Our ballot recommendations
There are no comments for this page [ Add Comment ]Monday, November 5, 2007
As a service to our readers, we're presenting a round-up of our editorial opinions on various ballot measures and candidates we've editorialized on during this election season. We encourage you to clip it out and take it with you to vote tomorrow.
Citizens' State Referendum Number 1
a Vote: "Against"
Our opinion is simply that the law passed earlier this year by a one-vote margin in the Legislature is, among other things, too sweeping, too costly when it comes to the expenditure of taxpayer money and violates the Utah Constitution. This attempt to create a voucher program requires not only a tune-up, but a complete overhaul to make it worthy of voter support.
Opinion Question No. 1
(Davis and Weber counties, and Brigham City, Willard and Perry)
a Vote: "Yes"
We feel that Opinion Question No. 1 is one of those measures that, though distasteful right now, will produce significant benefits far into the future for transportation and public transit throughout the Top of Utah. If we don't do all we can do to improve our transportation and transit, we're hurting our prospects for long-term economic success.
Ogden mayor
a Vote for: Matthew Godfrey
Godfrey's vision of making Ogden the hub of the ski, outdoor and high-adventure recreation industries has taken root and is achieving demonstrable economic results. Godfrey has produced the goods for Ogden. Evidence of his success is everywhere to see, and his continued leadership is necessary to propel Junction City ahead.
Ogden City Council
a Vote for: Amy Wicks
We think the word "independent" best sums her up. If she has any reservations about a decision, she's not the kind to simply go with the flow. She would like to see a more open, cooperative and informative relationship between the administration and the council -- and so would we.
a Vote for: Kent Petersen
Petersen has a passion for Ogden, and a willingness to work hard toward goals that will make Junction City a better place to live. Petersen is committed to building consensus within the sometimes bitterly divided Council. He'll rely on his business experience to build trust with his colleagues. This will be needed as Ogden continues its quest to revitalize the city and improve the quality of life here.
a Vote for: Blain Johnson
He's the kind of candidate who'll answer your questions with details. He has knowledge on the topics a member of the city council should be expected to have: public safety, taxation, recreation, social programs, etc.
Layton City Council
a Vote for: Joyce Forbes Brown
Incumbent Layton City Councilwoman Joyce Forbes Brown exudes a quiet confidence that matches her city's position. She opposes tax incentives for businesses, and says her goal is to guide new development and, in rare instances, redevelopment projects so as not to create more traffic.
a Vote for: Scott Freitag
Freitag isn't afraid of a process open to the public. He also supports the possibility of an enclosed performing arts center in Layton, but only if private capital is used to build and run it. Likewise, he opposes the use of tax incentives to lure businesses to Layton.
a Vote for: Don Wilhelm
He has volunteered with various community organizations, and was involved in Envision Utah's planning for Layton. 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.
Clearfield mayor
a Vote for: Don Wood
He clearly has a firmer grasp on most of the finer points of governance. But Wood also understands the obstacles the city faces. Under his leadership, the city is focusing attention on deteriorating neighborhoods and spurring renewed economic development.
Syracuse Citizens City Referendum No. 1
a Vote: "Against"
Voting for the referendum would strip Mayor Fred Panucci of his CEO title. (We were mistaken in our Thursday editorial which said the mayor could "hire and fire," since he cannot.) We're urging Syracuse voters to leave Panucci's position as voters intended in 2005 -- by voting "against" Citizens City Referendum No. 1, then conduct a civil debate about what responsibilities ought to fall to the person who is elected mayor of Syracuse in 2009.
Syracuse Citizens City Referendum No. 2
a Vote: "For"
We'd like to see some sit-down dining options in Syracuse. Voting "for" Citizens City Referendum No. 2 would validate the city council's February decision to allow restaurants to serve beer with meals. It will boost the city's tax base, and give local and area residents more dining options, closer to home. It will also demonstrate that Syracuse is a tolerant community.
Sunset mayor
a Vote for: Fred C. Childs
Childs is a realist when it comes to the city's economic development prospects, which aren't plentiful. But it's clear to us that Childs intends to be a caretaker mayor. In this race, that's better than the alternative.
RAP Tax Election
(Bountiful, Woods Cross, Centerville and West Bountiful only)
a Vote: "Against the imposition of the RAP tax"
RAP stands for recreation, arts and parks, but the election is really just about the arts. Also, the repayment plan is faulty, and we haven't heard a word about there being a detailed application plan for distributing RAP funds to deserving recreation or parks projects.
Box Elder school bond
a Vote: "For"
The money will address much-needed renovations at Box Elder High School and Bear River High School, and a new elementary school to be built in the south Willard area within five years.
North Salt Lake mayor
a Vote for: Lynn L. Ballard
Whether the subject is fire or police consolidation of services, or a new waste-transfer station in North Salt Lake, both sides would get a fair hearing from a city leader determined to make sure all checks and balances are covered.
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