens more than people realize - and the station members are of the opinion that our administration doesn't really care about any or all of these issues.
I tell you as a citizen -- after my visit to the station and hearing what they had to say, I am worried -- it is a scary situation and I just hope no big catastrophe happens downtown, because they are just flat underequipped and underfunded to handle it.
I tell you as a candidate -- I am worried, and I hope that the bond between the council and the Fire Department will continue to grow. I hope somehow we can re-prioritize things a little bit to make sure the citizens of Ogden are safe and that they feel safe.
Jennifer Neil
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Standard Examiner Questions Me on Issues
1. What is your top priority if you are elected to the council?
I will work towards becoming an essential part of the dynamic team the Council is supposed to be. The highest priority for City Government is to be a working entity, composed of two parts that communicate effectively, efficiently and with confidence. Repair the broken lines of communication is the first step in re-establishing the Public trust in City Government.
2. Is the city moving in the right direction regarding downtown revitalization, promotion of Ogden as a high adventure hub or should it take a more hands-off approach?
Promoting Ogden as a high adventure “hub” is a good idea; marketing the City as an Outdoor Mecca has been well received here and has piqued national interest. IMHO, High Adventure doesn’t necessarily mean developed indoor recreational facilities that mimic activities to be found in our own backyard. Keeping trail systems the way they are and not clear-cutting mountain sylvan areas are important in keeping with the Outdoor Vision.
Promote the surrounding ski areas, mountain camping, hiking, biking, fishing – and develop for the people that will come to utilize the Outdoor Recreation that we have been blessed with. Said development doesn’t necessarily include city-subsidized condominium complexes and high-end homes; a bustling downtown for socializing and lodging would be better.
Promotion campaigns for citizens is in order to educate and encourage our own to utilize the many things our Beautiful Valley has to offer at a low cost … hiking is free, camping requires a small fee, and you can buy a fishing license and fish all you want!
3. Given the recent dispute between the administration and the city council over the Marshall White Center, what is your opinion regarding the relationship between the two bodies and what would you do to improve that relationship?
The MWC is one in a series of communication breaches from which our Government suffers. IMHO – communication is broken, trust is lost, and lines are drawn. We need to go back to the rule book, and refresh the roles of administration and council, and act accordingly. Public trust will remain a fond memory if this is not done. I will be proactive in doing my part to make this happen.
I will work towards becoming an essential part of the dynamic team the Council is supposed to be. The highest priority for City Government is to be a working entity, composed of two parts that communicate effectively, efficiently and with confidence. Repair the broken lines of communication is the first step in re-establishing the Public trust in City Government.
2. Is the city moving in the right direction regarding downtown revitalization, promotion of Ogden as a high adventure hub or should it take a more hands-off approach?
Promoting Ogden as a high adventure “hub” is a good idea; marketing the City as an Outdoor Mecca has been well received here and has piqued national interest. IMHO, High Adventure doesn’t necessarily mean developed indoor recreational facilities that mimic activities to be found in our own backyard. Keeping trail systems the way they are and not clear-cutting mountain sylvan areas are important in keeping with the Outdoor Vision.
Promote the surrounding ski areas, mountain camping, hiking, biking, fishing – and develop for the people that will come to utilize the Outdoor Recreation that we have been blessed with. Said development doesn’t necessarily include city-subsidized condominium complexes and high-end homes; a bustling downtown for socializing and lodging would be better.
Promotion campaigns for citizens is in order to educate and encourage our own to utilize the many things our Beautiful Valley has to offer at a low cost … hiking is free, camping requires a small fee, and you can buy a fishing license and fish all you want!
3. Given the recent dispute between the administration and the city council over the Marshall White Center, what is your opinion regarding the relationship between the two bodies and what would you do to improve that relationship?
The MWC is one in a series of communication breaches from which our Government suffers. IMHO – communication is broken, trust is lost, and lines are drawn. We need to go back to the rule book, and refresh the roles of administration and council, and act accordingly. Public trust will remain a fond memory if this is not done. I will be proactive in doing my part to make this happen.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Trails, Golf Courses and Open Spaces
An issue that concerns me is the ongoing debate about revamping the Mount Ogden Golf Course -- it is losing money, so they say it needs more money pumped into it for improvements that may or may not improve revenues. For a City owned golf course, is it really supposed to be a highly profitable public entity? It is run by the City for the use of its Citizens, and visitors who enjoy the links. I personally am not a golfer, but have heard many anectdotes of praise for the quality of the course, both in challenge and location. To put millions of taxpayers' $$$ into a complete and total makeover doesn't seem to make much sense in the current economic situation; namely - the $300K per year it is purportedly losing each year will be increased by the debt incurred to fix it up, not to mention the downtime during construction. Said downtime = $0 total revenue + $$$ expenses.
This is an issue that needs to be scrutinized and analyzed more carefully before putting more tax dollars on the line. Segue this into the surrounding trail network that has been in place for years, and is used by many throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall months for outdoor recreation, exercise and meditation on our blessed natural beauty that is a great draw for Ogden. Remodeling the golf course would affect the trail network, possibly putting some out of commission and eliminating the connective network by re-routing/building trails to accomodate the golf course construction.
The open spaces surrounding the golf course area and also in the areas above the Weber State University are loved by many, used by many, and will be missed by all if they are developed with a golf course do-over and possible new condominiums -- where then would be the draw? Would the trail hikers and bikers want to use trails that wind through sprawling neighborhoods of condominium buildings that block the view both above and below the trail? The current trail network above Ogden cannot be reclaimed if the golf course and/or condominium developments fail -- once cleared and gone, they are gone.
I will work hard to understand the underlying reasons for the proposed development over the open space and our beautiful trail network, and work to formulate alternatives to the present burning desire to develop everything in sight -- the City has plenty to worry about with the existing empty and unused buildings - both commercial and residential.
Jennifer Neil
This is an issue that needs to be scrutinized and analyzed more carefully before putting more tax dollars on the line. Segue this into the surrounding trail network that has been in place for years, and is used by many throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall months for outdoor recreation, exercise and meditation on our blessed natural beauty that is a great draw for Ogden. Remodeling the golf course would affect the trail network, possibly putting some out of commission and eliminating the connective network by re-routing/building trails to accomodate the golf course construction.
The open spaces surrounding the golf course area and also in the areas above the Weber State University are loved by many, used by many, and will be missed by all if they are developed with a golf course do-over and possible new condominiums -- where then would be the draw? Would the trail hikers and bikers want to use trails that wind through sprawling neighborhoods of condominium buildings that block the view both above and below the trail? The current trail network above Ogden cannot be reclaimed if the golf course and/or condominium developments fail -- once cleared and gone, they are gone.
I will work hard to understand the underlying reasons for the proposed development over the open space and our beautiful trail network, and work to formulate alternatives to the present burning desire to develop everything in sight -- the City has plenty to worry about with the existing empty and unused buildings - both commercial and residential.
Jennifer Neil
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Downtown Business
I was recently asked questions by a concerned citizen (and old friend) concerning development in downtown Ogden, in particular Historic 25th Street.
I regret to say I may have been caught on the spot and a bit flummoxed with all the direct questions. But I appreciate and welcome the dialogue. I know now there is a lot of work to be done to understand the workings of inner city development, the small business entrepeneur's role in this development and to what extent City Government should be involved in this development.
Historic 25th Street has seen much growth in recent years, and it is exciting to see old historic buildings restored and opened with businesses that people enjoy visiting. The Street has a colorful history going back to the early days of the railroad boom. Many famous and infamous people visited this area of Ogden during its early years and left behind many interesting tales to be told. These tales add to the current ambience of the District.
I understand the vision of keeping the Historic feel and consistency to the Street in a manner that will be compatible with all the business owners and clients along the District. I will work hard to keep an open dialogue with the Historic Street's business owner's association and to understand their vision as well as the City Government's role in that vision. With a little work, a trusted and working relationship can be built that will satisfy the overall vision for the city and for the Historic District as well.
Jennifer Neil
I regret to say I may have been caught on the spot and a bit flummoxed with all the direct questions. But I appreciate and welcome the dialogue. I know now there is a lot of work to be done to understand the workings of inner city development, the small business entrepeneur's role in this development and to what extent City Government should be involved in this development.
Historic 25th Street has seen much growth in recent years, and it is exciting to see old historic buildings restored and opened with businesses that people enjoy visiting. The Street has a colorful history going back to the early days of the railroad boom. Many famous and infamous people visited this area of Ogden during its early years and left behind many interesting tales to be told. These tales add to the current ambience of the District.
I understand the vision of keeping the Historic feel and consistency to the Street in a manner that will be compatible with all the business owners and clients along the District. I will work hard to keep an open dialogue with the Historic Street's business owner's association and to understand their vision as well as the City Government's role in that vision. With a little work, a trusted and working relationship can be built that will satisfy the overall vision for the city and for the Historic District as well.
Jennifer Neil
Police and Fire Safety
Ogden has a recent history of noteworthy shortcomings where the Police Department and Fire Department are concerned.
Seems police department budgets aren't adequate enough for our officers to get annual raises, necessary training on a regular basis and other upgrades or improvements to keep them on top of their game when it comes to keeping crime down in the city.
We are also seeing Fire Department budget shortfalls that prevent routine building fixes and outdated equipment replacement on a necessary regular basis. This is a major concern when it comes to responding to calls.
The citizens depend on the Police and Fire Departments to keep them safe and I believe their current budget situation needs a serious looking over to ensure the citizens can trust to be safe in their City.
I will work hard to understand the City's budgeting priorities when it comes to these entities. I will work hard to re-establish a good working relationship with the Police and Fire Departments and do my part to raise citizen confidence levels in regards to safety in Ogden.
Jennifer Neil
Seems police department budgets aren't adequate enough for our officers to get annual raises, necessary training on a regular basis and other upgrades or improvements to keep them on top of their game when it comes to keeping crime down in the city.
We are also seeing Fire Department budget shortfalls that prevent routine building fixes and outdated equipment replacement on a necessary regular basis. This is a major concern when it comes to responding to calls.
The citizens depend on the Police and Fire Departments to keep them safe and I believe their current budget situation needs a serious looking over to ensure the citizens can trust to be safe in their City.
I will work hard to understand the City's budgeting priorities when it comes to these entities. I will work hard to re-establish a good working relationship with the Police and Fire Departments and do my part to raise citizen confidence levels in regards to safety in Ogden.
Jennifer Neil
Friday, August 7, 2009
Blight versus Beauty
Blight and degradation in neighborhoods is a HUGE concern. Too many buildings downtown in highly visible areas, and too many abandoned homes in neighborhoods is just not acceptable. Enforcement of codes pertaining to such properties needs to be fairly enacted, and action needs to be taken in a timely manner. Leaving properties to decay for years with nothing being done is dangerous for the people in the affected neighborhoods; it invites crime (i.e. arson, squatting, etc.) and deteriorates the value of the existing homes and properties in the area, along with discouraging travel to destinations that might require driving through the affected areas.
There are many historic and beautiful areas of our city that have been preserved or resurrected - and this adds to the draw as a destination city. However, with the increasing decay and blight surrounding these areas, is there an equitable balance? Focus has been on Historic 25th Street and in a few blocks located at the Junction. There are five freeway entrances into the city, and many routes for people to take in getting to the main city destination points; their journey experience should be as enjoyable as the destination experience.
There are many historic and beautiful areas of our city that have been preserved or resurrected - and this adds to the draw as a destination city. However, with the increasing decay and blight surrounding these areas, is there an equitable balance? Focus has been on Historic 25th Street and in a few blocks located at the Junction. There are five freeway entrances into the city, and many routes for people to take in getting to the main city destination points; their journey experience should be as enjoyable as the destination experience.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Infrastructure and Community Services
I am concerned about infrastructure and the need for more permanent fixes and upgrades, instead of the application of band-aids to fix problems that will most certainly recur without the necessary upgrades.
Our city is an important growing, developing and burgeoning area and the infrastructure needs to keep up with (at least) or keep one step ahead of the growth. City funds should be sensibly allocated and spent on areas of priority, according to citizen and neighborhood needs.
I will work hard to fully understand the priorities and needs of the city as a whole, considering neighborhoods as well as developing business area – and do my part to see that monies are allocated fairly and adequately to cover all needs.
Blight and degradation in neighborhoods is also a big concern. Too many buildings downtown in highly visible areas, and too many abandoned homes in neighborhoods is just not acceptable. Enforcement of codes pertaining to such properties needs to be fairly enforced, and action needs to be taken in a timely manner.
Leaving properties to decay for years with nothing being done is dangerous for the people in the affected neighborhoods; it invites crime (i.e. arson, squatting, etc.) and deteriorates the value of the existing homes and properties in the area, along with discouraging travel to destinations that might require driving through the affected areas.
Also of great concern is community-provided services for the disadvantaged and elderly. We have a growing population of elderly who live on fixed incomes and need places for social interaction and recreation. They have given the community their lifetimes, let us not forget them.
The inner city is full of disadvantaged kids and families who need some form community-offered services to give them alternatives to gang involvement and other anti-social activities. The children are our future - I believe we need to offer them all we can as a community, and that starts with the elected official who have effectively been granted stewardship over the people of the community - all the people.
Our city is an important growing, developing and burgeoning area and the infrastructure needs to keep up with (at least) or keep one step ahead of the growth. City funds should be sensibly allocated and spent on areas of priority, according to citizen and neighborhood needs.
I will work hard to fully understand the priorities and needs of the city as a whole, considering neighborhoods as well as developing business area – and do my part to see that monies are allocated fairly and adequately to cover all needs.
Blight and degradation in neighborhoods is also a big concern. Too many buildings downtown in highly visible areas, and too many abandoned homes in neighborhoods is just not acceptable. Enforcement of codes pertaining to such properties needs to be fairly enforced, and action needs to be taken in a timely manner.
Leaving properties to decay for years with nothing being done is dangerous for the people in the affected neighborhoods; it invites crime (i.e. arson, squatting, etc.) and deteriorates the value of the existing homes and properties in the area, along with discouraging travel to destinations that might require driving through the affected areas.
Also of great concern is community-provided services for the disadvantaged and elderly. We have a growing population of elderly who live on fixed incomes and need places for social interaction and recreation. They have given the community their lifetimes, let us not forget them.
The inner city is full of disadvantaged kids and families who need some form community-offered services to give them alternatives to gang involvement and other anti-social activities. The children are our future - I believe we need to offer them all we can as a community, and that starts with the elected official who have effectively been granted stewardship over the people of the community - all the people.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Concerns About Ogden City
I have decided to run for this office because I have lived in Ogden for 30+ years, and have recently seen a serious breakdown in communication between the elected government and the citizens who vote for them. As a result of this breakdown in communication, a lot of trust in the government has been lost.
I am concerned about regaining the citizens’ trust in its elected officials, as well as restoring a good environment of communication between the City’s governing bodies. Effective and efficient communication will aid in getting more accomplished for the good of the city, more voices heard from the city, and restoring the trust whereof I speak.
I will work hard to help restore a good system of communication within the government of Ogden City, and also to restore the citizens’ faith in our competence and response to their needs.
I am concerned about regaining the citizens’ trust in its elected officials, as well as restoring a good environment of communication between the City’s governing bodies. Effective and efficient communication will aid in getting more accomplished for the good of the city, more voices heard from the city, and restoring the trust whereof I speak.
I will work hard to help restore a good system of communication within the government of Ogden City, and also to restore the citizens’ faith in our competence and response to their needs.
Welcome!
As many of you are already aware, I've declared my candidacy for the Ogden City's At Large "B" Council Seat in the upcoming 2009 Municipal Election.
Let me introduce myself!
My name is Jennifer Neil. I am married to a wonderful man and have two wonderful children, ages 21 and 10. I have lived in Ogden for 30 years, since graduating high school. I lived in Roy before that.
I grew up in a military family, my father a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. I moved around a lot growing up, which has given me a glimpse of many different people from many different backgrounds.
I started college right out of high school, then took time out to begin a family. After a while, I had the opportunity to return to school and I finished my degree in May of 2006. I received a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics & Applied Mathematics (a dual major) with a minor in English.
I am currently a stay at home mom and a crafter. I sew and sell bags: handbags, shoulder bags, purses & pouches; you may see my wares at the Farmers Market in downtown Ogden most Saturdays this summer.
I plan to stay in Ogden; we found the house we love and want to continue to raise our daughter in Ogden. I have a vested interest in how Ogden is developed and the type of progress that is introduced to the city - which is why I wish to run for City Council. I want my daughter to enjoy the many beautiful things Ogden has to offer now and for the future, and I hope that she will decide to stay here and raise her family as well.
Thank you for visiting my Blog!
Let me introduce myself!
My name is Jennifer Neil. I am married to a wonderful man and have two wonderful children, ages 21 and 10. I have lived in Ogden for 30 years, since graduating high school. I lived in Roy before that.
I grew up in a military family, my father a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. I moved around a lot growing up, which has given me a glimpse of many different people from many different backgrounds.
I started college right out of high school, then took time out to begin a family. After a while, I had the opportunity to return to school and I finished my degree in May of 2006. I received a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics & Applied Mathematics (a dual major) with a minor in English.
I am currently a stay at home mom and a crafter. I sew and sell bags: handbags, shoulder bags, purses & pouches; you may see my wares at the Farmers Market in downtown Ogden most Saturdays this summer.
I plan to stay in Ogden; we found the house we love and want to continue to raise our daughter in Ogden. I have a vested interest in how Ogden is developed and the type of progress that is introduced to the city - which is why I wish to run for City Council. I want my daughter to enjoy the many beautiful things Ogden has to offer now and for the future, and I hope that she will decide to stay here and raise her family as well.
Thank you for visiting my Blog!
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