Doug Stephens - Municipal Ward 3

1. Would I support the use of Eminent Domain for economic development?

As citizens of this country, we all have rights and privileges that are ours to enjoy, the right to speech, religion and right to own property. We must do everything to support these and all of our rights. I wouldn’t support Eminent Domain for the economic development of a private company. This would take the rights of the property owner away. We just cannot do that. It goes against what America is all about.

Eminent Domain was created for the use of national security, provide public service of roads, sewer and water of a community. This would give the government a flexibility in providing the service to the citizens. This flexibility was constrained by the constitution. That protects the property rights as a fundamental right to the citizens of this nation.

Economic development of a community can be successful if the citizens, community and company win. We have a win/win condition.

The use of Eminent Domain isn’t a win/win situation if the company wins and the property owners lose. This becomes a win/lose situation. There is no way, absolutely no way that I can or would support the use of Eminent Domain in this way.

It runs against the constitution and the rights of the country and its citizens.

2. What main issues face Ogden City?

A. Tax revenue. We need to develop our tax revenue by improving the economic condition of Ogden.

1. Create business opportunities for small and large businesses.
   
2. Develop downtown Ogden.
   a. Improve the central business district.
   b. Develop the Mall site.
   c. Explore the idea of an outlet mall.
   
3. Develop and promote the Business Depot of Ogden (formerly DDO).
   This
   has great potential and will add revenues to the city.
   
4. Be Business Friendly to encourage success for new and existing
   business.
   
5. Develop the potential of the Ogden Airport.

B. Fiscal Responsibility - Receive real value from each tax dollar. Develop projects and programs that will add revenue to our tax base.

C. Develop Tourism for Ogden

1. Promote our ski industry and the ski resorts in our area.
   
2. Promote access to our natural resources. Develop the trails
   programs in
   Ogden.
   
3. Develop the potential of the Union Station.
   
4. Support the Conference Center. We need to bring conventions and
   trade shows to Ogden.

D. Community Pride - Be positive about living in Ogden and what is good about our city. Support and develop our community events

1. Annual Arts and Craft festival.
   
2. Ogden Pioneer Day’s rodeo and parade.
   
3. Winter festival.
   
4. Christmas Village and parade.

E. We need to create a working relationship with:

1. Weber county commissioners
   
2. Ogden and Weber school districts
   
3. Ogden City Police and Fire Departments
   
4. City employees
   
5. Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce

F. Future Development - We need to prepare now to the commuter rail. It is time to develop a master program.

G. Conclusion

1. 1. If we have a strong tax base by having a successful economic
   development program, we can improve our streets. We can improve the sewer and
   water. We can improve and provide a quality of life.
   
2. We need to use public money for public programs of the city. Private money needs to be used for the programs in the private sector.
   
3. The city council needs to legislate the laws and policy of the city. We need to get out of the private sector.
   
4. I am committed to the growth, quality of life and the basic needs of Ogden. We can work together to develop a better community. I was the top vote getter in the Primary election and I am endorsed by the Ogden Fire Fighters, Ron Hale, Tom Feeny, Wynn Covieo, Rich Brewer and Weber County Forum