The biggest challenges facing our new municipality center on the sheer magnitude of startup work and the steep learning curve for elected officials. We must efficiently review recommendations from startup teams to make informed decisions on vital hires versus outsourced contracts, all while prioritizing a sound budget.

Getting essential services online, from a community website to hiring a recorder, treasurer, and addressing criminal justice responsibilities, is just the beginning. We also face the complex task of thoroughly understanding our income sources, ensuring correct allocation, and actively seeking new revenue. Re-adopting the minimally revised General Plan and then developing municipal ordinances will be critical.

Finally, a continuous challenge will be encouraging ongoing community participation and committee support, which is vital for elected officials to successfully build and sustain Ogden Valley City.

If elected, what will be your priorities?

If elected, my immediate priority will be to foster a highly collaborative and efficient City Council. I intend to get to know my fellow elected officials and understand their unique talents and skills. This initial step will enable us to strategically divide tasks, ensuring we work as efficiently as possible to establish our new city.

While we are each elected to represent our individual districts, the bigger picture is clear: our collective success hinges on working together. This includes actively following and supporting the lead of our elected Mayor, establishing a unified approach to governance. Our teamwork is crucial for smart budgeting, thoughtful rural preservation, transparent communication, and the development of vital infrastructure across our entire community.

What are your views on property rights?

Real estate classes taught me in simple terms, that property rights are like a “bundle of sticks”, each stick representing something you can do with your land. This bundle usually includes the rights to use, control, earn income from, transfer, or simply enjoy your property.

While these rights are protected, they are not absolute or unconditional. For example, what you can do with your land differs greatly based on its zoning—agricultural versus residential. I believe current zoning should be kept and enforced, following the general plan, and full zoning changes should be exceptionally rare. Our community’s zoning laws and easements set the clear boundaries for what’s allowed. While these details can be fine-tuned over time, it’s vital to protect their foundational purpose in limiting some property rights.

What does healthy growth look like, and how would you steer the city in this direction?

Healthy growth is thoughtful, planned development that enhances, not erases, our valley’s unique identity. My steering approach would encompass upholding and refining our General Plan in collaboration with the community. This includes making data-driven decisions on important aspects like water resource limitations and road infrastructure needs. Developing strategies for sustaining agriculture, alongside tightly managing short-term rentals, are also necessary initiatives to contribute to the healthy growth and well-being of all residents in Ogden Valley.

What are your thoughts on Water in the valley? 

Water in the west is a precious resource that we often take for granted. My deepest concerns lie with the management of this vital resource, especially for District 3 residents serviced by the Wolf Creek Water and Sewer Improvement District (WCWSID).

Currently, WCWSID manages 1,249 active connections. However, there are nearly 300 additional lots holding “reservations”. This pre-committed demand (24%) is a significant factor in long-term water planning. The situation is complicated by the fact that developers are suing the water district for even more connections. This aggressive pursuit creates considerable legal expenses that will fall to the residents serviced, diverting resources that could otherwise be invested in infrastructure upgrades or water conservation initiatives. It’s critically important for the Mayor and Council to champion WCWSID, pursue better infrastructure, and safeguard our vital water resources.

What are your views on Short Term Rentals in the valley?

My views on Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in the valley are shaped by their significant impact on our essential resources, particularly water. It’s striking to observe how during peak holiday weeks, especially in winter and summer, the STR demand for water almost overwhelms WCWSID infrastructure. Our full-time residents generally consume water reasonably, but STRs drive demand exponentially higher. 

As I’ve also stated, STRs areas are designated by zoning, and I firmly believe we should not change or add any additional zones that permit them at any time in the near future. Instead, the City needs to focus on tightening enforcement of current STR regulations. We should also establish a registration fee that reflects our resort area nature, and require this registration for safety enforcement and effective tax collection.

How do you feel conflicts of interest (real or perceived) should be handled?

In any municipality, fostering public trust is paramount. A conflict of interest arises when a personal interest (whether financial, familial, or otherwise) could potentially influence, or even appear to influence, an official’s public duty or decision-making.

For Ogden Valley, handling conflicts of interest must adhere to best business practices. This means Full Transparency- Any potential conflict must be immediately and openly disclosed. Mandatory Recusal- Officials with a conflict must recuse themselves from all discussions, deliberations, and votes related to the matter. Clear Policies and Enforcement- We need well-defined municipal ordinances that explicitly outline what constitutes a conflict and the required steps for handling it, coupled with diligent enforcement. Continuous Education- Regular ethical training for all elected officials and staff is crucial to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.

When we handle conflicts this way, openly and by stepping aside, it keeps everything honest. It clearly shows we’re putting our community first, not personal interests. This way, every decision we make truly benefits all Ogden Valley residents.