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edited by: David Miller, Utah Editor

From Where I Sit - In South Ogden, Utah

  • Social Media and Political Campaigns

    During this last election I made a number of comments to facebook, blogs and twitter. I questioned the methods of those who refused to embrace the idea of social media. I have thought a lot about the questions that came back to me from candidates and readers. As we head [...]
    Posted: November 24, 2009, 7:05am EST
  • Legislative Distritict 10 Community Meeting

    Rep. Brent Wallis is reaching out to the people this week. He is holding another one of his well attended Community Meetings. The meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 6:30 pm at the South Ogden City Offices. Mr. Wallis said, "The intent of the meeting is to give a" [...]
    Posted: November 17, 2009, 6:26am EST
  • And the winners are...

    Jim Minster wins with 1114 VotesAlso Bryan Benard and Russ Porter enter the council with a high number of votes.Final Totals:Jim Minster 1114Vickie Mattson 810Russ Porter 1548Bryan Benard 1240Lamont Camp 763Congrats to the winners!!!Bryan and Russ getting a council orientation from Scott DarringtonVickie talking to everyone after the announcement - [...]
    Posted: November 03, 2009, 9:56pm EST
  • Election Results 2009

    Just arrived at the City Offices to gather the results for tonights election stay posted to her or my twitter page for updates www.twitter.com/benjoem2 [...]
    Posted: November 03, 2009, 8:51pm EST
  • A few endorsements

    I have decided to make a few personal endorsements of this years candidates. After much research and consideration the following would be my best choice for mayor and city council:For mayor I am officially endorsing Jim Minster. Though I have enjoyed getting to know Vickie Mattson and wish her the [...]
    Posted: November 02, 2009, 8:22am EST
  • Who is donating to your candidate?

    This past week the financials of your favorite candidates were released and some interesting information can be concluded from their reports.There is a stark difference in the number of donors (and amount of money) from our top two candidates for mayor vs. our failed attempts by Mr. John Bradley and [...]
    Posted: November 01, 2009, 7:30pm EST
  • Who is donating to your candidate?

    This past week the financials of your favorite candidates were released and some interesting information can be concluded from their reports.There is a stark difference in the number of donors (and amount of money) from our top two candidates for mayor vs. our failed attempts by Mr. John Bradley and [...]
    Posted: November 01, 2009, 7:30pm EST
  • Standard Examiner – City Council Candidate Profiles

    The Standard Examiner is doing their usual candidate profiles. I was excited to see them posted for us to enjoy. Each one is very interesting and well worth the read. I have highlighted a few key points I enjoyed from each candidate and have included links to the articles.1. Bryan [...]
    Posted: October 22, 2009, 10:01am EDT
  • Early Voting Begins

    Early voting officially begins today. Personally I am a "vote on election day" kind of guy. However many of you will be making up your mind starting today. So to help, I thought I would share a number of resources to help you make a decision.Bryan Benard, who is running [...]
    Posted: October 20, 2009, 7:44am EDT
  • Ordinance changes in response to debate?

    During the mayoral and council debate we had on September 3rd. The topic of city cleanup ordinances and how slow they are was discussed. A number of sitting council members and potentials were debating the issue of what to do. You can see full coverage of the debates on the [...]
    Posted: October 02, 2009, 8:12am EDT
  • Meet the Candidate Night – City Council Edition

    It is now time to see how the City Council candidates did. On September 3rd we had our annual meet the candidate night. I quickly posted the next day a summary of the Mayoral debate questions and ranked each answer. The city council candidate also debated this same night and [...]
    Posted: September 25, 2009, 5:21pm EDT
  • Missing woman found

    I guess our missing South Ogden woman has been found. She came home today on her own accord.http://www.standard.net/topics/news/2009/09/23/missing-south-ogden-woman-returns-home I am glad she is safe and hope her family is doing better.  [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2009, 4:18pm EDT
  • Missing South Ogden Woman

    Hello all. One of our own has gone missing. A South Ogden resident and neighbor Linda Deschner hasn't been seen since Sunday. Here is a link the Standard Examiner article:http://www.standard.net/topics/news/2009/09/23/police-looking-missing-south-ogden-womanPlease be on the look out and spread the word.' [...]
    Posted: September 23, 2009, 9:28pm EDT
  • Final Election Results for South Ogden Primary

    I just received the final vote numbers. They will be presented tonight at council, so I guess you can still consider these as"Unofficial." John Bradley gained a few votes on Vick Mattson, enough for me to call a recount.Final Votes: 1118Jim Minster – 376Vick Mattson – 277John Bradley – 266Rick [...]
    Posted: September 22, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
  • Remembering Golf City and the fallout.

    Today in the Standard Examiner there was a small letter to the editor stirring the Golf City pot once again. (See Letter Here). Connie Ott (who is a neighbor to Lamont Camp running for council) reminds many of us of the debate and how the majority at the meeting wanted [...]
    Posted: September 21, 2009, 9:09am EDT
  • And the winners are...

    I spent the night at the South Ogden city office awaiting the results with many of the candidates. It was a tense evening as we waited nearly two hours for the final results. Many of the council members joked about the old way of doing it. Writing it up on [...]
    Posted: September 16, 2009, 10:40pm EDT
  • No Financial Disclosures Required for Primary Elections

    I was hoping to post the financial disclosures of each mayoral candidate so you could see who is donating to their campaigns. However, South Ogden City ordinance doesn't require they submit one. They only submit financial disclosures for the following reasons:1. If you lose the primary, you submit 30 days' [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2009, 4:20pm EDT
  • Where to vote tomorrow

    As many of you all know, the primary election is officially tomorrow. A number of you took advantage of early voting; however a number of you will be voting tomorrow. To help with your voting, I have put together a little info to help you find your polling location.The South [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2009, 8:48am EDT
  • Hearts of Courage – Story of a local Ogden man and his escape from death.

    I decided we need a Sunday break from politics -Here is a nice little Sunday post for everyone about a book I read last weekend.Many years ago, at the age of 13, I had the opportunity to hike up the Uintah mountains with my scout troop. It was four mile, [...]
    Posted: September 13, 2009, 9:00am EDT
  • Standard Examiner Mayoral Candidate Survey and Taxes

    The Standard Examiner published a great survey of questions for our mayoral candidates. It is truly worth a read for those who are still debating on whom to vote for. You can read the full article here: http://www.standard.net/topics/news/2009/09/09/south-ogden-mayorEach candidate was asked the following questions:Where do you see the city in [...]
    Posted: September 11, 2009, 8:05am EDT
  • Who is BenJoe voting for South Ogden Mayor?

    With all the campaign signs around, many people have asked why I haven't put a sign on my lawn yet. The reason is because I have not made a decision as to whom I am supporting for mayor. During this entire campaign, I have felt this has really been a' [...]
    Posted: September 10, 2009, 8:05am EDT
  • South Ogden Newsletter - Becoming a Patriot

    Council member Wayne Smith wrote a fantastic article in this months newsletter. Many of you will be getting this in the mail in the next few days. (or download it here) This is a must read for all who live in South Ogden. His theme centers around becoming a patriot [...]
    Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  • Who are you voting for South Ogden Mayor?

    With the primary election ending in the next few days, many of you may be already voting. If you have or not, we have setup an anonymous poll on the left side. Fell free to click and tell us who you would like to see as mayor. This is a [...]
    Posted: September 07, 2009, 5:40am EDT
  • Meet the Candidate Night – Mayoral Edition

    Last night the Fire Department held their annual Meet the Candidate night at the new library in Washington Terrace/South Ogden. The crowd was one of the best I have seen at a political event for the area. Each candidate did their best and represented themselves as well as they could. [...]
    Posted: September 04, 2009, 4:31pm EDT
  • St-Ex Letter to the Editor Calls for New Leadership

    An interesting letter to the editor from a local South Ogden resident - Jim Daily. Jim is an off and on visitor of city council meetings and always has an opinion or two about government. He sounds off today in a little letter to the editor that I found interesting [...]
    Posted: September 01, 2009, 12:00pm EDT
  • Candidates on Twitter, Facebook and the Web

    In connection with today's Standard Examiner editorial on twitter (See Here), I am excited to see many of the candidates for Mayor making attempts to use Twitter and the Web. South Ogden City has been tweeting for about a month now. However they are missing the boat on its usefulness. [...]
    Posted: August 31, 2009, 10:53am EDT
  • Meet the Candidate Night

    By way of public announcement, the Firefighters Association is sponsoring a "Meet the Candidate Night" this Thursday at 7 pm. The meeting will be held at the New Library on Adams Ave Parkway in the outdoor amphitheater.This should be a great even to get to know all the candidates. I [...]
    Posted: August 31, 2009, 10:15am EDT
  • Rick Westmoreland for Mayor of South Ogden

    At least that is what Rick is hoping. Though I have not decided who I am supporting for South Ogden Mayor, I am very impressed with Mr. Westmoreland and his current endeavor to become mayor. Let's be honest, he is the underdog in this race. He is going against three [...]
    Posted: August 28, 2009, 11:50am EDT
  • Who Will Be Mayor?

    As many of you have seen the "sign war" has begun in South Ogden. Now people are beginning to decide who they will vote for in the upcoming election. Naturally people are asking me who I am voting for; therefore I will be putting together a simple voters guide to [...]
    Posted: August 23, 2009, 11:34am EDT
  • Who has filed for city council?

    The Standard Examiner has compiled a list of who is running for the city council offices in South Ogden. As usual we will be preparing a full profile of each candidate to help all of us decide on who will be best. Of course each profile will be mingled with [...]
    Posted: July 19, 2009, 5:24pm EDT
  • Who is running for City Council and Mayor?

    It has been nearly a month since my last post. With the birth of a new child and other family obligations I am surprised at how little time I have to write. But I am happy to be at the computer this morning to talk about something I am passionate [...]
    Posted: July 08, 2009, 6:36am EDT
  • Greg Haws for Weber County Treasurer

    In today's Standard there was a great little article on the three candidates for Weber County Treasurer.  (See Here)There are three qualified candidates pushing for the position: John Bond, Greg Haws and Darcy Kruitbosch.   But I have to put my public support behind Greg Haws.  This man is amazing [...]
    Posted: June 09, 2009, 6:58am EDT
  • Standard Examiner Op-Ed - Missing info?

    In today's Standard-X there is an interesting op-ed titled "Magical Thinking and Republican economics."   Mr. Patricio Ortega lays the blame of our economic crisis entirely on the Republican lead government from 2000-2006.  You have to love an author who insults his audience in the opening line.  Though he probably wrote [...]
    Posted: May 16, 2009, 8:24am EDT
  • Huntsman says goodbye...was he even here?

    For sometime now newspapers and television have made note of Huntsman's disappearance here in Utah.   We have all assumed (and could still be right) he has been preparing a presidential campaign.  Today Channel 4 News  has confirmed Hunstman has been asked to be ambassador to China.  Well lets bring on [...]
    Posted: May 15, 2009, 7:28pm EDT
  • Outrage in the Party

    The Standard Examiner had a very interesting Op-Ed piece from Steve Olsen, the new Weber County Democratic Chairman and former Republican. (See Here) Mr. Olsen mentioned a number of things that have been on my mind as of late with regards to the GOP. I didn't agree with all of' [...]
    Posted: May 13, 2009, 7:27am EDT
  • Skateboard Ban Hits the big time.

    South Ogden City Officials are now under the microscope because of top reporter Brian Mullahy from KUTV 2 news.  He has been investigating a story we have been blogging about for a number of months now.  The ridicules law of illegal skateboarding in South Ogden.  Last night he did a [...]
    Posted: May 08, 2009, 9:18pm EDT
  • City Council Meeting 4-21-2009 / Standard Examiner and Illegal Skateboarding

    Yesterday was our usual city council meeting here in South Ogden.  Before the meeting began a number of council members mentioned to me there was a larger than usual crowd for such a small agenda.  I was positive all of these kids were not there just for vote on the [...]
    Posted: April 22, 2009, 7:04am EDT
  • The Economy, South Ogden, Keynes vs. Friedman

    South Ogden's economy has been on mind a lot lately. Recently we talked about the deficit spending South Ogden is headed for. Though most people are saying we are headed for better times and it may appear that is true. There is still much debate on the two schools of [...]
    Posted: April 14, 2009, 10:47am EDT
  • South Ogden City Council - Working Session

    It has been nearly 20 days since I last posted to the blog. We have had a number of crazy things happen with our family, but I am glad to be back and post a little. Tuesday night was the South Ogden City Council Working Session. Olive Garden was offered [...]
    Posted: April 03, 2009, 10:12pm EDT
  • Lawmakers make tough calls – Now it is our turn – Standard Editorial

    Today's Standard Examiner editorial praised the legislature for most of the tough calls it had to make regarding the budget. As I have mentioned numerous times we were facing a 15 percent budget cuts and have now rested at 9 percent. Our beloved Weber State has been spared part of [...]
    Posted: March 12, 2009, 12:27pm EDT
  • Bloggerpress #2

    Today was our second bloggerpress put together by Ric Cantrell and the UtahSenatesite.com.  It was an opportunity to rub shoulders with bloggers such as David Miller - Pursuit of Liberty, Holly on the Hill and Misty Fowler - Saintless.  It was an interesting experience, being their live, and not online. [...]
    Posted: March 11, 2009, 9:56pm EDT
  • Blogger Press - Meeting Today

    After taking another week off from blogging, I am happy to back at it.  Starting today I am blogging from the Utah State Legislature.  I am catching the afternoon piece of House and Senate debates.  Later I will be attending a Blogger Press Meeting,  I am sure we will have [...]
    Posted: March 11, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
  • Weber County Lincoln Day Dinner

    Last night was the annual Weber County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner. This was my first time attending as a paying customer of the GOP. Usually I have attended as a guest or staff member of some campaign. So instead of running around talking to people about our candidate I was [...]
    Posted: March 04, 2009, 10:36am EST
  • Standard Examiner and SB 208 - Editorial

    This mornings Standard Examiner editorial attempts to explain why newspapers should be the distributors of the coveted Legal Notices. (See Here)  They lay out a set of unorganized scare tactics to encourage older readers to write their legislators and vote against this money saving piece of legislation.  Where many cities [...]
    Posted: March 03, 2009, 7:45am EST
  • What is going on in South Ogden?

    It has been nearly a week since we have had a quality post on the From Where I Sit blog. That is no guarantee this post will be of top caliber. I took a hiatus from posting last week to accomplish some personal goals around the home. However it is [...]
    Posted: March 02, 2009, 5:59pm EST
  • SB 199 Compromise.

    Looks like things have changed with regards to SB 199. After much discussion Mr. Bramble has realized the controversy he has caused by banning the PTA from our public schools. The D-News had a quickly little blurb about the compromise: (See Here) Apparently there is still some strife between PTOs and [...]
    Posted: February 25, 2009, 10:23am EST
  • Internet Usage vs. Newspaper Subscribers

    Since the announcement of SB 208 there have been a lot of statistics thrown around about who uses the internet and who doesn't. The newspaper's argument is not enough people use the internet in Utah, especially the 65 and older. They also believe the control should stay in a third' [...]
    Posted: February 24, 2009, 9:00am EST
  • SLTribune - WEB ONLY Editorial Against SB 208

    The Salt Lake Tribune posted an editorial against SB 208 yesterday afternoon. Their argument is not enough people use the Internet to justify moving legal notices to a state website. Ironically this editorial was posted as a WEB ONLY editorial.  (See Here).  The Tribune opines SB 208 would disenfranchise 70 percent [...]
    Posted: February 21, 2009, 4:12pm EST
  • A Conversation Regarding SB 199

    The following is one of many possible conversations Sen. Curt Bramble could have had in deciding to write SB 199: Constituent: Sen. Bramble, how is the legislature going?Sen. Bramble: Going well, but I am running out of good ideas for my own legislation. How are you doing?Constituent: We are doing okay; [...]
    Posted: February 21, 2009, 8:50am EST
  • SB 199 - Revenge? Other Bloggers think so

    Under the shadow of Sen. Buttar's latest embarrassment an intense conversation is brewing regarding SB 199.  I thought I would post some links to keep you all in the loop of this terrible bill:KVNU -Save the PTA - Voucher Empire Strikes BackMore Engaged Parents or a Threat to the PTAPaul Rolly SLTRIB' [...]
    Posted: February 20, 2009, 10:06pm EST
  • SB 199 – Paul Rolly Blog Post

    I thought I would spotlight Paul Rolly's Salt Lake Tribune blog post on SB 199. See HereMr. Rolly does a great job highlighting why this bill is nutzo!He says in his blog:If Bramble's SB199 is passed into law this year, Utah will be the only state inthe nation that prohibits [...]
    Posted: February 19, 2009, 9:30am EST
  • Sen. Bramble’s PTA Hate Bill - SB 199

    Senator Curt Bramble is on the rampage again, this time he is out to get the PTA. His new rant comes in the form of SB 199. Apparently he is upset at the PTA and their requirement of dues. The current relationship of public schools and the PTA must be [...]
    Posted: February 18, 2009, 12:09pm EST
  • $1.5 Billion in Stimulus coming to Utah

    After the exciting news of our FY 2009 and FY 2010 revenue projections, I was excited to hear about the anticipated stimulus numbers. Total stimulus for Utah = $1.5 Billion. Remember the Federal Government dictates where the money is to be spent; so I wonder if the legislature will be [...]
    Posted: February 18, 2009, 8:53am EST
  • Rep. Wallis Town Meeting / Gay Rights Vote

    Today was an eventful day for District 10's esteemed Representative.  His day ended with a Town Hall meeting here in South Ogden.  But he made headlines at the capital being the only republican to vote for HB267.  The measure would have protected transgender and gay Utahns from employment and housing [...]
    Posted: February 17, 2009, 9:11pm EST
  • Rep. Brent Wallis – Town Hall Meeting Tonight

    Tonight is our semi-monthly City Council Meeting. From the looks of the agenda, there are a lot of things that will need to be covered. Not to mention Rep. Brent Wallis will be there to hold a Town Hall Meeting with all those in attendance. This is a great chance [...]
    Posted: February 17, 2009, 10:02am EST
  • Website of Interest - www.utahstories.com

    This President's Day I thought we could highlight a web page recently emailed to me.  Utahstories.com is a website of information and news stories written by local residents of Utah. The diverse list of contributors include city council members, former AP reports, former mayors, and cancer survivors.  Some of their [...]
    Posted: February 16, 2009, 8:33am EST
  • $2.5 Million Basketball Court Should Be More.

    Interesting letter to the editor in the Std Examiner yesterday.  (See Here) Kim Schmeling  is asking South Ogden City and Weber County School District to join forces and build a recreation center/pool at the new South Ogden Jr. High.  Little does she know that the City Council is already planning [...]
    Posted: February 15, 2009, 12:52pm EST
  • MediaOne and their E-Edition Scam – It is All About the Money

    I am a reader of the both the Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune and the Standard Examiner. Fortunately, since the creation of the Internet I have been able to read all three via their respective websites. I use their free editions and have been very happy with their websites. I [...]
    Posted: February 13, 2009, 12:05pm EST
  • Argument Against SB 208

    Since yesterdays introduction of SB 208 the blogosphere has been swarming with activity, including activity from the Legislative Monitor for the Utah Press Association—Joel Campbell (aka Foiguy). See His Blog Here. He has made the rounds to the blogs emailing and posting the following argument against SB 208. His post [...]
    Posted: February 11, 2009, 12:01pm EST
  • SB 208 – Watch out Newspapers!

    Today I was introduced to SB 208 – Creating a Legal Notice Online Depository (my title not the bills). In connection with the Senate Site and Senator Steve Urquhart a press conference was held for bloggers regarding this bill. It was a great experience to call in and watch the [...]
    Posted: February 10, 2009, 6:42pm EST
  • State School Board Takes a Pay Cut

    A small side bar article in the Davis section of the Standard Examiner caught my eye yesterday. Leave it to a Weber County resident to help the state save some money.  State School Board member and Hooper resident, Greg Haws, made a recommendation to cut their annual stipend by 3.6 percent [...]
    Posted: February 08, 2009, 7:00am EST
  • How to make Greiner's Gang Bill Constitutional.

    Twice a year the LDS church holds a conference in Salt Lake City. This brings scores of people to temple square. Some of these people attending are not of the LDS faith; instead are of other faiths and their desire is to preach and demonstrate their faith. In the past [...]
    Posted: February 06, 2009, 12:00pm EST
  • Griener's Gang Bill back in the Senate.

    SB16 is still alive and ticking. After a 56-17 vote in the house this unconstitutional, human rights violating piece of legislation has passed and re-entered the senate. Following yesterdays debate, an amendment was proposed to help soften the blow of of it's unconstitutionality. Rep. David Latvick (D. Salt Lake -' [...]
    Posted: February 06, 2009, 6:24am EST
  • HB274 Making Progress - Other Impact Fee Bills

    As we discussed in a previous post (See Here) Rep. Wallis has proposed a bill geared towards the assesment of impact fees. This bill has made it through the fiscal analysis office unscathed. It does appear there are some concerned voices out there but things are going well.   A [...]
    Posted: February 05, 2009, 7:30am EST
  • Greiner's Bill in limbo?

    I just got an alert that Greiner's Gang Bill, SB 16, has been circled. Usually this is done to postpone debate and resolve some issues, but the bill won't lose its place on the calendar.Since I refuse to download Real Media Player I haven't been able to follow the debate.I' [...]
    Posted: February 04, 2009, 12:17pm EST
  • What is it like to be freshman legislator?

    Nice little ditty in the Standard Examiner today about our new legislators. (See Here) It covers the hectic life of our new legislators and how they are adjusting to the fast jam packed pace. It is a fun little Standard article. Interestingly Rep. Wilcox had emergency gall bladder surgery and [...]
    Posted: February 04, 2009, 10:45am EST
  • $2.5 Million For a Basketball Court

    South Ogden City Council held a public hearing for the proposed rec. center gym space basketball court to be built in connection with the Weber County School District and the New South Ogden Jr. High. As expected the majority of the comments were directed against the proposal. Though a few [...]
    Posted: February 03, 2009, 8:52pm EST
  • South Ogden City Council Will Not Be Canceled

    The Standard Examiner reported yesterday our City Council meeting was canceled.  I thought this was incredibly odd since this Tuesday's meeting is a crucial meeting in South Ogden raising our property taxes.  Fortunately it was retracted today.  (See Here) Council Meeting is still on! I  As many of us prepare [...]
    Posted: February 02, 2009, 6:40am EST
  • HB 274 - Local Government Fees and Charges

    Rep. Wallis is gearing up for his first legislative bill, HB 274--Local Government Fees and Charges to State Agencies.  This exciting bill would insure impact fees (fees charged to gov agencies and eventually passed on to the tax payer for new utilities, facilities, etc.) are not overcharged.  It appears Mr. [...]
    Posted: February 01, 2009, 9:00am EST
  • $30 Million Back-fill into Higher Education

    The 2009 budget is now balanced. I have to thank all of the legislators who worked hard to make this happen. It was not without pain I am sure. It is interesting to note a number of state agencies received a back-fill to help ease the pain of the cuts. [...]
    Posted: January 31, 2009, 7:30am EST
  • The Senate Site - Higher Education Rally Video

    The Senate Site (See Here) has a nice little video from the student rally at the capitol. I have been very impressed with the Senate Site and all they are doing to keep us informed.Check out the video and site here: http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/01/higher-ed-rally.htmlFrom the looks of the video and the eerily [...]
    Posted: January 30, 2009, 8:35pm EST
  • Higher Education – Which Institution is more important?

    Yesterday's Higher Education Appropriations Sub-Committee was filled with additional testimonials of why education should be protected. As the meeting went on, it was obvious battle lines were beginning to be drawn to protect one's own constituent institution of higher education. The two ideas drawn out of the committee now head [...]
    Posted: January 29, 2009, 12:33pm EST
  • If you wear “Hip-Hop Clothing” – Watch out for Greiner!

    Senator Greiner is hoping for a victory as his Senate Bill 16 (See Bill here), Prohibited Gang Activity, pushes through the Senate with little opposition. Though not out of the Senate quite yet, it is one step closer. The Standard Examiner snagged a Daily Herald article on Sen. Greiner's bill [...]
    Posted: January 28, 2009, 3:55pm EST
  • Sherriff Slater and the Tale of the Two SWAT Teams

    I had wonderful chat in the office of Sherriff Brad Slater (just Brad, as he likes to be called). We discuss at length the concerns of the two SWAT teams in the Weber County/Ogden area. He passed on some enlightening information about a situation that appears to go way back. [...]
    Posted: January 28, 2009, 7:47am EST
  • Update on Higher Education - Thanks Rep. Wallis.

    I had a great conversation with Rep. Brent Wallis today with regards to my last post on education cuts. He informed me the meeting ended with the approval of the proposed 7.5 percent cuts. Good to know since the recording was cut off.As we discussed the options to help higher [...]
    Posted: January 25, 2009, 5:46pm EST
  • How much? Higher Education looks at a 7.5% budget cut.

    In a particularly interesting Higher Education appropriation sub-committee meeting, held last week, a budget cut was proposed for 7.5 percent. The original motion was made by our own Rep. Brent Wallis. Though I feel Co-chairman Valentine pushed him into the motion and that was not his original comment, the motion [...]
    Posted: January 24, 2009, 5:40pm EST
  • Why Two SWAT Teams in Ogden?

    Yesterday I received an email and a phone call from the Weber County Sheriff's Department regarding my posts on the Ogden Metro SWAT and Weber County SWAT. What ever I have been posting has peeked some interest, see the email below:Mr. Marklund:I had a deputy advise me that you posted' [...]
    Posted: January 24, 2009, 9:20am EST
  • City Council Meeting 1-20-2009 Rates to stay high!

    At our city council meeting last Tuesday we were enlightened with a visit from the Weber Sewer District about the proposed rate hike. The representative chosen to come before the gauntlet of questions and concerns did his best to put us at ease. The District's reasoning for a new plant' [...]
    Posted: January 22, 2009, 1:30pm EST
  • Weber State facing layoffs. 55 faculty members could be cut!

    During the recent Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee meeting last Tuesday, the future of Utah's higher education system took a turn for the worse. Having sat on a board of trustees, I have known a few college presidents and board of regent members; therefore I can imagine the feeling in the [...]
    Posted: January 16, 2009, 6:48am EST
  • Meeting with the City Manager

    A couple of weeks ago the city manager, Scott Darrington, came up to me during a city council meeting. He mentioned he reads my blog from time to time and would like to meet. The day of our meeting came on Monday and we spent a good hour talking about [...]
    Posted: January 14, 2009, 6:19am EST
  • Here come the cuts

    A large amount of blogs and news articles will be dedicated to the proposed budget cuts.  From my post yesterday I will just say the folllowing:  I hope the legislature can find a way to hold education harmless from the cuts.  There are dozen options on the table, from firing [...]
    Posted: January 13, 2009, 7:42am EST
  • Don't Cut Education - Standard Examiner Editorial

    As we head into the new legislative session and prepare for Gov. Huntsman's budget proposal, there will be much talk about what needs to but cut.  I recently commented that I felt the highest priorities to the state are education.  Public and Higher education are the future of this state [...]
    Posted: January 12, 2009, 7:33am EST
  • South Ogden City Manager speaks out on Sewer Rate Increase

    South Ogden City Manager, Scott Darrington, has added a great post to his blog with regards to the rate increase we will all see on our next utility bill. (See Here) Blogger Darrington has done a great job outlining each element of the rate hike and why. There are still [...]
    Posted: January 09, 2009, 3:24pm EST
  • Rep. Brent Wallis & 2009 Legislative Survey

    Yesterday I received my 2009 Legislative Survey from Rep. Brent Wallis. If you couldn't tell from the first paragraph, the Utah GOP paid for the mailing.  I am very excited that Rep. Wallis is doing everything he can to reach out and learn more of what his constituents feel are [...]
    Posted: January 09, 2009, 6:51am EST
  • Another City distances itself from the new Weber County SWAT

    Riverdale City says NO to using the Weber County SWAT Team. South Ogden has done the same! Who is next? As I mentioned in my blog on 12/2/2008 (See Here), South Ogden city was puzzled with the request to use the newly formed Weber County SWAT. They have instead decided [...]
    Posted: January 08, 2009, 12:28pm EST
  • South Ogden Audit Report Presentation

    From a previous city council meeting on 12-16-2008 (See Here) a presentation was given by the city auditors.  On the way out I asked if the presentation would be made available for the public to review.  They told me they would do their best to have the presentation posted to the [...]
    Posted: January 08, 2009, 6:53am EST
  • Councilwoman Sallee Orr sticks to her guns! City Council Meeting – 1/6/2009

    South Ogden City Council meeting wasn't as eventful as some of our past ones. Besides the large amounts of Boy Scouts that attended the meeting and Mayor Garwood jokingly calling Councilwoman Vicki Mattson "the biggest cheater on the council,"(because she always gives the scouts the answers to Garwood's trivia questions), [...]
    Posted: January 06, 2009, 7:40pm EST
  • Gov. Leavitt had nothing to do with it?

    The Standard Examiner had an interesting editorial this morning about President Bush and his expansion of the medical clinics in the United States. (See Here). The editorial was obviously very pro-President Bush, however I was surprised it made no mention to the President's Secretary of Health and Human Services—Former Governor [...]
    Posted: January 05, 2009, 9:14am EST
  • Standard Re-Examiner Recycles South Ogden Letter

    The Standard Examiner has done something interesting today.  They took a letter to the editor they published on their Live online addition (See My Post Here) four days ago. They now have finally published it in the regualar paper (See Here).  Kind of odd to Re-Examine your own letter to [...]
    Posted: January 03, 2009, 7:28am EST
  • Rep. Brent Wallis Committee Assignments

    This maybe 100 percent political geekiness, but I am excited for the upcoming legislative sessions. I am particularly interested to see what our new Representative will bring to the stage. Rep. Brent Wallis brings lots of business and education experience to the legislative stage; therefore I was pleased to see [...]
    Posted: January 02, 2009, 11:19pm EST
  • Employee Evaluations and Congress

    Starting Friday I will begin a new year in my life. Along with that new year will come my annual employee evaluation at work. Each January I sit down with my boss and we evaluate my work from the previous year. There are certain criteria that I have to excel [...]
    Posted: December 31, 2008, 7:38am EST
  • Thanks due to Ogden City Worker

    For those who do not know, we have had a number of problems lately on Adams Ave up to Kiwana Drive, mainly from a road collapse. Yesterday there was a great little letter to the editor about the South Ogden City crew that has been working in that area. See Link [...]
    Posted: December 30, 2008, 7:56am EST
  • Standard Re-Examiner catches up to the D-News: Garwood to chair a committee

    The Standard Examiner finally catches up to what we already know. (See Here) Mayor Garwood will be heading up a National Committee.  The Deseret News ran this same story three days ago (See Here), but now we get to here "the rest of the story."  Thanks to our Re-Examiner reporter Jamie [...]
    Posted: December 26, 2008, 8:05am EST
  • South Ogden Mayor Garwood to Lead a National Panel

    The Deseret News has scooped the Standard Examiner (or maybe not since their online site was not updated early this morning) with a great article about our very own South Ogden mayor. (See Here) Mayor Garwood, who is very politically active in other organizations, was called to be the chairman for [...]
    Posted: December 24, 2008, 8:35am EST
  • South Ogden feeling like North Ogden

    The Standard Examiner had a nice article today (See Here) about how North Ogden is miffed when it comes to the Central Weber Sewer District's rate hike. In fact they are seeing a 120 percent rate hike just from the district. Whereas we will only be getting 100 percent. Either [...]
    Posted: December 22, 2008, 8:50am EST
  • Your Utility Bill Is Going Up

    In our last city council meeting there was a lengthy conversation regarding the Central Weber Sewer District. You see when we flush the toilet it has to go somewhere and someone has to take care of it, this is where the Central Weber Sewer District comes in. The Central Weber [...]
    Posted: December 20, 2008, 8:31am EST
  • "Don't Call it a Rec Center, it's a Gym Facility!" City Council Meeting 12-16-2008

    At the beginning of every city council meeting there is a chance for public comment on any concerns about South Ogden City.  I took this opportunity to mention my concern about the upcoming potential for a property tax increase for a new rec. center in connection with the new South [...]
    Posted: December 16, 2008, 8:07pm EST
  • Once Again - No Agenda -

    Yes, South Ogden City Council will be having a meeting tonight; even though their agenda is not in the paper again.  Maybe this is kind of nit picky, but tonight they are discussing a resolution to begin a bond of $3,000,000 for a rec enter.  Tonight is an important meeting. [...]
    Posted: December 16, 2008, 8:03am EST
  • From Where I Sit Podcast #1 - South Ogden Old Fashion Holiday

    I am pleased to announce the first From Where I Sit - In South Ogden, Utah PODCAST! I have wanted to record a podcast for sometime but have been afraid to make the jump. But at last here it is. I will make future podcasts with interviews of politicians, business [...]
    Posted: December 14, 2008, 10:05pm EST
  • Councilman Bradley Responds to his "On Budget" Statement

    This morning I received a great reply from Councilman Bradley with regards to his statement we are "on budget." (See Here) I thank him for responding and helping us shed some light on my budget questions regarding South Ogden. Open communication with the council is crucial to our success. Here is [...]
    Posted: December 10, 2008, 10:19am EST

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