Sunday, August 23, 2009

my background and my platform

Good Sunday evening this beautiful 23rd of Aug. I am running for the Ogden Ward 3 Seat. My Background and my priorities.

Wife, 3 children, resident/property owner, employed with Utah DHS. USMC veteran, interested in public service. Possess the demeanor, character, constitution, attitude, and ability to make a good council member.

My priorities would be public safety, essential services (water, garbage, sewer, zoning enforcement), and amenities provided by citizen approval (parks, recreation, economic development/redevelopment).

Why I would like to serve. A couple of reasons. FIRST, I have a good mind, I like to find answers to questions and solutions to problems. I make a good team member. SECOND, Ogden is doing OK but lets do better. Let me state unequivocally that I support Mayor Godfrey. I have not always agreed with his proposals but as a citizen of Ogden, once these proposals were approved by the council, I hoped and wished for their success. And THIRD, I would advocate for a more active role by the council in solving Ogden's problems. This area is not the sole responsibility of the administration.

What I would like to do. FIRST, I know as a new member of the council (if elected and there could be 4 new members or a minimum of 2 new members)I'm not in charge. New guys don't determine the agenda or get to decide what's acted upon and what isn't. This being said, SECOND, I would start building support for my philosophy of government and how government tries to solve problems, improve the quality of life, and maintain a high standard of living. And THIRD, I would redirect part of the efforts of economic development (and redevelopment) to making Ogden a more desirable place to live. In my opinion Ogden in the recent past has tried to bring people to Ogden through economic efforts. I believe Ogden should concentrate on making Ogden, through public safety, essential services, and citizen desired city programs, the place they want to live in first. Once you have a desirable place to live, raise a family, and perhaps work here, the economic development and redevelopment will naturally follow. This philosophy is what I would like to work on.

My contact info is this blog and home phone is 801/621 1808 along with an email of johnhthompson@aol.com. I work the 4-10 schedule, Mon-Thu. My phone there is 801/626 3794 and email jthompson@utah.gov. I can and will take short contact questions and comments at work but longer discussions should be reserved for home discussions.

Based on the above, if you agree with me, I would appreciate your vote on Tue, 15Sep 2009.

Sincerely, .....john
Tonight, Sun the 23Aug I will provide some campaign background information and reasons why I'm running.