Issues

Responsible Growth
Ogden City is blessed with unique and unparalleled assets in terms of our bench lands, outdoor open space, and historic downtown core. Focusing our development efforts in the urban center gives our community the economic engine necessary to foster job growth, bring in retail & shopping, and make possible new residential living components.Sacrificing our prime real estate along the foothills for short-term development is shortsighted, narrow thinking that has lasting consequences for the future of Ogden.

Responsive Government
Members of the City Council are duty bound to respond to the needs, issues & concerns of their constituents. Citizen input should drive the actions of the council. Our elected officials should not base their decisions and votes on where any proposal originates, but whether it is beneficial to the citizens.

City Debt
The council should consider the significant debt Ogden City has accumulated due to redevelopment projects, and ensure their completion before embarking on new ventures. Debt should only be incurred for needs rather than wants.

Economic Development
The greatest economic development that can be done in any city is keeping taxes and fees low. When businesses look at relocating, they often take into account how the move will impact their bottom line and how those taxes will affect their employees. Additionally, they look at the management of the city and how they will be able to interact with the local government. My pledge as a council member will be to evaluate city regulations that might inhibit businesses from thriving in our city and changing those ordinances where necessary.

Downtown Development
Simply stated, development should be focused in the downtown core of the city. Every city in America understands that concept. Ogden once had a thriving downtown and in the name of progress, it was destroyed. Let’s not throw good money after bad just for the sake of new development. Taking a reasoned approach with the citizens of Ogden’s tax dollars is the most important responsibility

Marshall White Center
This public facility must remain open! Providing a safe place for at risk kids to go after school is a must. The Marshall White Center has been making a positive impact on the lives of kids for decades. The city has a duty to make sure the center is maintained and managed responsibly, but closing this asset should not be a consideration.

Role of City Government
The role of city government is to provide police and fire protection, garbage collection, water delivery and road maintenance. Staying focused on these core functions can significantly improve the quality of life of the people of Ogden.

Keeping our city beautiful
As an Ogden City Council member, I will lead road and streetside clean-up efforts with volunteers and businesses. I will work with law enforcement to make sure that graffiti is off buildings within 48 hours. This effort can be undertaken with the city and county cooperation.

Crime
I will work to ensure that our police officers have the resources they need to fulfill their job. Community Policing and Neighborhood Watch will be a key focus while I am serving on the City Council. We as citizens can do more to meet our neighbors and report suspicious activities. I agree with the zero-tolerance policy that the police department is using in the high-crime areas of the city. I will continue to support this effort by the department.

Mount Ogden Golf Course
The Mount Ogden Park and Golf Course are rare jewels of our city. This open space is irreplaceable and must be protected. As a lifelong golfer, I know firsthand the benefit it can have on youth. We need to strengthen our youth programs and marketing to make sure this course contributes to the city and its bottom line rather than being a drain.

Bench Development
Once open space property owned by the city is sold it cannot be replaced. I agree with the marketing of Ogden City as a high-adventure destination, and I believe that reducing open space is contrary to this goal and mission.

Trails
Many cities in the West are successfully attracting visitors because of their trail systems. Boise, Idaho is a thriving city because it has embraced trails and outdoor adventure. We should continue to work to add and enhance trail systems wherever possible.