North Ogden- It is election year in many municipalities for open council member seats and North Ogden is no exception. Four candidates are competing for votes for the three open council seats. They will serve a four year term.
Phillip Swanson- Phillip Swanson is running for another term for Town Council. It is a hotly contested race with four people vying to fill the three available spots. When asked why he would like to serve again, Mr. Swanson gave this statement, “I am running to keep North Ogden moving forward by civilly and sensibly meeting the challenges ahead. Ten years ago, my family and I were blessed to move to wonderful North Ogden. During the tumultuous times surrounding the Public Works Facility, I felt strongly that civility and sensibility were the best ways to reach our community goals. I became involved by regularly attending Council meetings, serving on the new public works committee, and eventually being appointed to the Planning Commission. In 2014, I was unanimously appointed to fill a vacancy on the City Council. I enjoy being a part of an engaged and thoughtful council addressing difficult issues in zoning, transportation, employee compensation, home occupations, and economic development. We have overseen the near completion of a new Public Works Facility within budget, without raising taxes, and saving residents nearly $500,000 annually by incurring no debt. North Ogden is growing and we need to grow wisely. We need greater economic development to keep our taxes low. We need to encourage open space preservation and protect our neighborhoods. I have worked tirelessly to serve the residents of North Ogden. I ask for your vote so that I may continue to do so.”
When asked his position on Prop 1, Swanson said he is supportive of it being on the ballot so the citizens can decide. However, he is against the measure due to the funding that will go to UTA . Swanson states, “We certainly need more revenue to shore up and repair our crumbling road infrastructure; but, I am not happy that the UTA was somehow included in on the deal and given 50 percent of the revenues. I fail to see how the UTA is going to be able to do anything positive about the roads in Weber County as a whole, and North Ogden in particular.”
Cheryl Stoker is also serving currently on the Council. Sentinel News has tried to contact her for a statement, but has been unable to reach her by phone or e-mail.
Carl D. Turner is one of two ex-councilmen who are returning to the race. He desires to serve North Ogden again. Mr. Turner lost in the primary election four years ago. He left under contentious circumstances, but has expressed that it was due to the Public Works projects and that the situation has improved. He has expressed that he and his family love living in North Ogden and he desires to serve again.
Christian N. George is the one newcomer to the scene. George has said that it is important to be a real leader and open to ideas. He states, "Being the only candidate who has not served on the City Council, I am hopeful that our community is ready for a fresh perspective. Public service is an honor and open mindedness is essential to ensure the wants of the public are put into place. When the citizens talk, elected officials must listen. The bond issues of the past must not be repeated for a third time, not only because it is a waste of time, but because there are better options! By actively participating and planning, the current city council has achieved an incredible Public Works facility at a fraction of the cost to us, the taxpayers. I believe, wherever possible, the City should avoid bonding the citizens of tomorrow for the needs of today."
Mr. George has an excitement for giving the City a new face but emphasizes it must be done without taking out bonds and indebting the people. Fiscal responsibility is important to him and he is determined to use North Ogden’s resources wisely to grow. Mr. George says, "The people of North Ogden are by far our best asset, let’s make sure the rest of our assets, resources and services are aimed at sustaining the incredible quality of life North Ogden is known for and liberating people to enjoy the free market without an overburdening government. " One area he does want to spend some resources on is working to improve the library. However, again he said it must be done without increasing the burden on the people.
George is also against Proposition 1, stating that we need to see what UDOT is going to do with the money they are already going to be receiving from the tax increases that are taking place this year before entrusting them to more. He expressed that a sales tax is far harder to get rid of than it is to implement and it should only be done as a last resort.
Wade C. Bigler has withdrawn from the Race.
For Election results please check out our online edition at www.sentinelnews.net
