I am a supporter of the old adage; “he governs best, who governs least.” My personal preference is for small government with maximum openness, transparency and FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
I’m a strong believer in citizen involvement in government and would like to see separation of powers and a cessation of favoritism. Government should make good laws, people (including those in government) should follow those law and if the laws are not working, changes should be made through the proper process.
The Heber Valley needs to retain its rural, small town atmosphere, not become another bedroom suburbia, with no character, or worker housing for Park City Residential growth is not a general benefit to the community. I spent six years on the county planning commission trying to explain this philosophy with mixed success. (Freedom 21, NOT Agenda 21)
Given those parameters, I believe change is necessary in Heber City. The past few elections have indicated that citizens also agree. A multitude of surveys have shown that residents like what the Heber Valley IS - not what some what like to see it become.
While I am NOT currently a resident of Heber, I do operate a business in the city. I have followed the operation of Heber City government for many years. The actions of Heber City does affect the entire valley and county.
I’m a strong believer in citizen involvement in government and would like to see separation of powers and a cessation of favoritism. Government should make good laws, people (including those in government) should follow those law and if the laws are not working, changes should be made through the proper process.
The Heber Valley needs to retain its rural, small town atmosphere, not become another bedroom suburbia, with no character, or worker housing for Park City Residential growth is not a general benefit to the community. I spent six years on the county planning commission trying to explain this philosophy with mixed success. (Freedom 21, NOT Agenda 21)
Given those parameters, I believe change is necessary in Heber City. The past few elections have indicated that citizens also agree. A multitude of surveys have shown that residents like what the Heber Valley IS - not what some what like to see it become.
While I am NOT currently a resident of Heber, I do operate a business in the city. I have followed the operation of Heber City government for many years. The actions of Heber City does affect the entire valley and county.
Here is my ranking and brief analysis of the current ten candidates for the city council, based on interviews with the candidates, and some research into their records and background. Many I have known for years, some I met only recently and one I know nothing about. All are good people, but only three can be elected.
Recommended:
Nile Horner: Running for his second term he has been consistent in working toward what he promised while campaigning - fiscal responsibility. While some feel he may be a little brusque at times, he will, and does, listen to the people. Heber voters should keep him around for a second term.
Tracy Taylor: An activist and fiscal hawk. Those who know Tracy know that she will not back done easily when she believes in something. She has strong beliefs and opinions (many of which I would disagree with), but would be an asset on the council.
Second Tier: (the four “R’s” - in no particular order)
Dennis Roberts: New to me for this election. Good background in court and law enforcement and education. Seems to be a thoughtful person that comes to good conclusions.
Murl Rawlins: Mild manner and soft spoken, but seems to understand proper principles.
Erik Rowland: Presents himself well, but has no track record except service on the Airport Board, where he apparently felt the $400K snow removal building was a necessity. Good business background, which would be helpful
David Remington: A surprisingly successful (but losing) candidate in recent County office election. Well spoken and worthy of consideration. Not much track record.
Someone has to be eliminated:
(Four will not make it through the Primary, based on my parameters and with no offense to these gentlemen, I’d prefer to see the others move on. This is not a prediction as they have long time valley and family connections and consequent support, but probably they are not what is needed if change, fiscal responsibility and transparency is desired.)
Jeff Bradshaw: He has spent many years in community service in many capacities. As a councilman, he supported the MURCZ which ushered in the Valley Station with a multitude of forthcoming apartments. As a CPA and a financial man, I believe he should have been a better proponent of a proper fiscal analysis of that, and other, projects and annexations.
Jerry Duke: I’ve known Jerry for 30 plus years, we agree and disagree - always as friends. He was the only candidate who failed to answer “NO” to the question “If you had been on the Council would you have supported the property tax increase.
Robert Patterson: An incumbent who chose NOT to come on the radio for an interview, one of the two current Council proponents of the 45% property tax increase.
Unknown to me - no comment:
Brian Berg: I have never met him, he wasn’t able to come to the IMPACT interview
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