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OGDEN — Ogden mayoral candidates revealed different approaches to public safety and renewable energy, and similar perspectives on affordable housing and homelessness, during a public debate Thursday night.
The debate between Taylor Knuth and Ben Nadolski was held at Weber State University and gave locals a chance to ask the candidates questions. Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell is wrapping up his third term after serving Ogden since 2012, and will not be running again.
During the debate, both Knuth and Nadolski expressed the importance of Ogden to them and how the support of the community — as well as how WSU, where both candidates graduated from — has shaped them.
Knuth serves as Salt Lake City's deputy director in the Department of Economic Development. He began his career as the community services and engagement director for United Way of Northern Utah and has a history of volunteering in Ogden through community engagement events.
Knuth talked about his background growing up with a single mom, being a first-generation college student, and growing his life and his family in Ogden. He said his goal as mayor would be to get "back to the basics of government," including "building up our community, creating connections with our neighbors and preserving the character of our city."
Nadolski works for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. He has been a member of the Ogden City Council since 2016, including serving as chairman in 2018 and 2022. Nadolski has represented the city on several committees, and helped implement the Ogden Untamed Youth Sport Program and Ogden River Restoration Project.
Nadolski talked about the blessing of building his life in Ogden, and said he has more than 20 years of experience in public administration, public policy and public finance. "I look forward to putting that experience to work for you," he told voters.
Public safety
Knuth discussed the importance of "getting back to the basics" of increasing trust between police officers and the public through community meetings.
"This is what I'm talking about when we're talking about building community: I am talking about including the voices of those most impacted by the decisions we're making," Knuth said.
Nadolski argued there was "nothing basic" about solving police-community relationships and said the city needs to hire more officers so they can have more time to spend with community members one-on-one, including coaching youth sports.
Knuth retorted that officers couldn't be paid more if they were spending their time coaching sports.
The candidates disagreed on whether a 411 line would be useful, with Knuth saying it is an essential part of a city, and Nadolski saying it would be "overburdening" local officers if it wasn't responsibly staffed.
Both candidates said they don't support a ticket quota system.
Renewable energy
Moderator Caroline Ballard noted that the Ogden City Council voted in 2019 to join Utah Renewable Communities, the goal of which is to transition Utah cities to 100% renewable energy sources by 2030. But she said there has been talk about pulling out of the program.
Knuth expressed the importance of committing to "matching the urgency of this moment" by preserving Ogden's environment for future generations, saying it is the financially responsible choice to make.
Nadolski responded that despite the importance of the program's initiative, Ogden needs more information about the cost down the line before it commits.
Affordable housing
A WSU student brought up concerns about paying for school and rent, and asked about the candidates' plans to address housing costs. Knuth said he could expand down payment assistance, focus on ensuring federal dollars go toward affordable housing and work with private developers "to enhance the quality of life for people already here and make sure people like you can stay."
"We need to make sure we're meeting residents where they are so that we can ensure their long-term success in our community as we continue to grow," Knuth said.
Nadolski talked about focusing on "a spectrum of housing affordability," good zoning and planning, and "smart use of our money" to improve housing.
"I want to make sure that the incentives we use go to the people who live here in need," he said.
Homelessness
Knuth said the best way to treat homelessness is to prevent it.
"What we do need to do as a city is center the humanity and dignity of everybody living in our city, including those who are unsheltered," Knuth said. "We have to do something about this because it's not only the ethical and moral decision that we should be making as a city, but it's the financially responsible decision we should be making."
Nadolski said Ogden has a responsibility as the biggest city in Weber County to be on the frontlines of solving homelessness.
"We have to have better health care. We have to have better mental health treatment," Nadolski said. "We need deeply, deeply affordable housing, not just here but everywhere else in the county. … They need a place to go, places warm, safe and stable."
The general election is Nov. 21.
The debate was hosted by KUER, PBS Utah and the Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service.
