LocalCommentary.com :: Guest Blog


	Local Commentary's Guest Blog
	September 14, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 10: Police and Other Salaries by James H. Hadfield, Heber M. Thompson Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: In 2006 the City raised property taxes, in part to allow it to raise salaries in the police department, where pay was below market, causing the most experienced and best-trained officers to leave for other jurisdictions. Now the problem reportedly threatens to recur. Will you raise police salaries in your first year of office to a level that is at least competitive with surrounding communities? To what extent is this a problem in other City departments? Is there anything we can do in the short term to prevent this problem from recurring in the long term? JAMES H. HADFIELD Salaries in departments within the City are an issue. Many of the benefits that have been part of being an employee of the City have been eliminated as a “cost cutting measure” by the current administration. Morale within the ranks of the employees is low. Several years have passed since there was a cost of living raise for the employees. Yet these employees are asked to do more with less. There are areas within the city where costs should be evaluated and all entities that are affected should pay their fair share. There are several ways to approach this without raising taxes to pay salaries. HEBER M. THOMPSON The possible reoccurrence of the situation is much less likely than it was four years ago. We also need the same kind of attention in the Fire/EMS Department and to a lesser degree in other city departments. All departments are cutting us some slack now, because of the declining city tax and fees revenues, and have sacrificed by tightening their collective belts. We ask continued patience of our employees. We will alleviate this problem as economics improve. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 12, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 9: Should the City Stay in the Cemetery Business? by Heber M. Thompson, James H. Hadfield Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: Should the City stay in the cemetery business? If so, should cemetery fees be increased substantially so that they more nearly cover the costs? HEBER M. THOMPSON We need to stay in the cemetery business. Just as we have a library, a rec center and other services which do not totally pay for themselves, the citizens expect us to have a cemetery, and not just any cemetery, but the best in the county. In these economic times this is not the time to raise cemetery fees. This might be considered with much-improved family economics of our citizens. JAMES H. HADFIELD The City must stay in the cemetery business. Many of our residents own cemetery plots and have paid for perpetual care of this plot. There is money to be made by purchasing property and selling plots. This needs to be a priority and part of a short-term and long-term plan. It cannot be ignored for decades at a time. Our city is known for its beautiful cemetery and the Historical Pageant associated with it. Our history is here, our ancestors are here, and we should work to preserve our heritage. Mark Steele comments (9/25/09): I agree with both candidates' commitment to the cemetery. Perhaps as a tie in with the roads question, I would note that the road conditions in the cemetery have deteriorated a lot in the past few years, and need to be addressed. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 11, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 8: American Fork City and Developers by Heber M. Thompson, James H. Hadfield Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: To what extent are developers and city officials who accommodate them responsible for problems in American Fork? Which problems? Will you change how the City relates to developers? HEBER M. THOMPSON The city needs to firm with developers, while being "business friendly." We need to be more precise with developers at the outset of a project and add new requirements for them as the process proceeds. Impact fees are outdated and too high and need to be updated, a process I have already initiated. We need economic development in our city so the tax burden is not all on our citizens. JAMES H. HADFIELD Developers continue to complain about the city's impact and connection fees. These fees were established after a lengthy study and evaluation process. They are a result of laws as enacted by the legislature. These are "buy-in" fees to connect to the existing infrastructure that has been paid for by residents for years and years. The mayor and city council should not apologize to the developers for these fees. Likewise, they should not lessen or waive these fees, as they are necessary. When waived by some well-meaning officials, these costs then fall back on the taxpayer again. It is not the city's responsibility to make the developer wealthy. If the numbers are not there for the developer to make a profit, it is obvious that the developer paid too much money for the property. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 10, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 7: What about Road Repairs? How and How Much? by James H. Hadfield, Heber M. Thompson Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: There are reports that the City has neglected to fund ongoing road repairs adequately for as long as a decade. The numbers being tossed about are daunting -- assorted multiples of $10 million just to catch up -- and seem to suggest that substantial tax increases are coming. Is this true? If so, what is the scope of the problem, and how do you propose to address it? JAMES H. HADFIELD It is true that adequate road maintenance and restoration have been neglected for several years, as we looked forward to the installation of pressurized irrigation. We must now address this problem. The Public Works Director has a pavement management program that will address the needs of the city on a case-by-case basis. We must use all of our available resources to face this problem now! Sources such as B and C Road Funds (gas taxes), impact fees, federal grants, and an aggressive budget program will turn this condition around. It took us ten years to get here. It may take an equal amount of time to remedy these ills. HEBER M. THOMPSON "Numbers being tossed about" is exactly right. We are awaiting more definitive numbers and some possible options to consider. It would be pure speculation to comment in detail at this point. However on the horizon are some encouraging funding signs. Little local funds were needed to begin completion of the 50 East widening to 1100 East, thanks to federal government stimulus funds. Our bond consultants tell us that some new bonding options are available, with significantly lower interest rates. The bonding repayment on The Meadows will be met in 2011, freeing up some sales tax revenues. We will find a way to make significant progress on the roads in the future. Thanks to the foresight of the City Council we do start with a reserve of $1 million, from setting aside minor increases in the property tax in prior years. But like the Pressurized Irrigation system, we can't postpone any longer addressing this need. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 9, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 6: Should American Fork Have a City Administrator? by James H. Hadfield, Heber M. Thompson Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: By ordinance, American Fork's form of government includes a part-time mayor and a full-time city administrator. Currently, there is no city administrator, and the mayor works full-time for part-time pay, with the assistance of a full-time chief of staff. Is this acceptable? Is it effective? Does it save the taxpayers money? If elected (or re-elected), will you do anything to change it? JAMES H. HADFIELD I support the ordinance that outlines American Fork's form of government. Our present mayor spends a lot of time directing staff two or three levels below his position in routine, day-to-day operations. His time should be spent in dealing with other mayors on inter-local issues and with other levels of government, such as the Mountainland Association of Governments and county leaders. He should also focus on economic development within American Fork, and his efforts should be directed towards increasing business activity and employment opportunities in our city. We need a city administrator to handle the reins of the full-time force and keep the ship sailing smoothly, even in rough waters. HEBER M. THOMPSON If I'm reelected, I'd change nothing, as I am the mayor who works full time for part time wages. I think the the City Council would say that the current arrangement is effective. I have no requirement to earn a living for my family, as I am retired. This may be something to consider for the future, especially as the city grows significantly in population. Leisa Hatch comments (9/11/09): Can I just say thank you for posing this question. In reviewing the last year or so of city government actions, it appears to me that this is a very important issue. (And one that was brought forward by Councilmember Rodeback and other council members at a council retreat last January, I believe. I think it is about January 15, 2009, in the minutes.) I believe a case in point was the double resolution regarding the I-15/500 East interchange passed at the city council meeting on Tuesday night. Two contracts were approved. One was the original sent from UDOT, and the second was the city's attempt to recoup $370,000-ish in landscaping and improvements that UDOT will be destroying. The contract must be signed by yesterday or the city will lose a $100,000 incentive. (What?) In reading back over the minutes it seems like UDOT sent a letter to American Fork City back on June 4, 2009, outlining a proposal. None of this information was brought forth to the council until after a response was already past due. (I think it was the city council meeting of about July 16, a full six weeks later.) The hastily prepared response says something about having no idea about the June 4 letter until that council meeting. (How could this oversight happen?) Basically, it has put the city in a position of being reactive (and maybe a little too eager to grab an incentive without fully analyzing the costs). So, in a public meeting the city says, we pass and approve your contract but we really really wish you would give us an extra $370,000. It is the kind of action that makes our city look a little . . . foolish. (But what else is a council to do when put in this unfortunate situation?) It points to the need for a highly qualified and experienced city administrator or manager. It is conceivable that the money saved in appropriate and timely negotiations on this single issue could have paid that salary for a couple of years. Having said that, my personal opinion is that the current ordinance as it applies to the city administrator position is in need of refinement. A city manager position with vast municipal experience that answers to the council as well as the mayor would be a step in the right direction. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 4, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 5: Tax Increases by Heber M. Thompson, James H. Hadfield Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: As a follow-up to the previous question about breaking even under Utah's Truth-in-Taxation laws, under what circumstances would you favor larger tax increases? HEBER M. THOMPSON I favor tax increases only if necessary, for critical expenses or projects that can be financed in no other way. Timing is also important. With the economy down, I feel the city should be especially cautious in raising taxes or fees. JAMES H. HADFIELD If the public votes to approve special projects then the necessary funding should be there to pay for them, even if it includes a tax increase. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 3, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 4: Truth-in-Taxation and Certified Tax Rates by Heber M. Thompson, James H. Hadfield Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: Utah's Truth-in-Taxation laws require the county to set the City's property tax rate (Certified Tax Rate) each year at the level that will get the City an equal number of dollars from year to year from the same properties. These calculations do not allow for inflation, so the effect is an annual decrease in revenue (in real, inflation-adjusted dollars) approximately equal to the inflation rate. That's usually only a few percent per year, but it compounds rather brutally over several years or more. Now it appears that inflation is likely to be significantly higher in coming years than it has been recently, which will only make the problem worse. Will you lobby the state legislature to index certified tax rates to inflation? Unless and until they do, would you favor an annual tax rate increase (so called), equivalent to the rate of inflation, so the City at least breaks even from year to year, instead of falling behind? HEBER M. THOMPSON For the last three years I've put the issue before our state representatives, and I plan to do it again this coming year. I do not favor an automatic tax increase, but one that is needed for specific, identifiable, critical costs, such as police salaries. JAMES H. HADFIELD Taxes are a unique item. Such a small percentage of the property tax comes back to the city. The school district takes the single largest slice. The second largest goes to the county, followed by the special taxing districts such as the Central Utah Water Project (CUP) and others. Major tax increases are not something that the city controls. We need to bring other entities into town that will offset the taxes and lobby the Legislature to build into the law the necessary steps to keep the municipalities at an equal level. [LocalCommentary.com: For a detailed explanation the impact of Utah's Truth-in-Taxation law at the municipal level, see this article on Certified Tax Rates.] Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 2, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 3: Pressurized Irrigation by James H. Hadfield, Heber M. Thompson Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: Was Pressurized Irrigation the right thing to do? What should concern city leaders as the project nears completion and the system is used in coming years? JAMES H. HADFIELD Pressurized Irrigation was indeed the right thing to do. As our city continues to grow, we need to focus on acquiring sufficient water rights that are deliverable at the mouth of American Fork Canyon that can allow expansion of growth and ensure sufficient water to meet these demands. HEBER M. THOMPSON Pressurized irrigation (PI) was definitely the right thing to do. I applaud the citizens for choosing to do it. We must monitor rates to assure bond payments are met and maintenance is assured. The PI installation has underscored the poor condition of some of our roads. We have made plans to start to address this in the spring, but a long-term solution must be found. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 2, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 2: My Qualifications to Lead American Fork by James H. Hadfield, Heber M. Thompson Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: How do your education and experience qualify you (above the others) to lead American Fork as it continues its transition from quiet town to small city? JAMES H. HADFIELD I have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and am a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. I am a veteran of military service with over 37 years in uniform. I was responsible for leading and managing large organizations, maintaining budgets in excess of 70-million dollars, and working for the best interest of tens of thousands of soldiers. My visionary leadership was recognized by the Army Engineer Association, when I was awarded the deFleury Medal, which signifies outstanding leadership and professional excellence by one who has rendered significant service or support to the Engineer Regiment. I have also used this education and experience in my role as President of the Iron Blosam Owners Association at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. I am entrusted by over 5,500 Iron Blosam owners with a budget in excess of $4 million. My ability to maintain fiscal responsibility allows the owners to enjoy over 7,200 vacation weeks without worrying about economic stability of the organization. MAYOR HEBER M. THOMPSON Mayor is a complex job. Education and experience are vital to doing the job well. Continuity is important to finish good things begun in the first term. My qualifications and experience include the following: Education: BA -- BYU; MBA -- Stanford Work experience: GE, IBM, LDS Church Civic service experience: Mayor -- 4 years City Planning Commission Utah Lake Commission Executive Committee Economic Development Corporation of Utah Board Utah County Council of Governments Board Mountainland Association of Governments Regional Planning/Economic Development Board Intermountain Health Care Community Outreach Council Utah Co. Dept. of Health-Substance Abuse Advisory Board President Downtown American Fork, Inc. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	September 1, 2009 Candidates Respond, Part 1: Why I Want to Be Mayor of American Fork by Heber M. Thompson, James H. Hadfield Editor's Note: LocalCommentary.com: What troubles you enough, or what do you want so much to accomplish, in American Fork that you would go to the effort and expense of campaigning for the part-time, low-paid, rather thankless job of mayor? MAYOR HEBER M. THOMPSON It is not a thankless job; it's rewarding to be of service to your community. It is a full-time job if done completely, and I have devoted full time to it. I want to finish what we started. I am seeking reelection to: Build on valuable first-hand experience Assure action on tough challenges Build on a successful mayor/council/staff team Represent the city with an experienced, respected voice Provide recreation and arts programs Aggressively prosecute crime These are important issues: City financial health Road/sidewalk improvement Cemetery land Emergency response Economic growth Downtown revitalization Smart land use development Environmental sustainability Volunteer service Quality of Life JAMES H. HADFIELD American Fork is growing and changing. We need leadership which will adapt to new times and circumstances, without surrendering what is best about our city and its people. We need a leader with a vision of the future -- a vision which values the residents' welfare as highly as the businesses'; a vision which includes open and respectful communication with residents; a vision which shows a decent respect for the tax burden residents and businesses already carry. I have lived in American Fork for 44 years and worked as Supervisor in the City's Engineering Department for 15 years. I served on the Planning Commission for nine years (six as chairman). I'm a member of the American Fork Irrigation Board and the Metropolitan Water Board. I know the city. I know its government. I know its people. I will stubbornly defend our interests as we work with developers, with other cities, and with county, state, and federal governments. Comment on this entry (Readable, relevant, civilized, substantive responses will be posted, regardless of position.) Permanent link to this entry
	Copyright 2006 by the author(s). All rights reserved. Permission is given to publish this article elsewhere on the Web or via e-mail only under these conditions: The article is published intact and unchanged, and is properly credited to the author; and a visible link is included to the article's page at LocalCommentary.com.