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Name: Neka F. Roundy
Age: 58
Occupation: Davis County Community & Economic Development Dept.
Family: Married to Steve Roundy, 4 wonderful children, 2 wonderful sons in law and 3 wonderful grandchildren
Hobbies: reading, traveling, spending time with family, cross-country skiing, walking, hiking, back-packing, camping
1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city?
Kaysville has experienced tremendous growth. I consistently support the citizen's General Plan for density and zoning. My experience as Mayor, Council member, Planning Commissioner, and with community events continues to shape the small town 'look and feel' Kaysville enjoys, while protecting private property rights. Our neighborhoods need to be family friendly.
My experience and success in lobbying our Federal Delegation has produced a much needed Overpass on 200 North, money for Heritage Park and an appropriation for communication equipment for the police department. I also meet with the state legislature about issues that affect Kaysville.
My job as a non-voting Mayor is different than that of a voting city councilmember. I have the additional responsibilities of regional planning for air quality, transportation, economic development, health and retirement issues, and coordinating with other entities within city boundaries. I represent Kaysville City on several boards and committees.
My college degrees and depth of experience are of value to maintaining Kaysville's heritage and 'look and feel' for our families. I am not swayed by passing trends and what seems good for the moment. This is not a stepping stone to other positions for me. I genuinely care about our community.
2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?
Decisions can be made using LFR criteria: Is it Legal, Is it Fair, and Is it Right?
My highest priority is public safety. I fully support our police and fire departments. Our public works and power departments are integral to the safety we enjoy in our community also. I support prompt deployment of our snowplows during a snow event. I support the installation of sidewalks so our children can walk to schools. I support the DARE and CERT programs in our schools and neighborhoods. By comparison, Kaysville doesn't have a lot of city employees yet they are doing a great job even as the budget is tightened.
I also value the Quality of Life we enjoy in Kaysville. This includes my involvement in obtaining the recently completed Rail Trail for Kaysville residents, my total commitment to obtaining sound walls for our families near Interstate 15, and my efforts to keep all of Kaysville in the Davis High School boundary. I am opposed to selling city assets like parks and open spaces for development. Part of our Quality of Life includes access to parks such as the new Heritage Park under construction near downtown and the future Pioneer Park which includes new tennis courts. The Kaysville City Cemetery and the new expansion are a great expression of the heritage of Kaysville.
I feel our city should not spend money we don't have. We are very conservative but these are hard economic times. I have initiated the Economic Development committee to determine ways to broaden our tax base for the long term. Our residents want the city to provide a certain level of services (road repair, power, public safety, recycling). As we can attract businesses that will enhance what Kaysville stands for, our budget will be more sustainable.
Transparency and honesty in city government are what I stand for. I think decisions should be made in a public meeting, not before the meeting starts or in another setting. My Mayor's office door has never been closed. I come to neighborhoods to meet with citizens, I attend community council meetings, and I listen to citizens to find out what their concerns are and see what can be done to address them. My 'team' includes the taxpayers who want a mayor to stand up for them and take sound, principled positions.
3. What is the most important issue facing your city?
While some cities have overspent, Kaysville was within budget for the 2009 fiscal year. Watching the budget, being pro-active in attracting revenue generating businesses, and growing our own businesses are very important right now. With the current distribution of sales tax, it is beneficial for us, as residents, to Shop Kaysville First. Keeping sales tax dollars in Kaysville gives the city more money.
We are also working to improve citizen access to the businesses located in Kaysville via the www.kaysvillecity.com web site. I facilitated the formation of the Kaysville Business Alliance to improve communications between the city and local businesses, now we want to share business information with residents.
Kaysville is a strong community. Residents take care of each other. It is important to me that our neighborhoods stay family friendly. We have several older neighborhoods, including our Historic District that need to be watched. The Main Street Project that included new lights and trees was designed to keep our downtown neighborhoods and businesses viable and a place families want to live. As a public servant, I am in a position to contribute not only to today's residents, but also to leave a legacy for our future.
4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.
My 'team' includes the taxpayers who want a mayor to stand up for them and take sound, principled positions. My definition of a team worker is one who has the best interests of the city and the citizens in mind. Collecting and sharing information is the key to creating consensus. As a non-voting Mayor I have made it a goal to include as much information as possible in the city council packets so the voting council members can make informed decisions. Having information available to all council members at public meetings is very important. The Kaysville City Council, during my term, has had great public discussions, input from residents, and almost all unanimous decisions.
5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?
20 year generation
Kaysville City will be facing the rewards of current planning in 20 years. We are planning now for residential and business development and for infrastructure to handle build-out growth.
Bringing family supporting jobs to the Davis County area is a current goal that will reap rewards for a new generation. Local jobs will improve transportation congestion on highways and improve our air quality.
Connectivity between transportation corridors such as Highway 89, Interstate 15 and the new Legacy North is important to workers and for goods and services related to Quality of Life. A variety of transportation methods will also be important- including light rail, buses and bikes. The Rail Trail, when complete will be part of a walking/bike path that spans from Brigham City to Salt Lake City then to Utah County.
Kaysville is fortunate to be the home of the Davis Applied Technology College and the Entrepreneurial Center. These will continue to serve as trend-setting educational opportunities for students in our community.
Protected open spaces and parks will be a highlight to Kaysville residents in the next generation. The Parks department has taken care to plant trees in the parks and cemetery that will delight future generations. The Kaysville East Mountain Wilderness Park will provide public access to public lands and will be invaluable as more people move into the city (projected build-out is 40-45,000).
I expect the planning being done now will be of great benefit to future generations of Kaysville residents.
