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 number one issue is the strong, energetic leadership needed in this new form of government. Leadership that defines our community not by our differences, but by our commitment for solving problems that cross city and county boundaries — planning for land use, economic development and public safety. My business and community involvement provides me a firm foundation to be a successful mayor.
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?
As your mayor, my first principle is for the county to live within its means. Long-term balanced budgets are prerequisite for the stability and credibility of county government. I will renew our commitment to five-year plans based on fundamental fiscal responsibility, managing planned investments within a balanced budget in both the current year and throughout the duration of the plan.
3. How will you deal with the transition to the new form of government, including associated costs?
This first mayor and council will set traditions that are followed by every future mayor and council. My administration will be committed to policies of openness, accountability and action. During the first six months we will carefully review the legal work adopted by the current county commissioners to be certain the new government is streamlined, not overstaffed, and functions well.
4. How do you plan to deal with the ongoing issues of staffing and operating the new jail?
The bottom-line consideration in staffing and operating the new jail must be safety — safety for the public, safety for corrections personnel and safety for the inmates. As mayor, I will support the recruitment of corrections personnel on a regular, ongoing basis and the necessary funding to fully staff and safely operate the jail at capacity.
5. What are your plans for otherwise dealing with crime in the county?
Prevention of substance abuse and crime is more cost-effective than treatment, both in terms of the economic and social costs. Because over half of all crimes are related to substance abuse, prevention will be my number one priority. I will work with the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office to make our prevention programs stronger and our enforcement tougher.
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?
We need to effectively engage the business community to achieve a financial turnaround for the county through support of local businesses, attracting new businesses and increasing tourism. The 2002 Olympics will provide us an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our community and state and successfully market Salt Lake County as a world-class destination for tourism and conventions.
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?
I am committed to the agenda of our citizens who have said they want a common-sense plan to deal with growth. As your mayor, I will initiate a review and revision of our planning and zoning ordinances to be certain they support smart growth and preservation of open space, and also develop a long-range plan for management of our canyons.
8. How should the county deal with annexations, incorporations and their associated impact on delivery of municipal services?
As the cost of municipal services increases both in the county and cities, we should begin a public dialogue regarding possible consolidations of services to determine what makes the most sense, what provides the best service, and the resulting costs or savings. The newly proposed fire district may be a first step and serve as a model for other services.
9. How do you feel about the fluoride and transit tax ballot initiatives?
My involvement with Utahns for Better Dental Health over the past two years has been a rewarding one. Because of our successful petition drive, voters will make the decision on fluoridation this November, rather than two commissioners. Like fluoride, the transit tax is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It is a public-policy issue that should be decided by the voters.
10. Why should voters choose you?
While this is a big race — 500,000 voters in the unincorporated county and the 15 cities will elect the mayor — I like to think we're just one community. Communities made up of families that face common concerns and problems. With your support, I'll tackle these issues head-on with a common sense approach to decisions and openness that have been lacking in county government.
As part of the Deseret News survey of candidates, those seeking public office are allowed two questions of their opponent. Here is Nancy Workman's question for Crompton:
The position of county mayor is executive in nature and requires the proven executive-type skills of a CEO. I have owned and operated three successful businesses and served as the CEO of a multimillion-dollar corporation. I have also served the past six years as county recorder. Please compare this experience with that of your own.
Crompton's response: In my career with Sears, Roebuck & Co. I was national manager in women's apparel with responsibility for strategic and tactical planning in 425 stores nationwide. Also, as store manager and regional personnel manager for 9,000 employees, I gained invaluable executive experience. In 1990, I came back home to marry my husband, raise our children and become personally involved in local issues that affect people's lives everyday — leading and working with citizens on issues like preservation of open space, fluoride and creation of townships to give communities planning and zoning authority.