Dorrene Jeske

1. I don't believe in eminent domain condemnation
power for economic development in Ogden. To me, it is
totally "Un-American!" It isn't right that a
government agency has the power to take someone's home
or business so that some other business can build in
its place. I believe most people are reasonable and
rational and if dealt with fairly, would be willing to
sell. By fair, I mean that they would be reimbursed
to the extent that they can find a comparable home or
business site. I also believe it should be the
business who wishes to build on that site, who deals
with the home owners, because it is they who will
profit the most, and usually they have deeper pockets
than an agency who depends on taxpayer monies.

2. I consider development of the mall site and the
downtown area to be the biggest challenge that Ogden
faces. I don't believe that the high-adventure
recreational center is the only thing that will bring
other businesses to Ogden. And I am strongly opposed
to using taxpayer dollars to fund a private health
club as well as purchase the equipment for it!

My suggestion for a solution to this challenge is
the one that Bruce Jackson proposed in the Standard's
"Another Opinion" last week. I have said all along
that we want something that Salt Lake, Layton and
Riverdale don't have -- OUTLET STORES! Mr. Jackson's
suggestion of "using the early 1900s architecture of
Historic 25th Street to emphasize and build on Ogden's
unique heritage." As businesses move into the
downtown area, this theme should be carried out so
that present-day Ogden resembled Ogden at the turn of
the century. We not only would have a lot of
tourists, but movie companies would love to make
movies here, and what a fun place to come to ski! The
uniqueness would draw people from all over! And they
would spend their money on the slopes AND AT the
outlet stores! And they would return again and again,
because the skiing is the best and the outlet stores
are fun to shop in because you can find great buys!

I will support and exert my energy to ensure that
the Smithsonian Institute's proposed railroad museum
at Union Station becomes a reality. This alone will
bring thousands of tourists from all over the world!
And it would fit perfectly with the outlet center and
the rest of downtown in the old-time theme.

I can see a downtown Ogden alive with smiling
people as they go from shop to shop and enjoy the
unique buildings and decor and Ogden's incomparable
railroad history!

We should emphasize our historical background! No
place else has the distinction of being "The Cross
Roads of the U.S. where the West joined the East!"

With the beautiful mountain setting we have, Ogden
wouldn't play second-fiddle to Salt Lake and the
Provo-Orem area -- it would be the place where people
want to be! The place people would be proud to be
from!

I truly believe this is Ogden's answer for
economic growth and the development of Ogden as the
real jewel that she is! This concept enhances the ski
industry that is becoming a key player in Ogden.

This is a feasible plan that we wouldn't have to
go into debt for decades to fund. Let's build
something in downtown Ogden that has permanence and
won't be replaced in 20 years!

Dorrene Jeske