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Elect - Rob Vanderwood
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Zoning and High Density
The word is out "West Haven is a Great place to live". One of the top priorities to many of us residents is the concern of extreme growth and building. I have found so many reasons why both sides of the table have concerns that effect so many. The term NIMBY is exaggerated meaning "not in my back yard", we as citizens get concerned when it affects us directly or causes concerns to our lifestyle. High Density Zoning is differentiated by affordable housing and low income housing. They are very separate in need and lawful requirement by any incorporated city. West Haven and Bluffdale cities were subject to a legal battle because of the mandatory 1 acre zoning. This was found to be discriminating against available affordable housing needs. (Apartments) Over the past several years West Haven has been allowing building to meet this requirement. Here is where it gets tough. The state Affordable Housing Act requirement is a formula of median house hold income and population numbers. So, I ask, when does it start to slow down?
The difference between me and other candidates is I have talked and discussed this matter with authorities that will agree that I understand how to control this growth outburst. I plan to share this data with the council that will encourage a path of ending higher request for density from the developers. The key to success is we need to "Open the General Plan" for new reconsiderations. The citizens need to have increased input and clear transparency to the decisions moving forward. Education on state and local laws that helps us all better understand our direction and how we can legally limit high density and allow full property owners rights.
My other concerns are Multi-use Zoning. This allows a variety of options that may or may not be suitable for our future General Plan. Cities that allow misuse or abuse of this zoning ask for a loss of control to the future look and feel of the city and create issues for commercial and residential mix. I would recommend an avoidance of zoning errors that collide with any interference or harmony within our great city.
The difference between me and other candidates is I have talked and discussed this matter with authorities that will agree that I understand how to control this growth outburst. I plan to share this data with the council that will encourage a path of ending higher request for density from the developers. The key to success is we need to "Open the General Plan" for new reconsiderations. The citizens need to have increased input and clear transparency to the decisions moving forward. Education on state and local laws that helps us all better understand our direction and how we can legally limit high density and allow full property owners rights.
My other concerns are Multi-use Zoning. This allows a variety of options that may or may not be suitable for our future General Plan. Cities that allow misuse or abuse of this zoning ask for a loss of control to the future look and feel of the city and create issues for commercial and residential mix. I would recommend an avoidance of zoning errors that collide with any interference or harmony within our great city.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
There are two items I am concerned with and many citizens feel the same. Our roads and our Police Protection. I will tackle the roads first. One of the main items government should support is infrastructure for safely exiting the city in case of disaster or catastrophic danger. Currently our only exits to the freeway are 3600 S. that is a 2 lane to the freeway. Our next option would be 21st street, 12th street in Ogden or through Roy on 5600 S. We need to establish this road right of way in advance building structures so we know how we can shuffle people safely and orderly to safe havens. Again we need the Master Plan to be better organized and open for ground purchase considerations to induce a better exit strategy. I have a plan to engage with the council to make this a reality.
Next, I would like to comprehensively explore the options of a West Haven Police Force. The current city council membership has reviewed this occasionally with mixed reviews. We have been steadily increased in our contract cost with Weber County Sherriff's Department year over year for large increases annually. As a big fan of the WCSD I feel for the loss of officers to other agencies and our coverage is being exposed. Although I would like to see us gain our own Police. We need to fully vet the cost and impact with our auditor and engage in a future plan. Our safety and control of our city's growth will need attention in the next few years. I would at minimum work with the council to fully execute a plan, cost and impact study to present to the people for a vote to proceed or remain. Either way, we need to maintain a no tax base and negotciate needed improvements. I have a plan that will maintain this and will share with the council regardless if I am successful at gaining a seat on the council or not. It is that important for our future.
Next, I would like to comprehensively explore the options of a West Haven Police Force. The current city council membership has reviewed this occasionally with mixed reviews. We have been steadily increased in our contract cost with Weber County Sherriff's Department year over year for large increases annually. As a big fan of the WCSD I feel for the loss of officers to other agencies and our coverage is being exposed. Although I would like to see us gain our own Police. We need to fully vet the cost and impact with our auditor and engage in a future plan. Our safety and control of our city's growth will need attention in the next few years. I would at minimum work with the council to fully execute a plan, cost and impact study to present to the people for a vote to proceed or remain. Either way, we need to maintain a no tax base and negotciate needed improvements. I have a plan that will maintain this and will share with the council regardless if I am successful at gaining a seat on the council or not. It is that important for our future.
Economic Business Plan
In order to maintain our infrastructure, ideally it requires cash on hand, vs. dealays or govt. funding. Our current construction and building cost in building permits and impact fees etc. will not sustain a long term plan. So we need an increase of businesses to be integrated in the city in commercial areas. I would like to explore an industrial park model in conjunction with weber county to develop an area where we can invite new business and create jobs and reduce commute to other cites. We need simplistic needs and staple facilities like grocery and retail stores. We can even encourage wants such as movie theaters, golf course, and recreational facilities. Restaurants and fast food would all generate ideal cash flow to improve our city’s tax base. I have worked with businesses and believe we can benefit from there presence. I also do not believe in unfair advantages over small or large businesses. We should not be using the power of emanate domain over another business, or offering tax exemptions for enticement. I want to provide an even handed chance to all business both new and existing to flourish. We need clean tax base to maintain our current course. I would work with businesses to create a win win and would encourage and seek out quality candidates to invite to do business in West Haven than over our neighboring cities.
Vote
I never imagined I would run for office. After joking around about it with friends and family, it started to get real. I actually have enjoyed diving deeper into the workings of a city. I am learning more every day and feel an encouraged pressure as people trusted in my abilities and actions to vote me in on my first run with a very successful primary run. Just to be clear, win or lose, I am engaged. I am not doing it for me or my gain. It is a true sacrifice of time and energy to give of your time and talents in serving your community. Following the general election, many political candidates will walk away in frustration and not stay tuned. These folks clearly are not there for the people. They should encourage and cheer from the sideline if not successful. I am not smarter than anyone else; I digest things in a manner of time needed to look at all angles. And my family will always come first. I am gainfully employed and devote honest time to my employer. I have been the only candidate that attends all board meetings in full, and feel any employer (citizens) would want a candidate that presents well, is confident, and can represent them without major concerns knowing they will be heard and respected. I hope you will contact me via phone or Facebook. 801-745-5168 for any and all questions. Vote for your freedoms. Vote for yourself and your family. God Bless our town and our future in prosperity. Thank you!
THE MAIL-IN BALLOTS HAVE ARRIVED! If you haven't registered to vote, or feel you are to late, it isn't! Vote.Utah.Gov and enter your information and you are done. 2,219 people made the decisions for 12,554 citizens in the primaries. Let your voice be heard. Your vote is the most important vote that is counted.... Thank you.
THE MAIL-IN BALLOTS HAVE ARRIVED! If you haven't registered to vote, or feel you are to late, it isn't! Vote.Utah.Gov and enter your information and you are done. 2,219 people made the decisions for 12,554 citizens in the primaries. Let your voice be heard. Your vote is the most important vote that is counted.... Thank you.