Heber Election Update

With the election tomorrow, I hope apathy is not the winner in the municipal election in Heber City.  The choice is clear - more of the same or a return to representative government. 

The primary winnowed the field down to, apparently, two groups - the status quo vs. change.  Here's an update to my recommendations for return to checks and balance and fiscal responsibility.   

While you have the option to vote for UP TO 3 candidates, voting for fewer may be helpful.


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.


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.

Moving Up with his recent answers to debate questions:

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.  









Dropping a little, with his email campaign and support group:

Erik Rowland:   Has aligned himself with the status quo group.  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.




The cadre of more of the same, tax and spend

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.

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.