Farmingtoncitizens.org has invited all 2011 Farmington City Council candidates to respond to questions sent to them by email. As a candidate responds his answers will be published.
In which Farmington voting precinct do you reside? (http://www.farmington.utah.gov/img/File/VOTING%208×11.pdf)
My family resides in West Farmington, Farmington voting district 1.
What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and for other areas of Farmington?
The commercial growth in West Farmington is largely planned to occur in the Station Park area. The area also includes a master planned class A business park, which is on the north side of Park Lane. I would like to see the more commercial applications stay in Station Park and its immediate vicinity; and close in to the Park Lane ramp on the north side. I believe it is the responsibility of the City to protect existing residents. As the growth transitions out toward the existing neighborhoods, I support buffering through landscaping and open space; as well as graduation of building height and use. The quality of life in our existing residential neighborhoods needs to be preserved through proper land use and developmental controls.
Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?
I am gratified that the state of Utah and UDOT are doing the EIS. They originally were moving forward on “informal” corridor designation; requesting city support; and even some corridor preservation without the benefit of the EIS. The EIS process was further out on their calendar. It was at least partially through Farmington City’s refusal to “rubberstamp” UDOT’s designation of a corridor, through the middle of West Farmington, which began the EIS process to determine hopefully the best route.
Which of the current refined alternatives WDC EIS alignments do you support through Farmington (Glovers Lane or Shepard Lane) and why? (http://www.udot.utah.gov/westdavis/uploads/map/4Maps_RefinedAlternatives_AlternativesAB_1of3_FarmingtonKaysville-0.pdf)
Having been heavily involved in both Planning Commission and the City Council decision making process, I support the official Farmington position in support of the “northeast/ Shepherd Lane” option. I strongly feel this option is the best for the community of Farmington as a whole. Please see the attached letter for more information; and why I have this opinion.
http://farmingtoncitizens.org/web/letter-from-city-councilman-cory-ritz/
Given the divisive nature on the community of the WDC alternatives through Farmington how as a City leader will you help displeased residents cope with the EIS’s inevitable decision?
It is the unfortunate truth that either option will have negative impacts on some of our Farmington neighbors. It is a UDOT decision; however, as a city leader I will work to insure that the city has as much input as we can. We can influence, as we have done, the transportation officials to consider new ways of addressing issues to minimize the impacts to residents. Only by minimizing impacts to Farmington residents, and maximizing the benefit to the community as a whole, can the impacts become more acceptable.
What changes if any do you want enacted in Farmington and Farmington City government?
Farmington has been well served, by both its elected leaders and the fulltime staff. We weathered the economic downturn, and have a positive funds balance. We did this without layoffs, reduction of city services, or raising taxes. Our various departments have been efficiently run; due to dedicated employees and managers. As we have hired a new City Manager and Fire Chief, we tried to be mindful of Farmington’s future. However, there are always areas which can be improved. For example, we are continuing to implement ways to better communicate with, and involve our citizens.
What Farmington issues are most important to you?
The biggest reason that I chose to run for a second term on the City Council, was to see projects completed in ways that benefit Farmington residents. The current successful launch of Station Park has good things happening, and a very positive funds balance for Farmington. The proper planning and implementation of the surrounding commercial and business park areas is vital to our residents. It will also affect our ability to plan; and to implement our infrastructure and capital expenditure needs. I am dedicated to using the proper use of commercial development to benefit Farmington citizens; to avoid property taxes hikes which would otherwise be required. Transportation is also a big concern. We have needs for new streets, and re-paving of many of our streets. There is also too much pressure to plan and build multi-family housing. While some of this is beneficial and desirable for any city, we should not be the location for all of south Davis County’s rental housing needs. We need to continue to use our planning and zoning functions to insure that development occurs in a fashion that suits our residents.
What else do you what said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?
Eighteen years ago we fell in love with the small town character of Farmington. Heidi and I built our house, and are raising our 10 children here. We love the people, the tree-lined streets, and the wonderful sense of community. I have worked hard to earn a reputation of exercising common sense, openness, and integrity. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I ask for your support, so I can continue to preserve this unique place we all call home.
Cory R Ritz
Coryritz.com
