VOTE411 Voter Guide

I’m excited to serve Ogden Valley as a member of the City Council. With over 20 years of running my own small business, I’ve learned perseverance, dedication, and practical problem-solving. My experience has taught me how to balance growth with community values, ensuring fair, transparent decision-making aligned with our shared vision.

I visited for the mountains and recreation, but stayed for the people and community that define our valley. I’m committed to improving the quality of life for everyone—families, seniors, children, and small business owners.

As a resident of Wolf Creek for over 5 years, a Dad, business owner, coach, volunteer, and board member of CFOV and OVPSA, I have a unique perspective on our community’s challenges and o

Ethics, Transparency, & Good Governance: Promote open data and accountability. Community & Infrastructure: Invest in parks, schools, roads, and public facilities. Economic & Small Business Growth: Support local entrepreneurs and workforce development. Education & Youth Engagement: Partner with schools to create opportunities and leadership pathways. Environmental Sustainability & Land Use: Preserve green spaces, promote renewable energy, and respect our heritage. Transportation & Accessibility: Advocate for modern transit to reduce pollution and improve mobility. Community Involvement & Fairness: Ensure all voices are heard and balance growth with preservation.

I believe in prioritizing the interests of our community. My experience as a business owner, coach, and advocate has shown me the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability. I am committed to listening to your concerns and addressing the issues that matter most.

Healthy growth needs to be based on water, and how much we have and need to have to support the current community. I will focus on: Managing growth while preserving the rural character of Ogden Valley. Addressing transportation challenges, including congestion in Ogden Canyon, and improving alternative modes of transportation. Balancing economic development with the preservation of open space and natural resources. Ensuring adequate water supply and protecting water quality. Managing recreational facilities and trails, particularly around Pineview Reservoir.

By managing growth while preserving the rural character of Ogden Valley. If there is not enough water to support additional density above a certain number. Then we have to draw a hard line on future development. We need to get 2-3 new additional studies, review data and recommendations then put a plan in place to comply.

I’m laser-focused on starting our city out strong! Setting up Ogden Valley’s new city government will be time-demanding, with a steep learning curve. I’ve already spent nearly two years—hundreds of hours—climbing that curve. As incorporation petition volunteer coordinator, campaign manager, and now a leader on the Transition Team, I’ve been hands-on doing the hard work. Being a seasoned attorney is an essential skill I bring to the table. This is not just about starting a new business; it’s a startup with an overlay of complex legal hurdles and a web of relationships. We need to have qualified, experienced, tested leaders; with decades as an attorney, business leader, and valley volunteer, I am eager to serve.

1. Strong City Foundation: Setting up city government is complex and time-consuming. I've spent two years serving the incorporation effort and am ready to ensure a solid, sustainable launch. This will include a strong ethics and conflict of interest policy – work I’m involved in NOW on the transition team. 2. Fiscal Discipline: Careful budgeting is essential to provide services and safeguard taxpayer dollars. I’m heading our Finance Transition Team and, along with brilliant volunteers, we are nailing our budget numbers and searching for every revenue source. In office, I’ll keep budgets tight and spending transparent. 3. Local Control, Responsible Growth & Water Protection: We must preserve our valley’s character and put the needs of current residents first—especially when it comes to water rights and agricultural areas. Adhering to the General Plan and sound land use policies, I am committed to prioritizing the needs of residents above special interests.

I’m a retired attorney and business executive with decades of leadership experience. As the campaign manager and Transition Team leader, I’ve spent nearly two years working hands-on to launch our new city—absorbing municipal law, building relationships, leading teams, and building policy from the ground up. I’ve dedicated my time to getting us ready to roll! Outside of incorporation, I’ve served as President of the Wolf Creek Master Association, advocating for residents and stewarding community resources. I’ve also been on local volunteers boards (Community Foundation; Mountain Arts & Music). My commitment is full-time, with no conflicts, so I can focus on a strong, ethical city startup and ensure every resident’s voice is heard.

Healthy growth looks like our General Plan vision: a thriving rural community with village “nodes,” not developer sprall . How we get there: (1) Appoint a Planning Commission reflective of our community; (2) Charge them with recommending our General Plan and strong planning code; (3) Apply that Plan and Code in accordance with law; (4) Ensure public involvement, including advisory commissions on agriculture and business; (5) Apply “best practices” from comparable mountain communities; (6) Secure expert planning and legal advice; (7) Require elected leaders to be deeply educated in planning and legal obligations; (8) Adopt a strong ethics code so decisions aren’t tainted; (9) Get comprehensive insurance in the event of developer litigation.

My guiding rule: Current resident needs come first! 1. Don’t advance development lacking verifiable and sufficient water; doing so violates the general plan and community interests. 2. Use the most conservative water studies, currently the Bowens Collins study that argued against rampant development. 3. Don’t rely on developer statements that there’s enough water — consider the source. 4. Reject approaches seen at a planning meeting this week, where the county planner stated, “no worries — they’ll figure out the water in the future.” We can’t approve development on a wish and a prayer. 5. Create an advisory commission, which includes providers, hydrologists, health department reps, and others knowledgeable about water and the valley.