Why I’m Running:
I want to help make Pleasant View the best it can be. I’m not running because of a certain issue or because I have grand plans for change. My professional and educational backgrounds are in public service and I believe I can be a valuable voice in helping the city council make wise and informed decisions. I am committed to attend meetings, share my expertise, and give my best effort in this role. I know we won’t agree on everything, but I will listen and be respectful of your opinions.
About Me:
Personal/Family
I am a lifelong Weber County resident, born and raised in Ogden. I have been married to my amazing wife, Sunni for 19 years and we have three sons ages 17, 14, and 11. Sunni is a writer and teaches English at Weber State University. Our sons attend Weber High School and Lomond View Elementary. We have lived in Pleasant View since 2019 and love it here. We are active in our church and enjoy participating in school and community activities. We love being outdoors and enjoy using the parks and trails in our beautiful city.
Education
I graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in geography. After working for a few years in local government, I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah. My education has prepared me well for public service.
Professional Experience
I have been employed at Weber County for 20 years in planning and community development. I am a certified planner (AICP) through the American Planning Association and previously served as the County’s planning director. Currently I serve as the community development director where I oversee many of the County’s public service divisions including, Operations, Planning, Engineering, Building Inspection, Roads, Property Management, and the Waste Transfer Station. I am responsible for over 100 employees and multiple budgets totaling over $19 million. I understand the public budget process and recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility, especially with tax dollars.
Civic Experience
I have been a member of the Pleasant View City Planning Commission since November 2022. I have enjoyed serving in this role and learning about the opportunities and challenges of zoning, housing, and economic development facing our city. I also served on Ogden City’s Board of Zoning Adjustment prior to moving to Pleasant View.
My Priorities:
Taxes: I don’t like paying taxes any more than you do, but I recognize that they are necessary to fund essential government services like public safety, road maintenance, and elections, to name a few. A tax increase should never be the first option considered to solve the City’s financial issues. I applaud Mayor Call and the City Council for not raising taxes this year.
Responsible Planning: Great communities start with great planning. The City Council is ultimately responsible for planning and zoning in Pleasant View City. How we grow and what our community becomes are among the most important decisions we will make. Good planning helps us address the issues we are facing with housing affordability, traffic congestion, air quality, and development of hillsides and sensitive lands. Good planning brings together citizens, community stakeholders, and elected officials to create policies that guide future growth while preserving community character. This is challenging and exciting work.
Economic Development: Pleasant View has experienced rapid commercial growth over the last few years, mainly along our 2700 North corridor. While commercial growth in general is good because it provides additional sales tax, it is also important that we have a plan in place to help attract the right types of businesses in the right locations.
Sound Decision Making: There is a delicate balance between providing a quality level of service and funding the cost of that service. Maintaining this balance requires making hard decisions about what the City’s priorities should be. Government service isn’t (and should never be) about popularity contests or pet projects, it’s about making the right decision for the right reason, even when that decision is difficult or unpopular.
