Name: Mark C. Allen
Age: 53
Occupation: United Parcel Service, 29 years
Family: Married to Holly for 31 years, 3 married children, 3 grandchildren
Hobbies: Yard work, golf, spectator sports and public service
1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city.
Experience is priceless. I have gained valuable experience serving the residents of Washington Terrace as mayor for the past 10 years. I have developed great working relationships with elected officials from every city in Weber County, relationships which have paid and will continue to pay huge dividends to the residents of Washington Terrace. Most importantly I have always been honest, open and responsive to you, the residents of Washington Terrace. These are the qualities we need in a mayor to effectively serve and represent Washington Terrace.
2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?
A city must be managed professionally, not politically. Elected officials must set goals and give guidance to well-trained and well-educated city staff members in order to operate the city in an efficient manner. The staff must then manage the city according to laws and ordinances, without political influences. Elected officials must understand the needs of a community and their constituents to give the necessary guidance to their staff. Our current elected officials do understand the needs of Washington Terrace and together with our staff constantly strive to make our city a better place to live, not only for today but for the future.
3. What is the most important issue facing your city?
The economy is probably the biggest issue facing every municipality today. In Washington Terrace our city staff has been extremely budget minded over the last 5 years and our elected officials have been well-trained and well-informed on every financial decision. Due to the well-informed decisions that your elected officials have made, we have fared better financially than most of the cities in the state. We are working hard not only to keep Washington Terrace's finances on solid ground now, but to assure that they will stay on solid ground in the future.
4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.
Teamwork is essential in city government. A city leader must have the skills to put a team together and ensure that the team works toward common goals. I have always had the skills of a good mediator. I had the opportunity in early 2000 to put those skills to work as I helped to bring the community together to resolve the issues associated with our change of government. Since then, there have been many different council members with varied points of view and opinions, yet under one mayor these council members have come together to work diligently to ensure the continued positive growth and progress of Washington Terrace.
5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?
I think issues in the future will be similar to those we face today. However, I assure you, our elected officials and staff will not leave any surprises for our next generation. We have implemented 20 year capital facilities plans that are reviewed and updated constantly. Every decision we make now is not just for the present, but for the future of our great city of Washington Terrace.
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