Next Tuesday, Sept. 15, Tooele voters will shorten that list of prospective city council members to four candidates that will go on to the general election.
The Transcript-Bulletin sent the following five questions to all Tooele City Council candidates. Responses were limited to less than 200 words. In some cases, candidates were contacted and asked to clarify responses.
John Hansen
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
Some of the reasons I feel qualified to be a city councilman are as follows: I have been a leader who exercised good judgment and common sense all of my life! I am a current Tooele City Councilman, an Army veteran, a member of the city arts council, former member of the library board, current chairman of the Tooele City Redevelopment Agency, a retired logistics director, a former senior Commander over several military units including all engineering forces in the Utah Guard, the Army garrison at Camp Williams, the Utah military academy as well as other units. During my almost five years as a city councilman, I have worked diligently with the mayor and my fellow council members to bring about much-needed change in personnel and management practices within Tooele City departments. Tooele is a vibrant and growing community and new citizens and business ventures arrive on a daily basis. They need to feel welcome and encouraged to join the process so we can all be successful.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
My top three priorities if elected are maintenance and improvement of our infrastructure, law enforcement, and funding parks and recreation along with other important city elements. I will try to find funding for additional recreation facilities so sorely needed in our community so our children and families have high-quality leisure and entertainment locally. Our great 4th of July week-long celebration and concert, as well as the presentation by the Crescent Super Band at Christmastime, and Fridays on Vine will be funded and others added as time goes on. Last but not the least is we must continue to seek high-quality, clean industry and businesses to locate in Tooele City and at our industrial parks so our citizens have a place to work and prosper. This will also increase our tax base to fund the good things our citizens need.
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
Law enforcement in our community needs to be fully supported and funded in order to bring the hammer down hard on those individuals who choose to break the law. I will work hard to obtain grant money for hiring additional police officers and purchase equipment to enhance their ability to fight crime.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
A developer files a lawsuit against your city, you really only have one choice: Defend your city. That is exactly what was done. Although I was not a councilman when this lawsuit was filed, I have to tell you that I support everything that was done by previous and present administrations. Tooele City has made valiant attempts to negotiate and settle this lawsuit. Tooele Associates has rejected all of our offers even though our last offer before trial exceeded in value the amount awarded by the jury. I implore all citizens to read the letter that was sent to them as it relates to this matter, as these are the real facts. Tooele Associates in their full page ads in the paper would have you believe this is over. It is not over. The judge has not made his final ruling as to if the jury followed the law and if the verdict should stand. If he were to rule that the verdict stands, then it will be appealed and my prediction is Tooele City and its 32,000 citizens will not pay these people a dime.
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
Since I have been on the council, we have brought in Big 5 Sports, Home Depot, Sears, Walgreens and others to our fair city and have more in the pipeline when the economy recovers. This does not just happen. We went and found these organizations and convinced them to come here. We work on a daily basis with the state Office of Economic Development and developers to get industry and business to locate here. The completion of 1000 North, which will be completed this fall all the way to SR-112, will further enhance our ability to attract new business and industry. Tooele City is a great place to live and work. I was born here, raised here, and my children and grandchildren all live here. I want to do whatever I can to serve the people of Tooele. I will continue to work to the best of my ability so this city will continue to grow and prosper.
Laura Liddell
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
I made my first entrance into the arena of public service in 1964, at the tender age of 3, when unbeknownst to him, and much to my parents’ chagrin, I took it upon myself to campaign for Sen. Barry Goldwater, walking up to any person on the street, in stores, at church, or any other public place, urging them to “vote for Goldwater.” Although my efforts were unsuccessful that year, it set my feet on the path to public service. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work for a variety of government agencies, including serving as a city councilor and mayor of a rural community in the southern Oregon region. I also served as a liaison in various areas for the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, School District 6, and Jackson County, Ore. Ironically enough, in 1995, I worked directly with a member of Sen. Goldwater’s 1964 campaign party, Ric Holt. He became one of my greatest mentors. In July 2003, our family moved back to its roots in Tooele when I began working as a legal secretary for the state. In April 2006, I completed the public manager program, and was awarded my public manager certification.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
During the last six years, there are three major concerns among the city’s residents that I perceive as being prevalent: (1) How to reduce the crime rate; (2) The resolution of the lawsuit between the city of Tooele and the Tooele Associates (Overlake community); and (3) Economic development and enhancement of Tooele. Having been faced with similar issues in the past while serving my former community, I am comfortable with and optimistic of achieving mutually agreeable and beneficial solutions as we tackle together these issues that face our city. I anticipate success similar to that experienced by my former community, and I am looking forward to actively working with our citizens and business owners, along with other agencies and/or organizations to effectively put together and implement a strategic plan to resolve these issues.
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
An important element to reducing/deterring crime lies with the citizens themselves. I would like to encourage our residents to come together, and create even more vitality, training opportunities, and participation in programs like Neighborhood Watch, and further our recruitment efforts for participation in our City’s Crime Prevention Program. Additionally, maintaining an excellent cooperative effort with public safety agencies from nearby cities and within the county greatly enhances our ability to provide protection for our community. The final item of concern to me is seeking what we, as community residents, can do to provide more adequate housing for our Public Safety Department. I am a strong believer in the goodness of people and that individuals want to help — they just don’t always know what they can do as an individual. With funding in the public safety budget being tight, and thus preventing such a building from being built strictly from the public safety fund, I would be interested in seeking ideas and resolutions of this matter from the members of the community. Our city is so fortunate to have such a professional and well-trained Public Safety Department that is committed to ensuring our community’s well-being.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
The return of my immediate family to Tooele occurred after the disputes and lawsuits were in full-swing between the city of Tooele and the Tooele Associates over the Overlake development. It is my opinion that, as I was not involved in the events that brought the disputes to court, I am not biased either way and would be able to “come to the table” without prejudice, and work together, recognizing the Overlake development as an integral part of the city of Tooele, to find and implement an amicable resolution to this issue. I am confident this could be achieved through the efforts of interested parties who would agree to come together and work to develop a strategic plan that identifies the top issues in this matter. Once those issues have been identified and agreed upon by all participants, each issue can be taken, and a workable plan with realistic and achievable goals can be created and implemented. I believe it is time to end the division caused by this issue, and bring to our community’s remembrance that Tooele and Overlake are not separate cities, but are an integral and important part of our one community — the city of Tooele.
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
As a public servant, this is one of my favorite projects. Working with the community to determine what direction the residents and current business owners want their city to take, and working together to make those goals and visions come true is of utmost importance to me. To demonstrate my dedication to this work, I offer the following history: When working with my former community to achieve its identified visions, I utilized various agencies to acquire potential school sites and successfully brought in a party that developed a local recreational business. I also obtained two, no-interest, renewable, federal housing grants for the improvement of existing homes for homeowners that could not obtained funds otherwise; two public safety grants; and worked with the public works director to obtain a $790,000 CBBG grant to put in a water loop system. Additionally, I was working with that city’s planning department, residents, and business owners to come up with a theme for the town, which would have made it possible to apply for federal moneys to assist in the development of that theme. This is a sample of the similar success I expect to achieve should I be elected to city council.
Shawn Milne
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
Both my professional background as a local business owner and my community involvement over the past several years have prepared me for the job of city councilman. As a business owner, I have had to develop and analyze budgets; hire, train, and schedule employees; develop a long-range strategy while staying focused on the day-to-day tactics; and generally allocate sparse resources among a long list of priorities to keep my business successful. Likewise, my years of voluntary civic involvement with the planning and zoning commission, Tooele Police ViPS volunteer program, Animal Control Appeals Board, Charter Review Committee, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations has also familiarized me with the citizens and resources of our great city. As well, I’ve consistently attended city council meetings as an involved citizen for the last six years. Combined, these experiences will enable me a quick and effective start as a member of the city council.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
First, preparation for continued population growth with an emphasis on city infrastructure. Growth projections of commercial vs. residential, public- vs. private-sector employment, young families vs. retirees, median household income, etc. will determine what types of services the city government needs to prepare for in the near and distant future. Road improvements, department staffing, zoning plans, water consumption, etc. may not be the most alluring pitch to win an election, but failing to take these projected growth patterns in to serious consideration when contemplating all other priorities would be a certain misstep for any leader. Second, pursuit of educational development and resources for our citizens — across all ages. This too is another vitally important factor in our city’s future. Education and professional-development choices are a fundamental factor for better employment options, improved quality of life, and the overall health of our community. Currently, we have one of the most efficiently-run school districts for primary and secondary education. Working together with the Tooele County School District, the State Board of Education, the USU extension, Tooele Applied Technology College, and programs already established in Tooele, I’d like to expand our local post-secondary choices. Third, crime prevention. (See response to question below.)
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
A quick and over-simplified answer would be to hire more officers. That would be a safe answer, but by and of itself won’t cure crime. Being straight with you, to really reduce crime — and not just merely react to it afterwards — will take a lot more than additional manpower within our police department. As statistics have shown since the recession began, crime is a function of how content people are with what they have. Currently, Tooele is still one of the safest zip codes in Utah and speaks of how happy our citizens are overall. However, as everyone’s noticed, graffiti has increased this summer and points to a significant number of bored youths that deface property with mindless “tagging.” These individuals can be partly swayed with harsher punishment and more frequent patrols by officers, but a better solution is to give them something productive to do with their time before they “tag.” I believe that increasing and bolstering purposeful, yet varied, youth programs that are both low-cost for families that can’t afford athletics or camps for their children, as well as structured through volunteer groups, churches, and/or even city-sponsored programs would be promising solutions.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
To be clear, the issues that led to the lawsuit didn’t arise overnight nor will they be resolved quickly either. This has taken the better part of a decade to fester and materialize. It has had the involvement of many people who have represented the interests of Tooele city and our citizens — from prior administrations to former council members that are no longer involved with city leadership. Furthermore, the lawsuit is technically already over. The issue presently at hand is whether the findings and award given by the jury will stand after the judge’s review, which is forthcoming. However, which actions we should pursue depends upon the judge’s final ruling. A generalized course of action I would adopt is to consult with our city’s legal counsel, mayor, and fellow councilmen while we await the final ruling. In the meantime, we should consider the likeliest possible outcomes and conceptualize directions to be chosen once that ruling has been made. This allows us, collectively, to move as quickly as possible towards a resolution without further complication.
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
I encourage fellow citizens to buy goods and services locally when possible. When we make purchases in other cities or counties, we support someone else’s economic development, road repairs, maintenance of parks and recreation facilities, police and fire department budgets, and school districts instead of our own. If we’re to keep small-town and local businesses healthy, we have to buy from them and promote their success. If you desire something local merchants don’t have, tell them. Another factor for companies contemplating to locate here is sheer population. More residences mean a greater number of consumers for different companies to offer their wares to. Most big-box and major retailers require a larger population than we currently have. However, Tooele has the state’s largest per capita inventory of affordable housing. This is a major attractant for young families and means continued growth, including commercial development and employment, will be coming. Of course, with growth comes greater demand on our city’s infrastructure. As referred to in my earlier answers, these services have to be carefully prioritized and balanced against the benefits and costs of more businesses locating within our city. Commercial development merely for growth’s sake would be reckless.
Richard Mitchell
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
By profession I have served primarily as an engineer and program manager within the U.S. defense industry. I hold a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and have graduate work in business management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after high school and have been in the military for 30 years. Highlights of my career include U.S. military aircraft engine and aircraft subsystem design, manufacture and support. Other highlights of my career include serving as a principal engineer and test director for Lockheed Martin at Dugway Proving Ground. I took a sabbatical from industry for five years and performed consultant work as well as taught college at Central Wyoming College in the areas of math and computer science as an adjunct instructor. I returned to the U.S. defense industry and currently serve our country as a project engineer and program manger for L-3 Communications, a provider of military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance communications systems. My background, training, temperament and values bring not only technology skills but also the ability to lead, manage organizations and large budgets, as well as find opportunity within difficulty.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
The highest priority for me is private property rights. True ownership defines the right to choose the use of your own property — not a governing body. However, as we function as a society there is some give and take as we attempt to balance private property rights with the good of society. My role as councilman will be to see that private property rights are respected and private citizens, families and homes are the center of our community, not city government’s desires or inertia. Second, quality of service. We the citizens of Tooele are the customers of the city government. I would like to help the city of Tooele build further inertia and efficiency as an organization to become the best-in-class to our citizens, to develop core strengths within those areas we need from a city, and get out of the areas government municipalities do not belong. Third, community identity and downtown preservation. Our city is about to change and a new identity and community feel will emerge with the completion of 1000 North. Within that opportunity, we have the capacity to abandon our downtown or shape it into something beautiful. My desire is to further shape 1000 North into the continuing vibrant area it is while helping downtown become a historic district of novelty, class and culture.
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
In short, there are three levels of crime within our community: nuisance, domestic and major. My interest is to begin unburdening our police force from baby-sitting responsibilities associated with nuisance activities that absorb too much of our resources. For this we will need community involvement and community spirit to overcome the poor behavior of a few that are impacting us — graffiti, youth park conduct, etc. As for major and domestic issues, I believe in education, tools and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. This is our community, not the few that would disrupt us. Let’s take up responsibility for what is within our reach and also support our police force.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
I have witnessed the development of this issue, researched the details, and spent time with city officials on the matter. I not only support and defend the laws of this country but also know that our very freedoms and strength of our country lies within private property ownership rights and due process of law for conflict resolution. A jury of our peers has spoken. We, the citizens of Tooele, lost the lawsuit. We currently have a large bill on our table. The question remaining is how do we resolve the bill. I believe the legal recourse and appeals process that the mayor and current city council have outlined are not only prudent but also necessary to properly defend the financial and real property interests of citizens of Tooele. In the end, it’s our bill and resources that will be used to pay this bill. I believe there is significant merit to the appeal presented. As for Tooele Associates’ offers to settle this matter in other ways, I say, yes, lets sit and talk, but do not show up asking for more than the value of the current lawsuit awarded. Sit with me sincerely and lets discuss this matter in good faith with real concessions on both sides.
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
One of the greatest economic opportunities leaves our fine city each day — some northbound to Salt Lake and some southbound to Dugway and the south area. These individuals are highly educated and well-trained people, skilled in technologies of all types. This skill base, coupled with our relatively inexpensive power, labor rates and industrial land availability, and access to quality universities and colleges, make us prime for clean, green technologies. As an engineer, I am frustrated anytime I have to outsource a product or service outside of Utah. This is especially true when I know the skills and the financial cost benefits to perform that work are here. At our doorstep right now are great opportunities for our development and support of future technologies maturing now. Dugway just made a major step toward the future in unmanned aerial vehicles. Hill AFB was awarded the Depot support contracts for the Reaper and Global Hawk UAVs. Within these awards come the opportunities of feeder businesses needed for the support of these organizations. The market may appear down, but there is always room for an educated and skilled workforce empowered with inexpensive electrical and natural gas power, land and labor.
Bryan Parker
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service makes you qualified for this office.
Throughout my military and civilian career I have always worked in the field of operations and leadership. I have spent most of my times looking for solutions to problems that arise that effect the morale and operation of a company and the people involved. I have never held a public office before, but looking at our current situation with our government — Congress, Senate and state — I don’t think it should be a precursor to running for public office. There is a lot of talent in our community along with the candidates running for the office of city council. I do not have the answer to all the problems, what I do have is the ability to evaluate the problems that arise, listen to concerns of those I am tasked to lead, and have the passion make our community a better place.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
My priorities are development of our city resources to better facilitate our growth and maintain that growth in a manner that provides income for the city and our young men and women. My two sons graduated from Tooele and only found employment at a fast food chain or a supermarket. My sons are contemplating moving to be closer to their place of work. Now, I will have to travel to see them and our grandchildren. We have the Industrial Depot that is not being used to its capacities. If we stand and brag about what we have there now then we are not looking into the future and failing our children. We have to do a better job of marketing our community, we may have to hire a marketing group. Revitalize downtown, including Broadway. We should give incentives to bring more people into the downtown areas. We can always build from the revenue it brings in. Broadway has become an eyesore, a problem only in comparison to what Pioneer Park was to Salt Lake City. I doubt there is one person that can honestly say they can drive through there with a guest and say with pride, “This is part of our town.”
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
I don’t think Tooele has a major crime problem. Yes we do have crime like any other city. We have one of the best law enforcement agencies. I commend Chief Kirby and our police officers in the outstanding job they do in our community. I think what we do need as a community is to realize the police force is only the extension of our communities’ responsibility. It is up to us as a community to be proactive. If you see a crime being committed, report it. Graffiti is on the rise, yet no one wants to report it because “It’s not my place.” It is. There has been talk about getting a new police station. I think we have talked enough. Let’s find the money to build or add on to the city building or co-op with the county. We ask these officers to stand in on our behalf. The least we can do is to make sure they have the necessary equipment and resources to do their job. Some of our officers are wearing old protective vests. If we are concerned about our safety then let’s make sure the men and women that protect us are able to.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
I do not want to comment on how I would handle city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake. I have not been privileged to all the information pertaining to the lawsuit. And what I have heard has been through both sides — their displeasure. I feel there is always an avenue for a compromise that can benefit both parties. My question would be do we have the right legal counsel to fight the battle?
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
I feel I have already answered this in my response to the question of my priorities.
Tom Poyner
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
Since moving to Tooele city in 1981, I have been involved in community service. I served as a long time member of the Tooele Bit & Spur Riding Club, 4th of July Rodeo and Parade chairman, Boy Scout leader, youth football, basketball, softball and baseball coach. I am currently the vice president of the Tooele County Babe Ruth baseball program and scout committee member. I am committed to the process of public service and wish to serve as a new city council member. I feel like I represent blue collar/working people the best. I currently work as a motor vehicle operator for the United States Army at the Tooele Army Depot. I am not a normal politician. The only hidden agenda I have is the willingness to serve and the will to use my life experiences to enable me to make wise/productive decisions. I hope this short statement will help interested people want to get to know me better. I also hope those who already know me and what I have to bring to this arena of Tooele city politics will share the knowledge with their neighbors.
No response to other questions.
Scott Wardle
1. Explain how your education, professional background or previous public service make you qualified for this office.
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in family and human development from Utah State University. I have also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix. I have worked for the LDS Church Educational System for the last 15 years as a teacher and administrator. I have taught at several schools including Grantsville High and Tooele High. Currently I teach at Stansbury High. Previous to serving as a city councilman, Commissioner Colleen Johnson asked that I sit on the needs resource summit, and from this has come the Tooele County Relief Services program that helps to address homelessness and hunger. I worked with the Tooele County Drug Court, and have served as a member of the Tooele Interagency Prevention Professionals. I have served on the Tooele City Council for the last four years. During this time, I have also served on the Tooele County United Way Leadership Council, USU Tooele Advisory Board, Vice-Chairman of the Tooele Redevelopment Agency, Tooele Valley Homeless Coordinating Committee and as an advisor to the Tooele City Planning Commission. I am also a husband and father, I want Tooele to continue to be a great place to raise a family and retire.
2. What are your top three priorities? Please explain each in detail.
Quality economic development. We need to encourage commercial retail development that will strengthen our tax base and keep our citizens shopping in Tooele. During the last four years, we have worked on the redevelopment on our downtown. We also need to continue to encourage companies to locate businesses here so that our citizens will be able to live and work here. Developing and repairing our aging infrastructure and developing water resources. In the last four years, we have completed expansion on our sewer plant, built 1000 North, resurfaced or rebuilt many streets, replaced aging water and sewer lines, and partnered with Settlement Canyon Irrigation to re-line an overflow flood diversion pipe to prevent future flooding. We have entered into partnerships that will bring more water to our city. I have been a leader who has tackled these issues and have done so without raising taxes. Vandalism and graffiti. We are currently working on how to strengthen our codes that will prevent this type or crime and punish those who are involved in this behavior in such a way that will deter them from doing this in the future. We will need technology, neighborhood involvement and giving our fine police department the resources needed.
3. What would you do to reduce crime in Tooele?
I think the first thing that must be recognized is that we have great police officers. We must make sure that they have the best resources to do their job and keep us safe. I believe that a community that pulls together and gets involved can and does make a great difference. We have seen this with the neighborhood watch on the southwest part of town. We need to continue our community policing, the use of our graffiti officer, early intervention through education in our school system and finally, strengthening families through our Communities that Care program. We are currently working on how to strengthen our codes that will prevent property crimes, such as vandalism and graffiti and punish those who are involved in this behavior in such a way that will deter them from doing this in the future. Finally, I believe it is our personal responsibility to be law-abiding citizens.
4. How would you handle the city’s lawsuit with Tooele Associates over the development of Overlake?
I think we all would like to have this matter resolved. During the last five years, we have tried on several occasions to resolve this lawsuit. I am still willing to sit down and try and resolve this matter. Any settlement must be fair to our citizens. This is what we must do to be good stewards of the public’s resources. I believe the verdict in favor of Tooele Associates was wrong and will not stand. We have filed motions to reduce or eliminate the jury verdict to Tooele Associates. It is important to realize that Tooele Associates was found to have broken the development agreement first by the jury. As a result of their actions, they have lost all the rights under the development agreement, including almost 6,000 acre feet of free water that has an estimated worth of $90 million, and the jury verdict was for far less than what the development agreement was worth. Therefore, they continue to demand a settlement that is worth far more than the jury verdict. I have been and will be a wise steward of your tax dollars and the cities resources. If a settlement can be found, I will work to make it happen.
5. What would you do to increase economic development in the city?
Four years ago, I promised that if elected I would make this one of my top priorities. I believe we have seen great success in this area. During the last four years we have worked diligently on the redevelopment on our downtown. I have personally been able to work with our Downtown Alliance, which is made up of local business and property owners. We must continue to move forth with the redevelopment of this area, the Broadway area and new development in many other areas of our city. We also need to continue to encourage companies to locate businesses here so that our citizens will be able to live and work here. We must continue to recruit commercial businesses that will help to develop our tax base and provide opportunities to work and shop here. We have had great success with this, companies such has Walgreens, Big 5 and Sears have come to our downtown, Syracuse Castings to our industrial park, and Sostanza has rehabilitated one of our aging buildings on Main Street and opened a wonderful restaurant. I hope we don’t lose sight of the fact that they provide a great product and as we support them we support each other as we shop locally.
Andy Free
No response
Merlynn Vowles Legg