North Salt Lake mayor

We asked:

1. What role, if any, should North Salt Lake City play in assisting families affected b y the Springhill landslide?
2. What, if anything, would you do to encourage residential or business growth in the city?
3. Over the last year, the current city council has made several changes to city operations, including instituting a four-day workweek, beginning construction on a new city hall, and onsidering a city-wide recycling program. Do you agree with these changes and/or what would you do to improve city services?

Len Arave

Age: 54

Occupation: Chief financial officer

Qualifications: As a businessman, I am the candidate with experience in managing a large organization. 16-year resident and two term planning commissioner.

1. My heart goes out to those who are part of this tragedy. I believe in uniting as a community and helping those that stand in need. Homeowner assistance however, should be a matter for the private, not public sector. As a city, we need to be involved to make sure citizens are safe and we approve future uses of this land. Due to the current and potential future dangers these citizens face, the city should work to facilitate a solution, including encouraging the involvement of charities and fellow citizens.

2. We should encourage economic growth in our city by:

* Running the city in a fiscally responsible manner. The city should analyze and prioritize expenditures so it can provide a high level of critical services without raising taxes in the current troubled economy. * Creating a citizens advisory board for economic growth. The city has struggled getting a grocery outlet near Foxboro as well as businesses on Redwood Road and Highway 89. Our citizenry includes many remarkable businessmen and real estate experts. Many of these would be willing to serve on a committee to advise the city on strategies and policies that would attract businesses.

* Lobbying to accelerate transportation improvements in our city. North Salt Lake is strategically located near the Salt Lake International Airport as well I-15, I-215 and I-80. We have available sites, we have favorable locations, and we have access to a talented workforce which can help our county and state economies grow. We need to work with the Wasatch Front Regional Council to help them understand the benefit all would receive by accelerating the I-15/I-215 interchange upgrade and other transit improvements.

3. Assuming an optional recycling program is selected and promised construction costs recognized, I agree with the current administration on these issues.

Lynn L. Ballard

Age: 59

Occupation: TSA screener

Qualifications: Having been on the city council for three terms, I have shown instead of just talking the talk, I have walked the walk.

1. We need to bring all of the past, present, and future facts and figures together. Then we can figure out what to do for the current problem so this doesn't happen again.

2. As mayor, I will personally visit existing businesses to see how they are doing, how we are doing with them, and what, if anything, can we both do to make things better. I will also promote future businesses that would make our city even better. Talking with different residents throughout the city, there are needs, and the city can help facilitate with this. Planning is all-important. Bringing people together that can make things happen becomes reality.

3. a) We need to assess the current four day work week and see if we have lessened our services. Better planning, more preventive maintenance, on-call coordination, and more effective communication between the city and the public is necessary for success. b) Several years ago, the city acquired land and built a new building west of the freeway at a very modest price compared to the existing construction that is going on now. I was personally not sold on this new current building and felt the money spent should be for a legacy for the city, not a building. c) I personally recycle and believe in a recycling program. I do not believe in forcing people to do this and charging them extra. I received some e-mail from some saying we should make people do this, even if they are screaming and complaining. We need to realize that government is here to protect and serve, not make people do what the government wants them to do.

Lisa Watts Baskin

Age: 50

Occupation: Attorney

Qualifications: I am qualified because of my leadership on city council, extensive legal work in public settings, and commitment to serve each NSL resident.

1. The role of the City of North Salt Lake is to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. The Springhill landslide residents are our own neighbors who reside in a clearly designated landslide consisting of approximately 12 homes. According to the Utah Geological Survey, this slow-moving landslide differs from other landslides along the Wasatch Front. Thirty-year-old homes were built prior to developed geotechnical data to predict movement. The city must warn residents and inspect infrastructure. Independent legal counsel advises us that NSL would not incur liability for providing a mortgage facilitator to assist with discussion between homeowners and banks regarding severely diminished land values and mortgage payments. I would encourage and seek the support of the city council by assisting with residential relocation and home demolition, rezoning the landslide for open space use or a preserve to stop future building, and seeking financial assistance through state, federal and privatesources.

2. Despite the unprecedented economic downturn, NSL city should continue to encourage business and residential growth. NSL should rely upon previous studies and general plans that envision redevelopment of properties along 900 North between Redwood Road and Legacy Parkway with limits on an island of industrial type uses incompatible with the existing and expanding residential mixed-use community. NSL should also listen to new ideas for economic success. Parks and trails, extensive tree plantings, and open spaces assist in attracting both businesses and residents. Our city hall on Highway 89 and Compass Development's Eaglewood Village will promote the revitalization of a dynamic city center. Leadership is critical to NSL's economic future.

3. I voted to institute the four-day workweek, approved and budgeted for the construction of city hall, and would vote for optional curbside recycling. The mayor and council need to encourage public participation in government.