Why I’m Running for City Council Re-Election
When my family and I moved to Mapleton, we immediately fell in love with the community and recognized it had a special charm about it. In the past few years, developers have tried twice to disrupt the character of my neighborhood with a new, denser development. It took many, many hours of researching, organizing, and meeting with city staff and officials, etc. to reject the proposed development. It made me realize that I did not want to be reactive in how the Mapleton community is being shaped, but rather proactive in preserving what is best about my neighborhood and my community. There is something unique and wonderful about our town, and the focus of my campaign is to preserve the feel, the culture, and the charm that we all seek living here.
What is the Mapleton Charm
Mapleton’s charm is its rural character, pioneer history, beautiful scenery, neighborly residents, family friendly events, community service, etc.
Like many other residents, I had wished there were a “Mapleton is closed” sign put up right after we moved in. I am grateful now that the sign wasn’t put up because I have become friends with so many new Mapleton residents and have been impressed and enriched by all the wonderful people that have come into our community. One of our main challenges will be maintaining the Mapleton charm while preventing dramatic property tax increases. Private owners maintain their legal development rights but we can push for larger lots, more open space more parks, trails, etc. Water resources need to be a greater factor in our development/growth conversations. With these considerations, we need to make sure developments are carefully and creatively planned. I will be especially proactive in seeking out public opinion by those affected by development plans and following the general plan guiding principles. Mapleton residents recently participated in revising the general plan with the below guiding principles superseding the map:
1) Preserve and enhance Mapleton’s rural atmosphere and agricultural history through careful planning and preservation
2) Continue a focus on large-lot, single-family residential uses to help preserve Mapleton’s rural character.
3) Ensure that land uses are compatible or have adequate buffers.
The one thing we need to especially get right as we grow is public safety. We are very fortunate to have an amazing fire and police department. I will ensure our public safety leaders and staff have the resources they need to meet Mapleton’s needs 110% to ensure our community stays safe and prepared.
Our growth rate is surpassing studies done in 2020 and 2023. This means we need to adapt. One need is a south end station. The response rate for our Fire/EMS is 10-12 minutes when the national standard is 5-6 minutes. The call volume is growing and those extra minutes are crucial for saving lives. We also have homes being built close to the mountain. I worry that our crews won’t be able to get to fires in time to save home. I don’t have all the answers yet on how we will fund building a second station, but protecting lives and property is one of government’s core functions and will continue to be a priority of mine.
I think we have too many speedy drivers in Mapleton neighborhoods. The police department has equipment to gather more information before corrective action is made. I’m in favor of more neighborhoods having access to this equipment and being involved in determining what/if additional safety measures need to be taken.
We have prioritized building sidewalks on main roads and around schools. We finished the sidewalk on 1200 N and are currently working on 300 W. This will continue to be priority and making sure our children are safe walking to and from school.
Parks, Recreation, Trails, Open Space
We live in a beautiful part of the world, and we should preserve/add to that beauty. We have an active community, and we enjoy the great outdoors. In the last four years we have completed a Master Trails Plan, approved designs for remodeling City Park, approved plans for the 50-acre bike park, built a trailhead to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, built parking stalls for the Main Street trail connection, and received donated land for Evans Park off the highway. The next four years will be exciting as we complete these parks and start building more trails for our residents to enjoy our beautiful mountain.
Mayoral and Council Race
Mapleton had a voter turnout rate of 42% in the primary which is very impressive. Clearly our residents care about their community and who represents them. I hope this passion continues and engagement increases. On a national level, we see that political ideology leads to good people demonizing anyone that doesn’t share their view. Unfortunately, this can creep into our little community as well. I’ve heard rumors that aren’t true about each of the mayoral candidates, myself, and other council candidates. Therin, Dallas, Francis, Melanie, and Jake are all good, God-fearing, family-oriented candidates that are running for thankless positions. We shouldn’t let an election change who we are. When you hear a rumor, question it, seek out additional information from public records, staff, and the candidate. My sincere hope is that we respectfully engage more on the topics, “disagree better”, and continue to prioritize being neighborly over winning an election.
I would love to connect with more residents on the above issues and on other issues such as:
- Expanding our library
- Diversifying city revenue streams