Farmington Citizens

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)

I live in precinct FA11.

What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and for other areas of Farmington?

I see growth as the number one challenge facing Farmington in the near and long term.  This growth entails both residential, business, and infrastructure.  When it comes to growth I feel it comes down to a balancing act, you want to plan your building and residential areas so that you can grow but also continue to provide services to your residents.  Farmington residents, myself included, expect a very high level of service from our city and I want to continue to provide them with that high level of service.

We need to allow business in to the city but at a reasonable rate, we have two areas of development that we have for future use, the full station park area and the area north of lagoon.  I would like too see businesses enter both of those areas.  But I would refuse to let a mega chain like wal-mart or target into that area.  I think
business that are in an area like the gateway are much more preferable.

We also need to consider traffic, crime, and fire when creating these business zones.  I love station park and having a place that is close when I need to shopping or want to go to a movie is great.  The cities plans to make it a walk able mall type area that is very close to frontrunner was another excellent idea.

The same can be said for residential areas.  We want growth in population and property taxes.  But with increased growth comes a heavy demand on infrastructure that can often cost more than the increased tax revenue.  So I feel our goal should be to match the residential growth with the business growth and make sure we can still provide what our citizens need and love about Farmington.  That might mean some developers or business owners might not get what they want, but we should be looking out for the long term of Farmington.

I would really like to see a long term plan come into place and at the last planning meeting I attended there was discussion over a 10 year growth plan and how to achieve the things you’ve asked about. Growth is the number one thing when I think of challenges facing Farmington in the future.  We’re moving away from the small bedroom community we were 10-20 years ago and are facing some important metropolitan questions.

Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?

Since Davis and to some extent Weber County have a very limited geography we have very few transportation options.  The east side of Davis county is pretty much built out as much as it can.  This only leaves the west side for any growth.  Because of this we’ve seen rapid growth in this area.  Because of this we have seen the need for a transit option on this side of Davis county.  I feel UDOT has done a fairly good job of the EIS allowing for a wide variety of options and taking into account citizens concerns, especially those of Farmington into account.  This issue is even tricky because of the mix of federal and state laws they must deal with.  No doubt there will be hard decisions to be made, but it needs to be made now for future growth. I would prefer no freeways be built but the growth we have seen in Davis and our norther county neighbors is necessitating this move.

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)

I believe the C-1 option is the best option we have available to us. It  affects less people, costs less, saves more wildlife and wetlands.  I would prefer that over the Glovers lane option (and not just because I live right off Glovers Lane).  Either option is going to result in hardship for some but the C1 is the best of the options.

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?

While the city council can’t do everything, we need to make sure we listen and do what we can for our citizens.  I think the first thing is to listen.  People are upset and have concerns and they are extremely valid.  When we can the council should also stand up for its citizens.  I don’t want to see anyone living in Farmington get ramrodded by UDOT or the county.  I also believe education and informing people of the whats and whys involved in the decision making will greatly help.  Sometimes I feel too much heated rhetoric gets involved and if we can educate people on all the nuances and why these decisions are being made would greatly help.

What changes if any do you want enacted in Farmington and Farmington City government?

I personally think the city government is very well run, I like the openness of the council and have found.  If anything I would like to see more openness in decision making.

What Farmington issues are most important to you?

I see future growth as the biggest issue to Farmington.  This affects quality of life which I think is extremely important to preserver for Farmington.

What else do you what said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?

I’ve lived in Farmington for 6 years and it is absolutely the best place I have ever lived.  I want to continue to see our community grow but keep its great way of life.