Essential Factors to Consider This Election Cycle
Accountability + TRANSPARENCY × Citizen Awareness = A City working for the citizens. An administration that cares about its citizens.
Are you tired of not being involved in helping make decisions or being unaware of initiatives, only to find out after the fact. The traffic situation on 13800 South is just one example. Knowledge, transparency, open dialogue, education, and accountability are all key elements of a government working for its citizens.
There are always two sides to every story. I am committed to not taking sides but understanding both sides of every issue so I can make an informed decision rather than one based upon bias.
As citizens we need to hold our leaders accountable for the volatile climate in which we find ourselves. Leaders do not pick sides they work together. This volatile climate has become part of Bluffdales politics and needs to be discussed openly without animosity and finger pointing. The only way we can end this strife is to vote in leaders that are more concerned about our citizens than they are about personal and/or political agendas. Our city deserves civility again. There have been way to many court hearings, law suits, and city emplyees terminated by the city because of their stance, among other things.
https://www.deseret.com/2000/4/2/19556411/tensions-between-former-bluffdale-workers-escalating/
Bluffdale and Camp Williams Fire Department Future Partnership
This concern of the citizens is still alive and in discussion. We need a leader on the city council that will voice the concerns of the citizens and ensure that their well being is fully considered.
Did I hear that right? Bluffdale voters were accused of defunding the police.
“signing a referendum against the tax increase is like voting to defund our police and fi departments."
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/08/12/why-utah-citys-planned-tax-hi
Bluffdale Budget
FY2023-06-30_Financial_Statements-post_audit_1.pdf
FY2024-06-30_Financial_Statements_-_Postaudit_1.pdf
I reviewed the FY23 and FY24 budget the city provided me following my GRAMA Request. I didn't have access to complete line items or comments. The information was basic so I did the best with what I had. I was told the FY25 budget wasn't ready yet, I'm not sure why, it was presented, voted on, and approved a couple of weeks ago during the city council meeting.
Findings
After reviewing the budget information, the city provided me for FY23 and FY24 budgets, it would be inappropriate of me to back a tax increase right now, let me tell you why I say that. I would ask the voters to consider the same.
Reasons for Witholding Support
- The city is already underspending. In both years, Bluffdale ended with a surplus and left a notable portion of its budget unused. If we’re not spending what we already have, why do we need more?
- Revenue was lower in FY24—but spending still came in under budget. The city fell short of its revenue projections but still maintained a surplus. That shows spending is being controlled, even during shortfalls.
- Some infrastructure projects look to be delayed. Funds allocated for capital improvements like roads and stormwater systems have gone underused. If critical projects aren't being executed, how can we be sure new revenue will be used effectively?
- There is still a negative balance in the impact fee fund. For two consecutive years, the city has shown a significant deficit in this fund. This needs resolution before any new tax revenue is considered.
Questions I Will Need to Have Answered First
1. Why are we proposing new taxes when significant amounts of past budgets remain unspent?
2. What is being done to resolve the negative balance in the impact fee fund?
3. Why haven’t the city’s capital projects, like road repairs and stormwater upgrades, been completed despite having funding?
4. How will any new tax revenue be used differently than the unspent money already sitting in the budget?
5. Can the city commit to publishing a clear, transparent plan for how it will catch up on delayed projects?
I would also ask voters to look at how each incumbent has voted on the tax increase issue since being in office. This will ensure you have facts versus words. Someone can say they fought hard to keep taxes low but if they voted consistently year over year to increase taxes then to me, that is not working hard to keep taxes low, it's the opposite - Working hard to increase taxes.
Final words on taxation - As our population continues to grow the need for infrastructure, parks and recreation, improved roadways, and increased fire and police protection are required. This growth requires funding.
Cities generate operational revenue through property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, user fees and user charges, and intergovernmental transfers; with cities relying most on property taxes to effectively operate and residents relying on their city to provide a place that is safe and livable.
Tax increases are to be used as a last resort. If current budgets don't meet the need and a tax increase is needed, citizens need to understand the 'why' behind the increase prior to implementing it, which is the job of the city.
More and More Frequent Bluffdale Power Outages
https://ksltv.com/local-news/power-outages-effect-bluffdale/789141/
Nuclear Uranium Processing Plant Coming to Bluffdale?
This came as a surprise. I've heard no discussions at the city level. As citizens we need to have a say. This isn't just a Bluffdale issue, it is also a Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, and Lehi issue as it could potentially impact surrounding areas. If elected, I will ask the hard questions.
Utah wants to process Uranium in Bluffdale UT
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2025/06/12/utah-nuclear-energy-state/
Make your voice heard this election! Choose change and progress by voting for Albert Allen Larsen. I’m committed to transparency, resident involvement, and I will fight for control of our city. We deserve to run our own community without being dictated, even by a slight bit, by the governor or the state. Together, we can create a future where our needs come first—let’s make it happen!
