Your Subtitle text
Issues
- Economic Development – If done properly, that is, openly and with welcomed public input, economic development can be the catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, improved schools through increased sales revenues, and general improvement in the city’s ability to provide goods and services. If done behind closed doors and with the taint of cronyism it can breed divisiveness and polarization within the community. I believe the administration and the City Council should work together to provide a framework or atmosphere conducive to taking advantage of opportunities for economic development and then step back and let free market force make things happen.
- The recent Policy Statement Debate – The City Council has the authority and responsibility to pass ordinances that set policy regarding how matters are handled within Ogden. In this particular case I feel strongly that the City should continue to operate and maintain the Marshall White Center, the Lorin Farr Park, El Monte and Mt. Ogden Golf Courses. The first two are places where children can go during the day and after school and participate in programs that are worthwhile and wholesome. The golf courses are two of the best in Northern Utah if not the entire state and there are really some positive opportunities for improving not only the playability of the courses but their ability to generate income.
- Public Safety - Our Police Force and Fire Fighters are some of the best in the Nation and we need to work harder at improving the retention rate. We have had vacancies on the police force now for several years and we need to find the resources necessary to recruit and retain qualified officers. One possible improvement that we could make would be to upgrade our patrol fleet much the same as has been done with the operations fleet. Strengthening grass roots programs such as Neighborhood Watch and other citizen based activities will only make our streets safer.
- Preservation of Historic and Natural Assets – Ogden is founded upon its historical heritage and its natural beauty. We have a unique history with our Junction City image and we should build upon that as we market our community. Now, with the FrontRunner and the possibility of Amtrak returning to Ogden we are on the cusp of another railroad revolution. The development this could bring to our city is immense and we should encourage it by ensuring that doing business in Ogden is easy and transparent. Our natural assets are second to none. Our mountain views are magnificent and our rivers provide myriad opportunities to recreate and just simply relax.
- Public Utilities – Ogden is going through a transition and is updating its sewer and water systems, but again has the public been given the opportunity to provide input into the current developments? What about the water tanks at the head of 36th Street? Has the rationale for them been adequately explained and justified? Has the City Council been kept abreast of these developments? Or are they another example of perceived backroom politics and hidden agendas? I believe that we should all have the opportunity to comment on these types of projects and have our voices heard.
- Transparent Government – Above all, I firmly believe that all of our government processes should be open and above board. I favor televising City Council meetings so the public can observe first hand their government in action. I also believe that the requirement for quarterly financial statements from the administration should be reinstated. We should improve public access to public records, financial statements, meeting minutes and other public documents. And, whenever possible we should provide this access through the Ogden City Website.