The 2023 election cycle is around the corner, Cedar Valley Sentinel sent out an invitation to all of the Candidates running for office in Fairfield and Eagle Mountain with an invitation to answer a set of questions. Over the course of the next few weeks we will be publishing those questions and the answers provided from the candidates. If you have missed any, or would like to go back and review them, you can do so by visiting this link: Cedar Valley 2023 Election Center. #2023
Question: What do you see as the most pressing issues facing our city, and how do you plan to address them?
Rich Wood
Eagle Mountain City Council
1- Without question the most important items are building Midvalley road(changing it to an expressway with no lights) from Frontier Middle School east to the utility corridor, up to and straight through Hidden Valley(not around the valley, too expensive) and then continues south of Silverlake and connects to the road by the Saratoga Springs LDS temple that is intended to be a Mountain View Corridor extension. We need to increase the level of service(widening, reevaluating lights, stop signs and speed limits) to existing arterial and parkway roads.
2- Securing land for our civic buildings and then getting them built.
3- Creating a coalition of municipal governments to fight against the state’s overreach on land use and withholding tax payer dollars for roads unless we comply with their developer first policies.
4- Meeting with adjoining municipalities to discuss what is best for our areas for education and whether that will include staying in the Alpine School district.
Angelina Washburn
Eagle Mountain City Council
Our city is growing too fast and forgetting about the needs of the citizens. The roads can’t handle the growth. The greatest need is balance in a fast-growing community.
Craig Whiting
Eagle Mountain City Council
Eagle Mountain is failing in its land use decisions by not understanding the role it could otherwise serve in northern Utah County. Northern Utah County will perform at its finest when high density is stacked next to the employment centers in Lehi & Pleasant Grove, where citizens could then bike or walk to work, while places like Eagle Mountain are preserved for rural, larger lot subdivisions. Utilizing this simple principle will decrease congestion on our highways, reduce pollution, while increasing the affordability of housing by placing the housing products where they best fit. If Eagle Mountain helped create a larger supply of large lots, the price on those large lots would come down. Eagle Mountain will never compete with Lehi in terms of providing short commute times to high paying employers. However, Lehi CANNOT compete with Eagle Mountain should Eagle Mountain commit to providing plentiful large lot subdivisions. The people that choose Eagle Mountain as their FIRST choice generally do so when they can buy a larger lot than what they’d get in competing cities. Lot size has a DIRECT correlation to how transient a community is. When Eagle Mountain creates a significant number of tiny lots, far away from employment centers, it then congests the roads & creates unneeded pollution, and creates a transient population base that does NOT want to live in Eagle Mountain and will move was soon as their economic situation improves. If you want STABLE communities, STABLE schools, LESS CONGESTED roads, and LESS POLLUTION, we need to proactively decide now that Eagle Mountain needs larger lots and less dense subdivisions. What kind of city should we make? A city like Bluffdale with large lots and a very stable community? Or a city with small lots like other cities that I’ll respectfully not name?
Hollie McKinney
Fairfield Mayor
The potential growth is indeed a pressing issue, and it is important to address in a thoughtful manner. The majority of residents are opposed to growth. We need to develop a comprehensive long-term growth plan that aligns with the values and character of Fairfield. This plan should consider factors such as infrastructure, transportation, housing and the preservation of open spaces while also protecting Fairfield’s rich history. The focus of this plan should gear towards maintaining and enhancing the existing infrastructure, promoting local businesses and preserving the natural environment. By prioritizing these aspects, you can work towards maintaining the small -town atmosphere that we all love. By having a clear vision in place, you can assess development proposals based on their compatibility with the town’s goals. I want to engage the residents in the decision making process regarding growth and development. I think reviewing and updating zoning codes and regulations often to ensure there is a balance between accommodating growth and preserving the unique character of the town would be ideal.
Jared R Gray
Eagle Mountain City Council
Traffic congestion and road access is the most pressing issue. We are working to involve all stakeholders to resolve this problem. Balancing property rights with development is also a issue that takes both experience and good planning to accomplish the city we all can be proud to live in.
Scott Ferre
Eagle Mountain City Council
From my perspective the most pressing challenges to our city are directly related to growth and growth management. Traffic is a problem that will continue to worsen as our population grows. While UDOT, Lehi City and Saratoga Springs largely dictate what will happen with roads and access, we can take steps as a city council to attract businesses that provide goods and services that will reduce the need to commute to east Utah County. I will work with those businesses seeking to establish store fronts in our city to streamline the development process. The more goods and services important to the residents of our city we bring within our community, the less traffic will be a concern. This will also expand our tax base to pay for community development and bring more attractive jobs to the area.
Alina Pringle
Fairfield Council Seat A
Growth pressures and land desecration are the most pressing issues facing Fairfield. Expanding town services to include code enforcement authorities and office staff are needed to keep our town running smoothly and to protect the land uses into the future.
Michael Weber
Fairfield Council Seat A
Growth- It’s important to understand that growth is coming wether we like it or not. The real important thing though is to make sure we are prepared and do what we can to manage it in a way we can all handle. Our kids will live here…what do we want it to look like when they are grown?
Melissa Clark
Eagle Mountain City Council
Responsible Growth and Development I advocate for responsible growth and development that aligns with the values and aspirations of Eagle Mountain residents and landowners. I understand the importance of preserving the city’s unique character while meeting the needs of a growing population. I have worked to ensure that growth is thoughtful, mindful of finite resources, and considerate of the infrastructure and services required to support it.
Economic Growth & Job Creation I am dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities in Eagle Mountain. I work closely with local businesses, entrepreneurs, Chambers of Commerce, and economic development organizations to attract new investments, support existing businesses, and promote job creation. Professionally, I work tirelessly with the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce to foster a business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.
Transparency and Accountability I am committed to transparency and accountability in government. While serving in City Council I would actively seek input from residents, hold regular town hall meetings, and utilize digital platforms to keep the community informed and engaged. During COVID when there weren’t a lot of in-person meetings, I would present virtual open houses, via facebook, with local, county, school board, and state leaders as a way for residents to ask questions and get answers. I wholeheartedly believe in open and accessible government, where decisions are made in compliance with the law, with the best interests of the community in mind and are supported by clear and honest communication. Our decisions won’t make everyone happy, all the time, but I will always do the work to study all aspects of an issue, and make the best decision possible.
Public Safety and PreparednessI have prioritized public safety and the overall quality of life for Eagle Mountain residents. I will work collaboratively with fellow councilmembers, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and Unified Fire Authority to ensure adequate resources and support for public safety initiatives. I believe in investing in CERT, Emergency Preparedness, and crucial equipment needed in the event of emergencies. While serving on Council, I worked closely with city staff, VIPS, Eagle Mountain Ham Radio Group and Be Ready Eagle Mountain to help our city to be prepared for emergencies. I actively pursued and supported the creation of two CERT trailers, and increased equipment for disasters. I am also CERT trained, and a ham radio licensed operator- KJ7HRL.
Collaboration and Community Engagement I value collaboration and community engagement as essential components of effective representation. I have and will continue to actively engage with residents, landowners, and community organizations to gather feedback and learn about different perspectives. I believe in working together to find common-sense solutions. Support of Families and Way of Life I am dedicated to supporting families, of all shapes and sizes, and to preserving the way of life in Eagle Mountain. I understand the importance of strong families, safe neighborhoods, and the preservation of what makes Eagle Mountain feel special.
Principles of Liberty, Fiscal Conservatism, Limited GovernmentAs a long time county and state delegate, and precinct chair, I have worked hard to help support and preserve the principles of liberty, fiscal conservatism, and limited government. I believe in responsible financial stewardship, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I will continue to advocate for limited government and empowering individuals and businesses to thrive.
Craig Morris
Eagle Mountain City Council
No responses to questions returned.
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.