Deseret News | Reader comments: Matthew Godfrey's Ogden

Reader comments
Matthew Godfrey's Ogden

Live in Thailand | 3:13 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I stumbled across this article while investigating revitalization projects I am supporting for some urban townships in North Eastern Thailand.
To me, what Mayor Godfrey has done is the epitome of what can be accomplished if you believe change can happen.
The local citizens are lucky to have a leader like this pushing for a better way of life. Change for the better gives hope, hope creates opportunity, and opportunity turn to fullfillment.
Best wishes Ogden and Mayor Godfrey

Angelino | 4:55 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

God bless Mayor Godfrey and his public service. Would people have preferred that Ogden remain the poor step child to Salt Lake City and Provo? Thank goodness this man stepped in and turned things around. Now the future has great hope for this beautiful,blooming city.Albeit unfortunate that too many residents can't appreciate a good thing when it's as clear as the nose on their face.

a former Taylorsville resident | 5:10 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Wow! Sounds like wonderful things are happening in Ogden. At one time my husband & I were considering investing in rental properties in Ogden. But I haven't been there for about 7 years, and I wasn't impressed then at what I saw. Now I'm interested in taking a fresh look. Keep up the good work!!

Comments continue below

marvin zimmer | 6:10 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Doug, you are the best writer I've read so far. I loved your article on Godfrey. Keep up the good work.

Jason Hansen | 6:46 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

What a difference Mayor Godfey has made in Ogden. He proves that years of political involvement, while possibly of some value, do little to qualify one for an entrance to the stage of meaningful public service. The fruits of his office stem from passion for a hometown, one that he's proud of, one that all Ogdenites have reason to be as well, especially now.

Earl Brundage | 7:00 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Great article. This guy has been a great Mayor for Ogden. We visit downtown quite regularly now and it's first class.

Rob | 9:36 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I have watched over the years what has happened to Ogden and how much safer it is. I used to be pretty scared driving in Ogden. I didn't live there but came to shop. I didn't know all the projects that have been done. Thank goodness that Mayor Godfrey didn't know how to do what normal politicians do. That is wonderful that he was reelected. Ogden wins because of that.

Pablo Garza | 1:16 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I moved from San Antonio, Texas to Ogden City two years ago because I was assigned to work at Hill Air Force Base. I moved to Ogden because it was a very diverse city compared to Layton or cities around Hill. I must say that I am very impressed by the progess of this city and how beautiful it is becoming. I love Ogden. My family loves living here. Although I am not fond of Matthew Godfrey, I must recognize his achievements and that he is a good mayor. I did vote for him because he had the best options for a better Odgen. Mrs. Van Heuser did not convince me. But I am glad Ogden is heading the right direction.

I applaud Mayor Godfrey and his team for making this a great city to live in.

Pablo Garza

Not Kidding | 3:42 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I went out into my backyard this afternoon, and Mayor Godfrey was walking on the surface of my pool!

This is not a joke!

Matt & Suzi Taylor | 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

As former Ogden residents, we are very encouraged by the improvements mayor Godfrey has helped along. We have many common acquaintances who always talk of his impeccible character, and now we appreciate his public service and work for the good!

Cam Caldwell | 4:49 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I enjoyed working with Mayor Godfrey and his excellent staff while I taught at Weber State. He is a wise and effective leader. It has been a pleasure to get to know him. Ogden owes much to his quiet but effective leadership.

Brad Anderson | 5:42 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Godfrey is too underhanded. If he wouldd get his idea of destroying our green space for his Gondola out of his mind I may like him again,. Any good he has done has been tainted by the fact I can't trust a thing that comes out of hs little head.

Yeah, but..... | 6:10 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

....the core of Ogden is square miles full of tiny, outdated, run-down homes. Absentee landlords aren't helping improve them, and what DO you do with little homes that won't meet today's needs? Many do not have garages, they are five feet apart from each other on tiny lots, there's not enough parking for a family.
Godfrey's "high adventure" zone may interest out-of-staters, but I have to drive 40 miles to Nordstrom at Fashion Place Mall. Where's the SHOPPING in Ogden?

I Love Ogden | 6:34 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

When I first moved to Ogden in 1995 to go to school at WSU, my parents were terrified. They knew of the crime rate and they also had heard a lot of bad things about the city. Since Godfrey took office, he has made some amazing changes in the city that make it a place that my husband and I NEVER want to leave. Godfrey has his naysayers... the people that are afraid of change. The people who are so filled with hatred for whatever reason, they cannot see past it. They know who they are. They're reading this right now. I feel bad for them. Because of Godfrey, this little railroad town has become a place that I'm proud to say I'm from. Oh... and shopping... is Nordstrom the only place to shop IN. THE. WORLD? News to me.

Great story.

Former Ogdenite | 6:56 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I love Ogden!!

I am happy to see it on the way up. I'd be interested in seeing a comprehensive vision Mayor Godfreyï¿½s Ogden published. Is it out there somewhere?

Ogden has many good people, diverse culture and great potential.

I hope to see continued positive development.

Things appear to be heading in the right direction. However, Ogden still has a long way to go.

Ogden native | 7:27 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Reading this article I was surprised at how wild and dangerous Ogden was. Born (1954) and raised there, I have wished more than once that I had as safe a place for my kids to grow up. That definitely changed, and it scared me to have my parents living in our old neighborhood.

It's good to see the downward spiral changing.

Former Utahn | 7:59 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I grew up in Salt Lake City (am now living in the DC area) but my parents and extended family were all from the Ogden area, and I attended school in Syracuse, West Point, and Roy before moving to SLC in the mid-70s. My father still lives in Ogden and I love to visit when I get back home! I have fond memories of Ogden as a child (and remember when there USED to be a Nordstrom at the Ogden City Mall). Thank you Mayor Godfrey for your vision, persistence and leadership. I can't wait to see the changes in your city when I'm back in a few weeks for the holidays!

UtahBeekeeper | 8:13 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

For "Yeah, But" in particular . . . you are mistaken about the "core" of Ogden. I live in inner-city Ogden, yes I mean INNER-CITY Ogden in our 4 year old two story victorian. Since we took a chance and built, 5 other new homes and 2 extensive 2 story remodel/expansions have gone in within 5 blocks. I and others are vested in downtown Ogden developement. Oh, it is not perfect, and a few new homes do not undo the years of neglect on other blocks, but it is a start. Many of us believe, and are very happy OUR Mayor can stay in the saddle and finish this ride. Welcome back, Mayor!

Nice Whitewash | 8:32 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Godfrey has done some good things in Ogden but not near as many as he takes credit for. Ogden is doing better, not because of his actions but because Ogden is sharing in the bigger economic events that are impacting the entire state.

His crime statistics arenï¿½t supported by what the FBI or State crime numbers say.

Half of his development in the downtown amounts to a ï¿½Chucky Cheeseï¿½ type video arcade and bowling alley, not what most people would call a High Adventures Center. The Recreation Center has almost doubled the city debt and to date is only marginally succeeding. Most of his vision for the city lacks continuity, for thought or synergy with the rest of the downtown district.

If you want to better understand how he is viewed in Ogden, read the article in the Salt Lake Tribune by Rebecca Walsh (Nov 18, http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_7496045), she at least scratched deeper than the surface, where as this article simply quoted Godfreyï¿½s propaganda. Godfrey out spent his competition 4 to 1 and barely won, that should say something.

Ogdenï¿½s a great place to live, not because of Godfrey or what heï¿½s done, but in spite of him.

ProOgdenite | 9:09 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

What a wonderful article! Your article nicely echoes the comments that have been made about Mayor Godfrey in the Wall Street Journal and Ski Magazines. It's even more impressive to learn that he's accomplished so much with a current City Council leadership (Jesse Garcia and Amy Wicks) who have voted down nearly every major project including the current downtown redevelopment. He truely believes that if there's a will there's a way. The downtown is revitalized and very popular. My family loves the changes and we look forward to the changes still comming.

Unfortunately there is a segment in Ogden that is fired up by hate and disparaging rhetorhic without adding anything beneficial to active debate. I'm hopeful that with the election over Ogdenites band together and support a reelected mayor who has performed nothing short of a miracle for Ogden.

Ogden is a great place to live, and it's vastly improved with Mayor Godfrey at the helm!

Neal Harris | 9:37 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I've lived in Farmington for 9 years, and until recently, I wouldn't go to Odgen because I thought it unsafe for me and my family. After visiting the junction last week by myself to "check it out", I'm anxious to take my family to see it. I don't know Mayor Godfrey, but I do know I'm going to start spending money in Ogden. Mayor, I'd love to shake your hand and congratulate you on the turn-around. Don't worry about the critics. Email is Neal@Harris.net

Way to go Godfrey | 9:47 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

The nay-sayers exist in every city and maintain the same ineffiecient and narrow-minded thinking that provides no opportunities for the younger generations. This mindset existed in Ogden before Mayor Godfrey entered the scene with new and fresh ideas and a willingness to buck the system from economic development to crime reduction.

Look at the mayoral race candidates this year in Salt Lake City. Mayor-elect Ralph Becker did not support creation of the Gateway. Dave Buhler did not support TRAX extension to the U. Fortunately, these projects in SLC were developed. Why do politicians continually fail to have vision? Ogden is fortunate to have Mayor Godfrey. Maybe he can move to Salt Lake City in the future.

I was raised in a small rural Utah town dominated by an older generation who would not invest nor spend any money. Today my town is falling apart and there are no opportunities for the next generation to stay.

Fortunately Ogden is now a progressive city with opportunities for growth. The downtown project is amazing. For the citizens who critisize the downtown residential areas, those areas suffer from poor planning from prior years and the area will be redeveloped as Ogden's downtown is revitalized.

sb | 11:56 p.m. Nov. 18, 2007

Mayor Godfrey is all right. Sometime ago my neighborhood was going to be effected by a decision some in the area didn't want. So a bunch of us met with him to talk about it. Each of us there stated our reason why we didn't like the proposed idea and he listened. After some questions and discussion an alternate idea was formed that seemed could work. He's doing good things for Ogden, and he takes the time to listen and work with people.

Keep up the great work.

From Port Neches, TX | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 19, 2007

I'm a graduate of Weber State now living in TX. I'm very happy to read and see about the positive progress Mayor Godfrey has brought to Ogden.

It is because of him that during Sundance we will be staying in Ogden and not S.L.C. or Park City. I can't wait to checkout the wind tunnel!

Great article and great work, Mayor Godfrey!

JP | 10:18 a.m. Nov. 19, 2007

My husband and I moved to Ogden in 1999 and saw it as a city with a lot of potential. It's been great to see other people realize how cool Ogden is.

25th Street, Lindquist Field and the amphitheater, and events like the Ogden Marathon and Harvest Moon Festial, help make this a fun place to live in the middle of incredible natural surroundings.

However, I did not support the mayor in this last election, because I don't believe he'll drop the absolutely idiotic "urban gondola" idea and truly commit to protecting our open space.

It is one thing to build a gondola up the side of a mountain. I may not like a gondola built to Malan's Basin, but if the land is privately owned and the plans are approved, it's at least a concept that makes sense -- gondolas take people up mountains all over the world.

However, to pitch the idea of a gondola over downtown Ogden, selling it as both a tourist attraction and a mass transit option, is ridiculous.

If Godfrey would drop this idea and his "our way or the highway" supporters, some of us "naysayers" might come around ...

OGDEN resident | 1:03 p.m. Nov. 19, 2007

Did anybody else see the contradictions in this terribly one sided, propaganda filled article? Are you sure the Mayor himself didn't write it? The story follows "guests" around as the Mayor shows off his "pet projects" while avoiding the still dilapidated and crime ridden residential neighborhoods. Ogden may be a better place to visit, but take it from a lifelong Ogden resident (something that the Mayor isn't, although the article states that he is), things in our residential neighborhoods have NOT improved. In one portion of the article the Mayor gloats about a reduction in crime, while in another portion it tells of him recently tackling a burglar in his front yard. I would like to know were the Mayor gets his crime stats. I don't see it and the police officer who I spoke with the other day doesn't see it. The Mayor gloats about making Ogden an outdoor mecca, but would love to replace open space with million dollar homes and scar up the mountainside with condo developments and a gondola. Sounds pretty "outdoorsy" to me. So before all you outsiders "visit" Ogden and then praise the Mayor, try living in Ogden.

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