Seems that at this stage of the pre-primary election race, everybody and his dog is getting into the election event promotion act, dunnit?
Update 5:52 p.m.: We gots Dan S. live blogging from the Council Chambers... which is probably really pissing Boss Godfrey off!
We'll let yesterday's Standard-Examiner announcement serve as a reminder of tonight's Ogden Mayoral Candidate "Question & Answer Session," sponsored by none other than our lame duck mayor, Boss Godfrey hisself:
Seems that at this stage of the pre-primary election race, everybody and his dog is getting into the election event promotion act, dunnit? Unlike the prior three prior Ogden elections which WCF has covered, we're definitely up to our eyeballs in candidate showcase events this year.
As we mentioned before, there are several bright red flags hovering over this event, so it'll be quite interesting, wethinks, to find out how many of the eight Ogden mayoral candidates will actually show up at this mayoral "command performance" taping session.
OK, gentle readers... who will be the first to throw in their own 2¢?
Update 9/1/11 5:52 p.m.: Atten-HUT! Dan S. is now live blogging from the Council Chambers! Click "comments" to read his posts!
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42 comments:
Speaking of Channel 17 "pro-crony capitalist taping," believers in US democracy would rightly support having The City council enact strict ordinances appointing a "STANDARDS CODE" for Ogden's Channel 17.
I found it interesting that Ch17 won't know when and how often they will broadcast this debate until Saturday.
Too funny. Ch17 won't be able to broadcast any of this, until they get all "consent forms" signed.
LOL. Don't hold your breath.
Someone needs to ask high-adventure puppet, Mike Caldwell, why he was a member of Lift Ogden, why he donated to Evil Godfrey's campaign, why he is supported by half of the Godfeyites it town, why he supports the now-dead and completely ridiculous defunct Field House, why he was working behind the scenes with Lift Ogden to promote the urban gondola, why he supports liars, why his campaign is filled with Lift Ogden members, and more. Puppet.
Someone needs to ask high-adventure puppet, Mike Caldwell, why he was a member
of Lift Ogden, why he donated to Evil Godfrey's campaign, why he is supported by
half of the Godfeyites it town, why he supports the now-dead and completely
ridiculous defunct Field House, why he was working behind the scenes with Lift
Ogden to promote the urban gondola, why he supports liars, why his campaign is
filled with Lift Ogden members, and more. Puppet.
Thanks, Frank, for the info. I had suspected that he was not the goodie two-shoes that he professes to be. People have asked me about him, but I didn't know a lot about him.
Excuse me, Dorrene, but Frank didn't provide "info," so there's no need to thank him. What he provided was a lot of misinformation, mixed with just enough nuggets of truth to make readers believe that all of his claims are true. Does Caldwell's name show up on the rolls of "Lift Ogden?" I honestly don't know. But I know MY name shows up there despite my objection to the group's agenda. You see, in order to be informed about the entire issue, I gave them my name and contact information. Doesn't mean I was a "member" or "supporter" of their proposal. It means I was watching all sides of the issue.
Then there's the "supported by half of the Godfreyites in town" claim. I realize it's hyperbole and that there is no way Frank Hando could possibly claim to know such a statistic...but do YOU realize it's hyperbole and not "info?"
"Working behind the scenes with Lift Ogden to promote the Urban Gondola?" Again...false accusation, not "info."
"Why he supports liars?" Dorrene, please tell me this isn't the kind of "info" that you use to guide your decisions on the city council. That was just a weak attempt at defamation of character, and your response is, "Thanks, Frank, for the info."
I have an idea for you, Dorrene...and any other reader who thinks Frank Hando is deserving of thanks for his "info"....If you "suspect" Caldwell isn't what he claims, or if you don't "know a lot about him," why don't you give him a call rather than propagate crap like this with your "thanks?" Why don't you come to one of his "meet and greet" sessions and ask him any question you want? I promise you, he'll tell you straight up why he donated to Godfrey's campaign, if that's a concern of yours. He'll tell you his stance on the urban gondola, then and now. He'll tell you about how, as the RAMP program administrator, his involvement with the Field House project was part of his due diligence as that project sought RAMP funding.
Finally, Dorrene, if you can thank Frank Hando for his, "info," the least you can do is thank me for mine. I promise there is more truth in what I said that what Frank said. Have a great day.
Facts:
Caldwell's name does not appear in either of the large Lift Ogden newspaper ads from 2006. His name does appear on a list of alleged Lift Ogden supporters that Bob Geiger posted on this forum at around that time, but the same list includes the name R. Becker, a well-known opponent of Lift Ogden. From Geiger's explanation, his list appears to be merely a list of names of people who showed up for one or more Lift Ogden meetings.Caldwell and his wife did indeed donate $150 to Godfrey's 2007 campaign. That's a matter of public record, easily verified.At last week's OEP forum, Caldwell raised his hand to indicate that he does not support the Field House. In his follow-up remarks, he said he likes the field house concept and there may be a need for some of its elements, but there would need to be more community partners involved.
On behalf of the Ogden Ethics Project, I'd like to personally thank Kym Buttschardt for lending us the tablecloths that we used at our recent candidate forums.
By the way, I hope to be able to live-blog tonight's event from the city council chambers.
That'd be great., Dan. Gimme a ring up front; and I do believe we can make it comfortable both for you and our gentle readers.
I'm here at the city council chambers as folks trickle in. The candidates must be getting sick of seeing my face so often but it's fun to be on a first-name basis with all of them.
News flash! The current mayor has entered the room. Although his presence has been implicitly felt at the earlier events, this is the first time he's been seen in the flesh, to my knowledge.
Plenty of empty seats if others wanna come on down! Moderator says hello but doesn't introduce himself by name. Introduces candidates, explains ground rules. Says this is neutral ground.
There's a hat with something like scenarios, which we'll get to later after introductory statements and four questions. Moderator is making lots of little jokes and likes to listen to himself talk.
One-minute opening statements, in alphabetical order. Ballard says what is current job is. Caldwell runs through his impressive resume, stumbles a bit. Goddard says he's not a politician yet, cites Chamber committee memberships. Hansen tells us how many children he has (8), also cites legislature experience. Stephenson has only four children and has been on city council 7.5 years, MBA from WSU, has owned small retail furniture stores. Thompson gives biography in chronological order. Van Hooser reviews biography and public service experience, "continue the momentum". Van Wagoner has loudest voice, moved here approximately 7 years ago, reviews platform buzzwords.
Question number 1: Describe something of significance that you've managed or led. 90-seconds to answer. Caldwell answers first: GOAL Foundation, impressive numbers of participants and volunteers; RAMP tax administrator; Weber Pathways Board. Goddard cites "business leadership", managing employees, "having to sell our product" (vague, doesn't use time). Hansen has managed his family, but was Ogden employee association president, negotiating benefits. Stephenson has owned small furniture stores, less than six employees at a time; currently manages operational staff at four locations for the company he works for; has served on various city-related boards. Thompson has managed his life, led a platoon as a Marine Corps officer, cites managing his self, commitment, integrity. Van Hooser has managed a classroom of elementary school students (and their parents); committee service has involved managing a lot of money; helped save Egyptian Theater. Van Wagoner says he leads by example; current president of H25, has started two companies here and one in California until 2006 when he moved here; has no government experience, has fresh eyes.
Oops, one more, Ballard: Has served on 7 different boards; was a recruiter while he was putting himself through college, "put thousands of people to work", later got into real estate, "filled empty buildings".
Question 2: How do you plan to generate new revenues for Ogden City? Goddard: Bring in new business, knock down barriers that are standing in the way, work with WSU, ATC. Hansen: Redevelop Washington Blvd., build on success of high adventure center, bring commerce into downtown. Stephenson: Aggressive rejuvenation of downtown, high-tech, aerospace industries, retail to bring in sales tax. Thompson lists various taxes that bring in revenue but says ideas for increasing revenue should come from the people of Ogden and the city council; mayor's job is to implement policy. Van Hooser: Look more toward Wall Avenue, transit-oriented development, entrances from freeways, encourage more people to live in Ogden. Van Wagoner: Focus on business clusters; ensure stable infrastructure; better utilize airport and railways. Ballard says he didn't hear an answer from any of the other candidates so far; to attract people to uproot their families and move to Ogden, you have to convince CEOs that they'll make more money here; round up money through RDA and TIF; "Wake up!"; have to get capital. Caldwell: Was president of CVB, bringing in tourism; GOAL brought $3 million in spending during its events; helped recruit AMER Sports; our wonderful lifestyle helps sell Ogden.
Question 3: What specific things will you do to reduce crime? Hansen answers first: Improve infrastructure so more people are out on sidewalks; get back to being good neighbors; fully staff police department; Stephenson: Aggressively enforce the law, build connections between police and citizens; improve police equipment and technology. Thompson: Ensuring safety is primary duty of any executive; would first gather data on crimes, etc. Van Hooser: Agrees with those who have already spoken, appreciates technology, but also wants to revitalize neighborhoods to be more walkable; put people on the streets; doesn't think crime is a great issue now; better neighborhoods would increase property values as well; market entire neighborhoods. Van Wagoner: Give police the tools necessary to do the job that they can; focus on business clusters, modeled on SLC neighborhoods like 9th and 9th; look at Good Landlord Program. Ballard: We're headed in the right direction; business is a great partner; my department buys 6-plexes and turns them back into single-family homes; LDS Church tore down Travelodge and crime dropped; no silver bullet. Caldwell: Take advantage of technology, real-time crime center; home ownership is critical, makes people less likely to just close the blinds; put more emphasis on after-school programs, raising decent kids. Goddard: OPD is one of the top police forces in the state; provide them with resources; neighborhood watch needs to be backed better.
Question 4: What specifically would you do to bring more jobs (not the same as increasing revenue)? Stephenson: focus on high adventure, aerospace; personally do the hard work to connect with businesses, sell Ogden; provide some financing for them; bring existing businesses on board. Thompson: First I'd have to find out what does that mean; better define Ogden's vision statement; everyone that wants a job should have one; IRS and temple area are good examples; strong neighborhoods are essential. Van Hooser: Create fertile ground, don't produce winners and losers; BDO is the goose that laid the golden egg; make these businesses' jobs easier, perhaps by bringing their suppliers. Van Wagoner: This is a vital question; 13% unemployment is unacceptable; my "Made in Ogden" program; rail system and airport are underutilized; businesses create employment, government doesn't, but need to have right policies. Ballard: It's very, very simple: find out what they need, write the business plan, find the financing for them; government needs to get out of the way. Caldwell: Met with BDO management team; need a lot of people participating; friend moved solar company from Washington but none of executives live in Ogden because of poor schools; has worked to bring IB program to schools. Goddard: Grandfather created Goddard School of Business; keep those students here; Mayor Godfrey has done a wonderful job with outdoor recreation but there's no reason we can't bring other industries; school test scores are one strike against us, need to turn that around. Hansen: Will watch President's speech on jobs next week; work with state's economic development director; beat on door of Nordstrom's, say "come back to Ogden".
(Mayor is still here, sitting off to side.)
Now they choose scenario out of the hat. Thompson chooses number 8. Someone offers donation for new swimming pool but taxpayers need to contribute $250,000. Thompson says he'd turn it down unless council allocates the matching funds; would be same with federal grants.
Van Hooser chooses scenario 3: Group of builders complains about lack of flexibility with city inspectors; inspectors say it's the builders who don't want to follow codes. Van Hooser says this has happened. We need to be more critical of what people are willing to give us. Would ask why it's hard to do business in Ogden.
Van Wagoner draws scenario 1. A recession hits and there's a dramatic drop in revenue. Would you raise taxes or cut spending, and specifically where/why? Answer: We'd decrease spending. In 2001 it cost $6000 per person to operate city; now $12,000. First thing to cut would be my pay raise, and I'd ask city council to do same.
Ballard chooses scenario 54 (joke); actually 6. Police chief brings proposal to reduce theft by 25%, but it's controversial with the media. Answer: Professionals know best, so take a hard look; I'll take the heat from the media. Go for it and give me the details so I can do the PR.
Caldwell draws number 5: City golf courses are losing $750,000 per year, and employees aren't getting a raise. Answer: Those are critical open spaces, it's not realistic to close them down. We need a good team to determine why there's the revenue gap. Look at suspended play if necessary. If no raises, executives need to share in that. Open spaces are vital.
Goddard draws number 7. You receive a one-time grant that can be used for playground equipment or recruiting 100 high-paying jobs. Which do you do? Answer: We need jobs, and this would expand the tax base so we could address playground equipment down the road.
Hansen draws number 4. City council approves new program that will cost $60/family per year; council won't budge on issue; what do you do? Answer: There'd have to be more specifics on what the $60 would buy; does it serve the needs of health, safety, welfare. I'd want to find out why they won't budget and try to come to consensus. Maybe compromise.
Stephenson is left with number 2. Several downtown businesses are struggling to keep doors open. What action would you take, if any, to help? Answer: First need to connect and find out their issues, why they're not making money. We offer incentives to new businesses but that's harder than keeping existing businesses. I wouldn't support a badly managed business. But if city can change an ordinance, or change parking, I'd be willing to look at that.
One-minute closing statements. Van Wagoner: Growth, innovation, traditions; stability, employment, sidewalks, pay down debt, sustainable, voter satisfaction, vote Van Wagoner. Van Hooser: First I'm a teacher; two decades experience with historic preservation; minor in outdoor recreation, taught at Ogden Nature Center; four years on council; Landmarks Commission; taxpayer; no other candidate has my knowledge and experience. Thompson: We are not using the system the way it was intended, separation of powers, checks and balances, mayor's seat in this room is lower than council seats for a reason; mayor doesn't decide, mayor executes council's decisions. Stephenson: I'm goal-oriented, people-friendly, bring good people who know what they're doing around me, not afraid of people smarter than I am, open and honest, not afraid to make a decision. Hansen: Platform is first to put money into infrastructure; economic development and downtown revitalization; teamwork with city council, with consensus and compromise. Goddard: While out campaigning, hears housewives saying their husbands are unemployed; so we need jobs. Caldwell: Community building isn't done by just one person; leadership is measured by results; look at what I've done over the last ten years; as you look at the candidates, look at who's produced. Ballard: We're in the middle of a major recession; need to work hard to move forward; choose someone who has that kind of fire.
That's the end! Audience applauds, moderator says good evening.
My mother thanks you.....my father thanks you......I thank you............!!!!!
Dan, You have a typo. I said the cost was $600.oo and $1200.00.
Oops--sorry!
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Looks like van wagenen was pulling figures out of thin air, like usual.
Today's Standard say's Ogden spends $840.86 per capita.
Both sources are unreliable, but I'm going with the Standard.
The city's 2010 Annual Report, page 137, has a table calculating "cost per resident to run city", year by year. The population data go back to 2001 but there's no entry for expenditures or cost per resident until 2003, due to a change in accounting practices (possibly not including RDA), explained in a footnote saying "ten years of comparative data not yet available". Starting with fiscal year 2003, the calculated cost per resident is $739, $709, $779, $858, $919, $958, $871, and finally $1167 for FY 2010. So this confirms Van Wagoner's claim, when rounded to the nearest hundred dollars. Some of the large year-by-year fluctuations are puzzling to me but the long-term trend is clear, and I'm pretty sure it's mostly due to the increase in RDA activities and water infrastructure investment. By the way, capital outlays are not included but I would assume that bond payments are included, so the RDA and water infrastructure costs are spread over the time to pay off the bonds.
I got listed as a LO supporter? Wow. Didn't know that. Or if I once did, I'd forgotten.
I attended one of the first LO public meetings as an observer. When they passed around pages for attenders to sign, I listed my name and "Observer" as reason for attending. They were after all open public meetings.
Dan's absolutely correct that someone's name appearing on an "attended" list for an open meeting does not necessarily indicate being a supporter of the group which organized the meeting or its goals.
Uncorroborated claims or charges regarding any candidate appearing on WCF or anywhere else ought to be taken with a large grain of salt unless and until they can be corroborated.
Thank you, "Thanks? Info?!" for you very impartial rant. Of course, it would mean more if you didn't hide behind such a fake name. What are you afraid of? But, I still won't vote for Caldwell because he's one of the "Good old boys" club and has been involved in "Ogden politics" for a number of years. I will have a great day because it's Friday and the beginning of a 3-day weekend. You have a great day, too.
Dan S., I sincerely thank you for your impartial information that you posted about Caldwell. Also, thanks for the report on last night's mayoral question and answer meeting. You did a great job of just presenting the facts.
Yes Frank, you are correct. Mike Caldwell is the pick of the mayor. He has been joined at the hip with him and Patterson for the past 8 years. My guess is the majority of his donations came from Godfrey himself. Or other sof the "good ol boys club".
Caldwell talks big, but when it comes to delivering falls short. Ask people who have worked on committees with him. He boasts his connections, but never follows through with actually contacting them.
He was the one that spearheaded the idiotic idea of a bike ride to fund the field house. For the 40 people who showed up, the cost to the city was over $6,000. Is that the person you want taking care of our budget?
He has pie in the sky ideas, but no concept of the cost of implementing them.
He says he created GOAL. That was an idea of the mayor that was put together by a huge group effort. Not just his. Give credit where credit is due.
And if you missed my other post, Caldwell was the one who went to Patterson and Godfrey and had them boost the mayor's salary. He wasn't willing to serve the serfs of Ogden for a mere $80K. He's an elitist and a pretentious climber. He attaches himself to those that will move him up the social ladder. And as long as you have something he wants (i.e. you vote) he will treat you well. But believe me, afterwards, he goes back to his self-serving agenda of kissing the asses of Ogden's self-appointed royalty.
And don't expect him to have a spine. He is, after all, the Obama of Ogden. If Kym or Sara don't approve of it, he will cave faster than anything.
And what happens when the federal government begins to cut all the funding Ogden has been receiving. How is community service going to help him tighten the belt and balance the budget.
Caldwell as mayor? Frightful!!!!!
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