Why are you running, for council or mayor?

I became involved with Herriman City governmental affairs about a year ago when I helped lead the fight in opposition to the proposed gas station on the corner of 5600 West and Herriman Main Street. The back of the gas station will be just 30 feet from the homes to the north, while all of the other gas stations in the city average 125 feet from the nearest home and are in C2 Commercial zones, not MU2 zoning.

I was dismayed by the total lack of empathy shown by the Planning Commission, the Planning Department, as well as the City Council when we presented information that those homes would drop in value by at least ten percent and that benzene, a chemical component of gasoline, is a known carcinogen that causes leukemia in children. The gas station is on hold as the case is now pending before the Third District Court.

I believe that my background as a former elected community council representative and Chair of the  Sandy City Personnel Commission—as well as my professional career as a marketing and business development executive—will help me serve the citizens of Herriman City.

2)      What about the city do you most want to change?

We need to take a deep and hard look at the Planning Commission and the City Council in regards to the authority and powers of each. I am concerned that the City ceded too much authority to the Planning Commission several years ago. I want to see a thorough review of State law in regards to the duties and powers of the Planning Commission and “pull back” those that should be under the authority of the City Council. The goal is to have as much of the planning decision-making made by elected officials responsible to the voters, and not appointed commission members.

The Utah League of Cities and Towns notes in a document regarding Planning Commissions: “Some confusion has arisen over what power a planning commission, or individual planning commissioner, really has. The answer is not much. Planning commissions are not policy making bodies. The requirement of state law is that the planning commission is to be involved in making recommendations to the city or town legislative body regarding certain land use ordinances. If the city or town council does not accept the recommendations, there is nothing the planning commission can do. The state code specifically provides that the city or town council can either adopt a recommended ordinance, reject it, or revise it.8 This is not to say that planning commissions are not important. Politicians, like members of city councils and mayors, have a great need for well thought out and studied recommendations in the area of planning and zoning. Planning commissioners who provide this service are invaluable to a community. Planning commissioners who see their roles as representing special interests or specific neighborhoods are not as helpful in the planning process and may actually hinder good planning.”

3)      What has Herriman as a city done well?

The City has done a very nice job in the social aspects of community life. The Fort Herriman Days festival was very nice as are the continuing performing arts presentations.

4)      What qualifications do you feel makes you a good choice?

I have an “involved personality” and proven leadership skills. I led multiple teams and work groups over the years and always performed well above average with very positive results. I believe I am a quick learner and make good decisions that benefit the majority.

5)      Where has the city failed its residents or could do better at?

All levels of our local government need to be more open to resident input, feelings, frustrations, and concerns. The Planning Commission’s rules often “lock out” resident comment and when it is allowed, comments seem to fall on deaf ears. As mayor, I will host what I call “First Tuesdays,” which will be an open forum roundtable where residents can express their concerns directly to me and invited city administrators. I thrive on open communication and believe it is vital to make effective decisions. The more information, the better!

6)      What political figure in our history most inspires you?

Dwight D. Eisenhower, and that more than likely dates me! As President, Eisenhower focused on bettering our nation’s infrastructure and his eight-year term was peaceful with little drama or discord. He also allowed his team members to take credit and built a harmonious governmental structure during his administration.

I feel that now is the time to better Herriman City’s infrastructure so that we have a livable community for years and years into the future. We do not want to become another Kearns!

7)      Would you support a pledge that says that you will not vote to zone new property as high density, with the understanding that what has been decided already cannot be changed, but would only apply to property the city hasn’t zoned for that purpose?

Yes. The key concern is when developers return later in the process to request changes to density. Those changes needs to fully vetted and approved/disapproved by the City Council, not the Planning Commission or the Planning Department.

8) What do you feel the city should do to address zoning, in particular high density moving forward?

The discussion on June 29 was a good start. This subject needs to be on every City Council work meeting agenda and the Planning Department needs to be held accountable for updates and revisions.

9) What can the city do to attract business?

Vote for me as mayor! My professional background is in marketing and business development. I spent nearly three decades persuading Fortune 500-level companies to purchase millions of dollars of goods and services from the O.C. Tanner Company. I wrote thousands of proposals and made hundreds of presentations. I know how to communicate with business decision makers.

In all seriousness, Herriman City needs to find ways to attract people from the surrounding communities—they need a reason to come here. We are not a “drive through” community but located in the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley. The RSL/Monarch facility is a good start but it is located far from the hub of our community. I do like the amphitheater that will be part of the new City Hall complex and hopefully that will be able to attract performers as does the current Sandy Amphitheater and provide a venue for visitors from across Salt Lake County.

One idea I have considered is to focus on our community’s farming and mining history. I would like to see a Herriman version of a historic farm (similar to Wheeler Farm in Murray) and an interactive mining museum. These types of facilities will draw in residents from neighboring communities and make Herriman City that much more attractive for businesses.

10) Is your wild card question, ask yourself anything. My question: Have you, as a citizen/resident, proposed an ordinance for consideration by the Herriman City Council?

 

My answer: Yes. I proposed two ordinances that are under consideration. One would make certain that any future gas stations in the city are in C2 zones and at least 125 feet from the nearest home. The second would ban retail alcoholic beverage sales by any business located within 600 feet of any school.