Can you tell me what things you will specifically lead on (not just advocate for) and how you will do so?
While there are lots of issues we could talk about, three that I have chosen to focus on are Transportation, Affordable Housing, and Education (Formation of the new District).
In regards to Transportation, I know that there are many efforts already being made, based on discussions with other members of the current Council. I would like to see some additional frontloading of information when it comes to potentially difficult situations. A couple examplesfor you--I knew that there were discussions about taking out the roundabout in City Center, and I know that it was on Council agendas etc, but I think some additional communication with the public about the WHY behind taking out the roundabout and publishing the study that shows the need, and some leadup into how long it will take and what the inconvenience would be, might have helped with some of the angst. The same with the chip seal. I grew up where chip seal was the way we did road construction, but that is not as common in more urban areas--so some frontloading of what chip seal is, why it was chosen, what the process would be, and the length of time it takes to compact may have been helpful.
In regards to Affordable Housing--it, of course, is a great need. Something I would like to really like to dive into is affordable housing that is actually affordable, not just small square footage or densely packed. I know some answers for this have been kicked around at the local level, but there is concern that the requirements being made at the State level are pushing towards options that may not actually solve the right problem. We need to be highly engaged in, and leading, those discussions with State leaders.
Finally, when it comes to Education, I want to make sure that the City does all it can to ensure that our new School District is created in a way that makes sense for schools, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and stakeholders. I have held all of those roles except administrator, but I have worked with many administrators directly. I would like to use my voice to make sure that the City is working WITH those who are creating the new District and advocating for and helping to ensure policies and organization that is a win/win for as many as possible. That is easier to do when you understand all of the different perspectives. I think that is something I can add. (These are my own thoughts and do not represent Alpine School District or Cedar Valley High School)
Thanks for your question!
How will you manage Eagle Mountain's explosive growth while protecting infrastructure, road capacity, and neighborhood quality of life?
It is no secret that we have infrastructure needs on many levels, both to meet the growth that we are currently seeing and the growth that we know we will experience for years to come. As we upgrade our sewer capacity, we should also be sure to plan for future growth, so we don't have to turn around and expand again as soon as we finish. We are also in need of additional power and water, and roads. We can't wait until we hit critical need to take care of these things. We need to plan for them now. Additionally, we need to make sure our codes and ordinances are written in ways that protect our quality of life in Eagle Mountain--protecting our open spaces, dark skies, and wildlife. Roads will require collaboration with other decision makers--other cities, the County, and the State, MAG, etc. None of this will happen unless we are deliberate and proactive to ensure that it happens. If we are creating relationships, doing the research, and making plans now, we will be more prepared when it comes time to act.
What would you do to secure a long-term water supply and promote smart conservation?
I am supportive of water-wise programs as well as adjusting our City landscaping to use less water, less maintenance, and to be more sustainable. We don't currently qualify for "flip the strip"funding, but we should be pursuing that status or something like it. Switching out grass in median areas for xeriscaping (which is costly and will need to be done over time), continuing to work to get secondary (reuse) water approval, and taking care to reserve vital water shares for our community are some ways we can promote conservation and plan for the future.
Do you support allowing nuclear or other alternative energy projects in the city? Why or why not?
I am supportive of nuclear and other alternative energy projects in the City as long as they are properly vetted, zoned, and have all safety protocols in place. Nuclear energy has been proven to be both clean and safe. Rocky Mountain Power has made it clear that they do not have the capacity to provide for our energy needs over the long term. We need to be proactive in looking for solutions that allow us to grow in ways that are smart, efficient, and with Eagle Mountain residents and economic development in mind.
What's your plan to improve traffic safety and emergency access in fast-growing areas?
We need to review our building codes to make sure that we are requiring builders to properly mitigate the traffic that their development will be causing. We need to make sure that there are multiple access points in and out of neighborhoods and that the codes require them to be built at the time of development--not promised later. For established neighborhoods that are growing quickly, we need to be on top of traffic studies to make sure that if adjustments are needed in the form of additional signage, warning lights, or traffic lights, we get those adjustments made in a timely manner and that we are proactive, not reactive in meeting those needs. It should not take the loss of a life to bring action.
How will you ensure any new housing construction reflects our community's needs, and not just developer plans?
Private property owners have a right to develop their property in accordance with established building codes and ordinances--SO, if we have specific community needs and interests, we need to make sure that our codes reflect those needs and interests. If a development meets code but is not beneficial to the community, we should do whatever we can do to improve the plan and work with the developer to find solutions that make it more beneficial. In the end, developers have a legal right to develop their property as long as they are following code--so it all comes down to being very detailed and precise about what our community values and where certain products and uses are allowed and where they are not--and we need to do it now, before a plan is in front of us.