Joint School Board and City Council Meeting

Dixon Middle School

The Provo City Council held a joint meeting with the Provo School District several weeks ago week in the City Council conference room.  I was present at the meeting and enjoyed the discussion.  The Council staff posted a summary of the meeting on their blog that you can find here.

A couple of takeaways for me:

1) This needs to happen regularly and with this level of detailed discussion.  I understand these meetings are scheduled on a quarterly basis. The two bodies need to be communicating regularly and in detail.  While each serves a different purpose they still represent the same people - the citizens of Provo.

2) The current safety and condition of our public schools is the most important issue facing Provo as a whole right now (and few people even realize it).  The Council and the Mayor have been diligently working on a solution for road maintenance and construction.  This is clearly in their sphere of responsibility and I believe they are on the right track with the Utility Transportation Fund proposal.  But those dollars pale in comparison to the $132,000,000 need the School District has for school repair and replacement.

That's right over $130,000,000 in need! To put things in perspective the Rec Center bond was for $39,000,000.

Part of me is shocked that we're at this level of need.  But if you've been in several of our city's schools you will know they are in serious disrepair. Just as part of the campaign process I've been in three of our schools that left me bewildered at their condition - Rock Canyon Elementary, Wasatch Elementary, and Dixon Middle School (where my children are likely to attend) are old and in need of serious work.  Our children need a safe environment to learn and safety when it comes to our children is one thing I AM NOT willing to compromise on. 

The District is finalizing their numbers but they believe they need $90m to bring our city's schools up to par.  The gap between the $130m and $90m as I understand it will be made up in money already budgeted for maintenance and partly from money that would be saved by doing the repairs and updates now.

3) This is a game changer for the future of Provo.  If the City's residents approve the $90m bond (it would require a public vote in 2014) that adds a significant burden on us as taxpayers.  The City Council and Administration need to recognize this and that will have a real impact on the City's options for future plans.  Including projects such as rebuilding the fire station on North Canyon Road and future plans for the city center - both projects discussed at this meeting. 

As someone with a young family this is very important to me. I believe this is a classic "need vs wants" situation and this clearly falls within the "need" category.  We all need to start paying attention and get both informed and involved. I've had several conversations with various members of the School Board who are sincere, informed, and passionate about our children's eduction. Seeing the need that the District faces and given the data that's been presented so far I am inclined to support the District's bond efforts.   Certainly, the District will be coming forward with their formal plans and the details need to be discussed, but this is a big deal and we need to start paying attention and getting informed. Visit Provo.edu for the latest information.

A Thank You Zucchini

A prize zucchini and thank you note

One of the best parts of the campaign is meeting so many wonderful people.  I've had a number of people who have been gracious enough throughout the campaign to let me borrow a corner of their yard for a yard sign. 

This afternoon I dropped off a short thank you note to one of those families.  As I approached the housee I happened to catch the wife while she was out watering her garden. As we visited for a little while she said they had had a bit of a bumper crop (my word not hers) when it came to zucchini and she offered me two to take home! 

So not only did I get a great sign location but I walked away with two zucchinis. Zucchini bread here we come!

District 5 Debate

Franklin Elementary School Gym

I attended the District 5 candidate forum last night at Franklin Elementary. The Forum was sponsored by the Franklin and Dixon Neighborhood Chairs.

It was a nice chance to visit for a few minutes with the folks from southwest Provo.

The organizers indicated they would like to sponsor a similar event for the City-Wide candidates next month.

I'm very much looking forward to it!

Provo as a Model for the New GOP

Provo's own Jamie Littlefield wrote a thoughtful article in the Desert News this week featured in the "My View" section.  In the article titled "There's a good model city in Utah for the (New) Republican Party" Jamie outlines a number of things Provo has done to maintain its identity as a conservative town.

I'm not sure I've ever heard someone so succinctly and correctly describe Provo's style of conservatism as this:

"Provo has a unique brand of socially conscious conservatism: back-to-the-basics values that are practiced with people and practicality in mind.

For the past several years, Provo has succeed by ignoring extremist antics and staying focused on pared-down conservative ideals: practicing fiscal responsibility, focusing on individual freedoms, encouraging the private market and approaching social issues with reasonable solutions. Meanwhile, they're gaining traction with millennials by using social media and encouraging citizen engagement."

Back-to-the-basics values...and practicality in mind.  Amen!

In Provo we've been able to set ourselves apart from the rest of the country by following those basic principles. Jamie, goes on to list a number of examples of these principles in action - from back yard chickens to Google Fiber.

I was also encouraged to see Jamie comment that the younger generation, students, recent grads, and young families are really contributing to so many positive things happening in Provo.  If I'm elected I believe (I'll need to double check) I would be the only one on the Council with kids in elementary school - maybe even Jr. High.  I really feel we need that perspective represented on the Council.

I'm pleased to see this sort of article appear in the paper and do truly hope that those leaders in both of our nation's national parties do look to the good things we are doing here in Provo as a model for their own platforms and ideals.

Let's keep these good things happening in Provo and not roadblock progress.

Former Candidate Endorses Me!

John Breeding

The following letter to the editor was published in the Provo Daily Herald over the weekend.  John Breeding former city-wide City Council candidate endorsed my campaign!

I don't think I've ever seen a candidate work as hard as John Breeding did in the Primary.  We didn't and don't agree on all the issues but I believe we agree on the ones that count and I'm honored to have his endorsement and support.  

John garnered 666 votes.  And 16% of the overall vote. 

 

August 25, 2013

Last Tuesday the City of Provo held its' municipal primary election. Few people other than the candidates understand the extent of the sacrifice that is made by candidates and their families. I calculated that I personally spent roughly $15 and an hour and 15 minutes of my time for each and every vote that was cast for me Tuesday. There were campaigns that spent even more. I congratulate David Sewell and Ryan Frandsen for making it through the primary.

Both the Frandsen and Sewell campaigns have been in contact with me seeking my endorsement. In politics there are people who are rooting for you to fail and it can be unpleasant after the loss to then be asked to support their candidate. The decision to make an endorsement isn't as easy as it would seem to some. During the campaign I never considered David Sewell my opponent; he is in fact my friend.

Henry David Thoreau in his essay "Civil Disobedience" says: "What is the price current of an honest man and patriot today? They hesitate, they regret, and sometimes they petition; but they do nothing in earnest and with effect. They will wait, well disposed, for others to remedy the evil, that they may no longer have it to regret. At most, they give only a cheap vote, and a feeble countenance and God-speed to the right, as it goes by them...Cast your whole vote, not a strip of paper merely, but your whole influence."

So today I am letting go of whatever bitterness that may have been sent my way during the campaign and I am casting my whole vote. I am endorsing the candidacy of Ryan Frandsen without reservation. I will do whatever is necessary to see to it that Ryan is elected to Provo City Council. Between the two candidates, Ryan believes the government should play a more limited role. We need people who believe that vision comes from business owners and individuals making choices rather than from government.

John Breeding, Provo

Provo's Retail Base is Growing!

One of the primary reasons I am running is because I want to promote Provo's retail economy.  A strong retail base and the sales taxes associated with retail can help ease the pressure on property taxes.

In Provo right now there is no better place to see our retail economic growth than right along Bulldog Boulevard.  When I was on the Planning Commission last year we approved the project to allow the CVS Pharmacy to locate on the corner of Bulldog and University where the old Flower Patch business was located.

That corner was tired looking and the surrounding medical offices were only partially filled.  I think the new CVS will be a great addition to that corner.  Also, a Firehouse Subs will be located there as well.  But just as exciting and encouraging to me is to see the two businesses that are being displaced by CVS have ALREADY relocated to nearby locations within Provo.

El Azteca just moved a half block east in the Fat Cat's area, and the Flower Patch (where my kids remember going with me to buy my wife flowers after the birth of our youngest son) has just relocated to the old @12 Chinese restaurant in the Macy's parking lot.  The medical offices as you can see in the picture have relocated to 5th West.

I love to see businesses that are truly committed to Provo thrive here.

But the action on Bulldog doesn't stop there.  A new Chick-fil-A is being built on the corner of Bulldog and 5th West!  That is going to be a hot spot during lunch time. The area has also seen the new food truck buisness - Sweeto Burrito locate near Provo High and in the Macy's lot at different times.

All of this is so exciting.  We really have some real economic momentum happening in Provo.  Let's keep it going and not take a step back with this election!


*UPDATE

Just a day after I posted this article the Herald published an article about the City's growing sales tax revenue.  The City is up $600,000 over last year!  The article highlights the growth we are seeing in Downtown.  From Bulldog to Downtown - so many good things happening in Provo right now!

THANK YOU!

I just wanted to post a quick thank you to everyone who supported me. We survived the Primary and now on to the General Election in November.

Here is a link to the Primary results:
http://electionmap.provo.org/

Breeding:  16% (666 votes)
Frandsen: 24% (1014)
Sewell: 31% (1340)
Wright: 19% (793)
Lines" 11% (465)

Vote!

 

              

                    

                  2013 Provo City Polling Locations

Precincts	Polling Location
PR18, PR35	Amelia Earhart
PR08, PR 09, PR33	BYU Conference Center
PR15, PR42	Canyon Crest Elementary
PR26, PR30, PR37	Centennial Middle School
PR 21, PR22	Dixon Middle School
PR16, PR41	Edgemont Elementary
PR34	Provo City Recreation Center
PR17, PR44	Franklin Elementary
PR27, PR31	Freedom Academy
PR23	Independence High School
PR19, PR20, PR24	Lakeview Elementary
PR28, PR29, PR32	Larry H. Miller Dodge
PR14, PR43	Provo City Center
PR07, PR10	Provo City Library
PR12	Provo Peaks Elementary (Farrer)
PR05, PR45	Provost Elementary
PR02, PR03	Spring Creek Elementary
PR 38, PR39, PR40	Timpview High School
PR04, PR06	UC Historic Courthouse (Rotunda)
PR01	Utah County Health & Justice Bldg
PR11, PR36	Wasatch Elementary
PR13, PR25	Westridge Elementary

Parking In Provo

This morning I received an email from a couple who live just south east of campus.  They expressed some frustration at the parking situation and the lack of enforcement.  I thought I'd share my response here:



(William),

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.  You know, in the past I think Provo has done a lot of studies for this or that but never taken action.  And so I wonder if they are really worth the time and money if nothing is ever going to be done.  However, I do believe there is one study I would push for immediately upon being elected.  And that is a city-wide comprehensive parking study(!).

When I served on the planning commission the one absolute issue I could always count on being raised by the neighborhood chairs when a new development came before us was parking.  I remember as a new member of the Commission turning to the city staff and saying surely we've done a study or we have some data regarding parking.  What does the data actually say? What are the facts?  And the staffer turned to me and shrugged his shoulders and said they've never done one.  I was shocked. As much time, inconvenience, hassle, you name it and any other number of problems parking has caused - Provo for whatever reason has never seriously taken on this issue and resolved it.

I believe parking is a problem with a solution.

I don't have all the answers.  And that's why I would like to start with the facts (a study).  I do understand to a good degree how we got here - family housing originally being proposed then whether a developer doing a last minute switch, or over time through zoning changes, lack of enforcement, whatever it may be parking has come to the point where a property owner can no longer expect to be able to park in front of their own home.

I spoke to a neighborhood chair just last night about this and he had some good ideas that I think are worth considering - removing the park strips in some areas and putting in diagonal parking, incorporating a parking permit for public streets that would allow you enough spots for your property frontage - visitor parking would then go to corner lots, where those owners would only get half of their street frontage (they could get the front or side of their property but not both). 

To your point on enforcement. As John Adams said - we are a nation of laws.  I'm generally a small government minded person but when a law is passed I believe we are obligated to follow it.  If we don't agree with it then we should work through the proper process to have it changed, but once passed as a community we need to obey and honor the law.  The problem with enforcement now is that it is spotty.  Enforcement seems to only happen when a complaint is made.  And I believe the penalties are often too lax so the violator can simply pay the fine, thumb their nose at the city, and business goes on as usual without any real change.  So we need consistent and fair enforcement but with incentives (appropriate penalties) for property owners to comply with the law.

Those are just a couple of ideas. I am certainly concerned and sympathetic to your situation.  I believe a good idea can come from anywhere if we are open-minded enough.  I would welcome any additional thoughts or ideas you have on this issue - as well as your reaction to some of the ideas I've suggested here.

Thanks again for taking the time to reach out.  I really appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with you and your wife.

Sincerely,

Ryan

UTA Buys More CNG Buses

I thought this was an interesting article:

UTA to start using natural gas-fueled buses

Fleet » Agency expects to save money in long run and help the environment. 

 

A nice step in the right direction.  Slightly higher costs initially for the CNG buses ($450k compared to $400k), but CNG buses are cheaper to operate and run cleaner.  

 

It would be interesting to explore the idea of converting a portion of Provo City's vehicle fleet to CNG.