Responses from John H. Thompson, candidate for Mayor
I have observed over the years people running for the council and many times they would run on a platform that wanted the changes to restrict or limit the number of multiunit housing units within the city. The goal was to get more single family dwellings in the city to establish families, set down roots in neighborhoods, and built up and strengthen the community. I would certainly look into this issue and pursue changing zoning ordinances to this effect. My observations in council meetings, with the administration proposing a change, routing it thru the planning commission, and having the council review and vote accordingly on such changes seems to be a fair and open system to me that works well.
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?
Not to familiar with this issue in the big picture other than reading articles in the paper now and then. My first comment would be I'm not clear on what the mass transit problem is for Ogden? I do know that I don't favor a gondola line from downtown to McKay-Dee and until now have not heard of this proposal being put forth by the city. I understood the gondola going from the Junction, down Harrison to WSU at about 38/39th St and then east. Also never heard of the administration proposing streetcar routes for neighboring cities so won't/can't comment here. I don't believe there is a need for downtown to WSU/M-D routes. If there is, I'd be happy to consider this and on this date would support the streetcar/bus method over a gondola system.
3. If elected, would you favor or oppose the sale of any city-owned open space along the benches for private development? Please explain.
If elected its my opinion that its not my business to propose, for or against, the sale of city owned open space. I understand, and believe, thats the job and responsibility of the council. If the council decides to sell property, my job would be to get the best offer possible for the property, for private development or public development. Personally, I want to keep and maintain all city open space for public use and enjoyment.
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 would review our current situtation. I hoped years ago that the city would have gone further in the recycle program implemented. Don't know, overall, how that program works but it seems to me we half-stepped that issue. As to water, as well as waste, that's an issues that is a basic and essential function of city government so it should remain a top priority of administration. I understand that we get about 2/3's of the water from Pineview and 1/3 is bought from Weber Basin. I'm not aware that there are other interests around that threaten this arrangement.
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?
Again, not aware of this proposal but if true from the question, I'd be against it. Seems that's asking for trouble. I know a construction saying goes something like 'its easier, and cheaper, to destroy and build new rather than remodel and restore' but Ogden is too nice a place, and historically significant to forget about our older areas and just increase property and property values by building on sloped land.
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?
One area I would actively seek to improve something that's already great. Not sure where the plan stands now and how much of it is to still be implemented but I certainly enjoy the trails above 24th St (east end), and from Ogden Canyon over the Weber State. I believe that is one of our most beautiful and important assets here in Ogden. The trails should be kept, maintained, and improved.
7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not?
Not sure where you're talking about here. I'll guess the east foothills and mountains. Familiar with the terms but not the definitions of National Forest and wilderness. Don't know how a mayor gets into designating federal lands but if the designation does not prohibit access by residents and visitors, I'd suppose I could live with it. Otherwise, favor or not favor is a little out of my expertise right now.
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 support these programs. I would favor expanding them. I would support any program that improves the environment and the health of people.
9. What other environmental issues would you address if elected?
At this time, haven't thought about this so I have no additional comment.