Last night was Meet the Candidates Night at Farmington City Hall. The event was a good opportunity to hear where the other candidates stand on many different issues. I gained new respect for some and shook my head at others.

I was grateful for the opportunity to share my qualifications and accomplishments; while voicing my concerns and vision for Farmington. The one thing I would pass on is we need to be diligent in communicating with our friends and neighbors in regard to city politics. This is especially true in regard to rezoning, development, and transportation. It can’t just be one or two citizens voicing their concerns even after this election is over.

I am tired of current and past officials defending themselves by saying, “I didn’t know that was happening.” I have had current officials tell me now they never wanted Legacy North to gut West Farmington; but in the same breath they said they couldn’t say until they had all of the facts and information. Well, which is it? We still don’t have all the facts and information, but it was denied. Never wanted it or you waited until your seat was in jeopardy to deny it? I don’t have an ax to grind or a personal angst against anyone; but I sure struggle with people who jump on the band wagon only when the team is winning.

It would be so refreshing to have elected officials that will speak plainly, tell you where they stand and at least admit to what has or has not been done. You can’t please all of the people all of the time; but I would just ask that we elect people with the courage to take a stand. Just give it to me straight is all I ask.

Please remember to vote November 6th and get your friends and neighbors out, also. It is hard to imagine all of the changes this city will confront over the next 4 years.

For those who have supported me, passed on my name to a friend and family and whoever has been putting my signs back up before I get back to do it, I thank you!

I hope by now you have seen my signs dotted across Farmington. I don’t have the most signs, but if you take a second look at my signs you will see a picture of a family in the middle, a tree on the right and a person on horseback to the left.

These symbols are the three things I want people to remember about me. My friends and family are the most important things in my life. I want to help develop a business base that can be counted on to provide funding for the police and to help our firefighters have the equipment and facilities they need to keep us safe and secure.

The tree on the right is a reminder of why we chose to move back to Farmington. As a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and supporter of other conservation groups such as the National Arbor Day Foundation, I am looking for ways to beautify our city, conserve the wildlife corridors we have and keep the shaded sidewalks and jogging trails.

The last symbol I chose was the person on horseback. To me, this is more than fighting to keep the fairgrounds, my horses, and our rural setting. It symbolizes a movement to control our own destiny. There are too many outsiders that want to continue to make Farmington the doorstep of Northern Utah’s daily commute, a place that is conveniently passed through each day with little consideration for those who live here.

I encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns with your neighbors. My signs have my name just like everyone else, but I want you to vote and depend on more than just a name. I expect more from Farmington’s governing body than the equivalent of drawing a name out of a hat.

This is the second of Joel Cook's weekly messages. His other messages can be found here. Joel Cook is a candidate for Farmington City Council. You can contact Joel here.

My dad used to say, “Hope is a poor man’s treasure.” Now I don’t know if he meant financially, physically, emotionally or what; but I sure hope the next three people selected to the city council will be emotionally solid, financially astute and politically able.

Farmington needs to network and draw from the influence outside of our city. We need to acknowledge and work with Farmington’s financial strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, I hope the next three elected city officials will think of “Farmington First.” If it doesn’t make sense, say “No.” If they are there to make friends and negotiate by saying, “Okay, whatever you want.” I feel they should go do something else that doesn’t affect the 15,000 citizens of Farmington. I know some say, “Oh that is easier said than done.” However, I do hope you will remember a few things about me.

I don’t want to be on the city council to feel important, to be well known in the city or use it as a stepping stone on to the next political office. I don’t want your money, your car, your job or anything else you have. I just hope to bring my education, experience, abilities and values to help Farmington move forward as the county seat and not as the doormat of Northern Utah’s daily commute.