OGDEN -- City council candidates vying for two seats fielded questions on tourism, infrastructure, economic development and other topics during a voters' forum Wednesday night.
About 40 people attended the 90-minute event, sponsored by the council, at the Ogden Municipal Building.
Among participating candidates were At-Large Seat C incumbent Amy Wicks and challenger Stephen D. Thompson, along with Richard A. Hyer and Jennifer Neil, who are running for the council's 2nd Ward seat.
Rick Safsten, who is running as a write-in for the council's At-Large Seat C, was not invited to participate.
The election will be held Nov. 8.
Questions asked during the forum were developed by various community groups, council members and the candidates themselves.
Pam Gardiol, a professional facilitator with Gardiol & Associates, served as moderator.
The candidates were asked what they would do to increase tourism in Ogden.
Thompson said the city should develop an advertising campaign and use social media to make tourists aware of what Ogden has to offer.
Wicks said the city should use the FrontRunner commuter rail as a promotional tool and let tourists know they can visit Ogden without a car and still have a great vacation. She also would like to see more businesses in the city offer bikes and outdoor gear for rent.
Hyer said Ogden-Hinckley Airport is underutilized and is ideal for commercial flights to bring tourists to the city.
Neil said the city should continue to work closely with the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce and the Ogden/Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau to attract tourists.
The candidates were also asked what the city council should do to make Ogden's neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly.
Neal, who was struck by a car several weeks ago at a downtown intersection while out campaigning, said the city should make sure crosswalks are visible and invest in infrastructure improvements.
Thompson said he supports sidewalk improvements to make them more wheelchair accessible and safe for pedestrians.
Wicks agreed that sidewalk improvements are needed and touted her request to the Ogden Planning Department for development of a bicycle master plan for the city.
Hyer said he supports making intersections safer by installing road surfaces that have a color and texture different from the regular road surface to create an awareness among motorists.
The candidates were also asked what they would do to recruit new businesses to the city.
Wicks said efforts should be made to help and enhance existing small businesses already operating in Ogden, which she described as the city's economic engine.
The city needs to continue to offer incentives to attract new companies and must make sure its ordinances are business-friendly, Hyer said
Neal said, if elected to the council, she would strongly support the efforts of the city's Community and Economic Development Department to recruit companies.
Thompson said more should be done to ensure that taxes are not unreasonable for startup businesses.
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