Dear Voter:

Four years ago, I ran for city council in American Fork, saying that I would help the City regain a sound fiscal footing, safeguard the city's infrastructure, work to improve the quality of life enjoyed by residents, and help our city government to project a pleasant, helpful, and professional image. My message appealed to you, and you elected me. I have enjoyed serving you and the City.

During my four-year term, I have done these things, as you will see when you explore my account of issues and accomplishments here at this Web site.

These things will remain priorities in the next four years. But there are other reasons why I am running for reelection and asking again for your vote.

We still have some serious work to do, work on issues that will affect American Fork for decades to come.

As I have watched the City examine its priorities and scarce resources, particularly during the current recession, I have been alarmed at our continued lack of adequate long-range planning to insure that tax dollars are spent as wisely and effectively as possible.

I believe the City can accomplish more for the taxpayer through proper long-range planning than it can by reaching into the taxpayer's wallet every time it wants more money. I want to be here to vote against unwise tax increases.

I want to help the City prepare for the wave of growth that will arrive with Pioneer Crossing and FrontRunner commuter rail, and the significant new challenges it will present. At the same time we must protect and revitalize our downtown. A vibrant downtown will attract stable, high-paying jobs and reinforce our identity as an oasis of character in a county of sprawl.

I want to help American Fork address the increasingly urgent matter of road repairs, which, if not wisely managed, will overwhelm the City's limited budget.

As the parks bond is paid off and revenues again become available for park improvements, I want American Fork to invest in the ball fields, pavilions, trails, and other facilities we need to serve the recreational needs of city residents and to make American Fork a desirable place to live for a lifetime.

In pursuing these goals, I will continue to involve the public. I still believe that American Fork's people are its greatest asset. In the past four years I have reached out to volunteers and supported their work. I have listened with an open mind to constituents with views on all sides of issues, and have talked to many who simply had questions and wanted to understand. I have blogged about matters of interest to city residents. I have rolled up my sleeves on numerous occasions to produce accurate, informative, and professional communications with its residents and others.

You trusted me with your vote in 2005. I ask for your trust and your vote again in 2009.