The Upcoming New Face of the Provo City Council

Top Row L to R:  Kay Van Buren (Dist 4), Yancee Hardy (Citywide), Jim Pettersson (Dist 4)
Middle:  Gary Winterton (Dist 1), Howard Stone (Dist 4)
Bottom:  Bonnie Morrow (Dist 1), Gary Garrett (Citywide), Lindsay Wiblin (Dist 4)
Note:  Six Candidates for District 3 not pictured; Collage arranged in artistic manner not to favor any candidate

Friday marked the end day of filing season for four Provo City Council seat vacancies from a total of seven council seats including Districts 1, 3, 4, and a citywide seat.  We had a remarkable number of filings despite the recent stiffening of filing requirements by the current council.  Perhaps the remarkable number was due to all four council incumbents up for reelection chose not to run again.  Whatever the case may be, because the outcome of the Nov 8th elections will determine a majority of council seats, there is perhaps not better time than to get involved with city elections.  (See official Candidate List)

• District 1 voters will choose between Bonnie Morrow and Gary Winterton on November 8.

• District 3 voters will have a primary on Sept 13 to chose from the list of six candidates:

Tom Jarman

James E. Kallbacka

Jeff Marvell

Hal Miller

Glen K. Thurston
Richard E. Wood

• District 4 voters will have a primary on Sept 13 to chose from the list of four candidates:

Jim Pettersson

Howard Stone

Kay Van Buren

Lindsay Wiblin

• All voters will vote on Nov 8 between the two citywide candidates, Yancee Hardy and Gary Garrett.  (Note:  Find which district you're in on the Provo District Map)

In looking at the group as a whole, it is going to be an exciting election.  Some of the candidates have run before, while others are first-time-ever candidates for office.  I really appreciate the willingness of all the candidates to step forward and to provide us with differing options for change as we try and promote liberty among our citizenry.  I also salute the lame duck members of the council for their service with one final plea:  do not raise our property taxes up to 16% as you are now considering (Daily Herald, Jun 16) in contradiction to Mayor Curtis' proposed budget.
 
Many Provoans are finding themselves frustrated with their city government on a plethora of issues ranging from attempts to impose a daytime curfew, incessant tax hikes and fee increases, backyard pavement regulations, and building unnecessary roads and bridges on the west side. Yesterday, I sent out the following questionnaire to my District 4 candidates to find out where they stood on these many issues.  I expect to have a similar one developed shortly for city-wide candidates.  The questions cover a number of different hot-button topics.  There is also a movement within our district to get a forum scheduled for the candidates before the primary to increase voter awareness of the candidates.  Here is the questionnaire:
 
Did you support Prop 1 (Rec. Center bond)?

Do you support Opt-In or Opt-Out for curbside recycling?


Do you support the implementation of a RAP tax?


Should city property tax be eliminated, lowered, held, or raised?


Do you support the building of the Northwest Connector?


Do you support the council’s recent changes to campaign filing requirements?


Do you believe that a council member should resign if called to active military duty?


Do you support the current ticket policy whereby a fine doubles in 6 days and triples in 11?


What ideas will you bring to balancing the budget?


What has been your political party affiliation(s) for the past 10 years?


What future projects should the city fund?


Do you support tax increases and bond issuances being subject to a 2/3rds supermajority of voters?


What are your ideas for increasing revenue through growing the sales tax base?


What percentage of a backyard should a landowner be allowed to pave?


Do you support a daytime curfew for minors?


Do you support the redistricting of the city as to eliminate city-wide council positions?

Do you support the creation of a third interstate interchange for Provo?