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Show CG Wednesday, October 27, 2004 Supplement tn Salina Sun. Sanpete Messenger, and Sanpete MessengerGunnisnn Valley Edition Uk, K k SEEM EFuij Mark help us develop in an organized Anderson (R) 2) Economic development As this grow th comes we need to develop the necessary communication with potential businesses to bring jobs to the county, which can sustain our growing population. We need to extol our strong work ethic, natural resources, location and educational opportunities to those businesses looking to relocate or way. Mark Anderson w as bom and raised in Sanpete County. He is the son of George M. and Afton Anderson of Moroni. He graduated from North Sanpete High School, Snow College and Utah State University. He taught school for three years, was a college administrator for eight years (at Snow) and has been a title insurance executive for the past 20 years. Anderson has been a city councilman for 10 years, served on the Sanpete County Planning and Zoning Board for three years, was chairman of the board for Moroni . Feed Credit Union for three years; and was chairman of Sterling' Scholars of Central Utah for 16 years. 1. WTiat do you see as being the most serious issue facing Sanpete County in the next four years? Land use policies: environmentalists and various government agencies are continually challenging us over what we can and cannot do, or where we can and cannot go on public lands. They expand. Mark Anderson threaten our access, public use. resources, water and recreation. The county must be always vigilant in defending the public use and access of our mountains, streams, lakes and roads. 2. In order of importance, what will be our top three priorities if elected? 1) Planning and zoning Sanpete County is one of the fastest growing counties in the entire state of Utah. We need to be ahead of the curve in our planning for growth. Zoning can help us manage that growth, keep green space throughout the county, and 3) Public safety The welfare of the general public has always been a top priority of government. This entails our law enforcement, emergency services, and the physical and mental health of our citizens. Government exists to provide for the common good of the people, and these areas cannot be overlooked, reduced in services, nor cut back. 3. What single greatest strength will you bring to this office if elected? Accessibility is the asset that I bring to the County Commission table. To serve the people, a leader must be available to the public. My office is located just next door to the courthouse. Im close enough to assist the county emplojees as well as listen to the general public. 4. What is the greatest w eakness or difficulty y ou w ill have to overcome in relation to the office you are seeking? Through experience, I have found that the most difficult thing for an elected official to do is educate andor communicate with the general public on important issues. I feel that being a county commissioner will be more of the same, however with a much larger and expanded base. 5. What distinguishes you from your opponent? Almost nothing distin- guishes us in regards to physical appearance (perhaps I have a bit more hair comes to mind). I, of course, cannot speak for my opponent, but I do know that I believe in Sanpete County and its future. We have problems to overcome and issues currently on the table, but the future is bright and full of promise. Being the Republican candidate, I bring the conservative values and policies that permeate the Grand Old Party, and I would like your vote on Nov. 2! Kent Larsen (D) Kent Larsen is a lifelong resi- of Sanpete County. Larsen graduated from Manti High School and Snow College. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in business management. He is married to Camille Larsen and has five children and 10 grandchildren. Larsen has worked for the past dent 36 years in professional capacities with Moroni Feed Co., Job Service, Sperry, Central Utah Mental Health and the Department of Workforce Services. During this time Larsen also raised turkeys. Larsen served two terms as mayor of Manti as well as two separate terms on the city council. He is active in the LDS church and has served two terms as bishop and two terms on the high council and as stake executive secretary. Larsen is also an active volunteer on many committees and advisory boards. 1. What do you see as being the most serious issue facing Sanpete County in the next four years? One of the most serious issues is the stability of our economy. Our greatest resource is our work ethic. Most want to continue to live in this area, and during the past year we have seen all three of our industries (mining, construction, and manufacturing) ran o. goods-produci- mm shedding employment. We need to find ways of sup- porting and encouraging the iifiiiu growth and development of our current employers. We need to assure that our good employers remain solvent, vibrant and alive. 2. In order of importance, what will be your top three priorities if elected? Based on my current knowledge, my priorities would be the Sanpete County Commissioner following: Water We need to fol1) low through with our water rights and acquisition, since water is so critical to our growth and development. 2) LIFELONG RESIDENT of Sanpete County, where all his children have attended public schools. Wife teaches in the public school system. FAMILY MAN Married to Camille Johnson. Parents of five children (three of whom make their homes in Sanpete), and eight grandchildren. EXPERIENCED 8 years as Manti Mayor and two separate terms as city councilmember. VOCATION ORIENTED Has definite interest in the impact of agriculture on the county, and has been involved in agriculture most of his life. VOLUNTEERISM Recognizes the value of volunteerism, and has served on the Snow College Institutional Private Industry Council, Sanpete ComCouncil, munity Training Center Board, Central Utah Correctional Advisory Board, Rotary and Exchange Clubs, and numerous other committees and organizations. Was the recipient of the Yule Candle and the State lf Award. PEOPLE ORIENTED 1 believe in the people of Sanpete County and recognize a strong work ethic. Our communities are beautiful and generally well-kep- t, not because of government mandates, but because our people care. I want to be a listening ear and a positive respondent to our needs. ty My greatest strength is my genuine interest in people. I enjoy working with people and am recognized as an excellent listener. I believe in our citizens and feel that I will be an excellent advocate for them. 4. What is the greatest weakness or difficulty you will have to overcome in relation to the office you are seeking? The greatest difficulty facing me is going to be establishing a viable communication link between the commission and the public. Taxes carries a negative connotation. We are willing to pay our fair share for the necessary services of our county, but we are unwilling to pay for illegal or unnecessary expenditures. We have been inundated of late with examples of financial abuse of the public trust. No one is interested in paying increased taxes to cover illegal activities. When we are placed in positions of trust over budgets, we must have the integrity to monitor them and inform the taxpayers of how their money is used. 5. What distinguishes you from jour opponent? 1 ) My experience as mayor allowed me to work proactively with the mayorscommissioners as- sociation. 2) My lifelong participation in agriculture has given me insights ment. 3) Finance Employees need to make a livable wage to remain in the county. As income in- lic education and my daughter and work for higher educa- creases, so can the services provided by the county and individual communities. Service-Above-Se- 3. What single greatest strength w ill you bring to this office if elected? Economic developNot only do we need to bring in new business but also find ways for our current employers to grow and remain viable. Training programs with Snow College could be an excellent resource. ment KENT LARSEN FAMILY Kent Larsen into the value of agriculture in our county. 3) My involvement, since its inception, with the Central Utah Correctional Facility has given me a unique insight into law enforce4) My w'ife works for pub- son-in-la- w tion, so I have excellent insights into the needs of education in our county. Grant L. Petersen (Constitution Party ) Mark Anderson Republican Candidate For County Commission Education Graduate of North Sanpete High School, Snow College, Utah State University. Graduate work done at USU and BYU. Political Experience Studentbody President at Snow College, City Council member Ephraim City, City Council member, Manti City (Mayor n in both cities), member of Sanpete County Planning and Zoning Board and a member of the Board of Adjustments, Chairman and of Sanpete County Republican Party, State and County Delegate, and financial chairman for a State Representative campaign. Pro-Ter- Vice-Preside- nt Work Experience Teacher at Gunnison and Manti High Schools, Director of School Relations and Scholarships at Snow College, Title Company executive. Director of Sterling Scholars for Central Utah, Chairman of the Board for Moroni Feed Credit Union. Personal Bom in Moroni to George M. and Afton K. Anderson. Married with 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Favorite Book is To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee; cheers for the Chicago Cubs; volunteers time for the Snow College Badgers, has been member of the Ephraim Lions Club and is a member of the Manti Exchange Club. PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT 1013 Grant Peterson was bom in Salt Lake City and raised in Texas and Arkansas. He graduated from American High School in Chicago. He has had three science fiction books published. He has also worked as an extra in the TV series Everwood and Fastest Indian in the World, a movie being filmed on the Salt Flats outside Wendover. He worked for Wal-Ma- rt both at the home office warehouse in Arkansas and at the Ephraim store. 1. What is the most serious issue the county will face in the next four years? Freedom for the individuals living here. The rules are now so petty and silly it discourages growth of businesses. The Central Utah Filmmakers Association has had to fight just to stay in business not because of competition but of harassment by the County. 2. In order of importance, what will be your top three specific priorities if elected? Letting people know how to obtain land patents so that they will no longer have to be subservient to the county and be in danger of losing their property and homes. so that people Ending can build without following petty rules and procedures. Encouraging people to file and run for county office. What single greatest strength will you bring to this office if elected? 3. Grant L. Petersen Persistence. I dont quit. I dont give up. When I set my mind to do something I work at it until it gets done. It may not happen overnight, but I do my best to accomplish my goal. 4. What is the greatest weakness or difficulty you will have to overcome in relation to the office you are seeking? If something doesnt work, there has to be another way to get it done, and finding that way can sometimes be difficult. But after thinking and contemplating the situation I try again. Most of the time it gets accomplished. 5. What distinguishes you from your opponents? My view of freedom for the individual. I like to encourage creativity and new ideas. Not all the great ideas come from county commissioners or bureaucrats. If someone wants to build a house like an they should be able to. I encourage the use of this area for and any other crefilm-maki- ative business anyone can come up with. ! T . |