Petersen announces candidacy for Logan City Mayor

<em>The following is a letter submitted to CacheValleyDaily from Cache County Councilman Craig Petersen announcing his candidacy for the Logan City Mayor.</em>

I will be a candidate for Mayor of Logan City. I have considered running for mayor for several years because I am committed to improving the city. The tipping point in my decision to run came a month or so ago when Mayor Watts announced his candidacy for a third term. If re-elected, he would be the first three term Logan Mayor in 74 years. I believe that Logan’s long tradition of only two terms reflects wise judgment on the part of candidates who didn’t run again and/or voters who didn’t support long terms in office for full-time mayors. Many citizens that I have talked to during the last few weeks share this view. They believe that new perspectives, new ideas, new policies, and new energy are needed if Logan is to meet the challenges of a 21st Century city.

Logan City will face some significant issues over the next four years. The EPA is going to require that the wastewater treatment lagoons be altered to reduce phosphorus and ammonia emissions and these changes will be very expensive, regardless of who is mayor. Infrastructure needs to be upgraded, while assuring that adequate recreational and cultural opportunities continue to be provided. More efficient and courteous customer service to citizens is needed, but, at the same time, it is necessary that city employees be recognized for their contributions and highly valued as individuals. Perhaps most fundamental, the future trend of the city needs to be carefully re-considered. Logan City has a disproportionate number of rental units and recent high-rise projects have significantly changed the nature of some neighborhoods. Rental housing is important, especially in a university town, but a strong base of owner-occupied homes must be maintained to assure that Logan remains a stable and vibrant city. Balanced growth is the key to the future.

As I reflect back on my personal, professional, and political life, I believe that I have the experience and qualifications that would allow me to be a responsive and successful mayor.

*As a long-time Cache County Council member, I am familiar with the important issues facing the county and Logan City.

*I served on the Logan City Planning and Zoning Commission and have years of experience working on difficult land use issues as a member of the county council.

*As a Professor of Economics and Finance at USU, I understand taxation, budgeting and strategic planning.

*I have in-depth experience with public utilities. I have been an expert witness in electric power and telecommunications rate cases and was twice employed by USU to negotiate its power and water/sewer contracts with Logan City. I also have broad experience with renewable energy options, such as solar, wind, and conservation.

*I can communicate effectively in individual and group settings. For example, a number of years ago I was designated as USU’s Professor of the Year.

Over the next few months I will suggest specific proposals that I believe will make Logan City an even better place to live. I don’t have all the answers, but my track record while serving on the Cache County Council demonstrates that I always do my homework, require sound analysis of proposals, and actively solicit and listen to the ideas and concerns of citizens. If elected, that will be my approach as mayor.

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