Is it feasible to develop Utah Lake? If so, what role should the county play?Gary Herbert (R)
Yes. According to the preliminary draft of the Utah Lake study commissioned by the county, it is not only feasible but desirable. After four public hearings on this issue held throughout the county, I believe the vast majority want something done to improve recreational opportunities and development. The county should take a leadership role in this, but funding should come mainly from the private sector.
Brent Morris (D)
The free enterprise system, not government, should develop Utah Lake. Any development should be within zoning parameters that are a consensus of land owners, citizens, agricultural interests and environmental groups. The county's main responsibility is to make sure Utah Lake doesn't become a salty mud hole because of Jordenelle Dam taking Provo River water.
Jerry Grover (I)
Yes; however, care must be taken to preserve natural habitat and other noneconomical values. It is clear that the current approach to evaluating future use or development of the lake does not concern itself with very good science regarding pollution loading of the lake and realistic wetland identification and protection. The county can play a lead role in identifying data that is currently lacking as well as setting reasonable standards and incentives for development of Utah Lake.
If voters do not approve bonding to finance a new jail, how should the county address overcrowding?
Gary Herbert (R)
First, we need to make sure we communicate the issue explicitly to the citizens so they can make an informed vote. We have already done and are doing what we can as far as juggling things around at the current jail to accommodate more prisoners. If a bond fails, we would have to continue a "Band-aid" approach until the courts compel us to do otherwise.
Brent Morris (D)
The jail has to be built or we turn criminals loose. This is a leadership decision that should have been decided by the commissioners instead of thrusting it on voters. Leadership at its worst but politics as usual because the commissioners don't want their re-election bids to be threatened by a tax increase.
Jerry Grover (I)
The jail-bond issue should be worded so it is clear what the impact and potential costs of overcrowding are (lawsuits, etc.) and such statements should be prepared by a neutral party. Then if the bond does not pass, the citizens have made the decision. However, I think it is feasible to finance the jail by changing other county programs.
What role should county government play in local economic development?
Gary Herbert (R)
An active leadership role. We can be the focal point for the entire county working cooperatively with all the cities to retain and promote local business as well as recruit new business to the area. This system is now in place and working. We were No. 1 in the nation last year in job growth.
Brent Morris (D)
Leadership support but no tax dollars. Government does not create jobs, the free-enterprise system creates jobs. Eliminate the county's economic development director position and take the $90,000 yearly budget and divide $40,000 between the cities' economic development offices and return $50,000 to the taxpayers. Government duplication has to stop.
Jerry Grover (I)
The best role the county can play in local economic development is to reduce taxes and eliminate unnecessary fees, like the motel tax, business license fees, building permit fees and the restaurant tax for those who do not benefit from it.
Should county services expand to keep pace with growth? If so, can this be done without a tax increase?
Gary Herbert (R)
No. There should be some savings because of economy of size. In fact, our county government in terms of real dollars has not kept pace with the cost of living. Obviously with growth comes additional demands for services, but we have been able to do this without a tax increase. The county's tax rate has not been raised since 1984.
Brent Morris (D)
Government growth should never exceed private-sector growth. The $5,000 pay increase commissioners voted to give elected officials last year exceeds any pay raise in the private sector. If managed conservatively, growth will generate sufficient tax revenues to offset additional service costs.
Jerry Grover (I)
Some county services must expand with growth. However, some county programs should be eliminated altogether, and some should be privatized.
With the county growing at such a fast rate, what should be the county's zoning philosophy?
Gary Herbert (R)
Consistent and fair. Even though there is a boom in real estate right now, most growth is occurring inside city limits. And that is where residential and commercial growth is better suited for our county. We need to cooperate with cities to provide consistent master planning so growth and development occur in an orderly fashion.
Brent Morris (D)
The county's zoning should continue to allow economic and residential growth to take place within cities. This reduces the cost of services which in turn keeps taxes down.
Jerry Grover (I)
The county's zoning philosophy should be reasonable growth, but keeping in mind that a person's property is his own, and any diminution in property value because of zoning should be subject to financial compensation. I do not believe that most zoning ordinances are a legitimate use of police power but are really regulations that can damage property value. Therefore, they are subject to the Fifth Amendment, which requires compensation for the taking of private property.
What role can the county play in reducing air pollution?
Gary Herbert (R)
A positive leadership role. All of us need to be concerned about our environment. It is a complex issue in which everyone has a stake and a contribution to make. The county should educate citizens to the problems and hazards and make sure enforcement of existing state and federal standards is met.
Brent Morris (D)
Geneva Steel contributes 60 percent of the PM10 air pollution. The county needs a contingency plan in case Geneva fails to meet EPA deadlines for compliance. Our values for health and life should exceed economic and political gain.
Jerry Grover (I)
Replace the current emissions testing program with a remote sensing program, which can determine exactly which cars are emitting pollution. Eliminate the oxygenated fuels program. It's absurd for people in Goshen and Soldier Summit to spend money on a local problem in Provo only. Eliminate permits for companies that voluntarily reduce pollution.