Since I Didn't Make it ....

There are now only two candidates for Ogden City Council At-Large Seat B: Bart Blair and David Phipps. I have decided that since Mr. Blair has so far expressed ideas and feelings about running for city council that are more similar to mine than Mr. Phipps, I will support Mr. Blair in the post-primary race.

I am posting here his Sierra Club Questionnaire response:

Ogden Sierra Club City 2009 Council Candidate Questionnaire
Responses from Bart Blair (At-Large Seat B)
1. Please briefly describe your qualifications and why you are running for Ogden City Council.

Life Long Resident of Ogden City; Graduate of Ogden High School; Bachelors Degree – Weber State University; Lamar Advertising; Financial Technology Consultant; 3-generation family business located in Ogden City - Blair’s Chevron; I intend to raise my three girls in Ogden and for this reason I care about how we develop our community.

2. If you were to propose changes in Ogden's zoning ordinances to improve the quality of life and business in Ogden, what changes would you propose (if any), and why?

I would do more to protect the natural assets that we have in Ogden. People are relocating to Ogden not because of any knew development but because of our trials, mountains, rivers and people.

3. Ogden City, UTA, and other stakeholders are currently studying alternatives for a major transit investment in Ogden to connect downtown with the WSU area. Do you support this project and if so, what are your views on the various alternatives being considered?

I would like to wait and review the final proposal however; I am not in favor of a gondola as a mass transit solution. Bus rapid transit, streetcar or light rail would be the only three projects I would consider for the connection from the inter-modal hub to the campus of Weber State University.

4. The Ogden City administration has proposed a major redesign of the Mt. Ogden Golf Course, which would include building a hotel and condominiums on city property above the top of 36th Street. Do you support this proposal? Why or why not?

I do not support the Ogden City administrations proposal. As a life long golfer I believe that Mt. Ogden Golf Course is one of the most beautiful courses in the State. As a businessperson I question the development model of building more hotels and condominiums when we have not filled the ones we currently have in the city.

5. In general, should the City Council do more to encourage or discourage further development of Ogden’s foothills and other open space? Please explain.

The City Council should do everything possible to protect our open space in Ogden’s foothills. The only development that should be encouraged along the foothills is to build a world-class trail system. Ogden already has many areas in the downtown where businesses can be built.

6. Should you be elected, do you plan to recommend changes in the way Ogden deals with waste, recyclables, water conservation, and/or protecting our aquifers and watershed areas? If so, what changes will you recommend, and why?

I am a proponent of recycling and water conservation and will work to protect our water aquifers.

7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not?

As an Ogden City Councilman I do not have the power to designate wilderness areas. I will do every thing in my power to protect our foothills and the access we enjoy in these pristine areas.

8. What other environmental issues would you address if elected?

I would put a greater emphasis on keeping our city clean this includes our waterways and our trails and parks. We should use our elementary schools as a place to educate our children about the beautiful area we live and the effects that waste and litter can have on our community.

And his Standard Examiner Response:

Bart E. Blair

Age: 36

Occupation: Financial manager of family business (Blair’s Chevron & Service Center)

Qualifications: Between raising my family and having a business in Ogden I am very concerned about how we develop our community.

•What is your top priority if you are elected to the council?
1. I believe the city should get back to the basics. Our tax dollars should be used responsibly. We should have a city government we can afford focusing on a safe community, fire and police protection, streets free of potholes and parks that are clean and safe. Keeping taxes low is the greatest economic development tool the city has. When businesses are looking to relocate the first question they ask is how much will I have to pay in taxes. By keeping our taxes low we can attract new businesses from across the country to employ our educated work force.

•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.
2. I believe the city is moving in the right direction as a high adventure hub. Our natural resources are world class. I believe that Ogden city should promote itself as a great place to live, work and raise a family. Economic incentives should only be used for companies that meet strict criteria of providing high paying quality jobs.

•Given the recent dispute between the city council and the administration 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?
3. The focus shouldn’t be on the council and the mayor, the focus needs to be on our city and all the positive things that are being accomplished. There certainly needs to be a greater respect for each of the bodies and the vital roles they have. The council is the legislative body of the city, and the mayor should be respectful of that role. Council members must also respect the mayor and his important role. If the mayor does not agree with the council that does not mean the two can’t agree to disagree and continue working for the common good of our community. I would like to create a more positive working dialogue with the administration while holding firm to the separation of power that should exist.

A Hearty Thanks to All

I want to thank everyone for everything in this, my fledgeling election campaign endeavor. Thank you for advice. Thank you for suggestions. Thank you for giving me courage and confidence. Thank you for your votes. Thank you for your kindness and sharpness. Thank you for your tolerance. Thank you for YOUR confidence -- at times I think it was greater than my own. Thank you for your encouragement to do something daring and telling me how brave I am. Thank you for telling me what a stupid thing it is to get involved in politics. Thank you for renewing friendships and for allowing new ones to be made - I hope they last.

Even though I did not get enough votes to participate in the general election, I want you all to know if you have any questions, feel free to ask - because I don't intend to completely drop out of sight.

Thank you, all of you, from my heart.

Jennifer Neil

My Sierra Club Questions ...

1. [for other candidates] Please briefly describe your qualifications and why you are running for Ogden City Council. 1. Longtime resident of Ogden; 2. B.S. in Economics/Applied Math (WSU); 3. High interest in restoring citizen confidence and trust in city government; 4. High interest in restoring a proactive government-citizen relationship for the city; 5. Interested in addressing infrastructure issues and re-prioritizing on some items that the city needs

2. If you were to propose changes in Ogden's zoning ordinances to improve the quality of life and business in Ogden, what changes would you propose (if any), and why? First of all, I would need time to research all zoning requirements, distribution of particular zoning in regards to neighborhoods and business districts. Then I would probably need to work with or establish a solid line of communication with the Planning Commission(s) involved - and make informed decisions from there. As far as proposing zoning changes out of the blue, I don't believe that would fall on my shoulders, as I would be a contributing member of the Council as a team.

3. Ogden City, UTA, and other stakeholders are currently studying alternatives for a major transit investment in Ogden, to connect downtown with the WSU area. Do you support this project and if so, what are your views on the various alternatives being considered? Considering parking issues on campus, and rising cost of commuting, I would support public transportation as it stands (so long as it is sufficient for the needs of the students). As far as alternative MAJOR transit investment, I personally don't see an advantage of a totally new system, possibly adding and changing a couple bus routes to frequent the campus on a reliable and regular basis for the needs of both day and night students. My personal experience as a student says this: I was a non-traditional student, with a child that needed to go to school, and I needed to get to class at a certain time -- I drove to Dee Events & took advantage of the shuttle. I can hardly visualize any student (traditional or otherwise) wanting to use a transit method that would require driving to a particular place downtown, waiting for the car, bus, or box, and then sitting for 30-50 minutes while it winds its way up to campus -- especially if the student lives outside of Ogden, which many of them do. Students are more likely than not to be in a rush to get to school - the only thing that could conceivably work, besides actually driving and catching the shuttle, would be to have more frequent UTA busses that just go straight to campus and drop students at the centralized locations they currently use.

4. The Ogden City administration has proposed a major redesign of the Mt. Ogden Golf Course, which would include building a hotel and condominiums on city property above the top of 36th Street. Do you support this proposal? Why or why not? I don't golf. I have heard from people that do golf that Mt Ogden Golf Course is awesome, and comparable with some more well known courses. I don't think the city can afford to totally revamp the course - they claim they cannot afford the $250,000 per year in the red current operating costs. Why should the city foot the bill for hotels and housing? Is the land atop 36th suitable for such high density development? I don't think so. Keep going up the mountain, especially in a fault zone, you will have buildings and houses slipping and sliding away -- check out Davis County. If the city develops that, there are lawsuits just waiting in the wings for the first crack in a foundation because of slippage. Besides, there is the water issue -- not enough to go around after so much development, especially if Powder Mountain has their way (only I expect they won't be able to get the water rights away from Ogden City -- unless someone has a fat enough checkbook for the Commission in charge of the water). Money would be better spent on infrastructure - with more permanent repairs and upgrades rather than yearly or twice yearly band-aids to fix a more than occasional leaky water main, and necessary repairs to public safety equipment/buildings.

5. In general, should the City Council do more to encourage or discourage further development of Ogden's foothills and other open space? Please explain. See answer to above question. In addition, if we have open space, already developed with trails for biking, hiking and outdoor activities - they should stay that way. Isn't this supposed to an Outdoor Mecca? If we develop over the trails, where's the draw?

6. Should you be elected, do you plan to recommend changes in the way Ogden deals with waste, recyclables, water conservation, and/or protecting our aquifers and watershed areas? If so, what changes will you recommend, and why? Not completely in the know about water restrictions for Ogden City, but working from a logical standpoint -- we should conserve and protect the watersheds in the area - water is essential to all life, and should be protected. Some recent years have seen an abundance of water, but this is a desert area and how quickly we forget, but we just came out of a drought that lasted many years. Some of the ordinances seemed to be out of whack with the situation for a while -- get a ticket for not having a green lawn or for xeriscaping and growing things besides grass, get a ticket for watering on even numbered day. There should be regulations that would fit the situation, and be readily adoptable by policy-makers and administration and enforcement alike. And the public needs to be made aware -- the water bill includes a nice little newsletter that gives much information, but if you are a renter you don't get it, because the water bills go to the homeowners.

7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not? How far above Ogden are we talking? and would this fall under the purview of the city council? I like being able to camp in the Nat'l Forest lands - if the Feds want to change it to protected wilderness, again it begs the question: why consider Ogden an outdoor mecca if they take it away?

8. What other environmental issues would you address if elected? Keeping the city clean - that includes property in the hands of developers that is left to decay, waiting on the developer to do something. The happy homeowners in Ogden do not get the luxury of waiting until they want to do something, enforcement comes down on them, and they must comply immediately (or within a specified reasonable timeframe) - yet the developers are afforded much more leeway. I think the enforcement for developers should be stricter than for homeowners, because they (the developers) should have the means to take action in a timely manner. If a resident is unable for various reasons (other than refusal to comply), such as physically challenged, financially challenged, elderly - then consideration should be given on an individual basis and a reasonable solution should and could conceivably be reached.

Note: These questions were forwarded to me a few weeks ago; if readers would like me to expound on any of them or if you have any other questions ... please use the comment section at the end of this post, and I will respond.

Short Visit to Station 3 - OCFD

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!