2007 election questionnaire — Van Blair Turner

BIO

Name: Van Blair Turner
Age: 60
Occupation: Owner of Fire House Floral and the Hook & Ladder restaurant
Previous political experience: Two terms on the Salt Lake City Council; service on community councils

QUESTIONS

• Why do you want to represent District 2 on the Salt Lake City Council?

I want to continue on with the good programs we've been working on over the years, for instance the master plan of the 900 South tracks, the removal of the tracks; the tire recycler, re-moving it out of the neighborhood; work on the new library we're trying to bring down here in Glendale; continue working on our infrastructure with a strong emphasis on public safety, police and fire, which support me.

• What do you see as the largest issue for District 2, and how do you propose to tackle it?

One of our biggest issues in the master planning of the northwest quadrant and trying to build this new city that's out west in my district — addressing the environmental concerns and how to accommodate the tremendous growth out west with new roads and infrastructure. The other would be to bring more housing opportunities, more job opportunities and hopefully get some more small businesses in the neighborhood to make it more walkable.

• What can be done to encourage retail development within the district?

I think we need to encourage it more on Redwood Road. We've found that works out well at about 1300 South, California Avenue area on north. I think that corridor is really going to blossom. We've put new sidewalk, curb and gutter and lighting there to try and help with the facilities. We've got the warehouses going in, and those people have to eat. We need to continue working on the 300 West corridor. We've got Sam's Club coming in, Costco outlet and other stores of that nature, but we can't forget about our local neighborhood businesses as well. We need to encourage them through use of a local loan program and hopefully get their plans expedited through our city so they won't have to wait so long to open their business.

• Salt Lake City voters will decide whether to approve bonding for up to $192 million to pay for new public safety facilities. Do you support this bond, and why or why not?

I do support it. The council unanimously supported putting it on the ballot. It's actually five buildings that will be built. We have obsolete buildings, especially in our emergency operations. We need to replace the police station downtown. We need an east-side precinct and fire facilities on the west side.