By: Helen R. Taylor
Brent Taylor believes that “serving the people of North Ogden is an honor and privilege.” He takes his responsibility of working for the residents seriously.” Where Mr. Taylor has been a council member for several years, he expects his role to change—to that of “framing” the issues, representing the City and managing, and since the mayor does not vote on issues, he fees “the role is to listen to residents…(and) conduct analysis with the staff to develop options for the council.” He sees that “the mayor is a problem solver.” Mr. Taylor plans to “institute regular city council work sessions… to encourage more productive and healthy discussions because council members are not staking out solid positions prior to a vote. I believe that important and controversial topics should first be discussed in a work session.” He sees the mayor position as “the chief advocate” who must “have strong relationships with Weber County, other cities and our state legislators… that can bring huge benefits to our City.” He points out that “the mayor must create and nurture these relationships.”
Brent Taylor’s top priorities for North Ogden are economic development, smart planning and fiscal responsibility. He says, “My plan for economic development is in 3 parts: clean-up and beautification of Washington Blvd; marketing and outreach efforts to attract new businesses; and an increased partnership between the City and the North Ogden Business Alliance to keep channels of communication open and healthy.” He intends to “use a committee or residents, business people and City leaders, supported technically by graduate students and professors from Weber State to debate the key zoning and planning issues… so that the updated General Plan truly represent North Ogden.” He acknowledges that, “Fiscal responsibility is a balance between carefully guarding public monies and properly planning for the future… and will review the City’s budget as closely as I review my own business budget.”
In response to the pending Public Works Facility, Mr. Taylor observed that “all of the dedicated volunteers on the Public Works Committee have put in an incredible amount of work… the current site is a great choice… my personal involvement began in 2011 when I worked hard towards finding a lower-cost alternative… were rejected… I voted “no” on the bond.”
