Candidates show for debate / Ogden forum allows glimpse into strategies

OGDEN -- A city council candidates' forum Wednesday night failed to produce any major fireworks but offered a glimpse into the strategies office seekers might employ to rescue financially troubled Mount Ogden Golf Course.

All eight city council candidates and dozens of residents attended the forum at Ogden-Weber Applied Technical College.

The 90-minute event was moderated by Gary A. Johnson, an associate professor of political science and philosophy at Weber State University.

Johnson posed questions generated by Weber State faculty and students, as well as audience members.

The candidates were asked their views on a variety of issues, from protecting open space in the foothills along the East Bench to improving communications between the city council and administration.

All of the candidates weighed in on a question from an audience member asking whether they believe Mount Ogden Golf Course, estimated by the city's administration to be losing more than $300,000 a year because it fails to attract enough golfers, should be required to pay for itself.

Susie Van Hooser, who is running for the city council's At-Large Seat A post, said she believes the golf course is vital because it's tied to the city's valuable open space.

She said several experts in Ogden have the ability to offer suggestions on making the golf course profitable.

Mark B. Hains, who is Van Hooser's opponent, said the city can't afford to continue to financially subsidize the golf course at the current level. In addition, Hains said he supports efforts to make the course more user-friendly to attract more golfers so it will generate a profit.

Bart E. Blair, who is running for the city council's At-Large Seat B post, said one way to make Mount Ogden Golf Course more financially successful would be to develop youth golf programs.

"We should do more to enhance classes (for youth) up there."

David Phipps, who is challenging Blair, said it's hard to justify using more than $300,000 a year in municipal funds to financially prop up Mount Ogden Golf Course based on his estimate that just 15 percent of Ogden's population consists of golfers. The city council and administration should work closely with citizens to develop a detailed strategy to help the course, he said.

"We have a big opportunity to be proactive on that. It needs to go on for months and be very visible to Ogden (residents)."

City Councilman Jesse Garcia, who is seeking re-election to Municipal Ward 1, said he isn't overly concerned about the city continuing to subsidize Mount Ogden Golf Course.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal because we have been doing it so long."

More residents use Mount Ogden Golf Course than Ogden-Hinckley Airport, which is also financially subsidized by the city, Garcia said. The key to the golf course's future success is to market the facility properly, he said. Neil K. Garner, who is Garcia's opponent, said improvements to the golf course's clubhouse to take advantage of views of surrounding mountains would help make the course more popular.

City Councilman Doug Stephens, who is seeking re- election to the Municipal Ward 3 seat, said the best way to address financial and design difficulties at Mount Ogden Golf Course is for the council and administration to jointly map out a detailed strategy. Patrick A. Dean, who is running against Stephens, said the city should consider leasing out the golf course to a private company that would operate it, which would eliminate the need for a municipal subsidy.

Addressing other topics, the candidates generally agreed that communication between the city council and administration is vital and that completion of projects such as The Junction development downtown is essential.

All agreed that open spaces should be preserved.

Related link: This article is a topic of discussion at Weber County Forum.