Tell me your practical ideas about Provo’s Future–how should she grow and why. What is your role as a Council Member in that process? Legally, who has the burden of persuasion in a Rezoning?

The General Plan is an inspired document. I will follow it. Its comprehensive vision of what Provo should look like is the result of 5 years of work and the input of MANY residents. It details how Provo should grow and why, in clear and unmistakable language. Unfortunately, some people want to ignore it. I won’t let that happen. For a bright future, all of us need to be on the same page. The Plan gets reviewed every 5 years, so it remains flexible and open for carefully-considered change. The next review of that Plan is scheduled for 2008. I want to be part of that process in order to protect what needs protecting, and revising what needs revising.

How do you see Provo’s Downtown neighborhoods? By what process do you see them becoming stronger and why? What is your role as a Council Member in this process?

I fully support the measures that the last two Councils have taken to restore our Central Neighborhoods. Those measures need to be expanded.

I understand that there is limited money, but I want to get a process in place for other neighborhoods (Foothills, Provost, and NorthPark, specifically) to be included in the CNRCC.

Do you have land holdings in Provo?  Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo?  Where are these properties?

No. I subdivided a family horse pasture several years ago, and sold the lots. It is now a very low density subdivision, the best in the neighborhood. Contrary to rumor, I was completely finished with the project BEFORE I ran for office four years ago. I learned a great deal in the process, I have no intention of ever doing it again, and I believe that what I learned will help me be a better Council member.

How do you see Provo’s neighborhoods in general?

Threatened.

How do you see Provo’s Downtown Business District? Describe how and by what process you see it becoming more vibrant….and your role as a

Council Member in that…..

The business community as a whole, not just the downtown district, has no voice in Provo City’s Economic Development policy. I will create a grass-roots commission of local businesses to advise the Council, a commission which state law allows for.

There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—Budget and Landuse. How do you tie those two roles to your hopes and goals for Provo?

Policy-making begins with money-allocating. When we spend tax dollars on infrastructure, we are providing future land uses. I have studied the budget for 10 years, and I see some definite need for re-allocation.

What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why?

More emphasis on sustainability issues — air quality, water conservation, open space preservation, recycling participation, traffic control, and watershed protection. To ignore these vital issues is a mistake. I will focus attention on them consistently.

A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward with out at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have you done this, or how do you plan to do this.  How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you’d like to see happen in our City?

People with sound egos can handle conflict. I have a sound ego. I believe that most of the Council does, too. They are good people. If an idea is a good one, good people will recognize it. I am tenacious, but harmless. I almost never take offense. I trust the other Council members to look past my assertiveness, and see, with me, what is best for Provo.

For more information about all of my views, opinions, ideas, and positions, go to votemelanie.com . Thanks for this opportunity.

Yesterday I got a campaign mailer that inspired me to
write.

Even though I have pulled out of the City Wide Council
race I am still concerned about who will represent us.
I believe those that hold office should be
accountable to their constituents. If promises were
made while campaigning then the candidate should
return and report to us when re-running. Also
candidates should take personal credit only for their
own achievements and not for every good thing that
comes along.

During the last election cycle Mr. Turley stated that
he had problems with Provo’s Apartment Licensing
Ordinance. This law requires each rental dwelling to
have a Business License and meet building, safety, and
zoning codes. i.e. smoke alarms.

Mr. Turley stated on the ProvoCitizens website -
“NO, I would not have voted for the rental licensing
ordinance. I think there are better ways to insure
good communities than taxing and regulating. I would
repeal the licensing aspects of rentals, but make
provisions for a community registry of rentals that
are safe and community appropriate–i.e. industry
self-regulation.”

Mr. Turley also put in his campaign literature -
“Intrusive laws and burdensome regulations must be
repealed.”

While on the Council Mr. Turley has not proposed
legislation to repeal any part of the Apartment
Licensing Ordinance, nor has he created any kind of
“community registry of rentals that are safe” during
his term.

I can only think of one change to the apartment
licensing ordinance. While on the Council I
introduced legislation to delete unnecessary driveway
upgrades that would not make rentals any safer. It
took me six months to get that one item through the
Council.

It is easy to raise your hand for or against what
others have proposed.
However part of your job as a Councilman is to
actually introduce and push through legislation to
solve real problems, or to repeal “intrusive laws and
burdensome regulations”. I am unaware of Mr. Turley
submitting any legislation to change our laws to
better reflect the will of the people, (Although his
Premier Realty Investment Company did apply to change
the city’s General Plan for development along South
State Street.)

In the campaign letter I received Sept. 7th Steve
Turley states -
“Provo is more financially sound than it has been in
a long time. Before I joined the Council, the city
had been spending into the “red” and draining reserve
funds. For the years that I have been in office, we
have had budget surpluses and record reserves.”

To put these claims into perspective one must remember
the nation-wide economic downturn following the 9/11
tragedy. Every city struggled as sales tax revenues
plummeted. As the economy has recovered, surpluses
have occurred as more money came in than was expected.
The result was we were able to replenish our
reserves.
No one person controls the national economy, but if
anyone in Provo is to get credit for our city being
financially sound it should be the whole Council, the
Mayor and all of our city employees. The Mayor
proposes the budget, the Council normally approves it
with minor changes if any, and the City employees make
do with the money available.

Even though I could say more about Steve’s campaign
letter I will stop at this point.

Since I will likely have more to say in the future I
would like to ask anyone who is on my mailing list by
mistake, or is not interested in local politics, to
let me know and I will gladly remove your address.
If you feel my comments have any value, then please
forward them to others in your part of town.

Also, I encourage any feedback whether positive or
negative.

Thanks, Dave

  
Graffiti is a growing problem in our neighborhoods. I have seen it popping up alot more often. The worst seems to be the North side exit doors of the old movie theater on 200 North and 200 West. Provo City has been great about removing it within 24 hours from the time that it was reported. Here is where the city needs our help.  If you see ANY graffiti anywhere in the neighborhood please follow this link to report it anonymously:

http://www.provo.org/current_issues.graffiti.html

 Your help is greatly appreciated.

 Scott Bingham-Timp Neighborhood Chair

DEAR NEIGHBORS,

I AM RUNNING FOR PROVO CITY COUNCIL. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER ME
WHEN YOU VOTE.  FOR 10 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO
PROVO CITY GOVERNMENT — EVERY MEETING, EVERY REPORT, EVERY ISSUE. I
BELIEVE THAT I AM THE MORE QUALIFIED CANDIDATE. I’D LIKE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

  –Melanie McCoard
       EXPERIENCE:

        Wife, mother, grandmother
        Provo resident (over 30 years)
        Provost Neighborhood Chair
        Southeast Area chair
        Candidate, (Provo City Council)
        Lifelong Volunteer (PTA, Scouts, Church)
        President (Regional Artists Organization)
        Coordinator (Arbinger Seminars)
        Editor (“The Provo Sun”)
        Reporter (“Utah County Journal”)
        Developer (Sweet Haven Subdivision)
        Teacher (Independence High School)
        Entrepreneur (“Puppets on the Side”)
        Retail (Good Earth Natural Foods),
        Election judge
        Political Activist

ENDORSEMENTS:

“I have known Melanie for 20 years. I have found her to be informed
and articulate in her understanding of city matters. I therefore
endorse her for City Council.”– Robin Roberts

“Melanie doesn’t take things at face value; she does her homework,
which is all important on the Council, where knowledge is power.
Melanie does what she feels is right regardless of the personal cost.”
– Dave Knecht

“Melanie is committed to being an informed public servant. She is an
energetic worker, an excellent researcher, and a serious student of
Provo’s government and policy.”– Bonnie Callis

“Melanie is very tenacious in her beliefs, which is a good thing.
Sometimes when we all thought there was no hope, she kept on
fighting.” — Anita Reid

“Melanie is the person I would like to represent me.”– Russ Phillips

“I have watched my mother spend years being involved with, and getting
educated about, Provo City government. I am confident that she has
spent so much time and effort out of love and a sense of
responsibility for her city, and concern and respect for her
neighbors. There is no other motivation.”
– Hannah McCoard Petersen

“My wife would be good at this.”– Stoney McCoard

POSITION ON THE ISSUES:

HOME OWNERSHIP — Home ownership is the foundation of a healthy city,
but Provo’s ratio of owner-occupied homes to rental homes is seriously
out of balance, even for a university town. Every reasonable effort
should be made to increase owner-occupancy. I support the Council’s
recent actions in this effort, and will vote to expand them.

ZONING ENFORCEMENT — It’s the law. If it no longer meets the needs of
the neighborhood, the law should be changed, not ignored or
circumvented. Provo needs an amendment to the recent caretaker
ordinance that would allow our seniors, widows, and disabled residents
to have a legal basement apartment. I will demand that all homes that
receive city money be legally occupied.

DEVELOPMENT — Provo has done much to “raise the bar” to promote good
development, including development agreements, the PRO zone, and
enforcing parking standards. I agree with those measures. But more
needs to be done, especially on the west side. Infrastructure (roads,
sewers, storm drains, sidewalks, parks, etc.) needs to be in place for
anticipated growth. “Holes in the program”, which cost developers
unnecessarily, need to be filled. I will meet with developers to do
that. I applaud those developers who have “hit the mark!”

BUDGET — Policy-making begins with money-allocating. The Council has
the responsibility to oversee, thoroughly, the Mayor’s budget, and by
watching carefully where we spend our money, we could save more. I
have several ideas on how to get the cash for needed programs, WITHOUT
raising taxes!

AIRPORT — Plans are in the works to make Provo’s airport a “regional
facility.” The Airport Master Plan demonstrated the need for the
expansion. But landowners around the airport have not been treated
fairly, and the Council has not been informed completely of airport
developments (including the cost of all off-site improvements.) I will
seek appointment to the Airport Board.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS — Why is Provo building streets and
waterlines and parks in some areas of the city, and other areas, which
are in much greater need, are going without necessary services? I will
review the priorities of all of the CIP Schedules. I believe the price
of that infrastructure should be shared by developers, neighborhoods,
and the entire community.

ENERGY DEPARTMENT — We need a Performance Audit of each division
within the Energy Department. Since Provo Power is a public utility,
we are the stockholders. We need a better accounting of where the
money is going.

GROWTH — Provo’s General Plan is an inspired document. I will follow
it. I will seek public discussion for the 2008 General Plan Update
hearings about just how big Provo should get, and where it makes sense
to put more development.

SUSTAINABILITY — I will call for a “Sustainability Forecast” to see
where Provo stands with regards to air quality, water conservation,
traffic control, open space preservation, recycling participation, and
watershed protection. The first step towards improvement is
assessment. I will start these important discussions.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT — Business is essential. Government should not
compete with private enterprise. The business community needs to
organize a “grass-roots” commission that will advise the Council on
all Economic Development issues. All members of the administration
need to comply with the policies which the Council, the elected
policy-making body, has outlined.

BALANCE OF GOVERNMENT — Provo’s form of government has TWO separate
and equal teams, who should check and balance each other, not rubber
stamp decisions.

WORKING WITH OTHERS — People with sound egos can handle conflict. I
trust the other Council members and the Administration. And I’m not
afraid of a little controversy. But I will not alienate anybody.

EMPOWERING CITIZENS — Sympathy and a listening ear are not enough. A
Council member has to educate residents with problems about where to
go, what to do, and how to do it. The more people are involved, the
better the outcome. If you call me with a problem, I will get you
involved in the solution.`

PLEASE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ MORE ABOUT MY IDEAS AND OPINIONS AT

votemelanie.com
        or call me at 373-1192 or email me at stonewife@iveracity.com

Provo’s growth is a dynamic process. I believe that for our economic outlook to remain viable, our the downtown must continue to evolve to create additional economic engines for the city. As a Council Member, it will be my responsibility to be as visionary as I can as we respond to various proposals. It will be my responsibility to listen to, understand and respond to all of the stakeholders and with that information act appropriately in favor if the development is a positive force for the general good of all. And alternatively, to hold strong when it isn’t. I believe that the burden of persuasion is always upon the applicant to prove that rezoning is a benefit to a neighborhood. 

Q. How do you see Provo’s Downtown neighborhoods? By what process do you see them becoming stronger and why? What is your role as a Council Member in this process? 

I see Provo’s Downtown neighborhoods as one of our greatest opportunities in the city. They deserve to be stable, vital neighborhoods. Their architectural characteristics are an asset. It is important that we retain and keep owner-occupants in those neighborhoods. And in the coming years as Provo grows, we need to be visionary in the types of transitional development that occurs between the Downtown and these neighborhoods. It’s not good enough just to put something there because it’s the next latest and greatest thing. The design, quality, and function must be an appropriate fit. 

Q. Do you have land holdings in Provo?  Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo?  Where are these properties? 

No I do not have any land holdings and do not represent others that do. 

Q. How do you see Provo’s neighborhoods in general? 

Provo’s neighborhoods are unique in their character and in their challenges. I strongly support a Neighborhood’s right and ability to weigh in substantially on the discussions of what happens. They are, after all, the ones who live most closely with the results. I believe that only with input through vital discussions can we create a better outcome for all involved. 

Q. How do you see Provo’s Downtown Business District? Describe how and by what process you see it becoming more vibrant….and your role as a Council Member in that….. 

I really appreciate the efforts of so many to build and create a more viable Downtown. We as a city need to create even more opportunities for a great mix of office, business, restaurant, retail, tourism, and the arts to create a dynamic and thriving center. As a Council Member, I will be looking to support viable and healthy proposals that will contribute to a more vibrant Downtown. 

Q. There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—Budget and Landuse. How do you tie those two roles to your hopes and goals for Provo? 

Every piece of legislative effort must be considered for how it usesexisting Land, how it impacts our Neighborhoods and if it is a wise use for the resources of our city. I will work and prepare as I study legislation before the city to be a careful steward of our resources as well as our opportunities. 

Q. What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why? 

I would like to see us take a greater visionary role in what we do on the Westside including some commercial and open space planning. I would hope that our Central Neighborhoods become even more healthy and vibrant. I would like to prevent the creep of zoning issues that is spreading out into other areas of our city and threatening our more well-established neighborhoods. I would love to see intermodal transportation developed because I see an economic benefit to our Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. I would like to see us succeed in the Arts and the cultural enhancement of our city.  

Q. A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward without at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have you done this, or how do you plan to do this.  How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you’d like to see happen in our City?  

It is a reality. I believe that discussion, discovery, and respect are all hallmarks of being effective. Often it is through doing the hard work of research and the effort of lengthy discussion that the salient points emerge. I am an independent thinker and have the energy and desire to find the best alternatives. I believe I can communicate convincingly and effectively and that if the cause is worth merit there will be support.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to respond to these questions. 

 Q.  Tell me your practical ideas about Provo’s Future–how should she grow and why. What is your role as a Council Member in that process? Legally, who has the burden of persuasion in a Rezoning?   

May I provide just a quick bit of background?  I am a lifelong resident of Provo.  I attended Franklin Elementary, Dixon Jr. High, Provo High, Trade Tech, and BYU.  I recently retired as Provo’s fire chief after 30 years of service in the Provo Fire Department.  I have been very active in protecting life and property in our great community.  I have a personal vested interest in Provo and its citizens.Now to the questions:  Obviously, we are surrounded by mountains, Utah Lake, and our neighboring communities.  Our growth will soon gobble up the open areas as well as “fill-in” the smaller undeveloped islands and pieces of remaining property.  Our downtown will most likely see a significant surge in multi-story buildings.  Traffic will continue to be a daily concern.  We need to do a better job at planning.  We need to do a better job in our efforts with land use and zoning.  The future ability of our children and our grandchildren to enjoy the quality of life, which we are so familiar with, literally lies in our hands today.  My role on the council is to be an effective member in that planning and addressing issues through the establishment of balanced, reasonable, and proper ordinances.    Although I am not an attorney, my understanding is that the developer (applicant) approaches the city with a request to make a zone change.  The burden is on the applicant to prove to the council that their project will make Provo better in some way.  The council truly has the latitude in deciding whether such a project furthers the overall health, safety, and welfare of our community. 

Q.  How do you see Provo’s Downtown neighborhoods? By what process do you see them becoming stronger and why? What is your role as a Council Member in this process? 

 I have lived in the downtown neighborhoods for all but about 6 years (I lived in the Grandview area during that time).  I am a strong proponent of owner-occupancy.  I have seen too many single family dwellings converted into rental property.  We now have a very large surplus on rentals and apartments throughout the city.  The encouragement of owner occupancy is one of the major ways we can strengthen and re-grow our central, downtown neighborhoods.  It would be one of my primary goals as a council member to strengthen this process.  Land use, zoning and enforcement are legislative processes to assist in moving that process forward. There are also means through economic and community development which will have a positive effect on this process.

Q.  Do you have land holdings in Provo?  Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo?  Where are these properties? 

My only property holding is my current home.  It was built in 1907 and is in the Franklin neighborhood.  I have no other holdings nor do I represent anyone with land holdings.

Q.  How do you see Provo’s neighborhoods in general?   

The demographics of Provo’s neighborhoods have been changing for the past several years.  This is especially true in our “Pioneer Neighborhoods”.  Changes in demographics may seem to bring some concern, but certainly there are diverse issues in each of our neighborhoods.  Planning and proactive approaches are needed to ensure that our neighborhoods remain healthy and vibrant.  Some, however, will need additional strong supportive efforts to bring back their former vibrancy.

Q.  How do you see Provo’s Downtown Business District? Describe how and by what process you see it becoming more vibrant….and your role as a Council Member in that… 

Provo is one of the original, long-standing communities with a downtown that is functional and working to maintain its economic stability.  Certainly more must be done.  There have been several times over the past years that I worked closely with business and building owners to bring their building up to code and ensure a safe environment for both customers and workers.  It has long been my stance as one who was responsible for fire and life safety codes to work with the business community and find ways to assist them in their efforts to have a successful venture in our downtown.  As a member of the city council, I will continue to work to support business growth and stability in our downtown.

Q.  There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—Budget and Land use. How do you tie those two roles to your hopes and goals for Provo?  I had direct responsibility in managing the fire department budget for over 10 years.  The most recent budget total was $7.3 million.  I am very familiar with Provo City’s budget process, its preparation and development.  My continuous experience with the budget gives me a greater insight and ability to serve in that aspect of working with the city administration in providing the citizens with an efficient and cost-effective operational budget.  As fire chief, I worked closely with other city departments regarding land use issues.  Subdivisions approvals, plan reviews, code interpretation and enforcement all were reviewed by qualified fire prevention personnel.  We worked closely with property owners, developers, and contractors to ensure that they followed adopted ordinances as they moved their projects forward.  From my experience, I feel that I have a unique perspective to lend to the process of determining final approval of the proper and appropriate use of land within our city.  I have experience in both areas and plan to use my background to assist my fellow council members in making quality decisions that are in the best interest of the community.  I have great hopes for the future of Provo and am looking forward work with the council to tie the importance of planning and budgeting together.   Planning and budgeting are so important right now for our community.  We must work together to ensure that they compliment each other and move us forward.

Q.  What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why? 

Provo is the greatest place on the planet to live and raise a family.  I want to strengthen our neighborhoods.  I want to ensure that they are all safe havens for our families, neighbors, and friends.  I would like to see continued efforts to acquire and preserve our parks and green space.  I want to see buildings which have outlived their usefulness be revitalized and put back into the hands of owner occupant families.  I want to see a vibrant and growing economic engine in our downtown and in our business districts.  I want planned growth and future transportation corridors that fit our needs and make sense.  I believe in Provo.  I am here to stay!

Q.  A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward with out at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have you done this, or how do you plan to do this.  How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you’d like to see happen in our City? 

The international fire codes identify the fire chief as the one who has ultimate jurisdiction in the interpretation, implementation and enforcement of the adopted code.  That was my duty and responsibility with anyone and everyone who built structures, hit certain remodeling criteria, applied for a business license, etc.  At times, there were difficulties.  There were at times, problems which required that all involved parties reach consensus on solving the issue.  My role was to facilitate such efforts.  I have experience fostering cooperation within the state of Utah.  I have served for 4 years on the executive board of the Utah State Fire Chief’s Association, last year as the Association’s president.  With over 250 fire departments around our state, this also required me to assume the role of consensus builder.  We were able to accomplish a great number of positive outcomes for the citizens of Utah by coming together and uniting under a common cause.  One of my recognized strengths is in fostering cooperation.  I am also an active member of the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory committee and have worked with the other 25 members in moving that mission forward despite the fact that we come from very diverse disciplines and backgrounds.  I know that there are those on the council who share the goals and ideals of building up owner occupancy and strengthening our neighborhoods.   I do not see that the council is simply 5 districts and 2 umbrella representatives.  We all must carry Provo’s interests forward.  We are a community.  I believe the council should and can represent Provo as a progressive and cohesive community.  Thanks again for this opportunity to respond.  Please encourage the families in your neighborhood to exercise their right to vote at the primary on September 11^th and at the general election on November 6^th.   I would appreciate your kind consideration at the polls.

Q:    Tell me your practical ideas about Provo’s Future–how should she grow and why. What is your role as a Council Member in that process? Legally, who has the burden of persuasion in a Rezoning? 

A:    Provo’s position in a small mountain valley does not allow it to sprawl as a larger metropolis might want to do. Our finite land means that we have a finite amount of development that can happen and still maintain healthy green space and open space which keeps Provo the beautiful place that it currently is. We need to grow smartly and not worry about becoming a city of 200,000 but rather, the BEST CITY in the nation of 150,000.  As a council member, my job will be to support the majority interest of my District 3 constituency while conserving as much of Provo as possible both in green space as well as keeping neighborhoods from blight and neglect.  I am no lawyer, but in my eyes as a councilmember I would place the burden of persuasion in rezoning squarely on the shoulders of the developers and special interest groups. No neighborhood should have to stand in fear while their limited access roads become overburdened and their neighborhoods endangered by big development.  

Q:    How do you see Provo’s Downtown neighborhoods? By what process do you see them becoming stronger and why? What is your role as a Council Member in this process? 

A:    Provo’s downtown neighborhoods are the center of it all. As the south central neighborhoods go, so goes Provo. If we leave it to blight, renter neglect, and poor zoning enforcement we encourage the gradual downgrade of property values and eventual vacancy and/or high crime areas. We discourage intelligent business and our educated sons and daughters move away from Provo to live in beautified areas.  Through programs such as Neighborhood Housing Services, Community Development Block Grants, Special Improvement Districts and others we curb the downgrade of our central Provo blocks. A prime example being the new homes around Maeser Elementary and on 5th west and 4th or 5^th south I believe.  As a council member I will ensure that the south Provo areas are well represented, cared for, and fought for when it comes to moneys. Not only the east bench or the Grandview and North West areas of Provo are worthy of beautification but all of Provo. Especially our legacy districts in central and south central Provo.  

Q:    Do you have land holdings in Provo?  Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo?  Where are these properties? 

A:     I own a modest home in south west Provo with a grandfathered residential/agricultural zone on .25 acres and not sidewalk or curb & gutter. As a Business Analyst for Nu Skin I work a corporate job and have no interests, holdings, nor aspirations for land, development, or any other type of holdings in Provo or elsewhere. Nor do I represent any at all.  

Q:      How do you see Provo’s neighborhoods in general? 

A:    This is a broad question. But one that is easy for me to answer with affair amount of accuracy having lived in Provo for over 28 years since I was 12 yrs. old attending Maeser Elementary. I’ve witnessed the neighborhoods in Provo, generally, thriving, bustling, and ever changing. With charter schools being built where parks once were, beautiful homes going in where school playgrounds once stood, some smart development going in where needed, responsible homeowners swapping homes with student populations, our neighborhoods are healthy. We have great neighborhood chairs. Great Community Oriented Policing programs held in place by concerned citizens and an involved police force.  That does not mean that they do not need careful management in order to keep them that way and take a step further in the direction of beautification and upkeep. I love to see a new homeowner take pride in their older home by fixing it up inside and out. I love to see the young renter students strolling the central city with their young kids feeling safe and secure as they do. It’s all a sign of a healthy community and I’m going to do my best to keep it that way and make it even better! 

Q:    How do you see Provo’s Downtown Business District? Describe how and by what process you see it becoming more vibrant….and your role as a Council Member in that….. 

A:    I recall, as a youth, riding in a horse drawn carriage and at times, a double decker bus, down a snow-drifted Center Street taking in all the amazing Christmas lights, businesses with people running in and out of them, carolers out in front of what used to be Walgreens. I remember watching movies on center street and also in the University Avenue theater. I remember going into the Kress store and seeing all the amazing antique cars there as I waited in line for a sucker.  My more than fond memories of Provo’s Downtown Business District would never allow me to give up on it in and give in to big box stores and high overhead mall properties. I will work with all viable business owners with a vision for success to succeed in downtown. I agree with the new method of feathering out the Business Alliance dues as you move away from university and center street businesses are not overburdened. But I do believe in what the downtown business alliance is doing in subsidizing new facades for businesses, beautifying downtown Provo with planters, light posts and signposts, and artwork.  As I look out my window from the Nu Skin building every day and see Center Street, I want my 3 sons to continue having the same great memories of downtown Provo as I had when I was their age.    

Q:      There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—Budget and Landuse. How do you tie those two roles to    your hopes and goals for Provo? 

A:    I am a fiscal conservative. I believe in not spending money one does not have. I believe in having a healthy rainy-day fund. I believe money should be appropriated and spent in wise investment that has clear and quantifiable return on investment. Budgeting should not grow automatically every year. But is should grow enough to pay city employees what they’re worth. I DO NOT subscribe to the “we’ve got it, so let’s hurry and spend it on something” theory which allows budgets to outgrow actual many sometimes. I will vote to appropriate funds, and spend moneys on things that I have been convinced without a doubt will lead to a more vibrant, educated, stable, safe, and viable Provo City now and 50 years from now.  Where land use is concerned, it is a difficult task ahead of me. With developers constantly looking to get their development in on that last parcel of land in the north, central, or southwest of Provo it demands that a careful council, attentive to their neighborhoods needs, makes good decisions based on community interests NOT ON SPECIAL INTERESTS! While we support necessary development which supports a growing economic tax base from continued business growth in Provo, we must be primarily concerned with existing neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life before and after the development. Do it if necessary, but do it smartly, and for the right reasons. 

Q:      What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why? 

A:    I want our young people to stay in Provo to be educated, to work, and to raise their families. People who have ties to, and history in Provo are people who will work harder to make it the best city in Utah in which to live, work, & play.  This means inviting scrupulous business with an ability and desire to employ well educated people and pay them market value wages.  More than anything, what I would like to see happen in Provo, is for my boys to have the great experience I’ve had growing up here, and for my grandchildren (in a few years) all live right here in Provo because we’ve made it a place they’ll want to stay.  

Q:    A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward without at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have you done this, or how do you plan to do this.  How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you’d like to see happen in our City? 

A:    By trade, as a Business Analyst, I work with people who don’t always see the same way to achieve something. It is my job to help bring consensus; sometimes among disparate groups. It is my job to help business entities understand the complete picture from the ground all the way up to the 20,000 foot view. And then create a level of buy in where business entities are willing and able to get on board with a decision because they had a part in the decision making. I have, and have had, friends on the Provo Municipal Council and greatly look forward to making new friends with all the members once I’m working with them. I am not a contentious person, but neither am I one to be pushed, prodded, nor pulled on the mere ‘say-so’ of others. I stand by and for my principles and my constituents. Relationships are a key in everything I do. I look forward to forming relationships that make it easier to be heard out respectfully, without contention, ego, pride, or malice on either side. 

I thank you again for putting these questions out there for me to answer. They are great food for thought for every concerned Provo citizen. Please give me a call if you have any further questions or clarifications I can work through for you. 

Kind regards,

Brian Smith375-7644

Dear City Council Candidate,

To better inform our neighborhood about your, and your fellow candidates’ platforms, we have the compiled the following questions concerning the future of Provo and our neighborhoods. Please answer the questions as soon as possible, and send the answers to
marlenescoville@gmail.com. We will post the answers on our neighborhood website (http://timpneighborhood.wordpress.com) as soon as we receive your replies.

Do you have land holdings in Provo?  Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo?  Where are these properties?

There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—Budget and Landuse. How do you tie those two roles to your hopes and goals for Provo?

What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why?

A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward with out at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have
you done this, or how do you plan to do this.  How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you’d like to see happen in our City.

The deadline is nearing for registering to vote in the Primary
Election.  Please let your neighbors know about the upcoming dates so
that everyone who wants the opportunity to vote will be able to.

2007 Municipal Election
Municipal Primary Election:  Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Municipal General Election:  Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Voter registration deadlines:
Primary Election By-Mail Registration:  Monday, August 13, 2007
In-Office Registration Deadline:  Monday, August 27, 2007
General Election By-Mail Registration:   Monday, October 8, 2007
In-Office Registration Deadline:   Monday, October 22, 2007

Absentee Voting Deadlines:
Primary Election Overseas Applications:   Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Primary Election Domestic Applications:    Friday, September 7, 2007
Primary Election In-Office Applications:    Monday, September 10, 2007
General Election Overseas Applications:   Wednesday, October 17, 2007
General Election Domestic Applications:   Friday, November 2, 2007
General Election In-Office Applications:   Monday, November 5, 2007

Registration forms are available at post office and libraries
countywide. 
Registration forms are also available at online at: 
http://www.utahcountyonline.org/apps/WebLink/Dept/CLERKAUD/VoterRegistrationForm_1.pdf

Thanks!

Barbara Bassett
Neighborhood Program Coordinator
852-6137

Our local candidates:

City Wide Council District 2

Dave Knecht

Coy D. Porter

Christopher Stowe

Steve Turley

Council District 1

Cynthia R. Dayton

Mark T. Sumsion

Council District 3

Midge Johnson

Melanie McCoard

Robin G. Roberts

Brian J. Smith

Council District 4

Sherrie Hall Everett

Barbara Sandstrom

Howard Stone

V. Kay Van Buren

Excerpts from the daily herald Tuesday, July 17, 2007