Ogden City Council At-large Seat C

Standard-Examiner
BY JORDAN MUHLESTEIN

OGDEN -- The candidates for OGden City COuncil At-large Seat C are incumbent AMy L. Wicks and challenger Royal S. Eccles.

Royal S. Eccles

Age: 50
Occupation: President and CEO of Management Sciences Corp.

What Experience prepares you for this position? I have lived in Ogden for 39 years and am a fifth-generation Ogden Eccles. I grew up in center city Ogden on 25th and Jackson. My great-grandfather, David Eccles, was mayor from 1884-1887. My father, Justin Eccles, served on the Landmarks and then the Planning Commission for 11 years. Public service is expected and considered a "payback" for what Ogden has offered my family. Also my combined degree in Business and Computer Science, 29 years business experience, of which 27 years are in management, prepare me. I have srved on the airport advisory board for seven years, and am currently vice-chair. I have 13 years of community service with Ogden City Recreation as a coach, as well as church service with youth and administration.

What is the top issue in the city? Walking the neighborhoods campaigning, the top issue on residents minds is crime. I have committed to making crime reduction the top priority of the council's business. Economic development will add to the city's funds for expanded public safety needs and to renew blighted areas and the crime they attract.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? Crime reduction. A water tank for the citizens north of 12th street -- they have no reservepresently. Improve the council's tone toward new business wanting to enter our town. Improve the speed at which the council moves on issues by coming to the meetings prepared and with the knowledge and expertise to make discussions. Improve our inner-city parks without taxpayer dollars by getting facilities like soccer goals donated by businesses and our recreation companies. Promote the Ogden River Project, and the Junction and its build-out. /communicate with the administration and set goals with the council and administration.

What sets you apart from your opponent? My degree, my business management experience, my understanding of finance and accounting, my roots in Ogden and that I bring an understanding of what a family in Ogden's needs are. I know what it is like to operate a business and make a payroll.

Amy L. Wicks

Age: 33
Occupation: Information and Research Specialist at the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Experience: I have served on the Ogden City COuncil for the past four years and in a leadership position as the vice-chair for the past two years.

Top Issue: Public safety -- citizens have a right to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. I support reassigning existing positions and adding additional officers to address these issues. Neighborhood Watch groups, community programs and after-school activities for youth should also be included in finding solutions to these problems. I was suprtive of a recent fire department management audit by the city council. This study looked at staffing, station facilities, equipment, call times and volumes, training and other imperative issues. Many of the concerns outlined in the report are the result of years of reduced funding to the fire department. I look forward to working the Administration and fire department staff to discuss solutions and formulate an adequately funded plan to address the problems faacing this vital public service.

Goals: Under my leadership, the city council has initiated a comprehensive water and sewer rate study. Results of this study will help the council formulate a rate structure that is fair and equitable for all users. I will ensure that operating expensesas well as immediate and future infrastructure needs are addressed in this solution. For safe neighborhoods, I have continued city support for programs that increase home ownership and improve deteriorating housing in some of Ogden's oldest neighborhoods. Concerning downtown and economic development, FrontRunner is arriving in spring 2008 and this is an exciting time for Ogden. Downtown will once again be the front door to our community and I support the many revitalization efforts in this area. For open space, one of Ogden's crown jewels is our trail system and surrounding open space. As our metropolitan area grows more populated and open space becomes scarce,areas like our foothills, river parkway, Ogden Nature Center, trails and parks provide essential recreational opportunities and links to nature for both residents and visitors.

What sets you apart: I am committed to open government and city policies grounded on fiscal responsibility, hard facts, solid research and citizen input. I am involved, living in east central Ogden and being active in neighborhood out-reach. I volunteer with community organizations and events, I am approachable and take citizen concerns to heart.