As Mayor my priorities will be:
Smart Growth
West Bountiful needs a plan in place for smart growth before the state forces one upon us.
West Bountiful has nearly 200 undeveloped parcels, most zoned A-1 (agricultural), which requires one-acre minimum lots. Although municipalities retain authority over their zoning and ordinances, the state may preempt local rules. The Utah Legislature has declared a statewide housing-shortage emergency. Over the past two years, several bills aimed at increasing density have been introduced—so far, none have passed.
This is why we need a plan that must include balanced compromises to address housing needs while protecting the character of West Bountiful.
Parks and Open Space
As a balanced housing plan is developed, parks and open green space in the city will be a priority.
Currently there are three parks in West Bountiful: on the Northside of town, Charnell Pocket Park, Birnam Woods Park and our City Park. All three of those parks are on the far northern end of the city, however the majority of growth in our city will be in the southern end. We need to be smart about planning for growth and ensuring open space for residents to gather outside and enjoy the beautiful views our city offers.
Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) Tax Renewal
I would encourage all residents to vote YES on the Recreation, Arts and Parks Tax Renewal.
At the upcoming election, West Bountiful voters will decide whether to reauthorize the existing 0.1 percent Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) sales tax for another ten years. This vote keeps the current tax rate in place—it does not impose any additional levy.
The RAP TAX revenue will fund a broad range of parks, recreational facilities, and arts or cultural projects that all residents of West Bountiful can enjoy. IT will also fund city park enhancements, and lends support for the West Bountiful Arts Council and the annual Fourth of July celebrations.
Who decides which projects get funded?
Public Safety and Community Involvement
At the local-government level, we must ensure our officers have access to the best equipment and training available.
In 2023, I enrolled in the Davis County Citizens’ Police Academy—a commitment of just over three months, with weekly meetings. Each week, we traveled to a different city in Davis County to study topics ranging from arrest and conviction case studies to safely pulling over an armed suspect and responding to an active-shooter scenario.
Through this experience, I gained a profound appreciation for the men and women who wear the badge. They truly protect and serve our community, often putting their lives on the line for our safety. I will collaborate with Chief Erekson to develop initiatives that foster positive connections and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and our community.
Integrated City-Wide Emergency Response Plan
West Bountiful needs an emergency response plan in case of a catastrophe event.
While serving as a leader in my church organization in 2016, I was asked to develop an emergency response plan for three southern areas (wards) of West Bountiful. A few years later, I shared this plan with the church leaders of the West Bountiful Stake, a district wide committee was formed to develop and implement emergency response plan. That plan was completed earlier this year, and included all neighborhoods in West Bountiful.
More recently, the city completed its own emergency response plan to satisfy accreditation requirements that address city-wide issues. As mayor, I will work to integrate these two plans for the best interest of West Bountiful residents.
West Bountiful needs a plan in place for smart growth before the state forces one upon us.
West Bountiful has nearly 200 undeveloped parcels, most zoned A-1 (agricultural), which requires one-acre minimum lots. Although municipalities retain authority over their zoning and ordinances, the state may preempt local rules. The Utah Legislature has declared a statewide housing-shortage emergency. Over the past two years, several bills aimed at increasing density have been introduced—so far, none have passed.
This is why we need a plan that must include balanced compromises to address housing needs while protecting the character of West Bountiful.
Parks and Open Space
As a balanced housing plan is developed, parks and open green space in the city will be a priority.
Currently there are three parks in West Bountiful: on the Northside of town, Charnell Pocket Park, Birnam Woods Park and our City Park. All three of those parks are on the far northern end of the city, however the majority of growth in our city will be in the southern end. We need to be smart about planning for growth and ensuring open space for residents to gather outside and enjoy the beautiful views our city offers.
Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) Tax Renewal
I would encourage all residents to vote YES on the Recreation, Arts and Parks Tax Renewal.
At the upcoming election, West Bountiful voters will decide whether to reauthorize the existing 0.1 percent Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) sales tax for another ten years. This vote keeps the current tax rate in place—it does not impose any additional levy.
The RAP TAX revenue will fund a broad range of parks, recreational facilities, and arts or cultural projects that all residents of West Bountiful can enjoy. IT will also fund city park enhancements, and lends support for the West Bountiful Arts Council and the annual Fourth of July celebrations.
Who decides which projects get funded?
- The City Council approves RAP‐funded projects each year as part of the budget process.
- Resident feedback and participation are actively encouraged to shape priorities.
- In 2024 FY, the RAP Tax produces $259,438.
- Reauthorization is projected to yield about $2.6 million over ten years.
- Funds come from purchases by both residents and visitors, with just $.01 per $10.00 spent.
- The tax would expire in March 2027, and up to $2.6 million for community projects would be lost.
- Planned Parks, trail, and cultural improvements could be delayed, downsized, or canceled.
- General city revenues would need to cover any shortfall, diverting funds from roads, snow removal, and public safety.
- It ensures 100 percent of proceeds stay local, directly benefiting West Bountiful parks, trails, and cultural programs.
- It spreads costs fairly—residents and visitors share the investment.
- It frees up other city funds for critical services like street maintenance and emergency response.
Public Safety and Community Involvement
At the local-government level, we must ensure our officers have access to the best equipment and training available.
In 2023, I enrolled in the Davis County Citizens’ Police Academy—a commitment of just over three months, with weekly meetings. Each week, we traveled to a different city in Davis County to study topics ranging from arrest and conviction case studies to safely pulling over an armed suspect and responding to an active-shooter scenario.
Through this experience, I gained a profound appreciation for the men and women who wear the badge. They truly protect and serve our community, often putting their lives on the line for our safety. I will collaborate with Chief Erekson to develop initiatives that foster positive connections and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and our community.
Integrated City-Wide Emergency Response Plan
West Bountiful needs an emergency response plan in case of a catastrophe event.
While serving as a leader in my church organization in 2016, I was asked to develop an emergency response plan for three southern areas (wards) of West Bountiful. A few years later, I shared this plan with the church leaders of the West Bountiful Stake, a district wide committee was formed to develop and implement emergency response plan. That plan was completed earlier this year, and included all neighborhoods in West Bountiful.
More recently, the city completed its own emergency response plan to satisfy accreditation requirements that address city-wide issues. As mayor, I will work to integrate these two plans for the best interest of West Bountiful residents.
