Name: Susan Van Hooser
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired Educator
Family: Married with three children
Hobbies: Gardening, historic preservation
1. Name some of the qualifications you possess that makes you the best choice to represent your city?
-I have been an active volunteer in the community for thirty years.
-I served on the City Council and have gone through the budget process.
-My 16 years on Ogden City's Landmarks Commission has given me a unique perspective on issues facing historic districts and the ramifications of making tough choices.
2. What political ideals and philosophies guide your decision-making process?
My philosophy, first of all, has always been to do what is best for the city as a whole. I also believe that citizen input is critical in the decision making process, which in turn promotes open government.
3. What is the most important issue facing your city?
I feel there are really three issues facing our cities at the present time and they are all equal as far as I am concerned. And they are:
-The anger toward and mistrust of our City government.
-The threat to our open space along the Mt. Ogden Park corridor.
-The safety and well being of our citizens.
4. Name some qualities that you possess that make you a good team worker and able to bring consensus among city leaders.
-My thirty years in the classroom have taught me to listen to others, hear what they are saying and remain calm during periods of stress.
-My organizational skills have been invaluable recently. Examples include:
The recent Candidates Forum at the ATC.
-As president of the Weber County Heritage Foundation I was responsible for the organization of the Annual House Tour, which raised $10,000 toward the Ogden High School Restoration; completion of the restoration of the lime kiln in Ogden Canyon, and the printing of the book "The Grand Celebration" by Judy Anderson
-As a member of the City's Landmarks Commission for 16 years, I have insight into Historic preservation issues that will be coming to the Council as we move toward the completion of 25th St.
5. What do you think will be some major issues your city will face a generation from now?
The issues we will be facing a generation from now will be those that affect and limit growth. Our crumbling infrastructure needs to be brought up to today's standards. Water is going to be the limiting factor in any future growth in our City and we need to begin now to encourage water conservation. Encouraging the development of mass transit alternatives such as a street car that would make accessibility to the downtown easier and revitalize inner City neighborhoods should be a priority.
Related link: This article is a topic of discussion at Weber County Forum.
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