2023 Candidate Question: Sustainable and Environmentally-Friendly Initiatives

Angelina Washburn
Eagle Mountain City Council

I love new innovative ways in which we can grow and protect our environment and other growth issues. I am open to reviewing and looking at other solutions.

Michael Weber
Fairfield Council Seat A

We are a small town and this is huge. The only way we can keep the feel of Fairfield is to have open spaces. We can’t pretend however that we don’t all make wast and it has to go somewhere. With two landfills in our town we have to balance the look and smell of Fairfield with what we see is the best way to grow.

Craig Whiting
Eagle Mountain City Council

I support xeriscape principles and requiring builders to implement energy saving building techniques. The city needs to plan thoughtfully for green spaces, trails, the wildlife corridor, etc., to help set our city apart from neighboring cities. Eagle Mountain is currently not helping the pollution situation in the Wasatch Front since it’s creating small lot subdivisions full of commuters that travel to Lehi, Pleasant Grove, or Salt Lake County. Eagle Mountain will better preserve the environment by creating larger lot subdivisions until such time more employers move to Eagle Mountain.

Rich Wood
Eagle Mountain City Council

1- Balancing humans and nature has always been a challenge. One of the problems of renewable energy sources is the waste they create when the batteries and equipment need to be replaced or updated. The batteries can’t just be thrown into a dump but have to be disposed of a hazardous materials. We will be facing the same issues on large scales as solar panels degrade and have to be replaced. Wind turbines are a challenge because of the sheer numbers that are required to produce sufficient energy. Solar and wind energy requires a lot of land dedicated to the fields of their respective energy collection devices. We can certainly continue to put the panels on the roofs of our homes and let individual land owners produce their own energy.

2- I have been and will always be an advocate for protecting our rural, agricultural and open spaces. The urbanization push by developers, their politicians and Big Money is shameful. They use buzz words, like affordability, sustainability and community center development to mask the real words of wealth shifting, perpetual revenue, and controllable citizenry. As we watch the current state representatives stripping municipalities of the ability to make local decisions on land use, we will watch their campaign funding sources, or their own companies strip our communities of our resources, our character and our ability to decide what is best in our city.

3- I want to not just dedicate open space with no plan. We have to respect land owner’s constitutionally protected rights. However, we can and should direct the development in a way that protects our current citizenry, and provides for beneficial uses for our future residents. Well planned out agricultural spaces(as required by state law for every general plan), improved open spaces that aren’t just grass and tot lots, and natural open spaces are the key to balancing and beautifying every city. It shouldn’t be and afterthought like central park was in New York.

Scott Ferre
Eagle Mountain City Council

I believe that we, meaning all citizens of earth, have the responsibility to wisely use resources and limit in all possible ways how we negatively impact the environment. I believe that as technology advances that reduces harmful byproducts from our necessary activities, we should use them if they prove to have a net positive effect. I do not believe we are at the point technologically speaking that we can replace all traditional energy sources with renewable energy and am strongly opposed to government mandates requiring conversion. I am in favor of encouraging businesses and residents to supplement their energy sourcing with solar and geothermal energy. I am against wind farms as I believe they do more to destroy the environment than preserve it. I am in favor of conserving water use and encouraging landscaping practices that reduce water consumption. I believe it is practical to plan for increased percentages of electric vehicles. However, high use of electric vehicles will strain the power grid and therefore the expansion and strengthening of the power grid should be a high priority. I am strongly in favor of preserving natural areas and creating green space areas for public enjoyment. Before I moved to Eagle Mountain I lived in West Jordan very close to the trail system along the Jordan River. I spent many hours running, walking and biking the trail system. My hope is that we can continue to build on what has been started in Eagle Mountain with trails, parks, open spaces and the natural surroundings we already enjoy.

Craig Morris
Eagle Mountain City Council
No responses to questions returned.

Jared R Gray
Eagle Mountain City Council

I understand the concern for better waste management, and preserving open space.  As I continue working with residents, I will carefully consider different sustainable initiatives, making sure that any actions taken are fair and have the best interests of our community as a whole. I also am currently exploring and helping to try and implement a green waste disposal where we can process green waste into mulch. This will also help our efforts in water conservation.

Melissa Clark
Eagle Mountain City Council

I believe each of us has a responsibility to be good stewards of the resources and land we are blessed with. A few years ago, through careful use and great negotiating, the city had a pretty significant surplus in the solid waste fund. Based on feedback from residents I advocated for the city to provide glass recycling. Individual glass recycling pick up wasn’t a viable option, so city staff worked on some options to present to the Council. Now we have a really awesome glass recycling unit at Cory Wride park, and it even has a beautiful mural! We have room for improvement as a community when it comes to our efforts. I am a big advocate for a “carrot versus a stick” approach for policies and requirements. My preferred way to address some of these things is education and training resources to help people to know the best way to be good stewards. It has been a huge priority to work with those experts that are passionate about our wildlife, native plants, and open spaces. I will continue to work to bring people together for this crucially important part of our community.

Hollie McKinney
Fairfield Mayor

I am a strong advocate for preserving green spaces within Fairfield. These green spaces are what makes Fairfield a desired place to live.   We have had Solar and Battery storage proposals brought to us several times.  I remain neutral to some of the ideas. I recognize the importance of conducting thorough studies and assessments to understand the potential impacts on health, agriculture and wildlife. It is crucial to strike a balance between sustainability and maintaining the well-being of our community.   Fairfield is home of Two large landfills.  I have taken on the role of renewing the contract with IRL landfill and helped coordinate with them the ladies that clean up HWY 73.  I keep a good relationship with IRL because they play a vital role in our community.  I am also in the process of negotiating a contract with North Point landfill.  Currently North Point has gone unchecked from the town because the town was told we didn’t have jurisdiction over them. They need to be held accountable and be a part of the community and this would include them taking responsibility cleaning up trash along the roadways.  

Alina Pringle
Fairfield Council Seat A

Green space is an absolute necessity for human wellness. Each development should be required to create areas of green space for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy. Humans are messy and create a lot of garbage. The garbage has to be taken care of responsibly in a way that protects our health and well-being.