Candidates were asked to limit their responses to each of the following questions to 200 words or less.
Name: Jonathan Anschutz
Age: 26
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Incumbent: No
Community Involvement: I volunteer at youth night held on Thursday nights at the Ogden Community Center as well as at the Refuel Teen Center next to the House Cafe that invests in the youth of Ogden. Additionally, I volunteer at various community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and the Christmas Store.
Why have you decided to run for this position?
I believe Ogden is full of potential and want to help build this community up while encouraging others to invest their skills and talents in the town.
What experience/background do you have that would make you a good city council member?
During the last three and a half years I have worked as a Civil Engineer designing and inspecting water and wastewater systems for rural communities across the state. My job involves interacting with those who make a rural community run from the city personnel who take care of day-to-day operations of a city to the council members who make decisions on the city's behalf. These interactions have bettered my understanding on how decisions are made and implemented in communities across the state.
What are the top three issues you believe the city will face during your term, if elected? Decide upon ways to improve the main street of Ogden, especially in accordance with the “Ogden Area Wide Plan-Riley Avenue Corridor”.
Discuss how the city can attract new and diverse businesses to Ogden and determine how the city can better help them stay in business long term.
Assess options to maintain and improve city facilities, parks, water, and streets.
What is the number one issue you plan to tackle, if elected? I would like to look into ways to improve the city website as it is a vital resource for current and potential residents. A well-done website can be the key to sway people who are considering moving to the area, and can also help potential and current residents know how to get involved in their community. Additionally, I believe that an updated website can be used to inform people of events that Ogden hosts to improve the event attendance, city morale, and the outside perception of Ogden.
Is there something you would like to see change about any city ordinance or program? I believe there is a lot of potential in the events that the city hosts; I would just like to see them better advertised through a variety of methods so they can be better attended by a variety of people.