VOTE411 Voter Guide

It may sound like a cliché, but it’s my love for OV. I've served on numerous boards to help better OV, earning grad degrees in Public Admin & land-use planning for the literal purpose of gaining tools to positively direct OV's future. I launched The OV News in 1998 to bring awareness of political & planning issues to bring the community into the planning process. It's who I am; it's what I do. When not serving on committees & boards, I'm working with various agencies advocating for OV & getting things done: starting an annual weed day that continues on, getting UDOT to put up guardrails near the spillway, working with the Army Corps. of Engineers to protect wetlands & trying to get elected officials to truly represent the people of OV.

1. Water 2. Unbridled Development 3. Poor to Nonexistence Land-use Planning

1. Studies undertaken by the state unequivocally recognize that OV' aquifers are at critical tipping point where water coming in from precipitation & that which is being sucked out & redirected away from percolating into the ground is currently at a fine balance; however, new wells being dug will offset this equilibrium to a point where our aquifers become depleted. Thus, they've advised that no new wells be dug. City leaders must not ignore this warning but make the needed hard decisions to ensure our water supplies are protected. I understand & have professional water-planning experience 2. For too long, unfettered development has been the norm without being tempered by the constraints of the OV general plan, water realities & a lack of infrastructure. I understand/have professional admin planning experience 3. Land-use planning in OV has been an oxymoron! I understand/have professional planning experience!

Have worked & volunteered in public admin & city/government, working for Ogden City in Community Dev. & Planning, worked writing/editing EA & EIS NEPA docs., & for the UT Association of Conservation Districts as a zone coordinator in conjunction with the Dept. of Ag, providing technical support for local districts in 5 counties to execute district goals & policies regarding sustainable air, water, biological & soil conservation thru public involvement for successful policy outcomes. Have also written professional water management/conservation plans for water companies. Have received national & state training in conflict resolution, team building, volunteer management, networking, recruiting, grant writing, & front-line supervising.

Healthy growth is sustainable growth. It's growth that follows the dictates of the community as outlined in a public developed general plan, and an adopted ordinance with "consistency language" that dictates that all development follows, or is consistent, with the general plan. It's economically viable growth, meaning that developers are held responsible for paying for the expanded or improved infrastructure needed to accommodate their development--not existing residents. It's also growth that is mindful of limited natural resources & physical conditions, such as water & space. With a strong background in land-use planning & public policy & public administration, I have the tools to steer the city forward toward healthy, sustainable growth.

I will advocate for science-based decision making vs. political-based decision making, which has been occurring in OV for much too long. The community must vet candidates and make sure they have a grasp & understanding of the science behind the most recent studies undertaken by the state that were paid for by our tax dollars to help protect our most treasured and needed assets--in a high mountain desert, the top asset is water. Doing what is expedient must override what is popular regardless of existing political pressures. Protecting water quality also means protecting wetlands, seeps & springs, our watershed, and rivers & stream corridors, and natural vegetation. More must be done through land-use planning to protect these resources too.

I’m running for Mayor because I care deeply about this community and I have the time, energy, and experience to lead our new city into a strong and united future. For over a decade, I’ve served Ogden Valley. I’ve led community initiatives, served on local boards, taught at our schools, and organized the community blood drives. As Chairman of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission and Leader of the Transition Team, I’ve worked hard over the past year to guide Ogden Valley’s incorporation process to ensure our new city starts strong. You can trust that I understand the challenges, and the responsibility ahead—because I’ve already been doing the work. I’m ready to serve full-time to ensure Ogden Valley thrives—today and for generations to come.

The three immediate issues facing our new city are: First, standing up the city and building a solid foundation. This means hitting the ground running with essential contracts for services like roads, snow removal, and emergency support, while quickly adopting municipal codes that reflect our values. We must enshrine transparency and strong conflict-of-interest rules with a removal process for those in violation, and create a website that serves as a true digital city hall—offering easy at-home access to our residents. Second, managing growth by rewriting inadequate land use codes. As Mayor, I’ll make sure our ordinances reflect the General Plan and give us the legal strength to stand up to developer “lawfare.” Third, financial discipline. I will build a lean, responsible startup government that delays costs, avoids unnecessary overhead, and gets the job done without raising taxes. I know how to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver results—exactly what our city needs right now.

I bring a unique blend of public service and professional expertise to the role of Mayor. I have a MBA, Six Sigma certification, and career experience as a USA Marketing Director. I’m an expert in budget management, strategic planning, and business development. I’ve served four years on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission—unanimously elected as Chairman—where I lead public meetings, facilitate hearings, and work closely with various municipal departments. My reputation for transparency and results-driven leadership led to my appointment as Leader of the Transition Team, where I’ve spent the past year guiding our incorporation. I have the time, energy, and experience to lead our new city, and I’m ready to serve you full-time as your Mayor.

Healthy growth means honoring our rural, agricultural roots while preparing for the future with clear, consistent planning. On the Ogden Valley Planning Commission, I’ve earned an excellent reputation as a champion of the Ogden Valley General Plan and a protector of individual property rights. Now, as the Transition Team Leader in charge of Planning and Land Use, I am actively working to rewrite our land use codes so they are guided by the values of the Ogden Valley General Plan. Rewriting our land use codes is essential if we are to manage growth without opening ourselves to legal action. I am 100% committed to growth that reflects the will of the people—not short-term development pressures. And most importantly, I know how to get it done.

While water policy is managed by independent water boards, the DWR, and state law, I believe the city has a vital supporting role to play. As Mayor, I will ensure we use the authority we do have—especially through the Planning Commission—to require proof of both adequate water rights and an actual Will Serve letter before approving any project. Growth must never outpace our resources. As Mayor, I will also form a Water Commission, bringing together representatives from each major water board to advise the City Council and keep us informed. Finally, I will support policies that protect water quality and promote sustainable land use. As your Mayor, I will use every tool available to ensure Ogden Valley’s water future is secure.