Frank Pignanelli's responses to Deseret Morning News questionnaire

1. What are the top three issues facing Salt Lake City government and its citizens today?

(1) Business and economic development throughout the city, especially downtown and on the west side. This includes capitalizing on business growth along the light-rail lines, spin-off businesses from the University of Utah research activities promoting small businesses and utilizing the west-side industrial parks. (2) The political isolation facing Salt Lake City. We need a mayor who can work cooperatively with the City Council, the business community, the community councils, religious, civic and community groups, the school district and other governments throughout the state. Only then can Salt Lake City re-establish a leadership role in important issues affecting the city and state. (3) A housing plan which promotes the building or renovation of housing in the affordable range, especially for young families. The largest segment of homebuyers in the next 10 years will be age 25-35, and we do not want to lose this population to other areas of the valley.

2. On a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best, how would you rate the City Council's performance over the past four years? How would you work with the council to accomplish your goals as mayor?

The council has done an amazing job of filling the vacuum created by the mayor.

I will regard the council as a partner in bringing effective, compassionate, efficient government to the people of Salt Lake. Council members know my record for collaborating with people prior to making decisions, and that is why a majority of them have endorsed my candidacy. Before a major program or policy is announced, the council will be consulted for their opinions and suggestions. When we have differences of opinion, I'll focus on what we have in common and take advantage of the opportunity to work together to find even better solutions than we could have working independently or in opposition to one another.

The mayor's job is to create a vision and involve council members in developing the goals for the city including policies, and programs and a budget to carry them out. To be successful, the goals must be the city's, not just the mayor's. As such, I will respect the policy role the council plays and the administration's role in implementing those policies.

3. In order of importance, what mass-transit projects under consideration along the Wasatch Front (light-rail spurs, commuter rail, etc.) are most important to Salt Lake City.