Thomas Jefferson said, “We do not have government by the majority, we have government by the majority that participate.”

The primary election for members of our city council recently concluded. The results indicated just 31% of the registered voters in North Ogden exercised their right to vote. Thank you to those who voted. Based upon Thomas Jefferson’s quote, 31% becomes the participating majority in selecting those who will represent the over 22,000 residents in North Ogden. Fortunately, the candidates running for city council are good people, but I always remember a quote by George Nathan: “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” North Ogden is a growing city and governing is becoming more complicated. It’s important that we have council members who have the courage to make hard decisions and who have the qualifications to serve. In November we will have the opportunity to vote in the final election. I encourage you to do research on each candidate and determine who is best qualified to serve and keep North Ogden a great place to live! Susan B. Anthony once said, “Someone struggled for your right to vote, use it!” Please vote in the November election.

There have been some inquiries about our parks and trails in North Ogden along with the city’s planning process. I’d like to share a bit of information to update the citizens on commitments that have been made by the city council regarding parks and trails. Before I do so let me say that we recognize we need to continue to improve our existing parks. The following are projects approved by the city council:

• New playground equipment at Wadman Park.
• Significant improvements to the trailhead located at 2750 North and Mountain Road.
• A new park just west of the old public works area on Pleasant View Drive.
• New playground equipment at Lomond View Park.
• Four pickleball courts at Lomond View Park.
• The purchase of property from Weber County (at a very minimal price) for a future park in the Northeast quadrant of the city.
• A small park in the Prominence Point development is funded by the developer.
• Completion of the 6-acre pond park in the Patriot Point development (2550 North 150 East).

The city also has approximately 30 acres of land available for the Barker Park development. Grants, developer, and citizen contributions of nearly $1.7 million have been made available to cover a significant amount of the cost of the approved projects. As I previously mentioned governing is complicated and involves a great deal of planning. North Ogden has the following plans in place:

• A recently updated General Plan
• An Affordable Housing Plan
• A financial plan to provide for future growth, park development, and building maintenance.
• Capital Improvements Plan for major utility and other projects.
• Annual operating plan (budget)

I’m grateful to serve with a council that looks to the future and has the courage to make tough decisions and I will work hard to keep North Ogden a COMMUNITY we can be proud to live in.
Mayor Neal Berube