Candidate information

Citizens of Heber! Your votes in this important election will determine the trajectory for the future of Heber Valley.

We are impressed by the number of people who are studying the issues and candidates and asking critical questions.

To help provide information to our citizens, Friends of Heber Valley reached out to the candidates for Heber City Council. We were pleased to receive responses from Christen Thompson, Jami Hewlett, Nick López, Casey Powers, Tori Broughton, Paul Royall, and Aaron Cheatwood, and their answers are provided below.

Candidates Sid Ostergaard, Danny Hill, Vaughn Hokanson, and Mike Johnston did not respond to our request. We would still love to hear from them.

We will keep this page updated with any additional responses we receive to ensure Heber voters can make the most informed decision possible.

Christen Thompson

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

My favorite solution is to build up our mass transit instead. Express buses from Provo and SLC are a good first step. Bringing back the train that used to go all the way to Provo and reconnecting back to Park City and SLC. There is momentum growing for this with the https://WasatchBackTrain.org and the https://riograndeplansaltlakecity.org in SLC and talk in Park City as well.

If a bypass is to be built then we must preserve the North Fields. Putting a freeway through the North Fields would be one of the worst things we could do to our valley. It would induce more development and more traffic. It will damage the river habitat and negate the millions spent to preserve the Provo River corridor. If UDOT wants to build the bypass I would urge them to wrap around where the new Smiths is being built.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

Heber City is set to more than double in size with all the approved permits.

-6,132 Units from VXC Annexation, Old Mill Village Rezone, the LA Bonner Annexation, and Jordanelle Ridge Annexation (actually means that many more housing units)

AND

-1,465.72 ERU’s (called ‘Equivalent Residential Units’). (107 of these are pending in College Downs Annexation coming to Council in November 2023.)

Total Density Types approved:

Up to 2,218 Townhomes
27 Cottage Homes
4,170 Single Family Homes
Up to 1,673 Multifamily ‘stacked flats,’ apartments, or condominiums
80 Duplexes

The Heber City website from April 2022 shows a total of 8868 buildings being approved: https://www.heberut.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1178/4-22-21-Lot-Inventory

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

It has been too many too fast. The roads, sewer, water, electricity, emergency services and more need to be ready as developments come online. Many of the developments and rezoning did not have to happen. This was a conscious decision by the county and city councils to change zoning from mountain protection, and agricultural protection.

We can do this better by taking the following actions:

Concentrate growth into mixed use downtown.
Preserve the majority of land as open space with shared public access by updating zoning.
Cluster developments to prevent sprawl.
Expand our sensitive lands ordinance to better protect our springs, wetlands and waterways.
Build trails and multi use paths connecting communities and access to open space.
Limit development and sprawl through zoning and conservation easements.
Protecting the North Fields from being paved over and developed.
Increase requirements for developers to account for water rights, traffic, fire hydrants, sewer, water, maintenance, emergency services and pedestrian access.
Don't approve zoning changes automatically.
Require traffic studies for new development proposals.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

Protecting open space, growing responsibly, safe streets, clean air, clean water, multi use paths, fiscal responsibility, high taxes and affordable housing. Working together with service districts, residents, the county, neighboring cities we can collaborate and make Heber City better for all residents now and into the future.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

Yes.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

No.

Jami Hewlett

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

The bypass may or may not happen. We need to find solutions to our traffic problems now and not rely on the bypass to solve our traffic issues. I do not support the two options through the North Fields.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

Over 10,000

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

Adding more people means adding more infrastructure, when you add infrastructure, you add costs, when you add costs, you pay more in taxes. I am deeply saddened by the rate the city has approved developments with no forethought of how it will affect our quality of life and added burden to our city. People do not have the right to go outside of existing zoning laws. We will never be able to out build the demand for people wanting to live here.

I am concerned about protecting existing zoning laws and changing them in areas that need improvement. Preserving natural open spaces will make us more resilient as a community. It will help combat the air pollution that comes with living in a valley, it helps protect our water quality and quantity, it protects our farmlands, our wetlands and our amazing views of Mount Timpanogos.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

Responsible growth, traffic, taxes, protecting our cultural and natural heritage.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

I have a strong vision of our future. I will listen to the citizens; I will find solutions to complex problems. I will be honest and kind and civil while holding steadfast to what is best for Heber, a place that we want to stay and a place we can afford to stay.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

No, definitely not. I do have a lot of business experience that makes me a strong candidate.

Nick López

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

The bypass choices proposed by UDOT and supported by members of the city council do not meet my approval. I will not approve or will I ever support any highway that will extend into or divide any part of the north fields or negativity impact the wetlands, waterways or access to the Provo River. I also do not support the southern interchange route chosen by UDOT and supported by the City Council. The southern part of the bypass will greatly impact many established businesses, residential homes and developments.

There are 64 homes in the trailer park between US40 and Daniel Road, along with 8 other residential structures that will fall into eminent domain. Newly established and long term business like Burton Lumber are also in the path of UDOTS wrecking ball. Many other businesses along 1300 S will be greatly effected by the increase in heavy truck and vehicle traffic that will serpentine through the neighborhoods and business district at the south end of the project.

The bypass route should remain on US40 making a turn onto HWY 189 at a newly designed intersection at 1200 S Main St. It should then travel west on 189 past the business and housing and exit 189 onto the proposed route around the west side of the city, past the new high school and reconnect to US40 at the new intersection being constructed by Smiths Market Place.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

I do not have a solid answer, my guess would be about 8000.

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

It is amazing how large developers are fast tracked though the City Offices. Many of these developers are not even being held accountable for meeting the basic requirements of the Fire Code. Miles of roadway adjacent to new developments have been or are being constructed without meeting the required street front fire hydrants. We need to insure that ALL required infrastructure items are put in place by the developers. A more meticulous process must be implemented to insure that the city maintains control of what we are approving and that the infrastructure costs are not placed on the taxpayers.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

Bridging the gap between our residents, business owners and the Council, with honest, transparent, civil dialogue. Respectfully listening to constructive criticism, solutions and concerns from our residents. Insuring that the most qualified professionals are hired and retained in all of our City’s Departments. That the city have provides our employees the equipment, facilities, apparatus and training opportunities that exceed the standards.

We must also provide our City Employees, Police Officers and Firefighters a professional environment within their departments that fosters professionalism, career growth and competitive livable salaries so we can retain our employees, our City’s greatest assets. Being proactive in our development of safer streets, intersections and crosswalks. Keeping traffic flow on the main transportation corridors and not diverted onto side residential street as much as possible. Working with UDOT to improve the existing transportation corridors in a more expedited manner while constructing the right bypass route with a little more speed and effort.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

Yes absolutely. Council Members can be direct and to the point with questions and comments, without adding the drama of a Jerry Springer Show. I certainly will conduct myself as I have always conducted myself when dealing with the public and other agencies, with respect, professionalism, tact, and bearing. I will treat others with equal fairness, understanding and compassion. My unquestionable integrity and character will continue to guide me.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

I am NOT a developer or associated with any developer or involved with any real estate company or individual. I will never financially benefit from any real estate property, unless I strike gold or oil while doing yard work in my garden.

Casey Powers

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

The best solution would have been to be way more proactive 15-20 years ago. Since we cannot go back, based on the 5 options provided by UDOT I prefer WA1 or WB1. Both of those maintain open space and do not call for tearing up a large section of 189. WB3-4 are terrible as they run through the north fields of our beautiful valley and go against what the citizens want, open space. Again, there’s no good solution at this point but based on the 5 options provided those are my thoughts.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

To be honest I do not know the exact number. From my understanding it is several thousand and many of those have not even begun the development process. My honest opinion without knowing the exact number, too many.

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

Don’t love the rate of developments. I believe the large majority of the citizens can agree it has been too much too fast. We simply do not have the infrastructure in place to support it. It has caused us to have limited options for many other hot topics such as a bypass or affordable housing. I would try to implement open spaces within each of these new developments to answer the wishes of the citizens. I would also like to see continued or increased self help and restricted deed developments to provide our young adults the opportunity to stay here if they so choose.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

I believe the first 3 questions seem to be the most pressing issues for the citizens of Heber City. I would add affordable housing. I truly worry about our future generations ability to stay here. It also has made it difficult to hire first responders to keep our community safe. As we grow we need more first responders and they cannot afford to buy homes here on their single income.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

One thing about me is I will never shy away from being open about anything. Another thing about me is I will always seek to understand different opinions. I mentioned it at the chamber luncheon this week, we as a society have lost the ability to compromise and I believe I have the ability to work with people to share openly, understand openly, and move forward together.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

I am in no way a developer or stand to benefit financially from such.

Tori Broughton

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

The best solution for the bypass is the option that most promotes thru-traffic to use it. It would have the least amount of disruptions and exits, it would simply funnel traffic from one point to the other with no attractions other than time savings.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

I do not know how many units have been approved since 2018. I do know that it has been a lot which is why my priority is a well planned and thoughtful approach to our downtown and Main Street. There will be a lot of people moving to our community and I am committed to managing that in a way that EVERYONE benefits. I am committed to a community that provides opportunity to everyone. I am committed to looking forward rather than backward.

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

I cannot comment on decisions other people made. What I do know is that this is a very desirable area, people are going to move here. Heber can plan accordingly and maximize the revenue opportunity as a means to improve our community for everyone or we can shut that opportunity out. Shutting it out will only promote growth outside our city and county limits which only restricts our access to that revenue while those residents continue to have access to and use our resources.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

Main Street Safety & affordable housing both for new residents AND established residents are equally pressing issues for Heber City.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

Absolutely.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

No and absolutely not.

Paul Royal

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

About 10,000 or so.

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

Need to start looking at required resources for each development and reduce the number of High Density housing being approved. We shouldn't be adjusting zoning for every project that is bought before the city.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

Traffic, taxes, and affordable housing.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

Yes.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

No.

Aaron Cheatwood

1. In your opinion what is the best solution for the bypass?

I feel like the best options for a bypass have passed us by now. Of the remaining options, wrapping tightly to the city and coming in at Smiths marketplace is the best. I like option WB1 better than WB2 since it uses existing southfields road. I think that partial frontage roads is the better option for now and we could move toward WA1's interchange system from either WB1 or WB2. WB3 and WB4 should be disregarded entirely. There is simply no reason at all to go through the middle of the fields like that. That said, IF UDOT comes back with those options, I think the city/county and residents must look into state and federal highway buffer programs to buy up the open space around the highway and set up conservation easements to keep as much as possible of the fields system open perpetually. This might give us the funding we need to finally align conservation interest with funding to make incentives make sense for property owners.

2. Do you know how many additional housing units have been approved since 2018?

I don't know the exact number, no. I do know there are over 8500 open lots according to the 4/2021 lot inventory post on the city site. Too many. I am not sure if this is asking about city or county, but I am confident that nobody understands the impact of the approved numbers in the east valley or those up on the ridge. We cannot wait and see what happens. On issues like traffic, infrastructure, utilities and roads/safety we must be intentional now about what we want to see in 10, 15, 30 years.

3. How do you feel about the rate at which the city has approved developments? What would you do differently?

I think the rate has more to do with when the applications came in, and there's not a ton that can be done to slow those. We are seeing slowing now with the interest rates going higher and construction costs up so much due to inflation, but it's still fast. The reality is that while we will see applications slow down, we need to work with developers to under-develop, like Midway has been doing. We need to do much better at providing resources to property owners to pursue conservation. We also must be intentional about where we want density so that we can preserve open space but still allow people that want to or have to live in apartments, town-homes etc to be able to do so. If we don't, we will end up with no workforce for local businesses and few, if any, remaining local-resident public workers.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing matters in Heber City?

My top priorities are responsible growth, accurate representation and transparent open communication, more-affordable housing options and small business support.

We must be intentional about what we approve and where. We need to be mindful to avoid urban sprawl that has been the downfall of so many small towns in the West. City council must be willing to communicate openly and honestly about why decsions are made, both so the public can understand and to better engage the public in the future. We need to get creative about affordable housing options and do more to create deed-restricted options and ADUs and while pushing to grow programs like self-help homes at every turn. Finally, I am worried about the health of local businesses. With continued steep tax increases and an increasingly mobile and older population, I worry that we don't have enough jobs staying in Heber. I think we must do more to lift these local businesses, consolidate resources and keep revenues and jobs local.

5. Are you committed to being honest and kind in your communication and only having a civil discourse in city council meetings?

100%. I work mostly through influence in my professional life as well and am used to differences of opinion. I value alternative views and know that only by having a diversity of thought will we be able to make the best decisions. I will be the first to ask for time to discuss or take a breather when things get heated, and I'm committed to ensuring I always listen to fellow council and the public in a way that proves to them that I value their input.

6. Are you a developer? Or do you financially benefit from land development?

Not a developer. No ties to any developers, and I don't own any open land of any sort.