Down to brass tacks
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
sschwebke@standard.net
Godfrey, Van Hooser debate Ogden mayoral issues
OGDEN -- Mayor Matthew Godfrey and challenger Susan Van Hooser traded quips and barbs during a 90-minute debate Friday that addressed a range of issues, including open-space preservation, transparency in local government, and a controversial urban gondola and resort development proposal.
At one point, Van Hooser seemingly endorsed Godfrey's campaign for a third term.
"If I wasn't running for mayor, I would vote for Godfrey, he sounds so good," the city councilwoman said amid laughter from some in the audience.
After the debate, Van Hooser said the comment was intended as a jab at Godfrey's flip-flopping on some issues.
Van Hooser also said she wouldn't have become a mayoral candidate if she had known Godfrey wascommitted to open-space preservation, alluding to his refusal to sell Mount Ogden Golf Course and adjoining city land to developer Chris Peterson.
"It's not too late to drop out," Godfrey shot back, glancing over at Van Hooser.
"Not on your life," Van Hooser replied.
More than 200 people attended the event, sponsored by Weber State University's Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society and its Student Economics Association.
The two candidates disagreed about whether Godfrey's administration has been forthcoming in providing information to the city council on some important projects.
Van Hooser said she was dismayed earlier this year to learn from the Standard-Examiner -- not the administration -- that Peterson owns Bootjack LLC, which purchased three Ogden Redevelopment Agency lots on Wall Avenue.
She contends the council repeatedly asked the administration who owned Bootjack.
Godfrey said he was unaware of any instances in which the administration has given inaccurate information to the council. That response drew loud boos from the audience.
Van Hooser said the use of RDA tax increment to fund such projects as The Junction, a downtown entertainment, retail and residential complex, has contributed to the city's spiraling debt.
"Nothing comes without a price," said Van Hooser, who favors economic development and fiscal accountability.
Godfrey said the city's debt has been reduced by more than $3 million during his almost eight years in office.
He called tax increment a valuable economic-development tool that poses no risk to taxpayers.
Addressing another issue, Godfrey said that, despite a recent spike in gang-related violence, crime has decreased by about 20 percent in Ogden since he took office.
He said the solution to further decrease crime is "more boots on the ground" through the hiring of additional police officers.
Van Hooser countered that Ogden has the third-highest crime rate in the state and that a holistic approach involving many local organizations is needed to reduce gang violence.
"It's really a community issue," she said.
Several Weber State students said the debate gave them insight into Godfrey and Van Hooser's ability to serve as mayor.
Jed Winegar, a senior majoring in business, is undecided about where to throw his support. He said Godfrey seems to have a better vision for economic development, while Van Hooser may be better at handling social issues.
Where he stands
Matthew Godfrey on the issues:
* Crime: More "boots on the ground" to include the hiring of additional police officers and zero tolerance for criminal activity.
* Economic development: Continued effort to enhance Ogden's reputation as an outdoor recreation mecca.
* Transportation: Supports a transit loop around downtown that may include a streetcar system.
* Weber State University: Favors more on-campus student parking.
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