Russell Porter candidate for South Ogden City Council

Name: Russell Porter

Age: 40

Occupation: Teacher at Bonneville HS

Family: Wife: Sherri; children: Nicholas (16) Cortney (14) Brooklyn (11) Spencer (8)

Hobbies: watching my kids games and performances, traveling, reading, coaching1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city?

I am a life-long resident with a great love and loyalty to South Ogden. I am a people-person by nature, and occupation, as a high school teacher. Dealing with people is what I enjoy and what I do well. I am approachable, thoughtful, and will not just listen but will listen AND take appropriate action. I have a great desire to serve and will give this position the effort and energy it deserves.

2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?

First, doing what constitutes the greatest good for the greatest number of people; this being achieved by finding out what the informed citizenry wants. Also, weighing what is best right now with what is best for the future. Finally, doing what is right, not just what is politically expedient.

3. What is the most important issue facing your city?

The most important issue facing South Ogden, according to the citizens who have voiced concerns to me, is the neglected state and junky condition of too many South Ogden properties. I know many are concerned about high taxes, lack of recreation opportunities, and public safety, but what I hear most is the need for an expedited ordinance enforcement program.

4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.

I have the ability to communicate. That includes the ability to be heard and understood, but also to listen and understand. I can lead out, as well as be a good partner, and have the ability to know what role is needed at what time. Professionally, I have to deal with my students, fellow teachers, parents, and administrators. Balancing the needs and wishes of all those groups, parallels dealing with a variety of citizens, business owners, city leaders, and other concerned parties when there is a problem. Consensus comes when an issue has been researched well, the desires of the community have been ascertained, and then effective communication is achieved within the group.

5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?

I believe they will be much the same as now. People just want to feel safe in their communities. They want clean water, a working sewer system, each neighbor to take care of their property and a government to spend their precious tax dollars wisely. These will always be the issues. Additional issues will be our aging infrastructure and aging neighborhoods. Our city also needs to sustain our current businesses while adding new businesses for an improved tax base. These issues, will only become major issues in the future, if we do not give them high priority now; if elected I will do just that.