The FOHV reached out with a few questions and asked for our stances. Not all the candidates replied, but here are my replies and a link to the page for those that did reply.
My replies:
1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?
I feel like the best options for a bypass have passed us by now. Of the remaining options, wrapping tightly to the city and coming in at Smiths marketplace is the best. I like option WB1 better than WB2 since it uses existing southfields road. I think that partial frontage roads is the better option for now and we could move toward WA1's interchange system from either WB1 or WB2. WB3 and WB4 should be disregarded entirely. There is simply no reason at all to go through the middle of the fields like that. That said, IF UDOT comes back with those options, I think the city/county and residents must look into state and federal highway buffer programs to buy up the open space around the highway and set up conservation easements to keep as much as possible of the fields system open perpetually. This might give us the funding we need to finally align conservation interest with funding to make incentives make sense for property owners.
2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?
I don't know the exact number, no. I do know there are over 8500 open lots according to the 4/2021 lot inventory post on the city site. Too many. I am not sure if this is asking about city or county, but I am confident that nobody understands the impact of the approved numbers in the east valley or those up on the ridge. We cannot wait and see what happens. On issues like traffic, infrastructure, utilities and roads/safety we must be intentional now about what we want to see in 10, 15, 30 years.
3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?
I think the rate has more to do with when the applications came in, and there's not a ton that can be done to slow those. We are seeing slowing now with the interest rates going higher and construction costs up so much due to inflation, but it's still fast. The reality is that while we will see applications slow down, we need to work with developers to under-develop, like Midway has been doing. We need to do much better at providing resources to property owners to pursue conservation. We also must be intentional about where we want density so that we can preserve open space but still allow people that want to or have to live in apartments, town-homes etc to be able to do so. If we don't, we will end up with no workforce for local businesses and few, if any, remaining local-resident public workers.
4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?
My top priorities are responsible growth, accurate representation and transparent open communication, more-affordable housing options and small business support.
We must be intentional about what we approve and where. We need to be mindful to avoid urban sprawl that has been the downfall of so many small towns in the West. City council must be willing to communicate openly and honestly about why decsions are made, both so the public can understand and to better engage the public in the future. We need to get creative about affordable housing options and do more to create deed-restricted options and ADUs and while pushing to grow programs like self-help homes at every turn. Finally, I am worried about the health of local businesses. With continued steep tax increases and an increasingly mobile and older population, I worry that we don't have enough jobs staying in Heber. I think we must do more to lift these local businesses, consolidate resources and keep revenues and jobs local.
5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?
100%. I work mostly through influence in my professional life as well and am used to differences of opinion. I value alternative views and know that only by having a diversity of thought will we be able to make the best decisions. I will be the first to ask for time to discuss or take a breather when things get heated, and I'm committed to ensuring I always listen to fellow council and the public in a way that proves to them that I value their input.
6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?
Not a developer. No ties to any developers, and I don't own any open land of any sort.
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