NAME: Neil Hansen
AGE: 52
POSITION: Owner of Ready Made Water
1) What is your opinion of the 12-year tenure of Mayor Godfrey?
Mayor Godfrey has had some great ideas; however, public service is more about working with citizens to better address their needs and concerns. They deserve to be heard about how their tax dollars are being spent, and I believe Mayor Godfrey found it difficult to collaborate and build consensus among all stakeholders and taxpayers.
2) Do you think an Ogden streetcar system is economically feasible?
Yes. I believe the streetcar system could be feasibly funded by city, state, and federal funds. From serving on the State's transportation appropriations committee, I have the experience and connections to bring all those funds together to implement a successful streetcar system.
3) List three initiatives, or main themes, of your administration if you are elected.
a. Getting "back to the basics" of public service and having tax dollars work for the people.
b. Revitalizing Washington Boulevard with more commerce and bringing more jobs to the city.
c. Implementing a successful streetcar project to improve transportation, tourism, and business development.
4) Do you agree with the Ogden Ethics Project that candidates should not accept campaign contributions from businesses and unions and other business-related groups?
While I agree with their concept, a comprehensive plan to reform campaign financing should be considered and discussed before a radical move from an established process that has been in place for decades. I believe citizens should have a vested interest in the election process. To facilitate this interest, the option of moving towards campaigns being publicly funded would be a step in the right direction.
5) Why should people vote for you instead of the other candidates?
My professional experience of working for Ogden City for more than 22 years has given me the expertise of identifying needs of the city and working to improve services for all citizens.
My leadership experience as President of OCEA (Ogden City Employees Association) provided me opportunities to collaborate and build consensus with others in addressing concerns and solving problems between employees and the administration.
My service on Ogden City's Ad Hoc committee for Charter Review led to the overall decision of implementing a strong mayor form of government, giving citizens more power to determine the direction of the city.
My legislative experience of 12 years serving in the Utah State House of Representatives, representing Ogden city residents has broadened my knowledge and expertise of serving others in many different capacities and areas of growth. Standing committee assignments included Business & Labor, Government Operations, Independent Entities and State Retirement. Appropriations committee included Utah State National Guard, Department of Environmental Quality, and Transportation. This broad array of experience shows I am the best qualified candidate for Mayor in dealing with the vast variety of issues that arise for a government entity, while working with others to solve complex problems.
6) What do you think about security measures in Ogden, including the crime center and upcoming police blimp?
I believe the crime center and upcoming police blimp is a good idea to deter crime as long as it doesn't intrude or violate our liberty and rights to privacy. As advanced technology is a great tool and continues to be researched and developed, it should be used within the bounds of the state and federal constitutions.
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