2007 election questionnaire — Nancy Saxton

— Budget responsibility: This is one my primary responsibilities as an elected city councilwoman. More than half of my time over the past eight years on the City Council has been in oversight and appropriation of the city budget of over $500 million. Operating a successful business of my own for 20 years has put into perspective prioritizing operation expenses and respect for hard-earned money. Prior to being elected to the City Council, I was appointed by two mayors to serve on the Community Development Advisory Board. In CDAC, we were responsible for making recommendations for millions of federal funds for Salt Lake's numerous and well-deserved nonprofit organizations. I worked with this very large budget for seven years before being elected to the City Council. This was wonderful preparation for the responsibilities I would face each day as your City Council representative. These past 21 years of interfacing with the community needs and agencies programs has yielded eight years of good policy decisions and efficient budget expenditures. I think it's important to note that in all my time at debates with my opponent, I have not heard him speak of any budget experience.

— Getting it done: District 4 is the heart of the city. If it's happening anywhere in the city, it's happening in District 4. The diverse nature of the different neighborhoods and their unique issues require nearly full-time energy for this part-time position. I attend all of the community and neighborhood council meetings each month, of which there are six for a total of sometimes 15 hours each month. The ordinances that are passed first have a life in subcommittee meetings of which I serve on seven at this time (usually I serve on more). This adds up to usually 3 to 5 hours per week. Then there are boards and commissions made up of elected officials throughout the county and/or state. And, of course, the constituent contacts, e-mails, phone calls and appointments — often 3+ hours a day. Then there is what we really get paid for, the City Council meetings and preparation for policies that are enacted for a total of 10+ hours each week. No need

feeling sorry for me. I enjoy doing this, knowing I'm serving all of you. I am enlivened in the public process. For me, it's like being close to divine when neighbors and citizens come together to face an enormous issue and then through collaboration bring about a magical outcome — usually a solution that no one individually had thought of.

I have had flexible time over the past eight years to devote to the important responsibilities of my elected office. I look forward to the time each day that I get to serve all of you. I'm willing and eager to face the challenges in the next four years to continue to move Salt Lake City ahead.