Candidate's complete responses to Deseret News questionnaire:
1. What is the most important issue in the campaign, and what would you do about it?
The county mayor will have to manage an historic transition to a new form of government and a $560 million budget. We need a county mayor with proven leadership experience and managerial skills. I am currently the county recorder and have owned and operated three successful businesses in the past 30 years, including a multi-million dollar corporation.
2. The county has had very tight budgets the past few years. What will be your budget priorities? Will you ever propose or support a tax increase?
I have a six-year record of managing balanced budgets as county recorder. As county mayor, I will review all budgets with the intention of eliminating programs that are unnecessary or duplicated and will look for opportunities to consolidate managerial and administrative programs. I will provide a balanced budget within current revenues. Only the county council can raise taxes.
3. How will you deal with the transition to the new form of government, including associated costs?
For the past two years I have worked on the transition to the new form of government. I have a proven six-year track record of working effectively with the county commission and other elected officials, both Republicans and Democrats. I have the ability to work with a politically diverse county council in the best interests of the citizens we all represent.
4. How do you plan to deal with the ongoing issues of staffing and operating the new jail?
The sheriff's jail correction officer budget has a surplus of $2 million, so jail staffing problems are not necessarily related to money. The sheriff has had the difficult task of trying to hire enough corrections officers to fill the openings that have already been funded. As mayor, I will cooperate with the sheriff in his continued recruitment efforts.
5. What are your plans for otherwise dealing with crime in the county?
One of the most fundamental purposes of county government is to protect its citizens from crime. I will work closely with the sheriff to ensure that our public safety needs are met. I want a community where families feel safe and where our children attend drug and violence free schools — and I will seek to build upon programs such as DARE.
6. What are your plans for economic development in the county, particularly in light of the fact that the 2002 Winter Games, and their aftermath, will occur on your watch?
I am optimistic about our economic development opportunities after the Winter Olympics. Once the world discovers Utah, there will be an abundance of interest in our state and Salt Lake County in particular. I will coordinate efforts with the state and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah to maximize quality employment opportunities for our citizens.
7. How will you manage growth such that quality of life, including green space and environmental preservation, is maintained? If you plan to increase open space or other public space, how will you pay for it?
Growth is one of our biggest challenges — it can provide a healthy economy and new jobs for our children, but poorly managed it can lead to sprawl, excessive asphalt and concrete strip malls. As county mayor, I will work in close consultation with the local elected community councils and will coordinate the county's plans with those of our incorporated cities.
8. How should the county deal with annexations, incorporations, and their associated impact on delivery of municipal services?
I support the right of communities to determine their own destiny. The county has no authority to force annexations or incorporations. I support working with all new cities for the purpose of extending to them the opportunity of continuing the services provided by the municipal services district, such as police, fire, road maintenance and sanitation.
9. How do you feel about the fluoride and transit tax ballot initiatives?
I strongly support our right to vote on these issues. However, the county does not operate any water or mass transit systems. The county mayor should focus on county government and its services and programs, making sure that they operate efficiently. I will do this by bringing my proven leadership experience and business background to the office of County Mayor.
10. Why should voters choose you?
I am the only candidate with proven leadership experience and business skills. I have owned and operated three successful businesses over the past 30 years and have always paid my taxes. For the past six years, I have been your county recorder and have always kept a balanced budget. I reduced the size of my staff while increasing efficiency through technology.
As part of the Deseret News survey of candidates, those seeking public office are allowed one question of their opponent. Here is Karen Crompton's question for Workman:
What percentage of total dollar contributions on your June financial disclosure filing came from you or members of your family as either a donation or loan?
In my years as a business owner, I found that every time I applied for financing with the banking community I was always asked to first show my own commitment toward making the business a success by investing some of my own money. I applied this same concept to my campaign and proudly contributed to myself before asking for money from others.