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: Neighborhood preservation is one of the most important things we can do to attract and keep families in the city. As a member of the Salt Lake Historic Landmarks Commission for over six years I have helped administer policies for infill and redevelopment of the city's oldest historic neighborhoods. The regulating policies for design compatibility in our historic districts are a model for design issues in many of our other older neighborhoods where compatibility issues have been particularly divisive. Completion of the city-wide neighborhood preservation plan is an important initiative that will help us prioritize and provide funding for ongoing development of policies and implementation strategies. I am the only candidate who can bring professional experience in design and compatibility issues. I will work closely with residents to identify and implement appropriate and balanced policies.

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: The wetlands and shore lands of the Great Salt Lake are unique and vital part of our localized ecosystem. Their protection also has global ecological and biological significance. The potential for development in this area must be carefully considered — there is so much at stake and only one chance to get it right. There are many progressive planning strategies such as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) that have been effectively used to balance open space conservation and property development rights in other regions of the United States. My strong leadership and understanding of issues and policies will help ensure development and open space issues are handled correctly, both in this area, and in other sensitive open space areas in Salt Lake City.