Name: Lisa Watts Baskin
Age: 50
Occupation: Lawyer, homemaker
Family: Husband, Rob, and sons, ages 13 and 10
Hobbies: Baseball, trips to natural hot springs, reading literature, good movies
1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city?
The City of North Salt Lake needs a mayor who is accessible, professional, and diligent. I fit that bill. I love the City of North Salt Lake and believe our citizenry is the best Utah has to offer. I believe the mayor's role is to serve its residents, first and foremost. An effective mayor must address big and small problems from day one, ranging from repairing broken pipes to plowing snowy streets, from curbing crime to warding off debt, from recommending budgets to setting economic priorities. NSL needs a mayor with honesty, integrity and capacity to lead. My campaign slogan is that I am caring, capable, and committed. With my public experience on the city council, the state legislature, the courts, and on various commissions, I am the best candidate with the most knowledge.
By way of background, as a graduate from Utah State University (B.A. 1981), University of Oregon (M.A. 1983), and Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School (J.D. 1986), I bring years of experience and training to the job. My law practice has entailed both private sector work and public interest law. Thirty years ago, I was a secretary to United States Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and an intern to Senator Jake Garn. In 1988-1990, I clerked for Associate Chief Justice Richard Howe at the Utah Supreme Court and lawyered at the legislature (1990-1997). I worked at the law firm of Plant, Wallace, Christensen & Kanell (1997-2003) and in sole practice since then (2003-present). I was appointed to sit on the Utah Constitutional Revision Commission and was recently elected as Second Vice President to the Utah League of Cities and Towns. With so much experience, you will receive a bang for your buck.
2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?
My political philosophy is that representative government works best when elected officials stay close to their constituents and listen to them intently. The tendency to seek political security has undermined the transparent operation of government and limited responsiveness in ways that trouble me. Taxpayer dollars belong to the taxpayers and the city must allocate those resources wisely. Candidates should run on their own merits and not tear one another down. However, when relevant issues of public concern arise, elected leaders must address them.
3. What is the most important issue facing your city?
I believe the most important issue facing NSL is building community cohesiveness and civic pride. We have a marvelous, diverse population of talented and capable citizens who should shout from the housetops what a great city they live in. A subset of that focus is responding effectively to crime, maintaining budgetary stability and fiscal conservatism, addressing unique neighborhood issues such as the Springhill Landslide and crime and graffiti in Foxboro, providing for water and street infrastructure needs, and parks and trails. I feel confident in relying upon our great city council members, department heads, city staff, committee members from the community, and in particular, our Finance Director who has 21 years of municipal fiscal experience.
4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.
As mayor, I have the demeanor to create an atmosphere of acceptance and courtesy. I provide opportunities for open discussion so that all residents feel heard and accountable. I listen to both sides of any issue and study the ramifications before deciding. I have a track record of working reasonably and collaboratively with the city manager, department heads and staff and of promoting healthy and productive relationships with council members. Conducting city council meetings and working with the members of the state legislature comes very easily to me. I will be the friendly and professional face of the city and represent its residents and businesses in each neighborhood, city location, public school, county venue, business setting, and in state government. I have the confidence, focus, and personal strength to provide professional leadership in each circumstance.
5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?
The most difficult issues we will face as a city will be combating national, state, and local debt. Also, if educational excellence and funding falls, our residents will face tremendous difficulties in competing for employment and pursuing economic freedom. Finally, an understanding and acceptance of accountability for one's actions needs to be buttressed in our young people. If not, the next generation in any city will struggle.
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