VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been a member of the City Council for almost 8 years now. I have had the opportunity to learn under the leadership of Mayor Berube and Mayor Chugg. I would like to keep some cohesion between the Mayor and city staff as we transition to a new Mayor. Our city staff does a phenomenal job of keeping our city running smoothly and addressing any issues. I believe that it is the Mayor's responsibility to be the liaison between the public and staff. I believe that I have great relationships with our staff and department heads.

The top 3 issues facing North Ogden right now are: how are we going to pay for road repairs, how are we going to finish Barker Park, and how do we increase communication with residents. Currently, North Ogden has just completed a study that showed that in the next 10 years, we are going to need to pay approximately. $110 million in road maintenance and repair. As a Council and staff, we have actively been trying to solicit and receive grants to pay for road repairs, but there is still more that is needed. This will be an ongoing issue, but one that is going to need to be addressed a little at a time so we don't fall further behind. As a Council, we just approved a funding plan utilizing park impact fees and other revenue options to complete Barker Park. This plan may take up to 15 years but it is the first step in moving to park completion. Finally as a Council and staff we have implemented a new website and social media to help spread the word about City events. I

As noted, I am currently on the City Council and have been an active participant in our meetings. I have had the opportunity to work with both the Public Works, Parks and Rec, and Building departments during my tenure. I am also employed with North View Fire District as a Deputy Chief. I help with our annual budget and also oversee many items in the budget. I have learned how to follow a budget and make sure that we do not go over budget.

There is no easy answer to fix our current road conditions. Our staff currently state that they are able to manage approximately $3 million in road repairs per year. This upcoming year we have allocated them $3 million for road repairs but this will have to be an ongoing expense. As the Mayor I will stay committed to searching for Grants and other options but road repairs are an issue that each City will be facing. We will need to be proactive in our approach and ensure that we are able to repair our roads before they are degraded far enough that they will have to be replaced. By staying current on repairs, we can save money rather than having to replace our roads.

Weber County oversees the elections in North Ogden. Ballots have been mailed out and I will continue to support the County election team and our city recorder.

I’m a doer, someone who rolls up their sleeves and helps to get things done. For the past 14 years I’ve been involved in making North Ogden a better place by volunteering, being appointed to the Planning Commission, being elected to City Council and the North View Fire District Board of Trustees, and serving on the boards of charitable organizations and coalitions that serve the youth of our community. Doing good is what motivates me.

In no particular order: 1. Growth. North Ogden will double in size in the coming decades. Promoting smart growth that recognizes our heritage while providing affordable housing for our children is critical. Following the general plan is the best path forward.

2. Infrastructure. Our city is aging and critical infrastructure must be repaired and maintained for our city to thrive. Relining sewer pipes to double their original life expectancy without tearing up the roads is a great example of the ingenuity that saves the city $millions while ensuring city services continue to serve their purpose. Roads need to be repaired. Costs have skyrocketed. New funding mechanisms must be established to provide for increased road repair.

3. Taxes. The city has two main sources of income: property tax and sales tax. The more business we can attract and retain, the more sales tax we collect and the less pressure there is on property taxes. Keeping expenditures to a minimum is a must.

I have been integrally involved with all aspects of North Ogden city for more than a decade. I also have a successful career outside of government and the experiences to bring into the government world. I volunteered to mow parks during the pandemic, helped with cherry days, and attended nearly every city budget meeting over the past 14 years. I know the city inside and out. I’ve helped significantly reduce expenditures while helping to bring in grants and other outside funding to provide for the city’s needs. No candidate has been more involved in working to make North Ogden great.

The cost to repair roads has multiplied many times while revenue has remained static. A Transportation Utility Fee is necessary to inject additional funds into roads repairs.

North Ogden has a conscientious and reliable elections official who knows and enforces the state election laws. As Mayor I will ensure that this individual continues to feel supported and protected and free from outside influences. Every voter has the opportunity to vote if they wish, and I will do all possible to protect and encourage voting. If elected I recognize that I will represent EVERY resident, not just those who supported and voted for me. I will continue to reach out to the community and implement several initiatives to provide multiple avenues for residents to share their concerns and ideas, ask questions, and learn about opportunities to serve and how government operates.