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.