Responses from Susan E. "Susie" Van Hooser, candidate for Mayor
There is or should be a set of criteria against which all changes in ordinances and zoning should be measured. Not the least of these is what effect the change will have first on the immediate residences where the change will occur and second how will the change impact the city as a whole. As to particular ordinances or zoning changes, it is difficult to articulate those without knowing the context in which they are to be considered.
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?
This situation begs for an alternatives analysis evaluation, and does not include the impact Front Runner will have on the needs and demands for mass/rapid transportation systems in the City. At this time I would recommend a comprehensive study of the transportation needs of the city that would include all of the options mentioned in the question plus the Front Runner.
3. If elected, would you favor or oppose the sale of any city-owned open space along the benches for private development? Please explain.
Oppose!!! Open space especially large blocks are becoming more and more scarce. We should be acquiring land not selling it. The land that we currently have should be permanently set aside for future generations.
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?
We first need to do a better job educating the population on recycling. Then we need to find profitable ways to make recycling more appealing. We should adopt a permanent water conservation program with a reward component to it.
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?
Sensitive overlay zones should be developed with a light hand toward the environment, i.e., the environmental considerations should weight heavily in the decisions. Building on slopes greater than 30% should be done only in rare instances. The state is currently developing legislation that will likely take this out of our purview. Increase density of development should not be allowed. The notion of transferable development rights should be entertained only when the CITY gains.
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?
The city's trail system seems to be expanding well on it own using RAMP funds and volunteers. The city needs to be supportive and promote this valuable asset to visitors and residents alike. Any changes to the system should be developed by a trails committee/task force that is knowledgeable about these needs. A trails system maintenance program needs to be developed in which the city is a partner.
7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not?
Sure if it fits into the overall scheme of land use.
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 all of these programs and would encourage the city to set the example in conservation policies. An example is once our mass transit systems are in place city employees should be encouraged to use it through partial payment of monthly fare cards.
9. What other environmental issues would you address if elected?
If elected I intent to implement sensible open unified leadership that will encourage the bringing forward of all issues affecting the city so that all sides can be discussed in a cordial atmosphere that will encourage cooperation and consensus building.