Jared Gray – City Council Answers
Give us a brief biographical sketch of yourself and your family. I have been married for almost 21 years to my wife Heidi. We have 4 children, Kaitlin 19(a graduate of Westlake with honors, and currently in Brazil serving a mission), Cameron 17 (playing football at Westlake as a senior), Kortney 15 (on Westlake, and now Cedar Valley Dance Company) and Kelsey 13 (has been involved in school plays, and dance). Although I’d love to take all the credit for how good they are, it’s been a team effort with Heidi being instrumental in our kids’ success. We love being together, and support each other in all our passions. I have run multiple successful businesses, including trucking, excavating, guiding hunting excursions, Real Estate, Rodeo and others. I’m currently in the hunting, Rodeo and trucking businesses. I’ve volunteered on almost every city board in Eagle Mountain, plus church service. I’m Currently serving on the Planning Commission and Cemetery Board, as well as a Webelos leader. How long have you resided in Eagle Mountain, and why do you call Eagle Mountain your home? I am probably the only candidate that can say I was here even before Eagle Mountain. I was farming most of the ground that is now Eagle Mountain. I grew up in Lehi, so at first back in 1997, to find my wife! (She was in Eagle Mountain) Then like most, it was very affordable in the early years. But now, almost 22 years later, because it’s the best. We have the best of all worlds, and lack very little. It’s close to big cities with jobs and airports, yet far enough away to be quite with open space and clean air. It’s perfect here. Decisions are made by the city council that you may or may not have knowledge of the ecology of the area and the possible repercussions of those decisions. What resources would you use to complete your due diligence regarding habitat and wildlife impacts? This is a loaded question that I feel had a root, but is maybe not directed properly. To illustrate, the question focuses on what “resources” I’d use. To answer that I’ll say every single resource available to me at that time. Such things like the DNR(Division of Natural Resources) the DWR Division of Wildlife Resources) fish and game biologists, any individual or professor with expert knowledge or personal experience, etc. Bottom line, no matter the issue or decision that comes before us, whether in respect to ecology or matter of policy, I’d hope all members would research and use any form of information to complete their due diligence in order to make an informed decision. What do you think is the role of non-disclosure agreements and economic growth? And how does it affect government transparency? The role of a non disclosure agreement is to protect buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. I don’t think it affects transparency at all. For example, we have recently had 2 very prominent businesses move to Eagle Mountain. I won’t use those, but fictitious ones for example. Lets say we just got Ford motor company (manufacturing) and Google (data center). One would be thrilled, while others wished it was Chrysler, and Yahoo. What I think this question goes into is personal property rights. So whether we knew the company or not, the NDA only protected the buyer and seller and their rights. Transparency would only be violated if government said it was Yahoo and it turned out to be Google. The transaction itself was legal, the NDA protected the parties, not the people. Transparency is it’s own separate issue, not related to NDA’s. I 100% believe in government transparency. I also hold personal property rights very highly. What specific things do you feel that the city is doing exceptionally well? This is a great question, that could go on for pages. Do I think there is room for improvement? Always. But do I think we’re doing great in some areas? Of course. I think both the elected officials and staff are very good at listening and honoring the will of the people. I think we have lots of opportunity, and public places to visit in order to offer a great environment and lifestyle to the residents. (Like Cory Wride park, or the wide variety of parks with different interests, skate parks, bike parks, zip line etc.) There is something for everyone. I’m also very pleased with the direction the city is going with development. Are we done, or is it perfect? No. But it’s the ship heading in the right direction? Yes! We won’t see a lot of this for years to come given a lot of development is already vested. But with our recent, newly proposed development code, and zoning changes, in conjunction with new future use maps, we now have a great plan. What specific things in the city do you feel need substantial improvements? I want to say roads, as the popular answer, but really I think we are doing what we can with roads right now. We need them, and we are doing what we can within our ability to build them, but it takes time and money, so we are doing the best we can within our ability. Like the previous question on what we’re doing well, (development) I think we have a long ways to go to get where I would like to see it. Is the rural culture and feel of Eagle Mountain important to you? Eagle Mountain has a rural culture and feel, how do you think we can have growth and keep that feeling? The rural culture and feel is very important to me. On Planning Commission, I have fought for bigger lots with animal rights, as well as “move up” family and Estate size lots. Beyond bigger lots, with development, I think we need to promote communities, not just houses. By keeping lots of open space, parks, walking trails etc., this will keep the rural feeling at any size. Being able to get outside, and enjoy the outdoors, will keep that feeling. Are there things city government should not provide for the people that it currently is? Why or why not? There was a time when tax dollars funded most of Pony Express Days. I felt those events were great, but didn’t always agree with how they were funded. Proper rolls of government are important to me. (Public safety, utilities, roads etc. are the proper rolls of government). Using tax dollars to fund entertainment, I think we must be careful. Although at times there are some things that might be appropriate, I believe they should be funded privately. I took that to heart, and with a board of 9 private citizens, created Pony Express Events. We host multiple events throughout the year with private donations, in order to provide the entertainment for residents, without the tax burden. If you are running but are not currently elected, what specific agenda’s would you like to champion though the office of city council and why? For me there are many things I’d like to champion. First of all, I wish it wasn’t an election year because I like how things are going. I’d like to stay on course for a while longer. However, I’m driven to run for office simply to offer my knowledge, experience, and background to the issues we face. I’m not a politician. However I’m willing to serve for just that, service. For me there are many things I’d like to champion. I would love to champion economic growth, smart development, including balance in development, good budgets, roads, etc. I think everyone wants those things, and I’m willing to step forward and make sure they happen. Tell us something that sets you apart from the rest of the group of candidates? This is easy. (A chance to brag) I have participated, or been involved with almost every city board there is, and I continue to do so. I’m currently on the Planning Commission, as is Rich Wood, but have also helped or severed on the Parks and Rec board, Cemetery Board, Youth Council, Veterans Board, and Arts Alliance to name a few. I’ve got a voting record that speaks for itself on Planning Commission, and have proven results saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars a year putting on events within Pony Express Days and other events throughout the year, without infringing on tax burden. Not just words, thoughts, and warm feelings, a record that I’ve already accomplished. What are your personal, political, and professional long term goals in regards to Eagle Mountain? As a family, we just bought a new home in an area that we believe could be our forever home. Although we’ve been in Eagle Mountain since the beginning of time, we feel we have landed. We don’t know what the future holds, but for now, we’re happy right where we are. Political goals, I have no political aspirations beyond serving the residents of Eagle Mountain. I have always and always will stay involved, and most importantly continue to serve. I look at politics as a service, not a career. I’ve always been willing and ready to offer service, and I’m happy when it’s someone else’s turn to do the same. What founding father (signer of the Declaration of Independence or the U.S. Constitution) has impacted your political philosophy the most and why? Do you have a favorite quote from a founding father? I would have to say all of them. They stood up for what they felt was right. They we’re brave, honest, hard working people, with the best interest of those around them at heart. I would like to emulate those qualities. I strive to be honest, hard working, with the interest of our city, state, and country as my focus. The city has numerous boards and commissions that it uses to help the City Council with decision making and to assist City Staff. What is your impression of these boards their effectiveness? As mentioned above, I’ve served on multiple boards within the city. They have their ups and downs. When fully functional, with purpose and tasks, they are great. When they don’t have multiple tasks or stay busy, they tend to lack luster. But that is no fault of their own; when things aren’t needed, or there isn’t anyone to report to, there isn’t much to do. You can’t criticize them for not operating. I hope everyone will get involved, find a cause, and participate. The boards can be beneficial. I hope all will find opportunities to serve. What service have you given to the residents of Eagle Mountain? Repeat question (or answer for me anyway) from above. Refer to answer from question 10. This is easy. (A chance to brag) I have participated, or been involved with almost every city board there is. And continue to do so. I’m currently on the Planning Commission, as is Rich Wood, but have also helped or severed on the Parks and Rec board, Cemetery board, Youth Council, Veterans board, and Arts Alliance to name a few. I’ve got a voting record that speaks for itself on Planning Commission, and have proven results saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars a year putting on events within Pony Express Days and other events throughout the year, without infringing on tax burden. Not just words, thoughts, and warm feelings, a record that I’ve already accomplished. What is density vesting and how do you plan on dealing with it when it grants higher density than you are comfortable with? I understand what “density vesting” is, but would like to copy the exact definition so others understand what “density vesting” is, and understand that it would be outside anyone’s power to force anything different. ” A right belonging completely and unconditionally to a person as a property interest which cannot be impaired or taken away (as through retroactive legislation) without the consent of the owner.” So there isn’t anything I can do to “deal” with it when it’s higher then I want. What I plan on doing is making sure no new vesting happens that I’m uncomfortable with. What I can do when something is vested? I will listen to residents questions, comments, and concerns on an individual basis, and use whatever negotiating tactics I can to better what they already have the right to do. Whenever there is no negotiations possible by the land owner, I would make sure we hold them to the highest standards of the code and not give any concessions without lowering density. What city code do you problematic, and how do you plan on addressing it? Just last evening in Planning Commission, I asked staff to look at 2 codes specifically. Sidewalks on both sides of the road on private roads was one of them. Currently we only require one side. The biggest code we have been working on, and I will continue to do so is zoning. Again to eliminate the “vested rights” that we deal with so often.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.