ROY — High-density housing and the aging Roy Recreation Complex were on the minds of voters as Roy City Council candidates were called to a forum Monday evening.

Monday’s forum was sponsored by the Weber County League of Women Voters and held at the Weber County Library System’s Southwest Branch in Roy.

Incumbent Ann Jackson was unable to attend Monday’s forum due to a previous commitment. However, she did submit a statement to be read aloud at the beginning of the event.

“I am happy to answer or address any issues that you may have through email or phone at any time,” the statement read. “I would love the opportunity to serve as a council member again so that I can continue to work on the projects that I am a part of, such as the Beautification Committee and the completion of updates to the Complex ”

Candidate Ethan Shepherd reportedly never answered any of the inquiries about the forum and did not participate Monday. Shepherd is still listed as an active candidate on the Weber County elections website.

High-density housing

Candidates were asked to relay their feelings on high-density housing in the city.

Jeremy Thompson said that it is a necessity nowadays.

“This high-density housing going up is obviously going to change the character of the city, and that’s disappointing,” he said. “But people need a place to live. I want my kids to have a place to live, ideally near me. I want you and your grandkids to have a spot to live near you as well. The only way to do that these days is with high-density housing, unfortunately. It’s kind of the way things are changing when you have land restrictions and an inability to increase and move further out because there’s other cities in the way.”

However, Bryon Saxton — who is a former council member — said there are places it doesn’t belong.

“This is actually a topic that we voted on when I was on the council,” he said. “I voted against it because I didn’t think it had a place on our commercial main street. I think the more we lose commercial main street, the more we jeopardize the actual burden that’s going to be placed on each of us as property owners. I truly understand people need a place to live, but I don’t want it at the rate of losing commercial land.”

Benjamin Pearson said he doesn’t necessarily favor it.

“I know the strain it puts on city employees and police services and fire services when you add more people to the city,” he said. “We’re built out and now we want to build up; I don’t stand with that opinion of build up. I understand the need for high-density housing — it’s going up all around Roy City and West Haven’s booming with high-density housing right now — but as Mr. Saxton said, 1900 West, our commercial plot, it needs to be commercial.”

Trent Wilkins doesn’t see much of a problem with high-density housing.

“High density doesn’t bother me as long as everybody minds their own business, takes care of themselves, don’t bother neighbors, keeps a clean neighborhood,” he said.

Roy Recreation Complex

Candidates were also asked their opinions on the Roy Recreation Complex, which is currently being renovated, and whether it is an asset or burden to the community.

Jeremy Brighton said he’s changed his opinion on it and would like to see the facility become successful.

“Prior to the money being dumped in, I was for ending the Complex and shutting it down,” he said. “As a private citizen, my voice is just one. But now with the money that’s just been put into it with the renovations, I am very for looking into how we can make it make money and make it not be such a burden.”

David Young noted that not everything the city does has to be a money maker.

“I’m for the Complex,” he said. “I put it in the same bucket as parks and recreation and youth sports — none of those make money either, but it is used by a large part of the community. It has a purpose. It keeps the youth that attend there out of trouble.”

Diversity

Candidates were also asked for their plans to highlight diversity and be inclusive.

Claude Payne said he’d be open and inviting.

“This is where transparency comes in because you have to be open with those people — whoever they may be — and visit with them, talk to them and invite them to meetings and also to other things that go on in the city,” he said. “Also, go visit them and see what they’re doing in their culture and be immersed in that.”

Incumbent Joe Paul said it’s important to invite and include all and that the city strives for this.

“Some of the greatest connections I’ve made in Roy are with the diverse, whether it’s the more experienced residents or some of the not-so-experienced residents, residents of different backgrounds,” he said. “It’s really coming together (and being) open and caring about the feelings and opinions of others.”

Other questions candidates faced solicited their feelings on taxes, why they’re running and philosophies on economic development.

Replays of Monday’s forum can be found on the Weber County League of Women Voters Facebook page.

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