I’ve studied the candidates and listened to the debates. I’ve done hours of research. A few years ago, doing research for municipal elections was difficult. Some candidates didn’t have a website or publish their platforms in any way. They certainly didn’t have the social media presence you’ve built.

I first saw your posts in June. I was thrilled to see a candidate using modern communication methods to reach voters. I agreed with you that the unlit, broken sidewalks make it difficult to traverse the city, even for something as simple as an evening walk at night through my own neighborhood (which should be a peaceful and grounding experience). I was intrigued by the story you shared regarding Aspen Care Center and wanted to learn more. I had argued against the snow parking ordinance the city council passed. I anxiously awaited future posts to learn more about your opinions and beliefs. I could tell we didn’t agree across the board, but I identified some points of commonality. I was so excited for someone who seemed willing to listen past the campaign and keep Ogden City residents up to date on what’s being discussed in our city.

I attended your June rally. The advertising for the event said it was at Lester Park. I expected to find you set up at a pavilion. I was wrong. The food trucks you brought in had taken up the back third of the Main Library parking lot. There was a sound system set up within 200 feet of the library doors pumping music for well over an hour. I waited with the crowd in the line for the free tacos for over half an hour before a campaign worker came and told us they were shutting down for your speech.

The crowd moved over to the staging area and waited. There were photographers rushing around. There was an information table near the library doors. I approached to attempt to learn about your plans and priorities, but I barely got any words out of those volunteers. I gave up my attempt. Eventually, people began speaking — linking your campaign with that of Flor Lopez, Alicia Washington, and Heath Satow and sharing the same stories I’d already heard in your videos. Most of all, you made sure to let people know you cared and that you are certain the current city council members do not care. You really care. You will demonstrate how much you care by fixing every broken streetlight, housing every person in Ogden, and ensuring not a single bit of city greenspace is built on. You will make sure Ogden shows the amount of love you know we should. This was your message the night of your first rally.

Since that rally, I’ve continued to view your social media posts. I’ve seen every one on Instagram. I’ve read every word on the slicks I’ve received in the mail. I’m sad to say I don’t feel like I’ve learned anything more about how you’ll shape this city. I’ve learned a lot about the concerns you have, but I haven’t heard any concrete promises from you about how you’ll act in the future. You don’t like the utility fund transfers, but you give no promise to vote against them.

You think BDO funds are mismanaged, but you haven’t explained how you’ll straighten that situation out. You empathize with residents “feeling the squeeze from inflation,” but seem to have a laundry list of expensive projects you want to start. I’m scared that you spend time sowing discontent and relying on that unhappiness to bond a coalition. I worry if you’re elected and don’t fulfill all your promises, you’ll cast blame on the other council members who were elected by people who hold different opinions and methods from you.

So here are my questions. I urge you to give specific answers:

• What will you stop funding in order to put more money towards better sidewalks?
• Why did you open your businesses in Roy instead of Ogden City?
• How have you tried to bring that $5 million in funding to Ogden after the Aspen project was denied?
• What is your favorite thing that the Ogden City government currently does?
• How many city council meetings have you attended this year?
• What did Alicia Washington do to justify the $1700 “campaign management” expense before you even filed to run for office?

I thank you for your consideration of these questions. Like you, I love my community. I want everyone to have what they need to survive and work to thrive. I think Ogden City government plays an important role in helping people get there. I ask for your kindness and respect towards me as we work together to make our city great.

With my sincere thanks,

Juliene Snyder

Ogden City resident