To each of you, I say welcome to what I believe — and I hope each of you also believe — is the greatest city in Utah. Tooele is a city of promise and opportunity, a city of progressive thought and action. A place each of you can be proud of. A beautiful city of promise, where you can live and raise a family in safety. A city that provides employment opportunities, where the future brings a vibrant business and manufacturing climate. A close-knit, diverse city working every day to be better than before, with a city government, administration and council that takes nothing for granted.

With today’s economic conditions, it’s important to have an experienced, caring administration with one goal: to lift our wonderful city to new heights, providing a quality level of public service using your tax dollars to the fullest intent possible, so that at the end of each day we know they’ve been spent wisely and conservatively for the betterment of us all. As I review the first three years of my administration, I look with pride at our accomplishments. Important projects have been completed. We have reduced spending, while at the same time we have been able to provide a better level of service to each of you.

It has not been without frustration however. The economy has significantly affected us. Our revenues are lower than before. We have had to continue to defend ourselves against unjust, expensive lawsuits that were ongoing when I was elected. Money that should have been used for public services has had to be put towards our defense.

Our successes have been truly gratifying however and far outweigh our incidents of frustration. Downtown has come alive again. Exciting new businesses are opened and are going to open. Businesses badly needed in our city now provide quality goods and services. Places like Big 5 Sporting Goods, Sears, Walgreens, Gold’s Gym, Liddiard Furniture Outlet, Allen’s Floor Coverings, and the soon-to-be opened Sostanza Restaurant.

While we are very excited to have them come to Tooele, our work will continue. Economic development is and will always be a priority of my administration. The creation of new jobs and employment opportunities are primary in our economic development work.

The completion of phase 1 of the wastewater treatment plant, the beginning of construction on the very important 1000 North transportation project, the development of our existing wells to make them more efficient, as well as the development of the England Acres well, will provide a very valuable additional water source, along with significant additions to our parks and the new fun splash pad at the swimming pool.

The growth of the performing arts has become such a great addition to our city. Friday’s on Vine is a wonderful success. Bringing back a real Fourth of July celebration with a concert and fireworks bring excitement for us all. As well as ongoing art classes all make our city a place to spend time with families and friends, in an atmosphere that is safe and enjoyable. The dream of our own performing arts and craft center and recreation facility is a goal we hope to one day become a reality.

We have spent close to $3 million dollars in the last three years upgrading our aging water and wastewater infrastructure and roads that badly need repair. The repair of our roadways will be a major focus in our city this year. Budgets will be tight, but we will repair and replace as many as it will allow. The condition of our roads is a very real frustration to me and I’m sure to each of you. I pledge to continue to put a renewed emphasis on this very important work.

The challenges we have today involving the economy will require us to adjust the way we operate. I look forward with resolve and a great deal of optimism in the future of this beautiful city. You’ve heard me say many times that “challenges make you stronger.” This statement is true. We are stronger than ever before. The experience and knowledge of the administration of Tooele City is better today. We’re a great mix of many years of mature experience and knowledge, and young, energetic public servants, who know their jobs and do them very well. Add to that an engaged, knowledgeable city council who take their responsibility seriously, and you have an unbeatable combination.

I pledge to continue to protect your financial investment in this city. We will continue the level of service you deserve in spite of the difficulties created by the downturn in the economy. We will make the necessary sacrifices just as each of you are making in your lives. We’ll become leaner and at the same time more efficient. We will accomplish this without a tax increase.

I want to sincerely express my appreciation for the support and encouragement many of you give me. My heartfelt gratitude to the staff and employees of Tooele City for the dedicated job they do. I also express my love to my family. I love Tooele City, and the opportunity to serve as your mayor. I truly am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to each of you.