Candidate Voter Guide

The State has a "Statewide Voter Information" website. Each candidate was to submit a bio for publication.

They informed us it would be published exactly as submitted and they did. I’m sure glad I thought outside the box.

After you get to this page, enter your information. This is only available for registered voters, so if your not registered, please do so.

On the next page click the button labeled "sample ballot." Any candidate's name in blue has information. A name in black means a failure to submit by the instructed deadline. (We had from July 15th to August 20th to submit.)

https://gva1.utah.gov/elections/polling.aspx

So, based on the information, who do you like?

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

A Confirmed Vote!

You heard it correctly, I have one confirmed vote. (If anyone else has voted for me, please call me, e-mail me or post it on the site, let's get this ball rolling.)

While I was out tonight campaigning door to door, I approached a gentleman and declared "I'm Jeff White and I'm running for City Council."

He responded, "I Know. I already voted for you. I sent my ballot in today."

He said we need new blood on the council and he liked what I'm committed to do for the people of West Valley.

So let's get the word out that we want Less Ordinances and Reduced Property Taxes.

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

The Time is Right

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

The City has a goal of beautification and you feel this is a good goal. As human nature goes, we have taken a good thing and gone too far. We have too many ordinances. This is one of the things I'm hearing.

I also hear that you have to tighten your belts and feel the City should do the same. We don't want to lose services, but we want less taxes. This can be done, it will take some tightening of the budgets and it must be done without layoffs. There has been too much of that this last year.

We need to:
1. Tighten the City's Belt
2. Reduce Ordinances
3. Lower Property Taxes

Who else in this race for Councilmember At-Large is listening to you? Of course every candidate says they will work to lower taxes. The one I hear all the time from you, but not from my fellow candidates. Reducing Ordinances. As far as I can tell, I'm the only one.

The Time is Right for Jeff White.

Mountain View Corridor

While talking with people Saturday, I met a Lady who's home may be right in the path of the proposed Mountain View Corridor. They don't know if it is or isn't, but that's another story for another time.

The story here is, what if the Corridor is through their property and their home is claimed for the "good of the project." Of course they'll be compensated a fair market value for their home, but will that help them?

Their fear is they’re self-employed and what if they can't secure a new home loan with the tightening of home loans. If this happens they'll lose a home they've renovated and have no home to move into.

While we were discussing this I thought, why couldn't the City / County / State broker a deal with a few home lenders (preferably local) that would secure a loan for anyone who's home is "purchased" for a public project.

No one would like their home taken from them, so when this is necessary (if it really ever is) the respective governing body should be responsible to help a person in this situation into their next home.

I listen and I care.

I believe in one for all and all for one. So if one family / person loses their home for all, then let's all help the one in return.

My Promised Monday Morning Idea

Well...

I had a great idea, to use Sales Taxes to eliminate the WVC portion of our Property Taxes. I'm a researcher, so I took the opportunity when a current Council Member called to ask me how my campaign was going, and I responded that I'm studying the budget and trying to understand it better.

After our conversation, I realized my promised Monday morning idea was great, until I had a bigger picture. So here's the bigger picture.

Our budget is balanced in that a third is from Property Taxes, a third from Sales Taxes and a third from other sources such as USANA Amphitheater, the E-Center, animal services, etc.

He stated that, "The beauty of this balance is if RC Willey has a bad month, our budget isn't in jeopardy."

I'm always thinking. I'm always generating ideas (sometimes it drives my wife nuts). I'm skilled at research and willing to look hard at ideas to find the best. I'll bring these qualities to the City Council.

Please contact me. Leave your thoughts, ideas and comments. I'll get back with you, every time.

How Sales Taxes Help WVC

Have you wondered how sales tax helps the City? We always hear "let's make our City more business friendly." We hear this because of sales tax revenue.

After sales taxes are collected, they are distributed. The State gets a portion and the county and city the business does business in also get a portion.

West Valley City gets 1% of all sales tax revenue for all sales within the boundaries of West Valley City. The more businesses that set up shop in our City and sell products or services, the more revenue for WVC.

In Las Vegas there is not a State Income Tax because the casinos are taxed on their revenue enough they don't need one. It would take a lot of businesses to eliminate property taxes, but if we had more and they did better, we could certainly lower our property taxes.

I'll have another idea about sales taxes that would lower property taxes Monday morning, stay tuned.

Snowball Fight? Better Not.

Want to have a snowball fight this winter? Then you better vote for me on September 15 and again on November 3.

You see, snowball fights are illegal in West Valley City. I can understand the stones and perhaps even the sticks, but snowballs?

21-4-103. THROWING ROCKS, BOTTLES OR OTHER MISSILES.
It shall be unlawful for any person within the limits of the City to willfully or carelessly throw any stone, stick, snowball or other missile whereby any person shall be hit…

A violation of this Section is a class B misdemeanor. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

I want your vote so I can eliminate unreasonable ordinances.

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1196
http://www.sentencing.state.ut.us/FAQ.html

Meet the Candidates Night

I'm being asked more and more when Meet the Candidates Night is and where it's at. Here's the information from the City's website.

West Valley City will hold a Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (1355 West 3100 South). Submit your questions for the Primary Election candidates by clicking the button below.

The doors will open at 6:00 so you can mingle with the candidates.

Come find me.

Let's shake hands and discuss what you think West Valley City can do for you.

The City has a Master Plan

Have you ever wondered what vision our City officials have for West Valley? Follow the following link.

http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?NID=450

Interesting reading. What do you like in here, what would you want to see changed?

Together, we'll work wonders.

A Candidate in Dist. 2 Who's Listening

I was talking with Rod Marshall and asked him what his platform is. I was thrilled to hear what he had to say. I'm not the only one listening to you.

He responded that nearly 50% of everyone he's talked with believes there are too many City Ordinances. I'm receiving this response from 75% to 90% depending on the area I'm in.

Since we're hearing the same thing and I can't find any evidence, that my fellow At-Large candidates or the other three District 2 candidates are addressing your concerns, about too many ordinances, I'm asking all of you in District 2 to look seriously at Rod.

One of his ideas, if we make a new ordinance we have to eliminate two others. Brilliant. Ask him about his surveying and ideas at rod.marshall@live.com.

I’m committed to listening to you and that means I’m committed to reducing the amount of ordinances.

With your support and two of us listening and working for you, we can work wonders.

An Article About My Candidacy

An article about my candidacy will be published in Wednesday’s edition of the West Valley News and Magna Times. (12 August 2009.)

You can get a copy at the foyers of West Valley City Hall, Hunter library and other locations.

I haven't seen it yet so I don't know what to expect (except Colin B. Douglas is a professional, so I'm expecting a fair treatment).

Please review the article and if you like what you see, pass it along and please vote for me on September 15th. With eight of us running in the primaries, I'll need every vote so I can be your representative on the City Council to:

1. Tighten the City's Budgetary Belt
2. Reduce City Ordinances
3. Lower Property Taxes

Together, we can work wonders.

A Steeler Fan Had a Question

I can't believe I'm going to help a Steeler fan after what happened to my Cardinals last Super Bowl, but here goes.

I spoke with a gentleman on Saturday who has an old TV to dispose of. It seems to me I heard of a place to take old TV sets without any charge or fees; in Salt Lake City or County? Does anyone know who would take an old TV?

If so, I know where his house is and can go by and tell him.

This post is to help out a fellow West Valley citizen, but it's also part bio. While I generally watch a sports game only once a month or so, I followed every playoff game of the Arizona Cardinals. I've been a fan for over 30 years (yes, I've had my first black balloon birthday party and it was great!)

I told my Scouts if they believed in themselves and worked together the way the Cardinals did during the playoffs, they could accomplish anything. They teased me when my team lost, but they're soaring like never before. While the Cardinals lost, their example inspired at least a few Scouts and that means more to me than any Super Bowl victory.

If you know where someone can dispose of a TV, please post it in a comment. Thanks.

Together we can work wonders.

So What Does "At-Large" Really Mean?

Often I'm asked what the "At-Large" means in "Councilmember At-Large." Often enough that an explanation's in order.

In West Valley, there are seven Council Members. The Mayor and six Councilmembers.

West Valley is divided into four districts and a Councilmember represents each of these districts. (For a map of the districts, visit http://www.wvc-ut.gov/index.aspx?nid=108.)

The Mayor and two Councilmembers are "At-Large." This means they represent all of West Valley and not a particular district.

I'm running "At-Large" because I've listened to you and it really doesn't matter what district you live in, everyone has the same issues. These issues need to be resolved now and you need someone who'll represent everyone. I'll do that.

With your support and my commitment to represent you, we'll work wonders.

I Heard a Lot About Ordinances Today

While going door to door today, I asked what the City could be doing. One lady was concerned about crime, wanting more Police Force. One couple wanted a Children at Play sign on their street. Two people said they have no complaints. Two told me they don't vote. It's interesting that today, no one mentioned taxes.

The number one response today, too many ordinances.

Most people were not home, but over half of those I visited want less ordinances. No one says zero ordinances, you just want less.

One retired gentleman had purchased a motor home to travel and enjoy retirement in, He sold it because of ordinances. He'd parked it in his backyard, behind a six foot fence, but had to sell it because it was not parked on gravel, concrete or asphalt.

I'm running for City Council to represent the people of West Valley. All day I heard there are too many ordinances. If elected, I intend to represent you and reduce the amount of ordinances.

With your support, we'll work wonders.

What Should the City Be Doing?

In asking you what you feel the City chould be doing, I've received the following responses:

1. Taxes are too high (over 100 responses)
2. Too many City ordinances (over 100)
3. Concerns over how tax dollars are spent (over 20)
4. Graffiti (2)
5. Gang activity (2)
6. Education (1)
7. Unconstitutional acceptance of federal funds (1)
8. Cycling Safety (1)
9. Not enough parks (1)
10. Too many fast food restaurants clustered together (1)

Based on these responses I've formed the following platform.

I will...

Tighten the City's Belt
Reduce the Amount of Ordinances
Reduce Property Taxes
Be Careful with Your Money

Keep your money, please.

I've thought a lot about this campaign and how to finance it and I've come to some conclusions.

1. At some point I may need to collect donations, but I'm still a long way away from that.

2. We're in a recession; people should be keeping their money for their families or themselves.

3. I don't want to be beholden to private interests and if I accept donations, it will be with the stipulation that no votes come attached.

4. What would I do with the money raised anyway? I would accept the donation from you, have a yard sign made and bring it back to you to put in your yard.

Instead, if you support my representing the people of West Valley then keep your money, make a sign out of cardboard and place it in your yard.

We can work together on this campaign at no expense to you.

While campaigning and in office, I'll be responsible with your money.

Less Ordinances!

We've discussed property taxes and restaurant zoning, now it's time for ordinances.

There are way too many, we all feel this way. 90% of you tell me there are too many ordinances, and yet the other candidates don't appear to be adressing this.

I'm running for this office so I can represent the people and you're telling me you want less ordinances. If elected, I will work and work to get us less ordinances.

I've looked for a candidate to vote for that will represent the voice of the people and I don't feel I've found that candidate. So I’m running for office so there will be a candidate representing the people.

If you want to see the amount of ordinances lessened, vote Jeff White for Councilmember At-Large and share this site with your friends and neighbors.

Thank you.

With your support and my desire to represent you, we can work wonders.

Property Tax 101

We received our property tax assessment, have you? Did yours increase even though your property value decreased? Do you understand how this happens?

O.K., here's a course in Property Tax 101.

Let’s say a property is worth $200,000, and property tax is assessed at 1%, so property taxes on this property are $2,000.

Property values drop and it's now worth$180,000; so we would think our new taxes should now be $1,800, yes? Then how come it's assessed at $1,980, a drop of only $20? And we’re also seeing an increase in the school district, etc., so the new taxes are now assessed at $2,120 for an increase. An increase with lower property values.

It's because the government is used to getting its $2000 and in order to continue getting it they play a numbers game. If taxes were assessed at 1% and property values drop, they just adjust the rate, or the 1% to 1.1% for a new property tax of $1,980 and get the same amount as before. It's all in the rates, a numbers game.

You remember the older kid who was always changing the rules in Monopoly so they could win? Same thing here. Let’s end this game so we can lower our taxes. If we must tighten our belt; then why not the City as well?

With your support and my desire to tighten the City's belt, we'll work wonders.