Candidate questionnaire — Danny Walz

Answer: I believe having effective and responsive emergency services is very important for the safety of Salt Lake City residents, businesses and visitors. I do support an increase in officers but obviously would want to examine the Mayors proposal with regard to the amount needed, how they would be utilized and what the cost impact is. Yes, I would support a tax increase for more officers only if there were no other solutions available.

Question 2: Downtown remains a concern for many residents. Do you feel the city is doing the right things to help revitalize downtown? What would you do as a council member to help downtown?

Answer: No. I think the city could be doing a lot more with regard to downtown revitalization and economic development as a whole. I would work to make sure the city becomes more proactive in economic development and support programs, tools and incentives that make sense and provide a benefit for the city. The key to downtown revitalization is housing and the city should reexamine its policies, procedures, fees and zoning requirements to make it more encouraging for developers and residents.

Question 3: One big issue that could soon become an issue in District 7 has been people tearing down traditional homes and replacing them with monster homes. Some say new, bigger homes are needed to attract families to the city and maintain property values. Others feel these large homes are ugly and aren't compatible with the city's traditional neighborhoods. What's your opinion? How should city government handle this issue?

Answer: I believe its a matter of finding the right balance. We need to provide housing opportunities that will encourage families to stay and grow within our city. But we also need to recognize and respect the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The focus should be on writing zoning guidelines that address the concerns but still provide acceptable solutions. We do not want to adopt restrictive guidelines that could potentially discourage people from improving their property or buying in Salt Lake City.