Protecting our environment is both a moral responsibility to future generations and a health and quality-of-life issue for us today.  As Mayor I will explore ways in which we can save energy and reduce fuel and power costs.  We should be as “green” as we can be while expecting a worthwhile return on any current investments made to improve our energy efficiency.  We don’t need to be early adopters of the latest expensive new technologies that come along, but we can be vigilant in making gradual improvements that in the long term will yield significant financial and environmental savings.  City employees are likely the best source of information on how we can generate immediate savings.  Ongoing research should be a part of every city building or infrastructure project, or remodel, to make use of energy saving designs and equipment when the return on investment is clearly identifiable.  These same principles should be applied to the purchase of city vehicles to maximize fuel and maintenance savings that can be identified.  As part of our efforts to become more energy efficient we need to explore grants from various federal, state and other funding sources that can enhance our efforts.

I have seen progress as a resident in our recycling efforts as a city but we can still make great strides in encouraging residents and city government to be more involved.  As Mayor I will encourage the purchase and use of recycling bins in our parks and other public venues.  The city’s example in this way will demonstrate a commitment to our environment and encourage the residents and businesses of West Jordan to do the same.  As Mayor I will explore ways to incentivize our businesses to increase their use of renewable resources through an awards program that will recognize businesses that lead by example. 

We must also look for ways to modernize our building codes and ordinances that encourage a “green” attitude and that provide both requirements and potential incentives for sustainable design, construction and green living.

One significant opportunity that we will soon have to improve our energy efficiency as citizens of West Jordan is the Midline Trax line.  As city leaders we must encourage residents to utilize this public transit system.  This is one proven way of alleviating congestion on our roads while generating fewer carbon emissions. We must emphasize sustainable growth and development in our current open spaces that makes use of public transportation easy and sensible.  This along with sensible development that attracts a variety of businesses and provides a variety of employment opportunities will help to ease traffic congestion and significantly improve the quality of life for the residents of our fair city.