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No Comments [ Add Comment ]Weber commission candidates spar
By DI LEWISOGDEN -- A debate between the two candidates for Weber County Commission turned into a discussion and ended in smiles between the opponents.
The Ogden Exchange Club sponsored the Tuesday debate between incumbent Craig Dearden and Democratic challenger Lewis Johnson.
Dearden spoke of his love of public service and work history in law enforcement.
Johnson cited his government and public work in Huntsville and, smiling, read the Standard-Examiner's endorsement of Dearden, which said there was little difference between what Johnson and Dearden propose doing.
Johnson agrees with many of Dearden's actions as commissioner, but said he does want to change a few things. However, Johnson said he doesn't see the sense in overhauling a whole system if only small parts need fixing.
"But I don't have any disparaging remarks about (Dearden)."
One of the main topics of the event was Powder Mountain.
Dearden said the incorporation of Powder Mountain as a town caused him "many sleepless nights."
Now that the issue is in court, Dearden said he is making the best out of the situation by working with the Cache County Council to create another access road and make an agreement for the Weber County Sheriff's Office to service the areas of the resort in Cache County.
Johnson said access roads to the resort need to be wider and safer.
Both candidates identified the economy and taxes as the most important issues facing the county.
Home assessments tripling and other tax issues facing residents are a problem, Johnson said.
Many people are struggling to pay property taxes and are caught off guard by drastic increases, an issue about which Johnson, a Huntsville resident, is particularly concerned.
"The economy is a big issue and all of us know that," Dearden said.
He said he helped the assessor's office get new software that will keep assessments up to date. It is critical to be proactive, so the county keeps a balanced budget, he said.
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