City Council At-large Seat A

Ogden City Council At-large Seat A
BY SCOTT SCHWEBKE

OGDEN -- Two candidates will square off for At-large Seat A on the Ogden city council in the Nov. 6 general election.

Sheila P. Aardema

Age: 62
Occupation: District Manager for Arbonne International, a skin care and health products company.

What experience prepares you to serve on the city council? Aardema said she has valuble negotiating skills that would enable her to be an asset to the city council. You glean information from each other, put differences aside, move forward and do what's best for the people of Ogden, she said.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? Aardema supports increased economic involvement in Ogden and would like to see the city become more business-friendly to provide quality jobs for residents.

Aardema said that, if elected, she would like to tackle local gang violence through city code enforcement efforts targeting slum lords. She also supports the preservation of open space to keep Ogden beautiful.

Blain H. Johnson

Age: 44
Occupation: Attorney with Smith Knowles, an Ogden law firm.

Experience: Johnson said his legal experience, particularly in handling complicated real estate deals, would benefit the city council. I have experience in business and understand financial statements, he said.

What to accomplish? Johnson said that, if elected, he would strive to improve the working relationship between the city council and the city administration.

We have a city council that's not working well with the administration, he said. We need to get the council leadership to spend quality time talking through the issues with the administration.

Johnson said he favors tackling Ogden's crime problem by ensuring there are enough police officers on the street to deal with lawbreakers. He also supports good economic growth throughout the city.

What sets you apart? Johnson said his experience sets him apart. I bring valuable legal, business and leadership experience to the council, he said. I also bring a commitment to responsible government and a commitment to fiscal accountability.