Even so, we must also remember that other battles loom on the political horizon, and that now is no time to nap. We're in the middle of the 30-day Recreation Center public comments period, which is preparatory to the "lame duck" council's Rec Center bonding approval.
I just got around to checking my calender, and here's something I ALMOST overlooked:
* PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE (Wednesday, November 9, 2005, 7:00p.m.)I contacted Bill Cook's office about an hour ago, and confirmed that this event is still "on" for tonight.
Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave., Browning Theater (located at north end)
-Educational presentation for citizens regarding the proposal.
-Question and answer session will be included. Comment forms will be provided for input to the City Council.
If it's NOT on your calender, please add it NOW, and PLEASE plan to be in attendance. Ogdenites have an unfortunate pattern of ignoring events such as these. When we fail to show up and register our opposition, the Gang-of-Six assume we just don't care. If you're opposed to the recklessness of the Rec Center financing, you owe it to yourselves and fellow citizens to be in attendance.
For your convenience, I'm linking a copy of the Ogden RDA's earlier press release, which announces this, and other upcoming public comment events.
Let's keep our eye on the ball, people.
Update 11/9/05 9:55 p.m. MT: I attended tonight's "informational session," along with MANY prominent Ogden City political activists. I'll resist posting my own observations for now, and await the input of others who attended this event. Let's have our MANY gentle readers who attended the event drive the discussion here.
Comments, anyone?
29 comments:
Rudi, It is worse than "they think we don't care", it is that "they think we agree with them". So I would say get every person you know that is opposed to this to be there and whether you make a comment or not, fill out a comment sheet indicating you are against the "recklessness of the Rec Center financing".
Good Luck
Tonight's "informational" meeting was just more of the same old double-talk by the Ogden City RDA.
The only new information was that there is an ordinance passed when Business Depot Ogden was begun which pledges half the tax increment from the BDO RDA to Ogden City infrastructure.
This is the same tax increment that is to be pledged to the Gold's Gymn - FatCats debacle.
So now the plan is to amend the existing ordinance in order to pledge all the tax increment to the Rec Center and to ignore the agreement for needed infrastructure repairs.
This is a typical Godfrey - City Council manuever to welch on a promise made that isn't convenient to keep.
So much for promises and integrity.
Godfrey shitcanned integrity quite a long while ago. The little Mayor is a WORLD-CLASS SOCIOPATH!
Back in my old neighborhood in Jersey, we calls guys like him Godfather.
Found out a few things I didn't know previously.
This one blew me away. In fact, I am wondering if I misunderstood it.
What I think I heard from Scott Brown was that Citiventure, the original developer of the original mall plan that we attended public meetings about in '01 and '02, backed out because it wanted help from the city in the form of tax increments and the Administration would not give them to it.
Whether one believes in tax increments for development or not, what stood out here for me is that we had a chance years ago to get something going at that site. But the administration would not surrender the tax increments.
And what are we doing now? Issuing bonds to the tune of $18 million or so, Plus tax increments, Plus BDO lease revenue for back-up, to build One, (count it,) One rec center, trusting that other development will follow along once it is in.
Talk about a downward spiral.
The mall was knocked down because developers were at the door, we were told. And now, after dithering around for four years, we are Now being told that this is the only option for revenue. And Ogden needs revenue, we are also told, because it Cannot Afford to fix its infrastructure.
Therefore, Ogden is going further into debt to build a rec center. This was presented as if it made perfect sense.
Like I said, I wondered if I misunderstood this, but I don't think I did.
Dian-
You and I heard the same thing, loud and clear.
What I heard at the meeting last night is analogous to this:
We, the city of Ogden, operate a farm. City Venture is contracted to build us a barn and corral. In return for this, they want a small part of what we sell the animals for and an additional horse.
We give a resounding "NO" to giving them the horse... that just will not work. City Venture leaves.
We then search around for another barn builder, but we cannot find one. We settle for a corral instead...
The corral builder gets to build the corral, but he wants all of our profit from our crops and the profits from the sales of animals raised in the corral. In order to seal the deal, we also give him all of our current animals and their progeny for the next twenty to twenty-five years.
If politics is "horse-trading", we are getting nags in exchange for thoroughbreds.
Jorgenson said something in Wright's article yesterday about thinking that the prospective candidates did not have much meat to their platforms, but just that they were saying that the present Council and Administration were "going the wrong way."
This made me laugh. Because if one is going the wrong way, one really has to do something about that.
Like stop. Reconnoiter. Turn. Go in another direction, preferably the right one.
And in my opinion, this road that leads to the rec center is the Wrong Way.
So we should stop. Take a look at it.
Right now, we are into it about $22 million. First question for the new drivers----Is there any way we could turn this somehow to get $22 million back? Or more?
After the rec center is built, we will be into it $40 million. That makes the road to solvency quite a bit harder, and that road is the one I think we should be on. And in hearing the forward looking statements and in looking at the numbers, I am coming up with a large yearly shortfall in this rec center "investment." Bottom line, the amount of money we stand to make from it is not enough to justify our investment, and furthermore, not even enough to cover the loans to pay for it.
The question for me is therefore not one of whether the rec center "will be so cool," or anything like that. The question for me is simply whether or not we can currently afford it. And I think that answer is no.
We were told, as we have been told, that once the rec center goes up, other development will magically spring forth around it.
And it was revealed last night, among other things, that part of the land the Episcopal Church wishes to purchase is "in the master plan for the part of the site Boyer is intending to develop." But it was also revealed....
That Nobody has signed anything. Boyer has not signed to develop this site, Larry Miller has not signed to build cinemas, and even Health & Fitness has not formally signed to operate the rec center. It was mentioned that even Earnshaw, which has purchased land for an office building, has been "holding back" to see what would happen. (Stopping and looking at it, in other words, which is what an intelligent developer in that situation does.) But from what I heard last night, there is Nothing locked in contractually.
So it might not be too late to stop, take a look at it, and perhaps get out of it.
It simply does not look like good financial sense, no matter how "cool" the idea might be.
After someone asked how the election would change these plans, I was mildly surprised at the condescending response that it doesn’t change a thing. I realize I may be naïve in assuming the lame-duck Council members may actually listen to the people, but I’m encouraged by these quotes in today’s Standard:
Jorgenson - "The citizens communicated with their vote that they're not excited about the direction the city's taking, and if that's applied to the rec center, you have to take a hard look at the whole decision."
Burdett - "I think that if this was a referendum on the mayor, that would certainly include the rec center, and if people truly don't want it ... then there's no reason to vote for it," Burdett said. "I certainly don't want to ram anything down somebody's throat at the last minute."
Is there a hope that the bonds won’t be issued? My optimism is somewhat dampened by these comments:
Mayor - "We're not making decisions based on sticking our finger in the wind. We're making decisions based on what we think is in the best interests of the community."
This guy is absolutely retarded. Why does he even want to be mayor of a town if he views the people as such inferior weaklings that we are incapable of grasping such difficult concepts? Thank heavens we have a mayor to make our decisions for us, because we morons can’t do it ourselves.
Same thing applies to that idiot Op/Ed Editor, Don Porter. His editorial today likened the voters to W.C. Field's character who says he "doesn't vote for anyone," he "votes against someone." Then he likens the candidates to Robert Redfords fictional character in "The Candidate," when, after he wins the U.S. Senate seat in California, mutters, "Now what do I do?"
Porter slaps the voting public in the face by taking this road, insinuating that they do not know the issues or the candidate's positions on them. He feels like the voters should research the candidates to see who they are before they vote. Didn't they? Who the hell does this guy think he is to assume that the voters just went against rather than making an informed vote.
The guy has an obvious bias and is crying in his beer because the Godfreyites lost big time. The people heard the candidates' message; I sure did, and Porter needs to take a step back, LISTEN to what was said, and not cast dispersions against the people.
This same foolish notion is seen coming from Fasi Filiage and Matt Godfrey, both very silent since the Tuesday night disaster that has derailed their little scheme. Gone are Larsen, the Valley Girl, Fasi, Jorgenson, and Burdett, sycophants all, replaced by thinkers and individuals who will serve Ogden.
Don't ya just love to watch these sour grapers grasping at straws and wrapping themselves in denial. The people have spoken and maybe if they had listened to them previously, they wouldn't be trying to explain this loss in the way they are today.
As for Porter, let him sulk, deny, and grovel in his misery. The guy's a joke.
Dian, your comments were great, and reinforce what I've been saying for months -- that we NEED to get out of the rec center while we are still able! The $22 million that we've put into that site will not be lost if we pull out NOW because it went to the infastructure -- sewer and water lines, curb, gutters and streets. But Ogden cannot afford to invest (gamble) with such a risky project that most people can see is a losing cause! When the numbers are crunched, it is obvious that the income will not meet the amount that goes out!
When picking up my signs yesterday, I was told about a high-adventure recreational center in Wichita, Kansas, (a more populated area than Ogden) and it failed! I've heard several people promise that the center would be successful -- I want the PROOF from the administration!
THE PEOPLE OF OGDEN DO NOT WANT THE HIGH ADVENTURE RECREATIONAL CENTER! THEY WANT STORES AND A PLACE THEY CAN SHOP! I sent out a survey last weekend asking what people want to see on the old mall site. As of today, I had received 81 responses! People want to let the City leaders know how they feel, but they haven't been asked! The results of that survey so far are:
those who STRONGLY WANT the recreational center are 2; those who STRONGLY WANT retail stores/outlet mall are 60; those who WANT retail stores/outlet mall are 17. A total of 77 who want retail/outlet stores and 2 who want the recreational center. The City NEEDS TO LISTEN to its citizens! They spoke loud and clear at the polls Tuesday. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what the majority of the people DON'T WANT a high adventure recreational center. From their leaders they want foresight with discretion, fiscal responsibility, responsiveness to the people and COMMON SENSE, etc.
ANOTHER OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16, 6:00 PM, MT. OGDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL; PUBLIC HEARINGS: NOV. 15, 5:00 PM, DEBT REFINANCING; NOV. 22, SPECIAL RDA MEETING - PUBLIC INPUT ON REC CENTER & PROPOSED BUDGET HEARING - 5:00 PM AT CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS; FOLLOWING RDA HEARING: PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT. PLEASE ATTEND -- OGDEN'S FUTURE FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS WILL BE DECIDED THIS NIGHT!!
With all due respect Mrs. Jeske, the recreation center is not the only thing that is going on the mall site. In order to get retail shops, a movie theater and restaraunts the high adventure recreation center has to be built. It is not an either/or kind of thing. Good retailers will not touch Ogden unless something like that is built. Make sure the people taking your survey know that. What stores have you contacted that will come here? They simply will not come unless there is something like the rec. center built and you and others need to recognize that along with the fact that the center is only a tiny part of the entire mall project.
With all due respect to Mrs. Jeske and Mr./Mrs. Antagonist, Ogden residents on average spend about 60% of the national average on basic retail goods and services (ie. clothing, dining out, etc…). Remember, the last mall failed because Ogden cannot (at this time) support two malls. It’s not a matter of needing a better attraction like a wind tunnel, or needing better stores. It’s a matter of needing higher wages so residents can spend money at shopping centers and the like. Regardless of whether you build a rec center surrounded by stores and a theatre, or stores surrounded by stores, if incomes don’t rise, you’ll fail, or the Newgate will fail, and we’ll be having the same conversation about what to put in the whole in the ground at the South end of town.
I’ve heard people say that there’s a lot of new housing going up, and we can attract people away from Layton. Hogwash! SLC has more population and affluence than Ogden, and they’re twiddling their thumbs now that Gateway has stripped revenue and interest out of Crossroads and Trolley Square.
Antagonist says a wind tunnel and surfing pool are going to keep people’s interest for 25 years!!! Are you nuts! In 25 years, we may all be living in homes with a climbing wall as a standard feature. In 25 years, there may be commercial flights into space!! Do you really think people will get a charge out of a wind tunnel?
As a possible solution, could we at least try to develop a vision and plans to fashion downtown into a place for business—not retail or manufacturing—but professional office space. I know everyone will say no one wants anything to do with Ogden, and we’ll never get a Fortune 500 company downtown among the eroding rental properties, but can we at least try. If it makes you feel better, we can even stick a bunch of restaurants and climbing walls among the offices, but please give us a place to work and make a living within Ogden.
Either Jeske has multiple personalities or someone is writing her posts for her. C'mon I've seen Jeske at the debate and she ain't exactly all there!
At least Jeske is there enough to recognize the house of cards that this arrogant little mayor has tried to build on the backs of the poor!
Barb, I write my own posts, thank you! Some people are great speakers and some are not. I am not a speaker, let alone a great speaker, but I am sincere. I am open-minded, and if someone comes up with an idea that will work down town, I'll be the first to jump on the band wagon with them. I'm concerned about the debt that Ogden has accumulated during the 6 years that Godfrey has been mayor, and his answer to everything is to take out another bond. I'm sorry, but I can't go along with that. I feel sorry for those who believe that the only way we are going to have other businesses come to downtown is to have the high adventure rec center. There is as much truth to that as there is to the fact that the RDA money will disappear forever if we don't use it for the rec center by the end of the year. The only thing that money is lost to is the rec center. It can be used for any project that is recreational or cultural -- it can be used for the Union Station, Marshall White Center, the River Parkway and a lot more. I'm as anxious as anyone to have something started downtown, but it is not right to use taxpayer money for a facility that will be a private club and excludes those people who helped pay for it. I agree that we probably need a nucleus around which other businesses can build, and some may require before investing in Ogden, but let's make it something that everyone, or at least the majority of the populace can and will benefit from or use -- not like the 12% who are projected to use the rec center.
I'm not happy at the thought of starting over with something new, but in the long run, Ogden will be further ahead financially, if we can get private enterprise to step up and take their rightful place. I know -- I've been told that's been tried, and it didn't happen. Do you remember, as I do, why that didn't happen? We had a developer who was willing to make it happen, but they tired of trying to work with an unmovable administration who had to have everything their way or no way. Let's talk to the roadblock. Maybe we can come up with a proposal where we can get a developer in here again and see some progress in building downtown without having to bond Ogden and then guaranteeing the bond ourselves with the revenue from the Business Depot Ogden because the businesses involved cannot cover the bond. Let's use the common sense we were born with, people.
Dorrene you don't represent all of the people in Ogden. Realize that all of you 60 and older crowd need to move over and turn over the reigns to the next generatoin. I represent the 30 and younger crowd and I would say at least 90% of us want the rec center and gondola in Ogden.
For too long the old in Ogden have had their way in what goes on in Ogden. For too long the old in Ogden have fought progress! For too long the old in Ogden fought against anything that they will not be able enjoy, taking no thought that younger generations (including their grandkids) want to be able to see these things happen.
I want you to know that we are tired of this and we are organizing! We will show ourselves to be quite influential in the coming days and years to ensure the stability in Ogden that you have enjoyed but seem to not want to leave for us.
You have had your time and say in Ogden too long and we will soon have ours.
Very good post, Dorrene! You've identified our double-edged situation here: massive debt and shrinking revenue.
I absolutely agree that the way to extricate ourselves from this is Not to go deeper into debt. This is what gamblers on a losing streak do. As in--Just one more throw and I'll get lucky--I know I will. Meanwhile, as more time goes by without getting lucky happening, it is becoming more and more expensive to pull ourselves out of this.
In fact, the reasoning of the current administration has always been predicated upon things working out the way the administration thinks they will work out, and time and time again, this has been shown not to be the case.
The mall. Demolished because developers wanted to come here. It wasn't in the Master Plan that the developers would deem the administration too difficult to work with and not come. Obviously not.
It wasn't in the Master Plan that Woodbury would refuse to sit back patiently amassing interest debt that was at some future time to be paid back by tax increments from mall development, and instead file a lawsuit and win it.
It wasn't in the Master Plan that the US Army would demand in court that the original contract with BDO be adhered to, and take the position that diverting funds from BDO to the mall site was not all right with them.
It wasn't in the Master Plan that Union Square would not be profitable, involve a bankruptcy and Unpaid Local Workers, and end up sold, stalled, and in court.
Yet the Administrative agenda is still adherence to the Master Plan, even to the point of turning away a buyer---the Episcopal Church. Many here have speculated on the possibility that other buyers we don't know of have been turned away also.
The Master Plan is just not working out that well.
Maybe it's the method. I am sure, if one wanted to, one could go back and point out the reasons for why the Master Plan's progress has been fraught with unforseen difficulties, perhaps in the interest of avoiding such things in the future, but we need to be constructive, look at where we are positioned now and work forward from there.
The attitude that "We Have to do something!" is true insofar as communicating that we are in a bad spot, but that something is not locked into throwing more money into the Master Plan. There are always other options, and sometimes, painful as it may be, it's time to cut one's losses, build a sound financial structure, and defer unnecessary expenses until the time one can afford them without the threat of bankruptcy.
Well Ogden youth, if you're so organized, throw your hats in the ring. We love to see youjoin in, work in a cooperative spirit instead of being so damned antogonistic (we get enough of that from Godfrey). There's much to learn through life, and you kids would be right out foolish not to accept that and not to tap into that source of knowledge, most learned by hard knocks.
Youth alone doesn't cut it, nor does old age. But a combine of both could get this town up and running again, especially if you young ones are as organized and as hot as you think you are. Don't just stand there, f--ting in the wind, GET OUT THERE!
Well said, John Q. The youth doesn't realize that they have to walk the walk, not just simply talk the talk. Organized? Yeah right, they didn't even vote, beginning with Kerry for President and now during this election.
They claim that those 50 to 60 and over are fighting progess. Not so, we just have come up with different versions on how to get the job done and are searching for an alternative plan that doesn't shackle the city for 40-45 million over the next 25 years. That's big bucks, but in the exuberance of youth, you must not understand the significance of that figure.
Suddenly, with this shift in power structure, all of those who were ticked off over the older guys and gals are now doing the same damn thing they were bitching at us for doing. You aseem to be against anything except that which someone your age has come up with, and who is that person anyhow? You, the guy who writes all this tripe?Nothing changed, kid, just the seating arrangements. We're working and you're just watching and whinning.
You youth would do well to be more congenial and not create enemies out of people who just want the best. Extend an olive branch, come to us with your ideas, show up at a council meeting or a work session and see how things are done, instead of firing on everybody over 30. We did that in the 60s and you guys are about 40 years too late. The lesson learned: once we implimented change, we didn't have a course of action and we got the freakin' 70s....duh. What do you have to offer? If anything, show us; then we'll show you people how to get it done.
Or, you could retire to a deserted island and wait, because, after all, WE DO HAVE THE POWER!
The difference between you misfit hippies in the 60s and us is that you fought against business, virtuous living, and good old fashion American values. We simply are tired of old Ogden obstructing change simply because you don't see it benefiting your slowing life.
Ogden is long overdue for an overhall my silver friend!
We will fight for a rec-center, gondola, and any other projects that will ensure a life in Ogden that you have enjoyed.
The rec-center may be the "mayor's brainchild", but we bought off on it and completely support it. Mayor Matt is not without support I assure you!
We are sick of hearing from you that the SKY IS FALLING in Ogden. You offer no solutions but seem to be bent on putting down anyone that wants to make some changes here in Ogden.
Be assured that we are energized, and will become a growing influential voice in our city.
We will not stand back any longer trusting our senior friends to choose our fate!
Youth Ogden and Yo, You have all the fire of youth, but no wisdom. You claim that we old people want to impede progress in Ogden. NOT SO! We have learned to stop, look and listen before jumping onto the highway with both feet. Tell me, have you checked to see how far in debt Ogden is? Are you aware if we continue in the reckless financial manner that has got us to this point, we will lose all creditability with financial institutions and will not be able to do ANYTHING to make Ogden a better place? It is so sad that Ogden is so divided. That just makes it more difficult to bring improvements and growth to Ogden. I remember from my history lessons, the motto: Divided we fall, united we stand. We all should come together with open minds and work TOGETHER to help Ogden get back on its feet. One of the reasons, Ogden is in such a mess is that your leader, Matt Godfrey, doesn't want to listen nor work with anyone -- because like you, he thinks he knows it all! If he didn't have to have everything his way, we would have something started by CitiVenture developers on his mudhole, and wouldn't be looking at a couple of bonds that will increase Ogden's debt to around $70 million dollars, requiring the income from the Business Depot Ogden for the next 25 years be used as collateral. Ogden has NO money! They couldn't even fix a street! They had to take the money from the "Snow Removal" fund to fix Country Hills Drive. Are you hot shots and the Mayor going to grab your shovels this winter and clear the streets so that residents can safely go to work and to the stores? The safety of the residents is a prime responsibility of the City. But the City has failed to fulfill this responsibility by cutting the Fire Department's budget causing them to be short of firefighters (is that why a woman died in the Canyon Cove fire last week because there weren't enough firemen to reach her in time?) and how many people will die this winter on snow-packed roads? Someone always has to pay for selfish short-sightedness, and usually it some poor innocent.
I really would like to see the two differing factions in Ogden come together under a "peace treaty" and with respect for each other's unique qualities and open-mindedness on everyone's part. In a cooperative spirit work to find solutions to Ogden's problems.
the dove...you speak of a divided Ogden yet you continually attack "my" mayor! You also insist on attacking anyone who supports him. We are divided because the "nay gang" ran for office on a platform of gloom and doom. We have been told for the past 4 months by Glassman, Jeske, Sharon Beech, etc that the sky is falling in Ogden.
How do you know Ogden is in debt? I would like to know where all you naysayers get your figures!
I submit Ogden, if in debt it is because we have (for too long) trusted our future to the senior citizens in Ogden to chose our leadership. Look how behind our city is compared to other Wasatch Front cities. Our city has for too long been known as the city that fights progress and change.
I wonder if all the people who voted for Jeske's "Change" knew they were voting for pessimism, obstructionism, and anti-progression.
This cannot go on any longer! We will stand up to protect out future. We will organize! We will fight for a new Ogden!
Dorrene,
I hope that you do realize that more than half of the money that is proposed for the rec center will go to other tax entities if the Rec Center is not started before Dec. 31, 2005. The less than half of the money that does remain will go into the cities general fund, rather than the RDA. Good luck getting the money appropriated from the General Fund for something cultural to the tune of $4M over 25 years.
Also, you do realize that the money that was obligated to the Rec Center from the 10 RDA areas now can only be used for the Rec Center because the money had to be obligated for a project by July 2005 and the project had to be started by Dec. 31, 2005. So this money in the RDA will not be available for other cultural or recreational facilities as you propose. Rudi had a great link to and article he wrote about the details. I don't know how to make a link but he recently posted a link in response to another post I made trying to explain this.
If you think that money is going to be available for the city council to spend when you get on the council, you are in for a rude awakening.
Again, this is not to be construed as an endorsement of the Rec Center. Just and explanation of the money.
Youth of Ogden does not speak for the 30 and under crowd. I question whether he/she is even in touch with the realities in this election. As I learned in my recent quest for public office, much of the “Old Guard” in this town, the Allens, Lindquists, etc., are supportive of the mayor and are the reason he was re-elected. Burdett and Jorgenson won districts that were more populated by older citizens.
The next area I would dispute with YIO is that the real issues that young families face in Ogden have nothing to do with a rec center, Wal Marts, Gondolas, Stuart Reid, etc… The real issues have to do with how can they can apply a WSU degree in Ogden, because there are not enough high-paying jobs for professional workers in this city. We’re also discouraged by the number of young families who keep moving south to be closer to good jobs. This demographic is also beginning to send its first kids into the Ogden educational system. I’m pleasantly surprised with my son’s elementary school so far, but the two high schools pale in comparison to the education I received from Jordan School District schools 10 years ago. We’re also a cost-conscious bunch who are guarded about tax increases, especially if they could have been prevented by careful planning. These are some of the actual characteristics of our crowd.
If YIO thinks he/she is mobilizing some kind of powerful group of supporters, I guess they forgot to exercise the most powerful weapon in their arsenal—their vote!!!
Former candidate you are the one that is out of touch! Your campaign was a disaster! Even Josh Belka was able to create some kind of sign with some particle board and spray paint.
You talk about pie in the sky idea's from our mayor, your the one that thinks we can turn Ogden in to the bio-med capitol of the world.
That’s right Anon, if you can’t argue the issues, argue the people. However, I’m not sure I understand your argument. The way you describe it, it sounds like the campaign was a disaster because I didn’t use signs. While you may vote for the candidate with the “Pretty” signs, most voters have graduated from high school and are interested in issues, there’s that word again, which you seem to have difficulty arguing. As it is, I think I did well for the budget I spent (essentially nothing) on a first-time, get-my-feet-wet experience in politics.
I don’t know that I EVER presented a “pie-in-the-sky” idea about Ogden being a bio-med capitol. What I said was it makes sense to look at the leading and emerging trends that will be most prevalent over the next several years. Travel/tourism, retail, manufacturing, and so on are not likely winners to support. Yeah, the medical field is a huge winner, as are SEVERAL other industries. You’ve got to look at trends like an aging U.S. population, a shift towards ‘megapolitan’ expansion, a commuter rail, existing opportunities, shifts in population demographics, education resources, the number of baby boomers retiring in a particular location or field, and so on.
You laugh at the possibility of bringing in business? Well, the laughs on you, because when the only places to work in Ogden are Wal Mart, Arby’s, and Big Bubba’s, I can’t wait to see those rec. membership revenues roll in.
There are more jobs in Ogden provided by Fresenius (a multi-national bio-med company) than jobs created by ski related industry. 1,300 are employed by Fresenius with growth of 270 more expected in the near future. Good jobs with good benefits.
Growth in this area does not seem pie in the sky to me.
Ya I knew someone who worked at Fresenius one time and he stood in a production line all day and made 8$ an hour. Tell me any company bio-med company that will choose Ogden without a draw for it's employees. I agree we do need new businesses here in Ogden and Bio-med would be great but we need to make Ogden an attractive place to come besides low property values!
As for you former candidate, you are just a number crunching stat guy who thinks he knows everything. I've read nothing but negative attacks from you towards our mayor. He has lured other businesses here such as aviation companies.
You talk about moving on from high school politics! Well if I remember right Josh Belka was getting his feet wet as well with homemade spray painted signs and still whipped your butt.
Anon,
“Whipped your butt?” Do you even know what the final count was? I don’t even know (not much of a stat guy), but I know it was less than 50 votes between Josh and I, and I don’t take offense to that at all. In all honesty, if I picked a candidate other than myself from the Seat B choices, it would be Josh. It’s a shame neither of us were able to mount greater awareness. I really think he would have provided a much needed viewpoint to our city, and I’m glad you thought his homemade signs were pretty.
I don’t doubt that all you’ve heard are negative comments (“attacks” is too harsh a word) about the mayor from me. If you want me to apologize for being critical of this mayor, you’re asking the wrong guy.
I will say this, the mayor developed a vision of making Ogden a recreational venue. He was instrumental in presenting that concept to developers (Chris Peterson) and private business (ski companies). He didn’t (yet) spend any money on Malan’s Basin, nor on the buildings in which these companies have located. You want to know how to attract new employers to Ogden, that’s your model. It doesn’t hurt to have timing, opportunity, and a little luck on your side. Let’s do this same thing and add value to the establishments we already have.
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