Question 4: There has been much talk about developing the city's Northwest Quadrant, which lies west of the airport. Some see this area as a place where tens of thousands of residents could eventually live in master planned communities. However, there are some concerns. Some want the area preserved as natural open space. Others say it's too costly to put homes way out there. Police and fire services in the city are already stretched thin and putting houses five miles west of downtown would further strap public safety and other services like public utilities. Still, proponents maintain the city needs to add more residents so it remains Utah's largest city and keeps it's political clout in the face of other rapidly growing municipalities. What's your vision for the Northwest Quadrant? If you favor development how will the city pay for it?

Answer: Salt Lake City's tax base has shifted south, and to keep our city vibrant and growing we need to consider developing our remaining land. Development must be balanced however, leaving adequate open space, and creating sufficient revenue to pay for the added cost of public safety and services.

Question 5: Some people are saying City Hall is hard to work with because Mayor Anderson and the City Council don't get along. Is the push and pull between the council and mayor a problem? Explain why or why not. Is the rift more the fault of the council or the mayor? As a council person will you seek friendly relations with the mayor or do you think city government works better if there is some tension between the two houses of government?

Answer: Our form of city government was created to establish a healthy tension between its branches. When the debate turns heated and personal, however, that healthy tension is replaced by animosity and gridlock. I believe that anyone who seeks city office need to focus on city problems and solutions in a cooperative and mutually respectful atmosphere.