Van Hooser gains support

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OGDEN -- Three Ogden politicians are endorsing City Councilwoman Susan Van Hooser for mayor because they support her stance on crime, economic development and openness.

City Council Chairman Jesse Garcia and State Rep. Neil Hansen, D-Ogden, offered their endorsements on Thursday during a news conference attended by about 40 people outside the Weber Center, 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden.

Hansen was a mayoral candidate in July's primary election and garnered about 20 percent of the votes in losing to Van Hooser and Mayor Matthew Godfrey, who is seeking a third term.

In addition to Hansen and Garcia, City Councilwoman Dorrene Jeske said in a Thursday e-mail to the Standard-Examiner that she is supporting Van Hooser.

Godfrey said he anticipated the trio would endorse Van Hooser. "It doesn't come as a surprise to anyone in the city," he said. "It's not news to us."

Godfrey has received endorsements from councilmen Rick Safsten and Brandon S. Stephenson.

Hansen said during Thursday's news conference that he is supporting Van Hooser because she is willing to involve him and other state lawmakers in addressing problems in Ogden, such as crime.

"I decided to endorse Susie Van Hooser for mayor because of her teamwork attitude," he said.

Hansen added that while determining which candidate to support, he met with Godfrey, who seemed more interested in mending fences than discussing issues. "He asked where we had parted ways."

Garcia said he is also endorsing Van Hooser because of his difficulties with Godfrey.

"The mayor and I have bumped heads," Garcia said. "He has created a bigger division in Ogden than any other administration."

Van Hooser, who attended the press conference, said she is grateful for Hansen and Garcia's endorsements. "It means a lot to my campaign and the citizens of Ogden," she said.

Van Hooser also said she hasn't promised Garcia and Hansen positions in her administration if she's elected, and that they haven't asked for jobs.

Jeske said in her e-mail to the Standard-Examiner that she believes Van Hooser would be an effective mayor because she's "friendly, outgoing and fair," which will help her recruit new businesses to Ogden.

Jeske said Van Hooser also has plans to deal with gangs and crime and has "far more leadership experience" than Godfrey had when he took office nearly eight years ago.

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