Issue Position: Growing Sustainably

Issue Position

Meeting the Challenges of Growth Head-on

VISION: Utah County population is growing. Planning and anticipating for that growth is critical to be ready for the next 20 years. We need to continue to assure our state and communities are safe and prepared. Planning for sustainable communities that match unprecedented growth doesn't happen by accident. We want to prepare well so our children and their children have viable and productive opportunities.

HARD WORK: Working as the chair of the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce has given me an urgent and critical understanding of the need for vision. Our schools and universities are experiencing unprecedented growth. I will work to incorporate innovation and technology to address the needs associated with this growth. I will promote measures at the local level and support them in our Legislature with sound policies that keep our economy healthy, our communities safe, limit government, and plan for sustainable growth.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT: You need access, participation and information. I will work with you and community leaders and will maintain ongoing contact with you about the State's role in this challenge. I'll be looking for you to participate with me so that I can take your voice into the discussions in the Legislature.

As the owner of Stratton & Stratton Farms, Keven has experienced first hand the transition of many family farms into flourishing neighborhoods and commercial centers in Orem and Provo.

REAL SOLUTIONS: By the year 2040 (when our kids are running Utah) Benjamin, Utah is projected to be the population center of Utah County. With less than 30 years to prepare for that kind of unprecedented growth in the County, we need to make certain that the state funds, similar to those which provided the infrastructure and roads for North Davis County, are in place to address the needs for Utah County. Building the freeway to Payson takes care of us for a few years, but we need to be looking at innovative ways to address the future needs and expansion in all of our communities. It's easy to build on raw land, but we will also be dealing with the heightened needs of older infrastructure in Orem, Lindon and Provo. I will work vigorously at the state level to make certain Utah County's need receive the attention necessary to deal with our growth as well as work to create the connections to attract high paying jobs to offset the costs associated with growth.

Preparing for the growth in need for Education will also be of paramount importance. Of course, the will be an increased need for facilities, but we can innovate in ways to better utilize our existing facilities and maximize the taxpayer's investment in quality education. Leveraging technology and cultivating business partnerships will also be key to this endeavor. The time is now to prepare.

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