My parents moved to District 3 when I was 6 years old. We lived in a cul de sac with neighbors from many different countries and ethnicities. My wife and I value the unique views and diversity of Salt Lake City, particularly District 3. Both of our families now have three generations living in Salt Lake City. We value the opportunities and quality of life offered by our community. As your candidate, I wish to sustain and improve the quality of life for current and future residents.
LIST OF ISSUES
Trail Use
Our foothill trails are used by people pursuing a variety of activities, including hiking, running, and cycling. Personally, I participate in all of these activities and I use the trails at least 4 to 5 times a week. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is one of the most recognized trails in Utah. I am a proponent of environmental stewardship and responsible trail development to encourage more use by all individuals and to reduce trail use conflicts. Ideas include trail expansion, erosion mitigation, sign usage, and one way uphill or downhill sections.
Community Safety
As a runner, I often run through the neighborhood late at night once the day's events have settled. I often see non-resident cars driving up and down our streets, perhaps looking for an opportunity. After talking to neighbors and joining the Nextdoor App, I am learning that crime is fairly common in our neighborhood. Ideas include better engagement of city entities to enforce local ordinances, forming smaller neighborhood watch programs in which a smaller group of residents look after each other, increasing utilization of neighborhood networking apps, and encouraging and helping each other install smart home devices such as security lighting, cameras, etc.
Road Maintenance and Traffic Safety
I live on a street where water flow patterns have caused large potholes to develop and people tend to speed through my neighborhood along the major thoroughfare. District 3 is entitled to an allocation of funds for road maintenance and repair. Identifying and prioritizing areas with acute need are essential. The demographics of District 3 are changing and more families with children are moving into the community. Identifying and installing proper speed control implements (signs, speed bumps, etc) may be needed in high traffic areas. Additionally, controlling and improving parking at the trailhead access points is essential to decrease impact to our community.
Homelessness and Affordable Housing
In medical school, I volunteered as a provider the 4th Street Homeless Clinic. I also conducted two research projects at the clinic. Currently, I provide orthopedic trauma and emergency department coverage to LDS Hospital. I often see homeless individuals and patients affected by the drug crisis. I am convinced that community resources, earlier medical/psychiatric intervention, and self-empowerment programs can help get individuals off the street and on the road to social and economic independence.
Responsible Economic Development
As president and CEO of Utah Orthopedic Specialists and owner of the Brighton Medical Clinic, I am responsible for making critical decisions to ensure the sustainability of the corporation. I balance this task with the moral obligation to provide a good wage, to look after the health and happiness of my employees, and to make a positive difference in their lives. I am a proponent of economically, morally, and environmentally friendly development for our city. Encouraging STEM education in our community to provide a pool of talented workers to expand technology, medical, and research and development companies is a key goal.