1. What do you want to accomplish after being elected?
I want to work as hard as I can to make Provo the best city in Utah Valley and in the nation. My priorities include boosting economic development, improving the traffic and parking problems, increasing recreational opportunities, creating more open and responsive city government, and improving public safety.
2. What is your occupation?
I own a business in Provo: Strategis Financial Group. I am an investment advisor and money manager.
3. What are your qualifications for office?
I've been successful in several businesses during my career. I've owned an operated my current business in Provo since 1989. I have firsthand knowledge of what it is like to be a small businessman here—something virtually no other candidates possess. I've also held many volunteer leadership positions in Provo. I grew up in this city and I raised my children here, but I've also lived outside of Provo and have experienced what other areas in this country have to offer. I have a long-term perspective of what Provo has been like in the past and what she can be in the future.
4. Is it, in your opinion, the city's responsibility to:
Encourage growth? Yes.
Plan for and manage growth? Yes.
Reduce growth? No.
Stop growth? No.
5. How do you plan on addressing open space in your city?
Open space is essential to quality of life. Provo has some fantastic open space opportunities that few other places in the nation can match. We have a beautiful river and the largest freshwater lake in the western U.S. We have mountains and canyons. These are precious resources that cannot be replaced. They must be maintained and enhanced. They must also be beautiful and safe havens for children and families. Many of Provo's resources are enjoyed by people from surrounding communities. We need to work in cooperation with other city, state and federal agencies to pursue any and all funding resources for these areas. The city needs to provide incentives for developers to create open space and to make developments that are environmentally responsible. Finally, Provo needs to make certain that existing parks and recreational facilities are well maintained and in good repair.
6. Additional comments:
Provo is a great city that can be even better. Please vote for me and let's work together to make it happen.
Mark's Responses to Timp Neighborhood Survey:
Tell me your practical ideas about Provo's Future—how should she grow and why. What is your role as a Council Member in that process? Legally, who has the burden of persuasion in a Rezoning?
Provo's fiscal challenges could easily be solved through economic development to increase the tax base. The Wasatch Front is one of the fastest growing areas of the country. But Provo is no longer part of the expansion. We need to get back in the game. We have the same amenities that make this area attractive as other local communities.
Proper zoning is critical to the growth and development of every city. If zoning regulations are too restrictive, they can drive away potential business and development. If they are too loose, the continuity of neighborhoods and community is compromised, which can also drive away business and new development.
Proper zoning is determined by the mayor and city council in cooperation with residents and business owners of the affected areas. The process should be preemptive and responsive rather than reactive and repressive.
I will work with the council and mayor to rejuvenate undeveloped and underdeveloped areas of Provo that we can use to compete with other communities in attracting new businesses or developments.
How do you see Provo's Downtown neighborhoods? By what process do you see them becoming stronger and why? What is your role as a Council Member in this process?
The future strength of Provo's downtown neighborhoods will likely come through mixed-use development. The reality is that some of Provo's best locations are dominated by older, run down housing. I suspect major upgrades are in store for these areas. I prefer to let the free market system work, but the city council needs to guide development and protect surrounding and existing landowners and tenants. For homeowners who remain in these areas, we need to support and develop programs to help them with restoration and re-beautification.
Do you have land holdings in Provo? Do you represent others who have land holdings in Provo? Where are these properties?
Obviously my current home is in District 1 in the River bottoms area. I also own the home I grew up in southeast of BYU, so I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by Provo landlords. I own a Provo business—Strategis Financial Group—located just off the University Parkway diagonal in Cotton Tree Plaza. I do not know if and where my supporters own land other than their personal residences and businesses.
How do you see Provo's neighborhoods in general?
Most of the full-time employees who work for me live outside Provo, primarily because Provo does not have a good selection of housing for middle income families. They travel from Santaquin on the south and Eagle Mountain and Highland on the north. This issue impacts Provo's traffic, tax base, economic development and school system.
Provo needs more single family homes, but that is not something that can be legislated. Rather, the mayor and council need to create an atmosphere conducive to that type of housing and to private sector developers who can build such housing.
How do you see Provo's Downtown Business District? Describe how and by what process you see it becoming more vibrant....and your role as a Council Member in that.....
I am pleased with the announcement of the new Zion's Bank tower as part of the ongoing renewal of Provo's downtown. This is just more evidence that the central area of Provo remains a desirable location for businesses. Provo also needs more downtown retail development. This includes maintaining and assisting existing businesses as well as providing the proper climate for new development. The city needs a plan for assisting existing businesses as well as one for attracting new businesses. The success of both are essential to the future of Provo.
There are two major roles of a Council Member in our form of government—-Budget and Landuse. How do you tie those two roles to your hopes and goals for Provo?
I think I've indirectly answered these concerns with my other responses. The proper type of development will solve many of the budget issues. I think iProvo has shown that the budget process needs to be more open. Through the years I've been actively involved in the budgeting process of several businesses. I think my experience will be a benefit to the council in this area.
What things would you like to see happen in Provo and why?
Again I think this question has been sufficiently answered. I want to see Provo regain its prominence in Utah Valley. I want a city that is competitive for residential, retail and business development. I want improved traffic flow. I want better public recreation facilities. I want a safe city. I want a city that can provide the right environment for families in all stages of life.
A City with our form of Government has a pragmatic reality. It is that almost nothing can happen or move forward with out at least 4 votes of the Council. Your ability to earn and deserve the trust of your colleagues will greatly affect your ability to be effective. How have you done this, or how do you plan to do this. How and why do you see your ability to garner 4 votes for the things you'd like to see happen in our city.
My business success is predicated on building relationships of trust. I've owned and managed a successful local business in a competitive field for nearly two decades. We find creative solutions to problems daily to survive. I've followed Provo politics closely for several years and I know I can make a valuable contribution. I've got fresh ideas and fresh vision. I know that many of Provo problems can be solved. I also know that everyone on the council and everyone running for office wants to see Provo take its place as the centerpiece of Utah Valley.