Phillip Swanson – hopes to “restore the common decency, civility, and cooperation that are absolutely necessary as we face the task of paying for infrastructure, enable growth without destroying the home-town feel, and shift the tax burden away from property owners.” He is running for office “because I am saddened by the unnecessary level of discord, disrespect, and discourtesy that has become too pervasive… North Ogden deserves better.” He has researched the issues by attending many meetings “over the past 2 ½ years” and has concluded “my views on what North Ogden needs comes from having taken personal time – hundreds of hours – as a citizen to be actively involved.” Phillip believes in the power of service and has served as a Scout Master, and as a Director on numerous Boards, including the ALS Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Weber School Foundation and the Snow Basin Adaptive Ski Education Foundation. He concluded that “these opportunities to serve have helped me understand the need for cooperation, compromise, and willingness to genuinely listen to those whose ideas are different than my own.”
His top priorities for NOC are to “end the petty bickering… residents come first… serving is about doing what is right, not being right.” Additionally, he is focused on economic development and managing growth. “We can either become more attractive to encourage businesses that will lessen the tax burden on property owners… or we can continue to raise property taxes on all residents.” On concerns for future growth he stated “How we grow will determine the future climate of our city… maintaining our bedroom community feel… protecting neighborhoods from commercial enterprises is paramount.”
With regards to the pending PWF, he is currently a member of the NOC Public Works Committee and observed “we have made great progress towards building a new facility, a great site has been purchased. (West of the existing one) I am anxious to see what contractors can build… within the parameters set… by the current City Council.”
