Questions received from Sterling Beck on August 18, 2011
Why are you running?
- I am running as a concerned citizen. I would like to make a difference in this city, having lived here all my life. I am a citizen who has no political ties to any other person. As such, I am in a position to make a fair and balanced decision, listening to and weighing both sides of the issue.
What is one thing that you believe distinguishes you as a candidate?
- I differ from the other candidates in that I am able to act in the way that is right and just, without worrying about repercussions those actions may have in my personal life because I have no pre-existing ties or special interests. As opposed to the other candidates, I do not have preformed opinions about many of the issues and am willing to sit down with others from various backgrounds to find the unique solutions Provo needs, especially those that may not have been thought of before.
When elected, what is one goal you'd like to see accomplished?
- The city sometimes oversteps it bounds when making city-wide policies. More often than not, a precision solution would better meet the requirements of the problems the city faces. The two-step process in forming these precision solutions is (1) clearly identify the problem, making sure we treat the root problem, and not simply the symptoms of the problem, and (2) to craft an appropriate response that involves the least amount of government involvement possible. I would like to see the city implement this method of effective problem-solving whenever possible.
Questions received from Rex Eagar on August 9, 2011
What is your position regarding the Northwest Connector?
- In light of the current budget problems, specifically that we are about 4 million dollars behind on paying to maintain the roads we currently have, now is not the right time to build more roads. I have read your website and find the arguments against building the Northwest Connector very compelling. However, in fairness, I need to understand the arguments of those in favor of building the proposed road. At some point in the future this issue will come up again when times are better for the budget. At that time, I would be interested in listening to both sides of the issue and making an informed decision, considering other options that would have a smaller impact on the surrounding community and environment.
Questions received from Jason Christensen on August 10, 2011 (spelling and grammar in the original):
Do you support the implementation of a RAP tax?
- I believe that now is simply not a good time to raise taxes.
Should city property tax be eliminated, lowered, held, or raised?
- Property tax should be lowered with the intent of attracting business to our city and increasing the sales tax base, but until the city is in a financial position to do so, city property taxes should be held constant.
Do you support the building of the Northwest Connector?
- In light of the current budget problems, specifically that we are about 4 million dollars behind on paying to maintain the roads we currently have, now is not the right time to build more roads.
Do you support the council’s recent changes to campaign filing requirements?
- No. The requirement to disclose so frequently is unnecessary and does nothing but create more paperwork. Additionally, I feel that the number of signatures required to waive the $75 filing fee is too high.
Do you believe that a council member should resign if called to active military duty?
- I believe that this is something that should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There are factors involved, such as length of time they will be away, when during their term of office it occurs, and so on, that cannot all be addressed in a city ordinance, or state law. It comes down to a personal commitment by the person to do what's best for the city.
- No, I did not. I felt like we already had enough debt dealing with the library & iProvo, and would have preferred to put this discussion off to a more appropriate time.
- I support Opt-In curbside recycling. In my opinion it is an unethical business practice to sign someone up for something without asking them first, even while giving them the option to opt-out. Unless, of course, you want to make it mandatory, which I don't.
Do you support the current ticket policy whereby a fine doubles in 6 days and triples in 11?
- I feel that something must be done to encourage people to pay their fines in a timely manner, though 6 days may not be a reasonable period of time for people to do so. However, there are more important issues that should demand the council's attention at the moment.
What ideas will you bring to balancing the budget?
- I suggest that the city council work closely with the mayor and department heads to study the various requirements of the city. A balanced budget is the only acceptable path in city government.
What has been your political party affiliation(s) for the past 10 years?
- I have been a registered Republican since I have been eligible to vote
What future projects should the city fund?
- The city is currently not in a financial position to consider expanding current programs or creating new programs through city funding. Sadly, the situation with iProvo and the Rec Center bond has really tied our hands.
Do you support tax increases and bond issuances being subject to a 2/3rds supermajority of voters?
- When it comes to bonds, I would certainly support that standard, or some other arrangement that better represents the impact on the people who will actually have to pay, such as a percentage of registered voters. The council does need to retain the ability to adjust tax rates to keep a balanced budget, without necessarily going to the expense of an election.
What are your ideas for increasing revenue through growing the sales tax base?
- By attracting more business to our city, perhaps through eventually lowering the property tax, when the city is in a financial position to do so. Smart decisions about zoning can also help attract and retain businesses.
What percentage of a backyard should a landowner be allowed to pave?
- This is a question that does not have a simple answer. I do not believe that a blanket, city-wide policy is the right answer.
Do you support a daytime curfew for minors?
- I understand that it is important for minors to be in schools and receive education. I am certain that there are better ways of doing that, other than a daytime curfew.
Do you support the redistricting of the city as to eliminate city-wide council positions?
- No, I do not. City-wide council positions allow everyone in the city to have some influence over the city council every election.
Do you support the creation of a third interstate interchange for Provo?
- Yes, but when the time is right. Again, the city is not currently in a financial position to fund more projects than they already do. I would also like to take some time to see whether the current re-design of I-15 functions better.
What areas are you willing to cut if not slash in our current Provo City government?
- Every area should always be up for consideration. There are no "sacred cows" in my mind, so it always ends up being a question of priorities appropriate to the time.
What laws are you willing to repeal?
- I am willing to repeal, or modify, any law that no longer serves its original purpose and intent.
What do you think of the current city leader's spending on new parks?
- I believe that parks are a good thing and that there are areas of the city that need park creations and improvements, but again, the budget is tight and we must be careful not to take on more projects than can be funded by city.
What do you think of the current city leadership's view on South State Street project? What would you like to see done on South State Street?
- I refuse to comment on the views of others, but am willing to offer my own views and leave it to the voter to compare them.
- I would like to see South State Street flourish, as I am sure many in the city do. Again, the city is not in a financial position to help encourage this with funds, but should continue to encourage this growth through other means, such as zoning and incentives.
What are your feelings behind Steven Turley? Also, do you know what the political terminalogy is behind cronyism?
- I have no comment on the Steven Turley situation.
- According to Wikipedia, “Cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications.” That is my current understanding of the terminology and I am against cronyism. I would refer you to their website for more information, if desired.
