I believe public meetings should address zoning changes. I would support a mixed-use ordinance to re-use older buildings and promote small business economic development in depressed neighborhoods. These decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

2. The UTA and the Wasatch Front Regional Council have proposed a streetcar or bus rapid transit system for Ogden, which would connect downtown with WSU and McKay- Dee Hospital via Harrison Blvd. The present administration favors instead a gondola line over a similar route. The administration has also proposed streetcar routes in other parts of Ogden and neighboring cities. What are your views on these competing proposals?

I believe Ogden needs to select the most economical and user-friendly system for our citizens. From all the data I have read --- that means either a streetcar system or buses for the downtown to Weber State route. There are also federal monies available to help fund these systems.

3. If elected, would you favor or oppose the sale of any city-owned open space along the benches for private development? Please explain.

I would oppose the sale of any city-owned open space. I believe we need to protect the public open space we now have for ours and future generations. Communities along the Wasatch front and nationwide are bonding for millions of dollars to purchase foothill access and open space. One of Ogden's crown jewels is our trail system and surrounding open space/parklands -- we need to protect and enhance these spectacular natural assets.

4. Should you be elected, do you plan to recommend changes in the way Ogden deals with waste, recyclables, water conservation, and/or protecting our aquifers and watershed areas? If so, what changes will you recommend, and why?

I believe we need to continue educating our citizens about the benefits of recycling as well as put in place a recycling program for the businesses of Ogden. I also believe we need to bump up our water conservation efforts/measures.

5. The current administration supports rewriting Ogden's Sensitive Area Overlay Zone ordinance in such a way as to eliminate the current ban on construction on land sloped at 30 percent or more, and to increase the density of development that is permitted on other steeply sloped lands. What are your views on these proposed changes?

I don't think rewriting the sensitive overlay ordinance is a good idea. We need to protect our foothills not develop them. And surrounding communities are dealing with hillside slippage/erosion issues with new housing that we can learn from

6. Ogden's urban and foothill trails are a valuable recreational asset for residents and an important factor in drawing visitors and businesses to Ogden. If elected, what changes (if any) would you propose to the city's trail system?

I would propose stronger protection for our trail system to include more city support, better signage and maintenance.

7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not?

I would be in favor of designating Ogden foothill lands as federally-protected wilderness. If we want to capitalize on Ogden's cutting-edge label as an outdoor recreation mecca for potential outdoor recreation companies, future residents and tourists, then we should give this designation priority consideration. Protected wilderness right out our backdoor would only add to the allure for outdoor recreation groups who so highly prize wilderness especially so close to an urban center.

8. The current administration has recently reduced the city's energy and carbon footprint by buying renewable energy credits and hybrid vehicles and by initiating the Fresh Air Fridays program. Do you support these programs? Would you favor expanding them? Why or why not?

I whole-heartedly support these programs and would indeed be in favor of expanding them. Ogden City should take the lead in reducing the local impact on the environment. We want to be known as a "green" city when wooing outdoor recreation companies, potential residents and tourists alike. And such efforts can only improve our quality of life.

9. What other environmental issues would you address if elected?

I believe Ogden should be moving towards a "complete streets" concept throughout the city. That means an overall master plan for bike lanes, sidewalks and mass transit along our major street routes such as Harrison and Washington Blvds.

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