Carlton Christensen, the Gentle Giant, has been a mainstay in west side politics for the past 11 years as District 1’s representative. Carlton’s work with many civic organizations, combined with his life long love of the district, not only shows his passion to serve, but also his effectiveness. I wholeheartedly support Carlton in his bid for a fourth term as my couniclperson.
Carlton knows what the district needs, and fights for it. He has helped to secure funding for a west side light rail line and a new North Temple viaduct, helped to expand the Jordan River Parkway to the county line and improved neighborhood parks, supported the “green waste” city collection program and the construction of a new west-side fire station and police precinct. All this while being fiscally responsible with the citizens money.
But his eyes are also towards the future. As a proponent for responsible growth, and sustainable economic development, it is hard to say no to Carlton. I must admit that I also agree with his desire to construct a new Public Safety Building…all while keeping the cities books balanced. As a long time member of Salt Lake Peer Court, I also am impressed with Carlton’s desire to help youth earlier in life by preventing gang activity and encouraging them to grow and succeed.
But Carlton’s other supporters also speak volumes. Not only is Carlton endorsed by Mayor Ralph Becker and the districts main State Representative, Jen Seelig, Carlton has also been endorsed by the districts State Senator, Luz Robles, whom Carlton ran against and lost to in 2008. It should be noted that Carlton ran as a Republican in that race, while Becker, Seelig, and Robles are all Democrats. That alone should show that Carlton knows what democracy should be – the right to disagree without being disagreeable. Indeed, I was impressed and respected how honest and professional Carlton was in that race, despite the fact that I did not vote for him at the time.
I do feel that is worth mentioning that Carlton’s opponent does not appear to hold this same value in mind. After coming in a distant second in last Tuesday’s primary, Carlton’s opponent argued that LDS candidates fair far better in elections because they have “built-in get out the vote mechanism(s).” Not only is this statement offensive, but it is out and out false for the district – only a quarter of residents are active Mormons. I am not Mormon and I am a fierce Democrat, and I can tell you that she received 25% of the vote because her issues simply did not match with the needs of the district. Her only discernible issue of note was that she wanted to eliminate prostitution on North Temple, a worthy goal to be sure, but she certainly gave me no reason why she would be the better candidate to do this, or any other task for that matter, when compared to Carlton.
Carlton Christensen is a hard working member of our community, and his tireless service should be noted and lauded. I, for one, and happy to back Carlton and hope that, if you have the opportunity, you will cast your vote for him on November 3rd.
While I certainly am impressed with Carlton’s ability to be nice in a progressive community, and garner endorsements of elected officials whose best interest lies in endorsing their city council member, I certainly do not agree that Carlton has worked hard for this District.
The Airport TRAX line happened in spite of Carlton, because UTA and the Salt Lake Chamber are making it happen. What the city does control is the zoning and the development of the North Temple Gateway corridor, and Carlton has not been a strong advocate for these. It has taken other members of the city council to press for the planning and design of the corridor — while Carlton has been asleep at the wheel.
Not to mention he was the only member of the city council to vote against the city non-discrimination ordinance, and one of two who voted against funding for the two proposed west side libraries, in Glendale and Marmalade. I guess, since he has a library in his district, he forgets that other west side neighborhoods need them, too, and have been promised them for 20 years.
He voted for the zoning that killed Sugar House. He voted against a state tax credit petition to promote recycling industries in the city, and against a zoning amendment to clean up industrial zoned properties in his own district. He even recently voted against adding bike racks–yes, bike racks for all the kids that ride their bikes to scout and youth activities–to an LDS Stake Center, which was requested by the community, but not on the plans submitted by the LDS church.
How does this represent passion OR effectiveness for District 1 and the city.
Leslie Benns may have her flaws, but she is more passionate and more in tune. And yes, the LDS influence is there. Only 25% of the district may be LDS, but they do turn out to vote. They don’t say over the pulpit who to vote for, but I guarantee they tell you to get out and vote. And when the only person you know is the guy you go to church with, guess who gets the votes. Look at the primary election in the avenues. Phil Carroll, who is LDS and the least progressive in what may be the most progressive district of the city, also came out on top. As did his predecessor, Eric Jergensen, who was a stake president and a Republican.
[...] As I have stated before, Carlton is the only choice in my mind for Salt Lake’s west side. Not only does he bring experience to the table, but he has the sorely lacking ability to reach across party lines to get the job done. Furthermore, Carlton’s opponent did a fine job offending me when she stated that LDS candidates fair far better in elections because they have “built-in get out the vote mechanism(s).” Statements like that show that Carlton’s opponent is out of touch with the district. [...]