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Cedar Hills Candidate Questions - General Election 2017 October 20, 2017, 6:15 amQuestion: There is a steep learning curve in becoming well-versed and effective in managing local government operations and functions. What strategies, tools and methods will you use to most quickly and efficiently bring yourself up to speed on those aspects of governance? Maurice Navarro, City Council Candidate, "When I worked in commercial financing, every project I worked on was completely different from the previous one. I was always able to learn quickly and adapt. I have always been able to speak to others and ask the right questions. I've already spoken with someone who previously served in the position I'm running for. I plan on having an open dialogue with the rest of the city council to learn from them and to let them know that I will always listen to their advice. I may not always implement their suggestions, but I will always listen, and seriously consider them." Denise Andersen, City Council Candidate, "I have found in the time that I have served as interim city council member, that the best resource for getting myself up to speed with government operations, etc., is the city staff. I have turned to the City Manager and other staff members and current elected officials to get the information I need. I can access past council meeting minutes as well." Jenney Rees, Mayoral Candidate, "I have been serving on the City Council since 2012 and am up-to-speed on the issues facing our city. Additionally, I have attended annual trainings provided by the Utah League of Cities and Towns and will continue to do so. Lastly, I remain dedicated to thoroughly researching all sides of issues that arise in order to be an effective representative." Question: Frequently two or more principles will be placed in direct conflict of one another. As an example, in the case of property rights vs city planning, what the property owner desires for their land use may be in direct conflict with the city general plan or may be incompatible with adjacent landowners land uses. How will you resolve the dissonance between two important principles? Maurice Navarro, City Council Candidate, "The city general plan is there to protect the rights of the residents in the city as a whole. Every now and then, an issue will arise that will rub someone the wrong way. My intention is not to please every single individual, but to ensure that the majority, if not all, are taken care of. I will make sure, though, that any decision will not severely hurt any individual or small group. If we do something that helps the majority but is a real detriment to a few, then I don't think it's worth it. I will make sure the resident understands this, and I will make sure that the city doesn't do something that will hurt many. If many people are complaining about a certain principle that is in conflict with that of the city, then I think it definitely needs to be reconsidered." Denise Andersen, City Council Candidate, "There is a delicate balance between property rights and the property owner's choices that affect the property (whether public or private) around them. I am against any ordinance that allows for a resident to construct, install or otherwise affect adjacent properties in a way that will negatively impact the property values of surrounding properties. I believe in doing what you want on your own property as long is it doesn't affect others negatively." Jenney Rees, Mayoral Candidate, "Elected officials are required to adhere to the city's general plan and land use ordinances when making land use decisions. Discussions leading up to the creation of the general plan and/or zoning laws should be extensive and include all stakeholders, including property owners and residents of the city. The impact on property rights should always be carefully considered when creating land use ordinances and establishing zoning. When making land use decisions, I will adhere to the city's general plan and established land use ordinances, and will also adhere to the land use laws that have been passed by the State of Utah." Question: How will you approach working with entities whose authority supersedes the local government (SITLA, BLM, State Government, County Government, School districts) and the conflict that presents to the city and concerned residents? Maurice Navarro, City Council Candidate, "Open dialogue. I'm here to represent my city and its residents. I will always fight for their/our rights. They are my priority. I don't plan on being contentious, as that never works, but any entity higher up will know that we won't be walked on." Denise Andersen, City Council Candidate, "I have found that even when a superseding authority has a different goal than the city that dialogue is always the first step to resolution. If that doesn't help reach a common ground, then getting citizens involved to help give voice to the issue is always helpful -- grassroots efforts are great. Sometimes nothing changes the outcome but you always try. That's a very contracted answer to a complex question." Jenney Rees, Mayoral Candidate, "Contention and negativity are rarely effective in solving issues. I will advocate for the needs and desires of the residents of our city, while also maintaining a respectful working relationship with representatives of other entities. My goal will always be to represent the concerns of our community and, where conflict exists, seek solutions that allow for compromise and collaboration." Question: What personality trait do you have that you feel gives you an advantage over the other candidates? Maurice Navarro, City Council Candidate, "People skills. I've always been able to talk to people. People have always come to me with their conflicts because they trust me and know that I can help. I've had to use my people skills to know how to talk to others when negotiating multi-million dollar deals. I plan on using my people skills to diffuse any tense moments between council members, or between the council and the residents." Denise Andersen, City Council Candidate, "A personality trait that I have that has served me well in my life is my ability to find solutions to problems. I apply this in every aspect of my life whether personal or professional. I am also not confrontational, but am not afraid to stand up for what I believe." Jenney Rees, Mayor Candidate, "I enjoy research. I have found much of my time as an elected official has been spent researching laws, court decisions, historical timelines, statutes, etc. in order to fully understand all sides of an issue." 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