South Ogden City Council

SOUTH OGDEN -- Three newcomers are competing for two open seats on the South Ogden city council. Bryan Benard, Lamont Camp and Russell Porter all feel they are qualified to help run the city and plan for its future.

Bryan Benard

"I strive to treat all with dignity and respect, even when we disagree on issues," Benard said. "As a private business owner and corporate litigator with vast experience counseling businesses, I can provide a unique and invaluable viewpoint to our city as well as providing a sophisticated and pragmatic approach to city affairs. I am committed to providing leadership that listens, considers the issues and then acts based on reasonable and fair judgment consistent with the views of our great citizens."

Benard, 39, an attorney, said the most important issue facing South Ogden is smart growth and revitalization.

"While I view safety and code enforcement issues as important matters the city must carefully address and police, land use and development of South Ogden's limited land resources has reached a critical point," Benard said. "We happen to be a geographically small, basically land-locked city. As such, the responsibility of our elected officials is heightened."

Benard said the city needs to resist the urge to continue making South Ogden a place for strip malls and single offices and focus on attracting a wider retail and business presence that will serve residents physical needs as well as strengthening its tax base.

Lamont Camp

Camp, 62, a South Ogden firefighter, believes the greatest issue facing the city is the increase in property taxes.

"The increase is for the enlarged gym at South Ogden Junior High School. When proposed, it was said that the money for this bond would be paid back through sales tax and not property tax. Then it was changed to property tax with no explanation."

Camp said youngsters benefit from the gym, but not the seniors who thought they were getting a walking track and other exercise opportunities.

"Now they will pay more taxes with no real advantages to the senior population in the city," he said.

Camp said he is a good listener and likes to get involved and understand the problems that develop. He said he is a person who will stick with a problem until it is solved.

"When the leadership works together it makes the whole group work together," he said.

Russell Porter

Porter, 40, a high school teacher, said dealing with people is what he does best.

"I am approachable, thoughtful and will not just listen but will listen and take appropriate action," Porter said. "I have a great desire to serve and will give this position the effort and energy it deserves."

Porter also said he has the ability to communicate, which includes the ability to be heard and understood as well as 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," he said. "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."

Porter said the most important issue facing the city, according to residents who have voiced their concern to him, is the neglected state and junky condition of too many properties.

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Bryan Benard Candidate Response

Lamont Camp Candidate Response

Russell Porter Candidate Response