Here are Jim Talbot's responses to questions he was asked by email:

My name is Jim Talbot.  I'm running for the office of City Council. My wife, Karen, and I have lived in Farmington for 20 years.  We have raised our family here.  We feel blessed to live in a beautiful rural setting with honest, hard-working, educated people.  There aren't many places on earth that match our style of living here.  If elected, I will do my best to protect what we have.

Q: What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and other areas of Farmington?
A: I have five years of service on the Planning Commission and two years as the chairman.  I'm familiar with many of the current issues facing the city now and in the coming years.

One of my main concerns in the west part of our city is the development of Station Park.  Station Park is a critical part of our economic future. My vision for Station Park is a tastefully planned landmark with up-scale shopping and restaurants to compliment the Front Runner  stop.  I envision it much like the Riverwoods in Provo.  I have visited CenterCal Development in Portland, the developer of Station Park, and am pleased with the quality of work that they do and the tenant mix they plan to bring to Farmington.

I've been in commercial development for 25 years. This experience would help me to ensure that all developers adhere to the recommendations of the City Council.  Controlled growth and carefully planned development, both commercially and residential is still very important to me.  I am also concerned that we provide a tax base for the citizens of Farmington without increasing taxes, by carefully developing our commercial and residential base throughout the city.

Q: With the changes in the economy what will be your approach to residential development in Farmington?
A: I would like for us to develop first those areas which have all ready been approved for residential development before bringing on new developments.  I would like to see continued open space for developments complimented by a trail system connecting the residents of Farmington.

Q: Please state your position on the Legacy North to Legacy Parkway connector?
A: As chairman of the Planning Commission, I chaired those public meetings with UDOT regarding Legacy North to Legacy Parkway connector.  We voted to deny the plan for this connector that was proposed by UDOT.  We passed our recommendation on to the City Council to deny UDOT's proposal as well. It was our recommendation that we push this Corridor as far west as possible. I personally was passionate about this.  I don't want to see our community divided again by a major arterial road.

Q: What perspective can you give on the recently passed Farmington City Master Transportation Plan?
A: I'm in favor, as stated in my answer to the question above, to move this collector as far west as possible, thus preserving our neighborhoods on the western side.  I'm hopeful that the state will take our recommendations and realize that as a city we will fight them for the best solution for our residents.

Q: What changes if any do you want enacted in Farmington and Farmington City government?
A: There is no one major thing I would like to see changed.  I believe if we plan ahead and make changes carefully and skillfully, that the changes that are inevitable will not  infringe on the integrity of the city as it stands today.

Q: What Farmington issues are most important to you?
A: I've already mentioned some of my greatest concerns that will be facing the residents of Farmington during the next few years--the development of Station Park, providing a much needed revenue for city services, the transportation issues that will be on-going in Farmington, careful planning of residential and commercial development. These are some of the important issues to me and our citizens.  There is no substitute for experience.  I have that experience with all of these issues.  I want an open communication with the residents of our city.  The citizens must be kept informed at all times.  That is my obligation to them and my responsibility as a member of the City Council.  I have a web site, a cell phone, a home phone, a face book site.  I'm hopeful that this shows that I'm available at all the times for their questions and needs.

Q: What else do you want said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?
A: My family and I have lived in Farmington for 20 years.  My children have all grown up here and all graduated from Davis HS.  I am at a time in my life with my business and family where I have the time to devote to community service. I have served on the Planning Commission and understand the amount of time these assignments require.  I will not have a problem putting whatever time is necessary to fulfill this assignment.

My main reason for running for City Council is that I have a strong desire to serve my community.  I have no political agenda--just a desire to serve.  I feel strongly that with my five years of  experience on the Planning Commission and my commitment to protect the integrity of Farmington, that I can bring valuable assets to the Council.  I am also a good listener and have what I consider good common sense in decision making. Please visit my website at: www.jimtalbot.org