After filing for City Council, I have been asked from countless people about my sanity. Although the mayor position was time-consuming and somewhat stressful at times, I discovered I loved the challenges and satisfaction of working with others to help make Tooele a better place to live.
Tooele's City Council and Mayor have separate and distinct roles. Not all city governments are like this. In most Utah cities, the City Council functions in both the legislative and executive roles. The Council hires a city manager to handle the day-to-day operations of the city.
Not in Tooele. The Council passes ordinances and sets the budget. The Mayor functions as the chief executive officer and with the administrative staff and employees run the City. As Mayor, usually when I had conflicts with City Council members it was about who was responsible for what. I once said to a Council member, "You have all the dollars (i.e. the budget) and make the laws, what more do you want?"
The City Council accomplishes its role primarily through diligent planning in the city budget process. The City Council prioritizes the needs of our citizens through the various budgets.
The other primary role of the Council is to pass, repeal and modify city ordinances. By their dynamic nature, city ordinances constantly need changing to meet the needs of our community.
The Council also has a critical responsibility in planning for the future of Tooele. The City Council approves zone changes, building ordinances, and master plans that shape the look and feel of our community. The various elements of the City's master plans need to be reviewed and changed constantly. It's a responsibility that on the surface may look "ho-hum," but one I relish because of its long-term importance and impact.
Because of the nation's economy, the amount of residential and commercial building has been slower than what I experienced during the eight years I served as mayor. I feel strongly that now is the ideal time for us to plan and prepare for the following projects that need to be addressed:
o Trail system - A non-motorized walking, biking, trail system in our city would be a great benefit to our citizens. It's a project that can be built "piece-meal" once it is properly planned. Trails have limited maintenance costs once constructed. It would be a great benefit to children, families, joggers, cyclists, visitors and all our citizens.
o Cemetery - Both the fencing surrounding our cemetery and the interior roads are in dire need of repair. Although the dollars to tackle this major project may not be available presently, the Council can plan and prioritize this project for the future.
o Rodeo Grounds - With the construction by the County of the Deseret Peak Complex over the past decade the use of the Bit and Spur Rodeo Grounds, located in northwest Tooele, has dramatically changed. The area has not received the attention it needs from the city and a massive general cleanup would be helpful. Now is the time to reach out to the community and receive input on what would be the best use of for this large tract of land.
o Newtown - The revitalization of the Newtown (located between Vine Street and Utah Avenue and 4th Street and 3rd Street) will be driven primarily by market forces. However, the City Council can help make this area more attractive through zoning tools and implementing a community development plan.
o Downtown - The current administration and City Council have done an admirable job in attracting viable businesses to our historic downtown area in recent years. Sostanza's, Home Bodies, Gold's Gym, Walgreens, Big 5 and Sears are located here because of the cooperative efforts of the City. The City must continue to focus its efforts in this area.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Council, I pledge my availability. I can be reached at,charlietooele@gmail.com, you can read my blog at charlietooele.blogspot.com and you are welcome to follow me on Twitter. I return all messages within 24 hours. I am also always available to meet anyone at their convenience face-to-face . . . my favorite form of communication.
Peace, love and all that Jazz,
Charlie