I think the city should help property owners and prospective tenants to cut through the red tape and get these places to the point they are easily rent-able. We also need to motivate property owners that are just sitting on empty building to use these buildings even if it is donating rent to non-profit groups so that the buildings are being used and downtown has people and progress and will get us moving in the right direction. The city's RDA should put some funds directly into helping earthquake proof and modernize some of the older and historical buildings downtown. I would also like for the city to work with local non-profit arts and educational groups to help them relocate to Main Street thus creating a vibrant street full of art galleries, theaters, and education centers. If we accomplish this the restaurants, clubs, and shops will follow and we will once again have a vibrant Main Street. This is a proven redevelopment concept that will work for Main Street. I believe that Main Street is ripe to become an arts district this means that the city needs to work with not only the arts groups but also the artists in realizing this vision. I also support the project to restore the old Hansen Planetarium building on 50 South State to create a community arts, performance and educational center. This plan alone could bring an estimated 300 more people a day to the heart of downtown, which would do wonders to help support the restaurants and shops downtown.

There are several bad decisions being made in our city that affects downtown, for example the plan to destroy the historic building that houses the Port o' Call club and other business on 4th South and West Temple, and has already shut down two other thriving clubs, one central gas station and several small businesses is one of the worst decisions that this city is allowing to happen. The lot across the street or one of the many empty parking lots in the vicinity would be much better place to build the next new courthouse on. It is this type of obvious bad decision-making that encouraged me to run for office. I will try and save the Historic Shubrick Building and the successful businesses it houses. I will always try to be a voice of reason and protect our local businesses. Local businesses are going to be the answer to a revitalized downtown and we need to make sure we are doing what we need to do to help them.

Question 3: One of the biggest issues of late in District 3 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 think it is important for us to do all we can to preserve the wonderful historic homes and buildings in Salt Lake. Especially in District Three where many of the homes are very old and have not only historic value but for many of us hold a great deal of sentimental value. I think that tearing down the traditional homes of this area and replacing them with monster homes is not only bad on the eyes it will also be devastating for the property values of the neighborhoods. I live in a house that is 107 years old and I truly think of it as a treasure in the city. The wonderful thing about living in the Avenues and Capital Hill area is the history that is told in the houses and the pride that many of us feel to be luck enough to live in the oldest, greatest and most unique part of Salt Lake. I will support the policies necessary to protect the neighborhoods from monster houses.