Name: Mark B. Hains
Age: 62
Occupation: Realtor -former photographer
Family: Married with 7 children and 14 grandchildren
Hobbies: hiking, sports, camping, photography
1.Name some of the qualification you possess that makes you the best choice to represent the city?
-Life long Ogden resident
-Businessman in Ogden for 30+ years
-Concerned citizen - not a politician
-Strong character
-Graduated from Ogden city schools and Weber State
-I've been active in the community and my church all my life.
-I am a unifier - not a divider.
2. What political ideas and philosophies guide your decision-making process?
With open communication and working together everyone achieves more. Ogden is at a crossroads; we can work together - even though we don't always agree. We can move forward, or we can continue with dissention and polarization. Which will attract more business? Which will help Ogden move forward? Working together creates synergy, where the sum is greater than all the parts; it becomes a win-win situation for Ogden. It takes character to set your own agenda aside for the benefit of the group. I can do that.
3. What is the most important issue facing your city?
Bringing more business to Ogden, which will create more good jobs and fill empty buildings is one of the most important issues. Not only will businesses create more jobs, they'll pay taxes, which will increase our tax base - thus lowering property taxes.
4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders?
I am a good communicator, which involves listening with an open mind. Open communication is sorely lacking now between the council and the administration. I will look at every issue based upon it's own merits, openly discuss it, and decide what's best for the citizens - and not oppose nor support anything because this person or that group supports or opposes it. Open communication and working together are two of my strong points.
5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?
Infrastructure, clean air, taxes and crime could be major issues a generation from now. Continued renovation and electing the right people, who will work together, will help move Ogden in the right direction, thus minimizing future problems.
Related link: This article is a topic of discussion at Weber County Forum.
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