Jeff White for West Valley City Council

Tuesday's Primary

2011-09-10T16:35:00.000-06:00

Here's a challenge.

Let's increase the 5% of West Valley City adults who historically vote in the Primary Election, let's double the number.

Tuesday the 13th let's get at least 10% of adults to the polls. (That would mean 20% registered voters to the polls.)

I've commit ed many many unregistered voters to use the link on my website to the online voter registration on the County website. Takes five minutes.

There are over a hundred wars on the planet where people are killing each other for the right to vote. In our city, only half the adults are registered and of that half, only 10% vote in the Primary Election.

That's 5% of the adults.

Let's double that on Tuesday.

Modifying Ordinances - What Do I Mean?

2011-09-10T16:05:00.001-06:00

I get asked all the time about what I mean by modifying ordinances. So what do I mean?

Our city ordinances state it's illegal to have an unregistered vehicle unless it's in a garage. Behind a fence or in a carport is unacceptable.

My family lived in Las Vegas and I went to college at UNLV before I moved to the Wasatch Front. At one point, the transmission went out in my car. I didn't have enough money to fix it.

My solution was to ride a bicycle while I saved enough money to repair my car. (This did make dating a challenge, but I like challenges.) It took nine months to save the money and not only did I save the money for my transmission, I also paid off a student loan.

The ordinance part of this, it's illegal in Las Vages for an unregistered vehicle to be on the street. It is, however, perfectly acceptable for an unregistered vehicle to be in a driveway, a carport or even a garage.

This makes sense. In Tennessee a car has to have tires (unless being actively worked on). This eliminates cars on cinder blocks.

Keeping unregistered vehicles in a garage only is an ordinance that's oppressive. Modifying it after Las Vegas's example would make this ordinance reasonable and give us back Liberty, restoring our constitutionally protected property rights.

Vote Jeff White
Vote for Liberty

George Washington and I Have Something in Common

2011-09-10T10:14:00.005-06:00

We have some neighbors who've had several ordinance violations through the years. We've never had a problem with their yard, but ordinances are ordinances as we all know.

Well, they have a dead tree next to their driveway that is next on the ordinance violation list. We have several people in our area that as neighbors wanted to help a few people today who can't, for whatever reason, take care of their yards themselves. So we removed dead trees from two yards today.

Both families have physical limitations that ordinances don't account for. As one ordinance officer told me years ago, "Ordinance doesn't care about reasons, ordinance only cares about compliance."

We need to remove oppressive ordinances and keep the reasonable ones so we can maintain clean, safe and healthy neighborhoods without being oppressive.

The founding fathers of this great nation designed a constitution that would allow maximum freedom for the people and their property rights, while also protecting us from crime. As Benjamin Franklin is quoted, "I have the right to swing my fist, until it connects with someone elses nose."

I just don't see a shovel leaning against a house, a dead tree, a lack of rain gutters, a recliner in a carport, an unregistered vehicle behind a fence or in a carport, desert landscaping (ordinance states mandatory 50% green in the yard), rocks in the park strip, etc., etc., etc. as a crime. I don't.

I intend fighting for a committee to review the ordinances, keep the ones for public safety and health, modify the ones that need modifying and eliminate the oppressive ones.

So what do I have in common with George Washington. I can not tell a lie, today I cut down a cherry tree.

Jeff White

This Birdhouse Must Be in West Valley City

2011-09-07T18:16:00.005-06:00

When I lived in Las Vegas, my transmission went out on my car. I was a poor college student (I know, that's redundant) and couldn't fix the car immediately. I didn't want to use a credit card, so I rode a bicycle for eight months and saved enough money to pay off a college loan and fix my car.

While it wasn't registered, Las Vegas ordinances prohibited my car being parked on the road, but I could park it on our personal property, in the driveway.

Our ordinance for unregistered vehicles should be modified to allow the same here in West Valley City. I understand there are those who want to improve West Valley City through beautification so we can look like the East Side, but they allow unregistered vehicles in the driveway. Go for a drive and see.

I believe in property rights and reasonable ordinances.

Vote Jeff White
Vote for Liberty

Read These Candidate Responses to Oquirrh Times Questions

2011-09-05T17:59:00.002-06:00

Use the following link to read responses for Candidates in the different Council races. There are some definite choices for everyone, we're not cookie cutter candidates you have real choices between us.

I'm glad to see that Jack Matheson responded and can only wonder why Karen Lang, Preston Smith and Dean Whitworth didn't take the time to help the voters be more informed.

If I recall correctly, the two questions we were asked are:
1. What is your greatest strength?
2. What's the most pressing issue for West Valley City and what will you do about it?

Follow this link to read the responses.
http://www.oquirrhtimes.com/?p=3531

Early voting is this week. Regular voting is Tuesday the 13th, a week away.

Jeff White

$1.8 Million for the City without taxes

2011-09-05T16:17:00.006-06:00

Gold's Gym is profitable. I've looked at our City's budget and so have some financial experts and we all see the same thing. The WVC Fitness Center lost 1.8 million dollars last year.

I'm fully supportive of the WVC Fitness Center. As a child I used to go swimming at public pools. I love rec centers. Our children learned to swim this summer at a rec center. Make no mistake, the WVC Fitness Center is a good thing which is why we voted to have it built.

My question, if Gold's Gym is profitable, what's to stop the WVC Fitness Center from becoming profitable?

The answer, only a lack of vision and dedication to make it so.

If the center we're profitable by just one dollar, our property tax increase could be cut in half. My vision for the City is to stop spending on grand projects that raise our taxes (a hotel, UTOPIA, etc.) and make what we have profitable so we can lower our property taxes and improve our services at the same time.

Let's give our city the tools to lower taxes. Look at the best companies in the world, they're all focused on being successful and that means profitable. One last thing, profitable does not mean pay cuts and layoffs.

Three steps to make the Fitness Center profitable.
1. A vision with firm faith that it can be.
2. The Fitness Center management and staff needs to "Catch this Vision."
3. Go to work with an unwavering focus and dedication to this vision.

My vision, making the WVC Fitness Center profitable by at least one dollar.

Jeff White

Read this Letter to the Editor from Deseret News

2011-08-21T21:52:00.003-06:00

John Williams, one of the volunteers in my campaign to bring Liberty back to West Valley wrote a letter to the editor regarding the 18% increase in property taxes and it was published today.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700172133/West-Valley-City-property-taxes.html

We actually met at the said Council Meeting regarding the tax increase. He was first in the meeting to speak against the tax increase and raised some very brilliant points.

In fact, 90% of those that spoke were against the increase. In the comments section regarding this letter, "Watchman" pointed out one of the Councilmembers statement (and I might add, a finger was pointed at us during the statement) "How dare you come in here and tell us what to do."

Now I'm not going to say here whether they were right or wrong to vote for the increase, that's a story for another post. What I'd like to say is I was amazed a Councilmember feels we shouldn't dare to speak with our elected officials.

(Admittedly this was a passionate issue, and maybe this isn't what they meant to say, then again maybe it is how they feel. I just might ask sometime and find out. It was definitely a passionate meeting.)

I'm here to listen. I'm here to generate ideas that will lower taxes. I'm here to eliminate oppressive ordinances, keeping only those that are reasonable.

I'm here to restore our Liberty.
Jeff White

National TV? Maybe tonight (8/21/2011)

2011-08-21T09:21:00.004-06:00

Last spring, The Great Food Truck Race from the Food Network was in Salt Lake City. Our family loaded up the van and drove around downtown Salt Lake to find one of the food trucks and we found one.

It was red and parked a few blocks north of Liberty Park. Cafe Con Leche.

The food was tasty and satisfying and our children enjoyed eating off a food truck for the first time. We figured this was a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity and we seized it.

We were interviewed on camera, but so were a lot of people all day. I don't know if we made it past the cutting room (or if we were still on it's floor), but the Salt Lake show will air tonight at 7:00pm.

I'd like to invite you to watch the show and possibly, meet my family. When we told my six year old son about the show tonight he exclaimed "TV! I always wanted to be on TV!"

You might like to hear that the crew loved Salt Lake; especially the people they met.

I look forward to meeting you at the Meet the Candidates Night, this coming Wednesday.

Jeff White

My Statewide Candidate Profile

2011-08-18T00:18:00.002-06:00

This is the bio I submitted for the Statewide Voter Information Guide. I wanted to relate my experience as a nationally certified fencing instructor, but had to keep it under 200 words, so perhaps I'll do this another time. If you'd like to know more about me or would like to discuss issues, please contact me.

Statewide Voter Information Profile

I'm a champion of Liberty. I was one that spoke out against mandatory concrete driveways; we can now park on gravel.

I live by Urban Meyers's creed if you expect a lot from people, you'll generally get it and think about his results from encouraging Liberty. (As a side for both Red and Blue fans, I grew up in Tennesse and am a Volunteer fan. Go Big Orange!)

As leader of approximately 90 volunteers; I reinforced their expectations and encouraged Liberty in their duties without micromanaging and they improved performance of responsibilities from 36 to 87% annually.

George Washington declared "Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."

What great things would you do if you had Liberty with your own money? I'll fight for lowering taxes so you'll have that Liberty. I work in chemistry R&D and an idea of mine is being implemented that'll save our company $600,000 annually. Ideas like this will reduce taxes while maintaining quality of life.

How would you landscape if you had Liberty on your property? Instead of beautifying the way Ordinance Control wants, what would you do? I'll fight to eliminate oppressive ordinances like mandatory 50% green in your yard.

My experience proves education and Liberty are lightyears better than micromanaging with ordinances. I'll bring my ability to produce ideas and research as a Councilmember to reduce taxes. Let's create real growth.

Vote Jeff White
Vote for Liberty

18% Property Tax Increase - Plan of Action

2011-08-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'll state it now.

The council said it was an emergency and they raised our property taxes. This is only acceptable if, when the emergency's over the taxes are lowered.

I was at the meeting when the City Council deliberated, listened to public comment (if you could call it that) and voted on the proposed property tax increase.

The City Manager presented plenty of diagrams detailing the emergency. The City Council bought it and despite much opposition during the public comment period voted for the increase.

I'm not discussing whether this could've been avoided, I'll discuss that later. I'll simply tell you I believe it was avoidable. Here I'm discussing what to do now that the increase has been approved.

So we have an emergency and have to fix it. When I was an EMT I faced life and death emergencies. In such a situation we acted and got the victim to the hospital immediately where their emergency could be fixed. Now I ask you, after the emergency is ended and the patient has recovered, does the hospital keep them? No! I repeat, no. They release them.

We should do the same with this property tax increase. If this really is an emergency and our elected officials thought so, then let's fix it and follow the hospitals example and lower the taxes after the emergency's over.

Other candidates state we need experience, but seem to think experience on the planning commission is what's needed. How does this experience lower taxes?

We need experience all right and we need someone experienced with delivering products and services to it's customers, while reducing costs and still maintaining profitability enough to give employee raises for the last three years. Does this sound like WVC?

I work in an R&D lab with a company that's eliminated tens of millions of dollars from their annual budget and we're still receiving raises. Our customers are still receiving the same quality of service and products. Our company is profitable.

I'm experienced at generating ideas; I'm experienced at researching my ideas and the ideas of others to reduce costs, provide better products and services and increase the profitability of the company. I'm experienced at working with a team that's successful at this.

My company is now implementing an idea of mine that will save $600,000 annually. I can do this for my company, I can do this for West Valley City. Ideas like this will make the City profitable. The emergency can be resolved and we can then lower taxes.

Please ask yourselves, do you want lower taxes? What ideas does anyone on the City Council, the City Mangers office or my fellow candidates have to do so. Read my blogs, I've recorded many courses of action that would lower taxes and I have more.

We want Liberty. I'll fight for that Liberty.
We want lower taxes, I have the experience and the desire to lower them.

I'm for lower taxes! I'm for liberty!
Jeff White

Way To Go WVC Police

2011-08-14T19:40:00.002-06:00

A friend of ours left church around 4:15pm today and found their car gone. It'd been stolen.

After getting home, they called the West Valley Police Department to report the stolen vehicle, around 4:45. They called us at 6:44 said they had their car back.
In less than two hours from the initial report, they had their stolen car back and it doesn't have any damage they can detect.

Crime may be the number one issue for 18% of the Cities residents, but with a Police Department like the one we have, the crime rate's been reduced four straight years. I understand not every crime is solved this rapidly, but my friends are certainly relieved.

Yesterday, volunteers from my campaign met a gentleman who wanted a Jeff White sign in his yard. When I delivered it, his wife stated two of her issues were the need for better roads and more Police officers.

If you'd heard the relief in our friends voice when she exclaimed they had their car back, you'd agree more officers would be a great thing. I'll fight for not only a pay raise for City employees, but for more officers. A hotel won't reduce crime, more officers and neighborhood watches will.

I'm with you, I want liberty from crime.

Vote Jeff White
Vote for Liberty

Spread the Word - Online Voter Registration

2011-08-04T21:27:00.004-06:00

It's my understanding that less than 50% of the adult population of West Valley are registered to vote and only 13% of those vote in the City Council races. That means approximately 6 to 7% of West Valley's adult population is having any influence on the City's government.

Our ancestors fought for Liberty from England and won. The Constitution that was written gave everyone the privilege to vote (OK, it actually, at the time only gave male landowners the right to vote, that's since been corrected and every adult that hasn't been convicted of certain crimes has the right to vote.)

Please exercise that right. Please encourage your neighbors to exercise that right.

I believe in Liberty and Justice for all. As I visit with people door to door, at the gas station or the grocery store, I ask people if they are registered to vote. If someone says no (and it's no surprise half the people I ask say no) I tell them about the online voter registration for Salt Lake County.

So far, all but two people have said they haven't wanted to go down to the County Building to register. The good news, the County has made registering to vote available online. By the way, except for the two, the others want to be a part and are following this link to register so they can vote.

Follow this link and register or even change party affiliation. Tell your friends and neighbors about it. Help others be a part of this process and from my experience, you'll want to tell someone what you did, it feels that good.

Let Freedom Ring and vote!

http://vote.utah.gov/register-to-vote/online/

Jeff White for West Valley City Council

A new website

2011-08-03T22:46:00.002-06:00

My campaign has a website. It's not complete, I'll have the issues page up in a couple of days, but there's enough that on the home page, bio page and the link to this blog that issues are probably pretty clear.

A vote for me will bring liberty. I'll fight to eliminate unresonable and oppressive ordinance. I'll fight to save money in the budget so we can lower taxes and give the city employees, including our Police Officers the first raise in three years.

We want liberty from crime, let's help those fighting to prevent crime and enforce the law.

Please visit my website and tell your family, friends and neighbors about the site. I'm only one vote. Insanity is defined as doing the same things and expecting a different result.

I stood up in a City Council meeting and reminded the Council they swore to uphold the US and Utah Constitutions and so far I don't see anywhere where these documents give authority to protect property values. They do give direct authority to protect property rights.

If you want to stop the insanity, vote for Jeff White. If you want liberty, vote for Jeff White. I'll fight for the liberty and rights of you, my neighbors in this great city.

votejeffwhite.com

After you visit my site, call me, e-mail me, use the contacts page and ask me to bring you a yard sign. I'll be out in evenings and Saturdays.

Jeff White

Improving West Valley - Battling Gangs

2011-07-31T21:49:00.003-06:00

We just spent a weeks vacation as a family. I'm no longer a Scoutmaster and this is the first week long vacation we've had as a family in five years and it was great. I have no regrets spending the last few years vacations with the Scouts, they've all turned out great and there are no gang members among them. (Not all me, they and their mother's should receive most of the credit.)

We can fight the gang problem in West Valley best with prevention. Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting stated if we want to keep a boy out of trouble, we need to give him something better to do. Scouting is one way, sports are another and there are many more. We can do this.

I took a couple days of our vacation to attend the annual National Conference of the United States Fencing Coaches Association. I learned much about coaching in general and instructing fencing in particular. The best three things of the conference, (not necessarily in order),

1. We received instruction from Muriel Zagunis, two time Olympic gold medalist in women's sabre.
2. I made some great new friends.
3. I tested and became nationally certified as a fencing coach by a fencing master.

May I repeat this, I'm a nationally certified fencing instructor. I'm striving to better my life and I'm pleased with this one.

I'm striving to better West Valley. This is why I'm running for City Council. Police response to crime is an average of seven minutes, if we can prevent crime and prevent gang membership by giving our youth something better to do, seven minutes will be fine.

Let's support our law enforcement by giving them less criminals to chase, let's support our youth by giving them something better than gangs.

Jeff White

District 3 and Gooseberry Pie, Part I

2011-07-23T09:05:00.004-06:00

Do you remember Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Snow White made gooseberry pie for one of them. Well we just had gooseberry pie last night from gooseberries we picked in our back yard. So let me tell you about gooseberries.

They are on a beautiful medium green bush that is roundish. All the berries are on the underside of the limbs. This inviting plant has thorns, inch long thorns, thorns that are needle shaped and as sharp as any sewing needle and there are a lot of them.

If it wasn't for the delectable berries (they are really tasty), we'd have saved our skin and left them for the birds (but I believe the thorns keep the birds away as well.) I have little thornprick marks on my hands.

The pie tastes great!

If we work and overcome the thorns, we get something wonderful, gooseberries. I see problems as an opportunity in disguise, just waiting to be solved. One just has to go to work and find a solution.

When I worked in a distribution facility we had an obsolete system. It was a nightmare for whomever was assigned to fill the orders. I looked at the "problem" and thought of ideas for a solution. After many ideas, I imagined how each would work and thought of every consequence, good and not so good of each idea.

When the best idea had surfaced and I felt confident, I explained and showed the Superintendent the "problem" and explained the opportunity of my idea to him. He decided to implement my idea (actually a merging of three I'd worked through) and we went with it.

Order filling efficiency improved at least 15% and when your moving tens of thousands of items each day, 15% is gold. As a side, a friend who was in constant hot water with management for poor efficiency and had been threatened with termination was still there last we spoke. It wasn't him, it was the system.

Problems are opportunities in disguise. I find hidden opportunities.

I work past the thorns, pick the berries and we have gooseberry pie.

Stay tuned for part II.
Jeff

I've researched

2011-07-21T22:27:00.003-06:00

I asked a City Councilmember last night about the 3500 South widening I wrote about a couple days ago. He didn't know anything about it.

He stated 35th South is a State road and it could be a UDOT project and that UDOT doesn't always inform the City Council about it's projects.

So what part of 35th South needs widening? I asked and still don't know.

Well, tonight's blog is in part to say oops in my being bothered the city has another 35th South project (although the City Planning Commission seems to know about it) and to inform you about what I'm hearing as I hit the streets.

I've been talking to people in the City and I hear this, they're concerned about crime and not what their neighbors yard looks like. There are a lot of concerns about graffiti, but not yards.

Always searching the "bigger picture."
Jeff

Wow! Really? You've Got to Read This.

2011-07-20T06:05:00.000-06:00

According to a member of the City Planning Commission (I just read this on his Blog), the city is going to widen 3500 South.

Again? Really? How many times has this road been widened in the last ten years, or been ripped up to provide a different drainage system? It seems constant.

How many businesses are no longer on 3500 South because of this? Is this thoroughfare always going to be picked on? If we have such great planners, why is this street in constant upheaval? Did the businesses on 35th South request this, again? Let's get this done right and leave these businesses and the surrounding neighborhoods alone. Give them peace.

Here's a "link" from the past regarding 35th South. An idea to help the businesses on this street or any businesses in a similar situation. http://jeffwhiteforcitycouncil.blogspot.com/2009/09/lets-help-35th-south-businesses.html

I'm stunned. Really stunned.

We all make mistakes, I know I do and I know how to correct them when I make them. Let's correct this mistake of constant destruction (oops, I mean construction) and move on, let's correct this constant rebuilding of 35th South and leave it alone. I drive it regularly because it's well designed as it's currently constructed.

Wow! I'll fight for you 35th South. I'll fight for you.
Jeff White

Emancipate Your Property Against Tax Increases

2011-07-19T23:13:00.005-06:00

Here's the promised idea based on lifetime hunting/ fishing licenses Utah used to offer. I'm not sure how to work this logistically, but if we could...

We're facing an 18.15% property tax increase depending on a vote by the City Council on August 9th. How does this effect those among us on fixed incomes, what about those struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck.

I understand a City needs money to operate. I also understand some of our neighbors (and perhaps even you) are struggling as well.

The idea: We could pay the City say $10,000 to $20,000 and emancipate our property against property taxes for the lifetime of the homeowner. Emancipate before retirement and your fixed monthly income will never be effected by a tax increase. (We may be able to apply this to the County, School District, and the Library also.)

If you look at how the property tax pie is split up, it may take a little negotiating with the other entities who have their fingers in the pie, so to speak. Follow this link to see what I mean. http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=1115

This property tax calculator is on the West Valley Cities home page and it's enlightening.

I don't know how to do it, but lifetime memberships are nothing new. The United States Fencing Association offers this, the State offered it with hunting/ fishing licenses, why not our City. Emancipate your property and never see another tax increase as long as you own the home (at least the WVC portion.)

We could then say, "The only constants may be death and taxes; but not in West Valley City."

Perhaps this idea is workable, perhaps not, perhaps it'll lead to an idea that's better. As Alfred Nobel stated, "If I have a 1,000 ideas a year and only one of them works, I'm satisfied."

Jeff White

Gumps

2011-07-14T19:18:00.005-06:00

My grandfather, Gumps, spent the last several years of his life with us. This was great for him (he loved family), it was great for us (Gumps was my hero growing up and our children developed a close relationship with him.)

Our children enjoy visiting our retired neighbors and Gumps's influence is a huge part of that. He passed away a little over a year ago at the age of ninety-three.

All my life I thrilled to hear Gumps beckon, "Come over here, I have something to tell you." It meant a story (o.k., it meant a lot of stories.) He was a story teller and his favorite stories were about courting my Grandmother, his experiences as a forward observer in WWII and his childhood on a farm.

When I campaigned for City Council two years ago, he couldn't stop telling me how proud he was. He loved this country and fought for the liberty of all countries during World War II. He was pleased as punch that I was fighting for the liberty of West Valley.

We have a great city. There was a needed vision to beautify West Valley several years ago and the city leaders went to work. Now, think of a pendulum. We needed beautification and started the pendulum swinging to this end. As is always the case, a pendulum will swing too far and must be brought back to center. With the monumental task of beautifying the city, the pendulum of city ordinances went too far. It's simply nature and physics.

We need someone with vision and the ability to fight for liberty to go to work on the city ordinances. I'm that someone. I believe in liberty. Let's keep the ordinances that make sense (safety comes to mind), modify the ones needing modification (who's to determine how much "clutter" in a carport is too much?) and eliminate the bad ones (mandatory gutters, for example.)

Vote for liberty
vote for Jeff White

The Last Two Years

2011-07-13T23:04:00.004-06:00

I'm running for West Valley City Council, District 3. To begin the campaign, I wanted to tell you what I've been doing since I ran for the At-Large seat.

Two of our three children are fencing with me through Granite Peaks and last month, I competed in the Utah Summer Games. There's at least one current Councilmember that wants next year's Westfest to be the best ever. I say let's include games similar to the Utah Summer Games on a citywide scale. This would be a revenue generator and a lot of fun. I had a Blast.

We planted a huge berry patch (blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and of course strawberries.) I love reading and have read around fifty or sixty books since 2009. Oh and you might be interested in this, we found the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever. Ask and I'll share it with you, it's in public domain.

While I'm no longer a Scoutmaster, I'm still actively involved with the Troop and the University of Scouting.

I've spoken with a multitude of people regarding the direction of the city; I'll share just a couple thoughts now and more later. I love living in West Valley. I believe the City could allow more liberty and freedom for the citizens. Actually, I don't believe the city has the right to "allow" us liberty (it is after all "we the people.")

Why are the Housing ordinances "reserved" on the cities website. We're cited for ordinances we can't have knowledge of until after we're cited. Wow.

I'm an ideas man. Do you recall the lifetime hunting and fishing licenses Utah offered a decade or so ago. These licenses gave me a brilliant idea regarding property taxes. Does the last statement give you ideas? I'll share my idea in a few days.

Welcome back my friends, I'm really looking forward to this campaign.
Jeff

The Day After

2009-09-16T17:46:00.005-06:00

Well, last night’s election results were not the message I expected to send to City Council. All of you that supported this campaign, thank you.

I have a question that I don't know the answer to. Perhaps it's the researcher in me, but I can't help wonder why my campaign received only 6.7% of the votes. I've come up with five reasonable explanations.

This campaign was founded on what WVC residents stated as their biggest concerns. 80 to 90% of everyone I spoke with, informed me that too many ordinances and property taxes that increased while values decreased, were the two highest priorities.

1. Perhaps the 2,000 or so people I spoke with were not a true representation of the City's concerns.
2. Perhaps most of those I spoke with were just not interested enough to vote.
3. Perhaps those with the above concerns were not all registered voters.
4. Perhaps I just didn’t get the message of my campaign out well enough to the voters.
5.Perhaps name recognition means more than concerns.

Well, only you can answer these questions so I know how to proceed. Should I run again or not? Time will tell.

Thanks for your support; it meant a lot.

Well it looks like; the Time is Not Yet Right for Jeff White

Let's Send a Message

2009-09-14T21:51:00.003-06:00

For over two years I've been hearing there are too many ordinances. I decided instead of listening to this, I would step up and do something. Typical voting in the Primaries is 7%, that's about 350 votes per candidate.

Let's send a clear message to the City. Call your family, friends and neighbors. Carpool to the polls. A thousand votes or more will send the message loud and strong that we the people want our freedom back.

Our properties are worth less and taxes are the same or higher. We're in a recession and have to spend our money the way Ordinance Control tells us. It's our properties and our money. Send the message that it's also our freedom.

A vote for me will send that message. The City Council all know what I'm running for; send the message and send it strong.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Follow the Money

2009-09-14T10:35:00.000-06:00

The City website has all financial disclosures for each candidate. Look at how much each candidate is spending and who's money it is.

I've not asked for any donations. I've also not turned down friends who've told me they want to support what I'm fighting for. Lower taxes, reduced ordinances and more.

I've provided a link. I wonder, why would some organizations give money to several competing candidates in the same race? It seems they don't want a particular candidate, they just want... well, it's curious.

Here's the City's link.

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=865

If you support lower taxes and reduced ordinaces then let's get out the vote, for

The Time is Right for Jeff White

A Beautification Contest Between Districts

2009-09-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

While campaigning door to door, I met a family who’ve done wonders to their yard. They would qualify for my idea posted September 9th.

The landscape they put in has the look of a miniature mountainside, surrounded by lawn. The mountain has a miniature evergreen and a child safe waterfall.

While he was showing me the waterfall it hit me, let's have a beautification contest.

The city could publish before and after pictures of the top five landscape improvements for each of the four West Valley Districts. We could have the City's residents vote for their favorite in each primary election.

The Top winner could earn $10,000 dollars. The next three top landscape winners could get $5,000. For the District that garners the most votes, the Districts five homeowners would be awarded $1,000 each. Healthy competition between Districts could be fun.

We could even award the contractors of the five best landscapes, with a free business license for a year. (They would probably have to be WVC contractors, unless we could negotiate something, between Cities through the Council of Governments.)

This would motivate people to beautify their landscapes, motivate contractors to do their best work every time and may improve the 7% voter turnout in the primaries.

We could fund this through donations, from individuals and businesses that want improved beautification in West Valley. Realty and landscaping companies would benefit and would be a good source for donations to fund the prizes. They would get a tax write-off. This sounds even better now that I've written it down.

“If I have a thousand ideas and only one turns out to be good, I am satisfied.”
- Alfred Nobel.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Jeff White Signs Anyone?

2009-09-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm placing the last of my yard signs tomorrow morning. I have a few left and will personally bring them to your home or business. First come, first served. When there gone, well you know.

After the election I'll even come take them down so you won't have to. Now I'm expecting that election to be the 3rd of November.

With your support and the support of your family, friends and neighbors, I'll be elected and can begin implementing plans to:

1. Reduce Ordinances
2. Lower Property Taxes
3. Tighten the City's Belt

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Reducing Ordinances Will Reduce Crime

2009-09-10T22:50:00.005-06:00

I was talking with a City official and he stated one of the problems the courts face is not enough time for criminal trials. The time spent in the courts enforcing ordinances is time the courts can't spend on criminal trials. Then, because the courts time is filled, criminals spend longer in jail and we have more overcrowding of our jails.

Our law enforcement can't keep putting criminals in jail and see them let out because of overcrowded jails, because the courts are spending time on ordinance violations. Where should our courts spend their time; with criminals or with someone who's paint is pealing?

90% of the residents tell me we have too many ordinances. We can reduce ordinances, this will free up the courts time so they can hold trials for criminals and we'll reduce crime. West Jordan doesn't have ordinances like WVC, and who has less crime?

Reducing Ordinances Will Reduce Crime

I'll fight to reduce ordinances. I'm here now and if you want things to continue the same, you have seven candidates to choose from. If you want things to improve, I'm here. Spread the word and vote for me.

I became Scoutmaster for a Troop that hadn't had a rank advancement in two years and as of two weeks ago; we've had by my count, 46 rank advancements in two and a half years. I know how to get things done.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Let's Help 35th South Businesses

2009-09-10T22:31:00.004-06:00

Road Construction.

It's a nuisance to those driving, but it can be a death sentence to a business. In an area like 35th South where the construction is longer than a week or a couple of months, businesses could fail.

Politicians and City leaders are always stating we should be more business friendly. This is not just West Valley; all Cities recognize the need for sales tax revenue generated within City limits. This is why they want to be business friendly. The improved road will help future business, but durring the construction it's killing them.

Here's my business friendly proposal.

When a construction project lasts longer than a week or two, the City should help the businesses affected weather the storm. Give them a free business license for a year. If the project lasts longer than a couple of months, give them a waiver on the West Valley portion of their property taxes.

Let's do more than say we're business friendly; let's be business friendly. Large companies can absorb this, but a small business owner cannot.

I'm here for you. The Time is Right for Jeff White.

Campaign Signs Along Bangerter Highway

2009-09-10T17:00:00.001-06:00

The following is a direct quote, in italics, from the UDOT website.

The American political process is firmly interwoven into the fabric of American life. We, at the Department of Transportation, hope your political experience is a rewarding and successful one.

To that end we offer the follow information to assist you in complying with current laws and to help your campaign proceed as smoothly as possible.

The Utah Department of Transportation regularly observes campaign signs placed within UDOT right-of-way throughout the state. Many of these illegally placed signs are attached to utility poles, the right-of-way fence, and UDOT's sign posts.

The following Utah Code articles are listed below but are not necessarily direct quotes.

U.C.A. 72-7-102

A person may not dig or excavate or place a billboard, advertising sign, of any kind shall be placed, constructed, or maintained within the right-of-way, except as permitted by and in accordance with, the regulations of the highway authorities having jurisdiction over such right-of-way.

Candidates state qualifications all the time, so I'll state two of mine; I researched all sign ordinances and laws before placing a single sign. I know how to research and I obey the law. Have you noticed any other candidates obeying this law? I have.

You won't find my signs on Bangerter Highway.

Should Rain Gutters Be Mandatory?

2009-09-10T07:00:00.003-06:00

I'll fight for a committee to take a hard look at the ordinances and keep the good ones, modify the ones needing modifying and eliminate the bad ones. Here's one to eliminate.

24-7-105.
MAINTENANCE OF STRUCTURES.
It shall be unlawful for any person owning or occupying real property within West Valley
City, to fail to:
(1) ....
(2) Maintain each exterior window of a building with an intact and unbroken window
pane with an appropriate screen that shall remain in place at all times.
(3) ...
(4) Provide and maintain weatherproofing on all exterior surfaces that protect the
building such as paint, masonry, siding, stucco, roof coverings, rain gutters, garage doors,
and carports as required by the International Property Maintenance Code, the Uniform
Housing Code, and the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.

My wife and I put in rain gutters, not because of ordinance, but because we wanted them. It cost us $1,000. What could you do with $1,000 of your own money? Is it the place of government to tell us how to spend our money? We have ordinances that state it's unlawful for something to be "unsightly." Who's to judge unsightly?

I'll fight to eliminate ordinances such as this!

A New Idea for Rewarding Beautification

2009-09-09T07:00:00.003-06:00

Check this out, I'm a Scoutmaster and if I tell the Scouts "you agreed to do so many merit badges at camp so go do them," they earn a few merit badges (3 days, 16 merit badges for 10 Scouts). Now at our last camp I held up a polished, carved staff and declared "whoever earns the most merit badges gets this staff." (4 days, 72 merit badges for 15 Scouts and three of them earned eight each.)

Rewards are better than "you'll do it" any day.

Elect me and I'll do the same for West Valley. We have all these ordinances for beautification; if we want beautification, let's do it right.

I propose for every $1,000 to $5,000 spent improving a home or landscape, you get the West Valley portion of your property tax waived for a year. The dollar amount would be negotiable. We wouldn't be able to waive the Salt Lake County or school district portions, but the WVC portion is $500 give or take.

Think of it, put on a new roof and you have 1 or 2 years without property taxes. A finished basement, remodeled kitchen or a new garage and we're talking $15,000 and a 5 years waiver on your property taxes. This would help you pay the loan on the improvements. The City would be being beautified, our taxes would be lowered and our property values would increase.

The City would be rewarding us for beautification instead of threatening us for not beautifying. My children and Scouts respond better to rewards; come to think of it, so do I. So do we all.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Radio Interview Friday, 11 Sept.

2009-09-08T14:47:00.007-06:00

Last Wednesday at the Meet the Candidates Night, a radio talk show host visited with me and asked me to join his show this coming Friday. What a day to be interviewed for City Council.

It will be Friday night, 11 September, at 9:30 pm.

The talk show is broadcast online at the following link.

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=38294&cmd=tc

The show is Reality Slate.

Christian Riehle (pronounced real) is the host and has requested questions from anyone for use in this interview. You may e-mail him at

ubermensch576@hotmail.com

You've read what I have to say in my blog, now you can listen to me live and ask your questions.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

You Said it First

2009-09-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was campaigning door to door and explained why I was running to a couple; I explained that 90% of the people I visit with claim there are too many ordinances. They liked that I was listening to you and they liked my ideas to lower taxes.

They decided I needed a campaign slogan and we began brainstorming. The best one is now on my signs.

What's exciting to me is how many people like that I'm actually listening. You state you like that I'm committed to reduce ordinances and have real ideas on how to lower taxes.

The cool part, I had designed my signs and submitted them to a sign shop earlier that day. They gave me a slogan timely enough for me to redesign my signs and have them printed with your slogan.

You said it first…

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Manufactured Home Park Co-Ops

2009-09-04T22:27:00.002-06:00

Did you know that until recently a manufactured home park owner could sell the park and give the residents only 30 days notice to vacate? Given that it's $10,000 to $15,000 to move a manufactured home and some are immovable, that's the same as stealing homes.

Recently the laws were changed and the residents have to be given a nine-month notice. This is good, but it's still not much time to obtain funds and find a place to move your home.

In New Hampshire, the residents are allowed first opportunity to purchase a park if the owner decides to sell. They form a co-op and the residents become the owners instead of a developer.

A park up North did this and paid off the co-op's loan in ten years. The lot rental is now $50.00 each month for maintenance and improvements. This would be something to fight for.

Manufactured Home Parks are a haven for fixed and low-income families and individuals. Whether someone earns six figures or $20,000, we all deserve the American Dream of home ownership. Through the Salt Lake Council of Governments, I would champion this cause to the State for appropriate legislation.

The Time is Right for Jeff White

Tightening the Budget

2009-09-01T22:16:00.003-06:00

I just read in the West Valley Journal that the City saved several millions of dollars by cutting costs in different departments. This is great. Now for the hard part. Did I say hard part? I meant the fun part.

We all know that the initial cutting of expenses is the easiest, so we need incentive to find ways to save money after the initial round.

I propose we offer an incentive such as this. For each department of the City, whatever you can cut from your departments budget and save, without lessening services or having layoffs, we'll divide 25% of the saved money equally amongst all employees in said department as a year end bonus.

We can use the other 75% to do any number of wise things. Such as paying down the City's bond debts, building up a rainy day fund, applying towards next years budget and lowering the West Valley City portion of property taxes, hiring more law enforcement and fire fighters, etc.

The only thing we wouldn't do with the money is spend it on new programs.

Candidate Voter Guide

2009-08-29T08:53:00.008-06:00

The State has a "Statewide Voter Information" website. Each candidate was to submit a bio for publication.

They informed us it would be published exactly as submitted and they did. I’m sure glad I thought outside the box.

After you get to this page, enter your information. This is only available for registered voters, so if your not registered, please do so.

On the next page click the button labeled "sample ballot." Any candidate's name in blue has information. A name in black means a failure to submit by the instructed deadline. (We had from July 15th to August 20th to submit.)

https://gva1.utah.gov/elections/polling.aspx

So, based on the information, who do you like?

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

A Confirmed Vote!

2009-08-27T22:33:00.004-06:00

You heard it correctly, I have one confirmed vote. (If anyone else has voted for me, please call me, e-mail me or post it on the site, let's get this ball rolling.)

While I was out tonight campaigning door to door, I approached a gentleman and declared "I'm Jeff White and I'm running for City Council."

He responded, "I Know. I already voted for you. I sent my ballot in today."

He said we need new blood on the council and he liked what I'm committed to do for the people of West Valley.

So let's get the word out that we want Less Ordinances and Reduced Property Taxes.

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

The Time is Right

2009-08-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

The City has a goal of beautification and you feel this is a good goal. As human nature goes, we have taken a good thing and gone too far. We have too many ordinances. This is one of the things I'm hearing.

I also hear that you have to tighten your belts and feel the City should do the same. We don't want to lose services, but we want less taxes. This can be done, it will take some tightening of the budgets and it must be done without layoffs. There has been too much of that this last year.

We need to:
1. Tighten the City's Belt
2. Reduce Ordinances
3. Lower Property Taxes

Who else in this race for Councilmember At-Large is listening to you? Of course every candidate says they will work to lower taxes. The one I hear all the time from you, but not from my fellow candidates. Reducing Ordinances. As far as I can tell, I'm the only one.

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

Mountain View Corridor

2009-08-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

While talking with people Saturday, I met a Lady who's home may be right in the path of the proposed Mountain View Corridor. They don't know if it is or isn't, but that's another story for another time.

The story here is, what if the Corridor is through their property and their home is claimed for the "good of the project." Of course they'll be compensated a fair market value for their home, but will that help them?

Their fear is they’re self-employed and what if they can't secure a new home loan with the tightening of home loans. If this happens they'll lose a home they've renovated and have no home to move into.

While we were discussing this I thought, why couldn't the City / County / State broker a deal with a few home lenders (preferably local) that would secure a loan for anyone who's home is "purchased" for a public project.

No one would like their home taken from them, so when this is necessary (if it really ever is) the respective governing body should be responsible to help a person in this situation into their next home.

I listen and I care.

I believe in one for all and all for one. So if one family / person loses their home for all, then let's all help the one in return.

My Promised Monday Morning Idea

2009-08-24T07:00:00.007-06:00

Well...

I had a great idea, to use Sales Taxes to eliminate the WVC portion of our Property Taxes. I'm a researcher, so I took the opportunity when a current Council Member called to ask me how my campaign was going, and I responded that I'm studying the budget and trying to understand it better.

After our conversation, I realized my promised Monday morning idea was great, until I had a bigger picture. So here's the bigger picture.

Our budget is balanced in that a third is from Property Taxes, a third from Sales Taxes and a third from other sources such as USANA Amphitheater, the E-Center, animal services, etc.

He stated that, "The beauty of this balance is if RC Willey has a bad month, our budget isn't in jeopardy."

I'm always thinking. I'm always generating ideas (sometimes it drives my wife nuts). I'm skilled at research and willing to look hard at ideas to find the best. I'll bring these qualities to the City Council.

Please contact me. Leave your thoughts, ideas and comments. I'll get back with you, every time.

How Sales Taxes Help WVC

2009-08-22T15:11:00.002-06:00

Have you wondered how sales tax helps the City? We always hear "let's make our City more business friendly." We hear this because of sales tax revenue.

After sales taxes are collected, they are distributed. The State gets a portion and the county and city the business does business in also get a portion.

West Valley City gets 1% of all sales tax revenue for all sales within the boundaries of West Valley City. The more businesses that set up shop in our City and sell products or services, the more revenue for WVC.

In Las Vegas there is not a State Income Tax because the casinos are taxed on their revenue enough they don't need one. It would take a lot of businesses to eliminate property taxes, but if we had more and they did better, we could certainly lower our property taxes.

I'll have another idea about sales taxes that would lower property taxes Monday morning, stay tuned.

Snowball Fight? Better Not.

2009-08-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

Want to have a snowball fight this winter? Then you better vote for me on September 15 and again on November 3.

You see, snowball fights are illegal in West Valley City. I can understand the stones and perhaps even the sticks, but snowballs?

21-4-103. THROWING ROCKS, BOTTLES OR OTHER MISSILES.
It shall be unlawful for any person within the limits of the City to willfully or carelessly throw any stone, stick, snowball or other missile whereby any person shall be hit…

A violation of this Section is a class B misdemeanor. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

I want your vote so I can eliminate unreasonable ordinances.

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1196
http://www.sentencing.state.ut.us/FAQ.html

Meet the Candidates Night

2009-08-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

I'm being asked more and more when Meet the Candidates Night is and where it's at. Here's the information from the City's website.

West Valley City will hold a Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1355 West 3100 South). Submit your questions for the Primary Election candidates by clicking the button below.

The doors will open at 6:00 so you can mingle with the candidates.

Come find me.

Let's shake hands and discuss what you think West Valley City can do for you.

The City has a Master Plan

2009-08-18T07:00:00.002-06:00

Have you ever wondered what vision our City officials have for West Valley? Follow the following link.

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=450

Interesting reading. What do you like in here, what would you want to see changed?

Together, we'll work wonders.

A Candidate in Dist. 2 Who's Listening

2009-08-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was talking with Rod Marshall and asked him what his platform is. I was thrilled to hear what he had to say. I'm not the only one listening to you.

He responded that nearly 50% of everyone he's talked with believes there are too many City Ordinances. I'm receiving this response from 75% to 90% depending on the area I'm in.

Since we're hearing the same thing and I can't find any evidence, that my fellow At-Large candidates or the other three District 2 candidates are addressing your concerns, about too many ordinances, I'm asking all of you in District 2 to look seriously at Rod.

One of his ideas, if we make a new ordinance we have to eliminate two others. Brilliant. Ask him about his surveying and ideas at rod.marshall@live.com.

I’m committed to listening to you and that means I’m committed to reducing the amount of ordinances.

With your support and two of us listening and working for you, we can work wonders.

An Article About My Candidacy

2009-08-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

An article about my candidacy will be published in Wednesday’s edition of the West Valley News and Magna Times. (12 August 2009.)

You can get a copy at the foyers of West Valley City Hall, Hunter library and other locations.

I haven't seen it yet so I don't know what to expect (except Colin B. Douglas is a professional, so I'm expecting a fair treatment).

Please review the article and if you like what you see, pass it along and please vote for me on September 15th. With eight of us running in the primaries, I'll need every vote so I can be your representative on the City Council to:

1. Tighten the City's Budgetary Belt
2. Reduce City Ordinances
3. Lower Property Taxes

Together, we can work wonders.

A Steeler Fan Had a Question

2009-08-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I'm going to help a Steeler fan after what happened to my Cardinals last Super Bowl, but here goes.

I spoke with a gentleman on Saturday who has an old TV to dispose of. It seems to me I heard of a place to take old TV sets without any charge or fees; in Salt Lake City or County? Does anyone know who would take an old TV?

If so, I know where his house is and can go by and tell him.

This post is to help out a fellow West Valley citizen, but it's also part bio. While I generally watch a sports game only once a month or so, I followed every playoff game of the Arizona Cardinals. I've been a fan for over 30 years (yes, I've had my first black balloon birthday party and it was great!)

I told my Scouts if they believed in themselves and worked together the way the Cardinals did during the playoffs, they could accomplish anything. They teased me when my team lost, but they're soaring like never before. While the Cardinals lost, their example inspired at least a few Scouts and that means more to me than any Super Bowl victory.

If you know where someone can dispose of a TV, please post it in a comment. Thanks.

Together we can work wonders.

So What Does "At-Large" Really Mean?

2009-08-10T07:00:00.004-06:00

Often I'm asked what the "At-Large" means in "Councilmember At-Large." Often enough that an explanation's in order.

In West Valley, there are seven Council Members. The Mayor and six Councilmembers.

West Valley is divided into four districts and a Councilmember represents each of these districts. (For a map of the districts, visit http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?nid=108.)

The Mayor and two Councilmembers are "At-Large." This means they represent all of West Valley and not a particular district.

I'm running "At-Large" because I've listened to you and it really doesn't matter what district you live in, everyone has the same issues. These issues need to be resolved now and you need someone who'll represent everyone. I'll do that.

With your support and my commitment to represent you, we'll work wonders.

I Heard a Lot About Ordinances Today

2009-08-08T21:49:00.004-06:00

While going door to door today, I asked what the City could be doing. One lady was concerned about crime, wanting more Police Force. One couple wanted a Children at Play sign on their street. Two people said they have no complaints. Two told me they don't vote. It's interesting that today, no one mentioned taxes.

The number one response today, too many ordinances.

Most people were not home, but over half of those I visited want less ordinances. No one says zero ordinances, you just want less.

One retired gentleman had purchased a motor home to travel and enjoy retirement in, He sold it because of ordinances. He'd parked it in his backyard, behind a six foot fence, but had to sell it because it was not parked on gravel, concrete or asphalt.

I'm running for City Council to represent the people of West Valley. All day I heard there are too many ordinances. If elected, I intend to represent you and reduce the amount of ordinances.

With your support, we'll work wonders.

What Should the City Be Doing?

2009-08-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

In asking you what you feel the City chould be doing, I've received the following responses:

1. Taxes are too high (over 100 responses)
2. Too many City ordinances (over 100)
3. Concerns over how tax dollars are spent (over 20)
4. Graffiti (2)
5. Gang activity (2)
6. Education (1)
7. Unconstitutional acceptance of federal funds (1)
8. Cycling Safety (1)
9. Not enough parks (1)
10. Too many fast food restaurants clustered together (1)

Based on these responses I've formed the following platform.

I will...

Tighten the City's Belt
Reduce the Amount of Ordinances
Reduce Property Taxes
Be Careful with Your Money

Keep your money, please.

2009-08-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

I've thought a lot about this campaign and how to finance it and I've come to some conclusions.

1. At some point I may need to collect donations, but I'm still a long way away from that.

2. We're in a recession; people should be keeping their money for their families or themselves.

3. I don't want to be beholden to private interests and if I accept donations, it will be with the stipulation that no votes come attached.

4. What would I do with the money raised anyway? I would accept the donation from you, have a yard sign made and bring it back to you to put in your yard.

Instead, if you support my representing the people of West Valley then keep your money, make a sign out of cardboard and place it in your yard.

We can work together on this campaign at no expense to you.

While campaigning and in office, I'll be responsible with your money.

Less Ordinances!

2009-08-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

We've discussed property taxes and restaurant zoning, now it's time for ordinances.

There are way too many, we all feel this way. 90% of you tell me there are too many ordinances, and yet the other candidates don't appear to be adressing this.

I'm running for this office so I can represent the people and you're telling me you want less ordinances. If elected, I will work and work to get us less ordinances.

I've looked for a candidate to vote for that will represent the voice of the people and I don't feel I've found that candidate. So I’m running for office so there will be a candidate representing the people.

If you want to see the amount of ordinances lessened, vote Jeff White for Councilmember At-Large and share this site with your friends and neighbors.

Thank you.

With your support and my desire to represent you, we can work wonders.

Property Tax 101

2009-08-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

We received our property tax assessment, have you? Did yours increase even though your property value decreased? Do you understand how this happens?

O.K., here's a course in Property Tax 101.

Let’s say a property is worth $200,000, and property tax is assessed at 1%, so property taxes on this property are $2,000.

Property values drop and it's now worth$180,000; so we would think our new taxes should now be $1,800, yes? Then how come it's assessed at $1,980, a drop of only $20? And we’re also seeing an increase in the school district, etc., so the new taxes are now assessed at $2,120 for an increase. An increase with lower property values.

It's because the government is used to getting its $2000 and in order to continue getting it they play a numbers game. If taxes were assessed at 1% and property values drop, they just adjust the rate, or the 1% to 1.1% for a new property tax of $1,980 and get the same amount as before. It's all in the rates, a numbers game.

You remember the older kid who was always changing the rules in Monopoly so they could win? Same thing here. Let’s end this game so we can lower our taxes. If we must tighten our belt; then why not the City as well?

With your support and my desire to tighten the City's belt, we'll work wonders.

Restaurant Diversity

2009-07-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

I spoke with a lady two days ago who lives in Taylorsville and works in West Valley. While she lives somewhere else, she did have some thoughts about the 40 hours a week she spends in our fine city.

She talked about zoning. When she goes out to eat lunch or dinner, she has only fast food to choose from. There aren't any sit down or fine dining restaurants in the area where she works and this limits her options.

Now here's someone who lives in Taylorsville, but spends her money five days a week in our city. When she spends her money here, a portion of the sales taxes stay in the city as revenue.

If we plan our zoning wisely and market that zoning to a variety of restaurants, we can entice them to set up business here. This will provide more sales tax revenue, from more than just West Valley citizens. More sales tax revenue will allow us to lower property taxes. Together we can work wonders.

I'll be careful with your money.

Lowering WVC Property Taxes, Part 3 of 3

2009-07-29T07:00:00.004-06:00

I know a family in the process of building their own garage. They're doing this because, like most of us, they do not have a lot of money. (According to our 2000 census, the average family in West Valley earns $50,435.)

The garage is not yet complete and the County Assessor has already been to their home to reassess the value. This inspired for the following brainstorm for lowering property taxes.

Here's the idea: when major improvements are made on a home, the City issues a tax break. Perhaps for each $5,000 of verified improvements, that add value to the home, you get one year without a tax increase, with a maximum break of three years. If the home is sold in that time period, the tax rate returns to the value of the property.

This allows you a few years tax break to help pay for the improvement. How about an incentive to improve our homes instead of fines for non-compliance with an ordinance? I like incentives over fines any day. So what do you think? Maybe we even step it up a notch and say for every $5,000 spent, you get a 5% reduction in your property taxes for a year. Why not?

There are plenty of ways we could beautify our city and reduce taxes at the same time; so with your support and my willingness to brainstorm ideas like this, we'll work wonders.

I'll be careful with your money.

Nothing is Easy

2009-07-28T07:00:00.007-06:00

"Nothing is easy, but who wants nothing?"
- Donald Trump

I like his play on the phrase "nothing is easy." When I speak to people living in our city, I hear what you want and I'll tell you, you don't want "nothing" and you don't want easy.

Ranked according to the number of responses I've heard, you want:

1. Lower taxes
2. Less ordinances
3. Safer streets for children and cyclists
4. A better school system

You don't want easy. You don't want nothing. You want something; something that will make our city and all of us who live here better off. Let's do this together.

With your support and my willingness to work hard, we'll work wonders and we'll get "something." We'll get what you want.

Lowering WVC Property Taxes, Part 2 of 3

2009-07-27T08:00:00.007-06:00

Lowering taxes - What! Did he just use a political catch phrase? Well yes, I did. The difference... I've researched and there are many plans that work, here's just one.

Four cities around the country partnered with Kentucky Fried Chicken to lower taxes. KFC filled potholes around the city and then placed a chalk advertisement over the repaired pothole. The cities were able to save on road repair while providing advertising for a local business.

Why can't we do this? We could use any local business, or several for that matter. Why not? We would even have several options for the money saved. Here are two.

1. We could lower property taxes by the amount saved.
2. We could realocate the money saved to another service like... snow removal.

While option two would improve services at no extra cost to you and I, it really doesn't lower taxes. That said, it does look like a valid option.

I work in a research laboratory; I do research. I'll research each issue that comes before the City Council before I commit to a vote. I've included the link for the inspiration summarized above.

With your support and my committment to research, we can succed at lowering taxes.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1692753/chattanooga_teams_up_with_kfc_to_repair.html

Lowering WVC Property Taxes, Part 1 of 3

2009-07-25T09:19:00.001-06:00

My top priority is listening to people in West Valley and your telling me that one of the top priorities you want me to address is lowering taxes. I've listened, I've researched and I've brainstormed. This is the first of three ideas that could resolve this issue.

If we're tightening our belts, we should also tighten our city's belt. I'm committed to taking a closer look at the budget and eliminating waste. Following is an example from my life.

Two years ago I recognized fuel prices would break $3.00 per gallon and my '69 Ford Falcon got 17 mpg. My daily commute is 66 miles. Simple calculations revealed a monthly payment of $100, gas prices of $3.00 and a car getting 30 mpg would cost the same as my Falcon. I found a Honda Civic at 38 mpg and when gas prices reached $4.50 per gallon, I was saving, saving and saving and at current fuel prices I'm still saving.

My research skills allow me to predict what may happen, form a hypothesis and test it. I'm committed to carefully researching the city's budget as I do my own; I'm convinced we can have the same services, zero layoffs and do this for less.

With your support and my willingness to research and work, we can lower our taxes.

Together we can work wonders.

Why I'm Running

2009-07-24T16:09:00.000-06:00

Living in West Valley City, my family feels at home. There are many great things in this community, like the dozen or so community parks, the wonderfully diverse culture and the variety of businesses within just a short drive. In visiting with others in the city, there's much community pride.

Having said this, there are real issues that people have and I know together, we can resolve them. I work in a research and development laboratory and believe in research; research that involves listening to people and not just reading committee reports and facts.

In listening to people, the two issues that are on the minds of most people reflect the current economy. We're facing unemployment, layoffs and cutbacks in hours and wages; this affects us all. We're concerned about how to keep our money and still make our homes and community more pleasant to live in.

The first issue is lowering taxes and the second is the amount of ordinances. With your support and my willingness to creatively solve problems, we can work wonders.

I'll be careful with your money.