1. Bryan Benard (See Profile Here)
Bryan has some well thought out ideas on South Ogden. Personally I keep wondering, why he is just now running! I think he would be a great addition to the council. One of things that struck me was the following:
"We need to resist the urge to continue making South Ogden a place for strip malls/single offices and focus on attracting a wider retail and business presence that will both serve our citizens' physical needs as well as strengthening our tax base, thereby reducing the tax burden on individuals"
Note: Bryan on his twitter page said, "Kinda upset with the Standard's 2nd major typo on me in the election. Today misquotes me as saying "SMALL" instead of "SMART" growth is top issue, makes me sound anti-development, which I am not. I'm for smart development. Big difference and affects context of rest of article."
Make sure you make that correction when you read it.
2. Russ Porter (See Profile Here)
Russ highlighted a key concern I have, that is ordinance enforcement. I hope, if elected, he really takes this head on. Recent council decision have only masked the problem, not fixed it. I have heard from many that they feel confident in Russ and see him as a real people person. One statement he made about his decision making process should real promise:
Consensus comes when an issue has been researched well, the desires of the community have been ascertained, and then effective communication is achieved within the group."
We often here politicians say this same thing. I feel he is sincere in his desire to make this happen.
Personal note: Russ emailed me recently calling me out on my connection to him and Vicky Mattson. Yes it was a stretch, but also how I viewed things from where I sit (name of blog). Thanks for the email Russ, I am sure it won't be the last time I stretch something. Keep up the good work.
3. Lamont Camp (See Profile Here)
Lamont spends most of his time talking about the property taxes that we pay here in South Ogden. I can't agree with him more that I am frustrated with the increase of property taxes for a gym facility that admittedly know one is going to use.
Lamont said,
"That is Taxation as it is all over our Country. Ours is a bit different in that our property taxes are being increased for the enlargement of South Ogden Jr. High School Gymnasium. There needs to be more emphasis on our Children's Programs, Police Presents and Fire Protection and other items that involve the Citizens (All Ages) and their money."
I am frustrated and hope if elected he pushes for a better solution to this problem. The fact the council moved forward with a property tax increase during a recession and after scores of people complained in council meeting is beyond understanding. I see a trend that goes back to the Golf City issues of our council not listening to the people.
Hopefully these are tools for your to help make a decision. The election is coming up quick and early voting has already begun. Good Luck to all the candidates!
The blog is now open for your comments and feelings on the candidates. I ask, where do you want to see this city go and how can these new council members make it happen. Two of these three gentlemen will be elected, who will it be?
4 comments:
Thanks for noting the correction from "small" growth to "smart" growth. The full text response is Question number 3 on the candidate profile. Jamie Lampros at the Standard has been very helpful on making a correction which I suppose will go in tomorrow's paper.
Thanks for running your blog and creating a forum for all things South Ogden.
Brian:
I like your idea of "We need to resist the urge to continue making South Ogden a place for strip malls/single offices and focus on attracting a wider retail and business presence that will both serve our citizens' physical needs as well as strengthening our tax base, thereby reducing the tax burden on individuals".
My question to you is where do you feel there is adequate land, and what kind of businesses are you thinking of?
BKBenard here (on my wife's computer) Ok Wildcat07--make a Wildcat from 94 feel old... What prompted that sentiment above is that I live on the south end of town and if I travel any direction from my house I hit strip mall/offices. Some were approved and built while many others already sat vacant. And yet if I need a hammer or a 2x4, I have to drive 15-20 minutes. So frustrating.
I don't want to see the percentage of residential vs. business change much, so I think the focus must be on the Washington corridor (40th to 36th), the small portion of Riverdale within the city, and the areas on each side of 89 and Harrison on the South end (and maybe out by the new jr. high--not sure if anything is left out there).
We obviously have some good business in each of those areas, but we also have older portions or vacant/abandoned spots. Revitalizing those spots and attracting businesses of which we don't already have is what I am thinking (hardware please! restaurants and perhaps entertainment--wouldn't Hilltop Lanes be a great place for a Toad's or Classic type fun center?) In other words, business that doesn't compete with our existing business, but that is complimentary and provides us services we don't already have.
Long-term, what about trying to create a true downtown--a place where we and our kids can hang out and come together as a community. This last part is a bit "pie in the sky" for today (it is late at night) but I think because of our limited resources we really must be foreward thinking and plan even more carefully for our future.
You blog has some really interesting articles.
I am a mom from the bizymoms Ogden community, you shoudl network with them.
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