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Results of the first District 3 Candidate Debate

During tonight’s meet the candidates meeting there was an enjoyable and cordial debate. I believe that it was videotaped, and will hopefully be posted by those that hosted the event.

The event took place at council chambers in Downtown Provo with candidates Hal Miller, Glen Thurston, Richard Wood, and James Kallbacka participating. City wide candidate Yancee Hardy as well as North Provo candidate Gary Winterton and West Provo candidate Howard Stone were also in attendance.

Each candidate had the opportunity to provide a short bio and then respond to questions submitted. Information on the candidate’s biographical background can be found here.

Here’s a quick summary of the questions asked and responses given. Please note that each candidate took a minute to answer and also had time for a short rebuttal and that this has been trimmed as best possible in order to briefly summarize the candidates response:

Name one law you’d strengthen, repeal, or amend and why?

Hal Miller: Make it easier to amend a bad process even if someone comes in late during that process.
Glen Thurston: None.
Richard Wood: People should have had a say on iProvo, will change it so an expense like that cannot happen again without people’s approval.
James Kallbacka: Indicated he’d like to see same thing as Richard in that major expenses should have citizen approval.

If elected, will you keep or amend the restrictions on unrelated number of occupants permitted in a home regardless of size.

Hal Miller: Willing to revisit issue, but not sure he’d amend. Complicated issue.
Glen Thurston: Not sure three occupants is fair, thinks it should be done on a neighborhood basis, laws should reflect what neighbors wants occupancy to be.
Richard Wood: Believes that property owners have certain unalienable rights. Instinct is to favor those rights.
James Kallbacka: Difficult issue, should be looked at as a variance on a case by case basis but otherwise keep it.

What can be done to pay off iProvo debt? Please focus on solutions you’d support.

Hal Miller: Appoint expert panel of volunteers to explore other non-commercial uses for iProvo infrastructure.
Glen Thurston: Likes all ideas stated, leans towards charging those that use it. May have to just charge everyone $6 on their utility bill if that’s all that is viable.
Richard Wood: Liked Kallbacka’s idea. Believes we should sell iProvo, even if at a large discount.
James Kallbacka: Hindsight is 20/20. Should sell off some surplus properties to reduce debt.

Do you think there is a need for street parking permit programs?

Hal Miller: Believes there may be a need, and it can be necessary at times.
Glen Thurston: Neighborhood by neighborhood basis to decide who has it. Obviously have to have some sort of a program.
Richard Wood: May need to create new parking areas, but one shoe does not fit all.
James Kallbacka: Agrees with Mr.Wood. Let neighborhoods decide.

Would you add recycling cans to our parks and city facilities?

Hal Miller: There is a civic value apart from economic aspect. Believes that parks and public facilities should provide recycling options.
Glen Thurston: If it”s not making the city money, then no. Should look at other solutions. Believes opt-out is unethical.
Richard Wood: Could be profitable. Not for taking away from private business. Supposes government does have responsibility to provide a recycling option in city facilities.
James Kallbacka: It’s a good idea, but we do not have the facilities to recycle locally. Shipping costs more than actual recycled savings. Not time for recycling.

Should city resources be used to compete with private industry? For example, the iProvo investment, Rec Center, or the recent decision to allow Neighborworks to rent and compete with the private market using out city funds.

Hal Miller: Uniquely, the community had the option to actually vote on Rec Center. Additionally has an escape option unlike iProvo. Neighborworks is different because they use federal funds to help low income.
Glen Thurston: Two sides to this issue, solution may be slow in coming. Not sure which we should do, but should probably change the rental situation.
Richard Wood: Is against competing with private enterprise. Lets get out of the rental market asap.
James Kallbacka: Believes city should never compete with private enterprise. It’s unfair on the private market, because government does not need to make a profit.

Many do not know about the South State Street project to beautify and widen South State street. (question from audience)

Hal Miller: If state and city are working together, this is likely something that’s been well planned. Supports having an appelate option for citizens on decisions that span many years.
Glen Thurston: Study both sides. No position, but wants to listen to voice of people.
Richard Wood: Should treat property owners fairly, eminent domain is concerning.
James Kallbacka: Does not know enough about it.

How should mayor and council work together in this city? (question from audience)

Hal Miller: Council should be flexible.
Glen Thurston: Compromise is necessary.
Richard Wood: Never a reason to be discourteous. Need to get along with mayor.
James Kallbacka: Controversy brings about ideas.