Don Wilhelm for Layton City Council

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One of the things common to politicians on a local level is their history of public service.

The political bug bites them after they've spent time serving on various boards, volunteering their time and talents in efforts both large and small in their respective communities.

Don Wilhelm, a candidate for Layton City Council, is a perfect example of this truism. He was a board member on the Davis Arts Council for 15 years, has volunteered on various holiday celebration committees, worked as a volunteer for the Davis School District and been affiliated with the Ed Kenley Amphitheater, among other service to the community.

He also was involved in Envision Utah's planning for Layton.

Now Wilhelm is hoping to be elected to the city council, and the Standard-Examiner's Editorial Board is recommending his candidacy to Layton voters.

Wilhelm likes the position Layton's been in since its development boom began 20 or more years ago. The city has a history of not offering tax incentives to would-be developers, and Wilhelm says he believes such incentives should be a "last resort." He says growth can come through cooperation between city government and private business, and that's what Layton has done correctly.

Furthermore, he thinks the city could be even more proactive in seeking out businesses that have built the kinds of developments Layton would like to see within its borders.

As to projects already in the planning stages, for example, he says the looming redevelopment of the commercial property at the southeast corner of Fort Lane and Gentile Street is a perfect opportunity for the city to encourage a mixed-use development -- housing, smaller retailers and a walkable environment -- while at the same time respecting the rights of land owners to make a profit on their investment.

We like that pragmatic approach, but would urge him, if elected, to support Layton's planning staff as they strive to make the community more attractive and inviting.

As for other local issues in Layton, Wilhelm, like his opponents, favors new, larger facilities for the Layton Police Department, based on what's working for other growing communities and input from Layton's police officials. But he doesn't necessarily endorse the need for a new, enclosed performing arts center in the city.

With Clearfield set to open an indoor live theater sometime soon, Wilhelm says it might be better to explore the possibility of a partnership with its next-door neighbor rather than duplicate the service.

We hope Layton voters will agree with us that Wilhelm should be elected to the Layton City Council.

Watch video of interview with Scott Freitag

Watch video of interview with Joyce Forbes Brown

Watch video of interview with Barry Flitton

Watch video of interview with Don Wilhelm

Watch video of interview with Renny Knowlton

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