(UNEDITED)As the former General Manager of the ZCMI and Meier and Frank department stores at the Layton Hills Mall, I read with interest and alarm the recent story about declining sales tax revenues in Layton. I served as General Manager for over 14 years and experienced the steady growth of retail in this market. That is why it is most concerning to hear that sales tax revenues are down so much.
Every taxpayer in Layton should be extremely concerned about what is happening. And while I realize it's not fair to blame Mayor Steve Curtis for the current economic downturn, I wish to ask what he as Mayor has done to correct the situation and curb the negative trend of revenue reduction?
It is my opinion that one of the most important roles of the Mayor of Layton is to spearhead a plan for attracting new business to our area and take the lead in promoting economic growth. Mervyn's has now sat vacant for almost two years and the Ultimate Electronics facility for even more. Though it is the primary responsibility of each facilities owner to find a replacement tenant, I believe that the Mayor has a major role in the process. My question to Mr. Curtis is this: What have you done to help attract a replacement? Have you, as the visible leader of our city, approached Nordstrom, Dillard's, Marshall's etc. with reasonable incentives to attract them to our community? Have you done anything to assist the Layton Hills Mall or Ultimate Electronics building owners fill the vacant spaces? What about the many other vacant buildings in the city?
I have known Mayor Curtis for many years and believe that he is a fine man and a good father but I do not believe that he possesses the background or ability to lead our community back into economic prosperity. I have also known Bob Stevenson for many years and have worked with him in various capacities and believe strongly that Bob possesses the necessary tools to lead our city to a regeneration of economic growth and an increase in the retail population.
I believe with a certainty that Bob Stevenson will provide the leadership necessary to correct the nosedive in sales tax revenues in Layton City. It is for this reason that I, a citizen of this fine community, have chosen at this time to voice my opinion and concerns and to challenge my fellow citizens to assure that the right candidate (through their vote) is elected on November 3rd. It is a matter of economic survival.
David F. Haight
Layton
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