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)

Just over three years ago, my wife and I moved into Farmington with our three sons from Connecticut, where we lived for nearly twenty years. We were excited to make Farmington our home as it had the feel of the small town that we moved from. We chose to live on the west side because of the rural atmosphere that it provides, knowing that at some point most of this land would eventually be developed. We are in Farmington’s Voting Precinct 1, near the Legacy Events Center.

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

I have been serving on the Planning Commission for the past two years and have been able to learn a lot about the general land use plan for Farmington. I am supportive of the plan as it is designed to balance the growth of both residential and commercial development. This is key to managing the cost of providing services without raising property taxes. The town I moved from in Connecticut was resistant to commercial development and the citizens paid the cost in terms of high property taxes. (A link to the current general land use plan is below, for those readers who may be interested in it.)

http://www.farmington.utah.gov/downloads/community_development/general_land_use_plan_11x17.pdf

As a city councilman, I will continue to support the general plan with its goals of:

• maintaining Farmington as a community with a rural atmosphere
• preserving Farmington’s historical heritage
• providing for harmonious, coordinated and controlled development

Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?

It is difficult to summarize all of my thoughts about the West Davis Corridor. I have been following its development since I first contemplated moving to Farmington. I knew at the time I built my house there was a possibility it could be located in my proverbial “back yard”. Like most of the people who live in west Farmington, I still wonder where it will be located and how it will impact me and my family.

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 recognize that Farmington City is one of the stakeholders who can provide UDOT with input, but the final decision is outside the control of Farmington City leaders. As a private citizen, I have expressed to UDOT my concerns about the impact this highway will have on Farmington and its citizens. I recognize that no matter which alignment UDOT eventually selects, it will impact my neighbors and friends in Farmington.

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?

From an overall planning perspective, I support the City’s position for the Shephard Lane alternative. I know that the city has been planning for that alignment for several years and believe it will be in the best interest of the entire city to not have another major highway running down the west side of the city. I recognize that no matter which alignment UDOT eventually selects, it will impact the citizens of Farmington. I believe that as neighbors and friends, we can support those who are directly impacted and help them adjust to the disruption that this will cause in their lives.

What Farmington issues are most important to you?

There are many other issues facing Farmington as it continues to grow. I am opposed to raising taxes and want to help guide the city down the fiscally conservative path of living within our means. I also want to ensure that Farmington remains a healthy, attractive and pleasant living place for us and our children.

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

Farmington City Councilmen are responsible for making decisions about a myriad of issues. I wish I could address all of them, but they are too numerous to elaborate on in this response. We live in a culture that is impatient with complexity and one that wants quick solutions. I wish I could provide simple “sound bite” answers, but that is not reality here in Farmington. I can promise that I will be deliberate in my decisions as a representative of Farmington citizens and that I will remain true to the values that we hold dear. I invite readers to contact me personally if they would like to discuss any issues facing Farmington. You can also learn more about me by visiting my website: www.nelsenmichaelson.com.

Thank you!

Nelsen Michaelson