Heber Mayoral Race and Council Support

What happens in Heber, does not (necessarily) stay in Heber.  

AND it certainly can affect most of Wasatch County.   

(updated 1 Nov)

As I am not a resident of Heber City, I am unable to vote in the upcoming election.  Consequently, I'm a suggesting, recommending and urging a vote for Alan McDonald for Mayor.  Further if given the opportunity, I would vote for Heidi Franco and Danny Goode for Council.

This trio are fiscally conservative and, generally, favor smaller, limited government directed more towards protecting rights, rather than providing 'benefits.'

Specifically, Alan McDonald:

• Has proven himself fiscally conservative and an able spokesman for reliable government
• He has 'hawk-eyed' the budget and opposed the tax increase early in his Council term
• He was a leader in trying to correct the Heber Light faux pay fiasco
• He brought rationality to the overdone  veterans' Memorial
• 
  
• Has lead the way in proposing changes in City Government,
• Attempted to clarify government, proposing many code changes
• Introduced the concept of a Financial Manager for responsibility and balance, which was virtually tabled, but is now being reconsidered
• Proposed studies for law enforcement - which, though not completed, led to greater cooperation,
• Is an honest, well spoken gentleman who will continue to look out for local business and the needs of Heber citizens.

Heidi Franco, whom I've known for MANY years, is a proven political and governmental expert and will blend that knowledge with practical experience in protecting the 'rural' feel, while applying proven fiscally principles.

Danny Goode, a relative new-comer to the Valley, has shown to be a quick study and has gained a great understanding of local history and politics.  As an educated business man, he too will work toward great fiscal policies while protecting individual rights.

Two new faces for the City Council (Heidi and Danny) and the one with the most experience as Mayor (Four years on the Council) - Alan.   A fresh start and rejuvenation for Heber City, with a spirit of cooperation.

Not requested, approved or sanctioned by any candidate, merely my opinion after years of following local government and personal contact with the various candidates.

The other two Council candidates, seem to be very competent and able and will continue to serve the community in various ways.   For my personal taste, they seem to much in favor of larger government, more growth, airport expansion and showed less  depth of knowledge of local issues and conservative policy that my suggested candidates in our radio discussion/debate

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The write-in Mayoral candidate opted out of the primary this summer, he now reports: "I originally decided to pull out of the race back in July. My family had been going through some significant trials that demanded I give my full attention at home. It really just came down my family needing me more than I needed to be running for mayor."

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Another local blogger opines: "It is time to kick the GOOD OLD BOY SYSTEM out the door and to stop electing someone because they have a last name we recognize!!" 

Wasn't his favored candidate elected in the same system Heber City now still uses?

He also states, his candidate "c(a)me up with Heber Unplugged, which was a HUGE success"     (With a photo-shopped front page of the local paper)

Yes, it may be new to Heber and it's great that it was introduced here, BUT "unplugged" concept programs have been around for quite some time - try an internet search. 
e.g  Kids Unplugged  Jenni and Tommy's Kids Unplugged Baby Unplugged. etc.

Is Heber Unplugged sufficient qualification to run Heber City government?

"When they asked about the cost, (he) told them that the initial start up of the program would cost $3,500, with many of the perks of the program included in that price. "We want it to be as turn key as possible for anyone who wishes to use the program,"  Sun Advocate Article Is this now a business?  I believe this program was created with city seed money a city employee assistance.

Is there really something extra special about being a "write-in" candidate?

Heber City:  Some arcane points to consider in this year's  Heber City election.

• There will be two NEW Council members after the election. (four candidates)
• There are two candidates to be the new Mayor (two regular candidates and one write-in)
• Two of these are currently on the City Council, one whose term is expiring.
• The other (write-in) is half way through the first term
• IF the write-in candidate is elected, that position would be VACANT
• The "legislative body" (new Council) in accordance with 20A-1-510.   Midterm vacancies in municipal offices.   would then appoint a replacement for the remaining two years.

Heber City has had, for some time, a problem with discerning what TYPE of government it is.  But it appears that they MAY have  decided they are (or may be) "operating under the council-mayor form of government" in which the Mayor would have the right to vote (or, possibly, would vote only in the case of a tie) on the new Council member.  

If the write-in/current council member is chosen as the new Mayor, he could have the deciding vote as to who his replacement might be.   If either of the other Mayoral candidates wins, no replacement would be needed.     

Which is more appropriate an elected member, or one appointed by the one they would replace?