Five-year run on council recounted in terms of triumphs, unfinished business

John Hansen served for five years on the Tooele City Council before losing his bid for re-election this fall in a tight race with Shawn Milne. Hansen was first appointed to the council in 2004 to fill the unexpired term of Colleen Johnson, who had been elected to the Tooele County Commission. He was then elected to a full-term in 2005. He attended his final meeting as a member of the council last Wednesday.

Hansen, 67, was the first baby born on New Year’s Day 1942 in Tooele, and has called the town home his entire life. Joining the Army at age 18, he retired at age 51 after 33 years of service in the Army and the Utah National Guard, having reached the rank of full colonel and served as the director of logistics for Dugway Proving Ground. His service in the military includes 25 years with the special forces as a Green Beret. After retiring, Hansen served for two years as the director the Utah State Defense Force at the request of Governor Michael Leavitt and was appointed a Brigadier General in the Utah National Guard. Hansen purchased the old Smelter Hospital on Vine Street in 1986 and remodeled it to become his current residence.

The outgoing councilman recently sat down with the Transcript-Bulletin to reflect on his years on the city council, including battles fought and won and personalities he worked with along the way.

Q: How did you get involved in city politics?

A: I really had no previous experience with Tooele City, other than being a lifetime resident. When Colleen Johnson was elected to the county commission, there was an opening for somebody to fill one remaining year on her term. Mike Johnson, a good friend who I had worked with on the credit union board and a member of the city council, called and asked me to apply. I originally said no. However, Mike impressed on me the importance of public service and I relented and allowed my name to be considered. I can’t recall much about the selection process but I was eventually approved by the city council. I joined when Charlie Roberts was mayor and served with Steve Pruden, Mike Johnson, Steve Bevan and Doug Redmond.

Q: How do you feel about the election results and leaving the council now after five years?

A: Overall it has been a very positive experience. The election was the will of the people, I can’t argue with that. I wish the voter turnout was higher. I did not really do any campaigning. I did not go door to door. I did put up a few signs that my son paid for, but that was about it. I am afraid that many of my supporters thought I would win and did not go and vote. Tooele has changed. When I first was elected many people knew me and my reputation and voted for me. I did not need to do much campaigning. Honestly a lot of my supporters in the last few years have died or are too old to get out.

Q: What were some of the major accomplishments achieved by the city, with your support, over the last five years?

A: I can’t take credit for everything here. There were many people involved in all of our accomplishments, including the mayor, council members and employees. I did force the issue with Mayor Roberts about finishing the back nine holes of the golf course. Many people helped with getting the water, the land and the planning. It was something people had talked about finishing for a long time, and I just brought it to the forefront until we saw the plans through. I also supported the city’s relationship with USU, including the land donation that was finally passed recently. When I first started on the council, the city had bought the property where Big 5, Sears and Walgreens are now located. The plan was to make it a public safety facility including a new police station. I felt like that was a mistake. Although we needed new facilities, the idea of taking prime Main Street property off the tax rolls made me uncomfortable. I had to change some minds, but what we have there now is very positive. I also worked hard to win the approval of the purchase of the open space on Skyline Drive, which will be developed into the first city park in that neighborhood.

Q: What business do you felt you left unfinished?

The Skyline Park and the property behind the Tooele Valley Railroad Museum need to be developed. I know with the economy like it is it will be hard to find money for those projects, but they need to be a priority. A new police station needs to be built and — I know this may be unpopular with some council members — we may have to look at remodeling an existing building like the old Al and Lid’s building to be able to get the job done now for less rather than waiting until we have the money for something big and new. The Kennecott water resources need to be developed. The city is moving forward trying to decide the best place to drill wells. The city needs a complex for girls softball. The sport has been really growing fast and they need more fields. More businesses need to be recruited at the Utah Industrial Depot — any business that is going to employ a lot of people and not need a lot of water. Randy Sant has been a very valuable asset to the city when it comes to economic development. He is well respected and the best at what he does. The city has made great strides in code enforcement and that needs to continue. I don’t mean building codes and safety, but cleaning up yards and getting people to cut weeds. In our trips to Las Vegas looking for retail businesses, one thing that we have learned is that right now most companies are waiting for the economy to improve before they make any more expansions. Some companies have a policy of building only when a community reaches a preset population figure. We will see these companies come to Tooele as we grow. Others have said wait for the economy to improve and we will be there.

Q: What about the Rocky Mountain Power transmission line route through Tooele? Did you propose a compromise between the city and the company?

A: One thing we have learned is that Rocky Mountain Power, with the right of eminent domain, will put the power line wherever they want. I don’t think we have a lot of control. Tooele City has made a strong stand that we do not want the power line coming through the city anywhere. A proposed route was agreed upon by Tooele City, Grantsville City and Tooele County. Rocky Mountain rejected the proposed route. In one of our closed meetings with Rocky Mountain Power officials, I proposed that the lines come through the Utah Industrial Depot, then go underground through Tooele City, and then head over the mountains. One Rocky Mountain Power representative said they can’t go underground. Another said they could but it would be too costly. I can’t remember who all was present at the meeting, but my idea was not accepted by anybody.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Tooele Associates lawsuit?

A: The jury award shook my faith in the justice system. The decision was so unjust it will be reduced by the trial judge or on appeal. When the judge moved the trial to Salt Lake, we ended up with a jury comprised of left-wing Salt Lake City residents. It is very easy to get a jury riled up against a city because sometimes cities have to do unpopular things. I am totally convinced the verdict will not stand. These people sued us, the people of Tooele, and we as a city had to protect ourselves. Even if we end up paying the full amount, which I doubt we will, it is less than how much Drew Hall demanded for settlement in out-of-court negotiations.

Q: What abut the Grantsville City lawsuit over the Utah Industrial Depot?

A: Judge Kouris said when he dismissed the case there was not sufficient evidence. Grantsville continuing to pursue the suit is just plain dubious and goofy. I was there during the arbitration before the case went to court. In order to avoid the expense of lawyers, Tooele offered Grantsville thousands, but they insisted on millions. It was impossible to talk to them. It has been a waste of money for both Grantsville and Tooele, but the bottom line is you have to defend yourself.

Q: What’s your view of the two mayors you’ve worked with during your time on the council. How do their management styles compare and which was more effective?

They both were very effective mayors, although each had their own style and personality. Mayor Dunlavy was practically born a city employee and is very well versed in city government and operations. Charlie Roberts was more the public relations kind of guy.

Q: What parting advice do you have for the city council?

A: Three priorities: First, a new recreation facility. A fitness center or expanded facility for Boys and Girls Club. We need more activities for our citizens, especially the youth. Second, a new fire station. We have the property, now we need to build it. As we have grown to the north, we need the new fire station to keep insurance rates low. Third, a new police station. I have already discussed this. For the community and the officers, we need a new station.

Q: How would you summarize your experience on the council overall? Is public service something you would now recommend to others?

My experience has been very good. I am happy with my service and our accomplishments. I would absolutely recommend public service to others.

Tim Gillie: tgillie@tooeletranscript.com