Doug Welton

Doug Welton earned a bachelor's degree from Utah Valley State College in 2007 and a master's degree from Southern Utah University in 2019. Welton's career experience includes working as an educator in Japanese, debate, philosophy, and current issues.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Doug Welton. I have lived in Payson for most of my life. I love Payson! It is an amazing little town with amazing people. I am currently a teacher at Salem Hills High School. I teach Japanese, Debate, Current Issues, and Philosophy. I am a firm believer in community involvement, and believe I am teaching

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Communication and Transparency---These two items are closely related. I have actively engaged the community for the past four years through my Facebook page @DougWeltonPaysonCityCouncil We have very intelligent residents in Payson. I have found that clear and regular communication builds trust and understanding in the community and helps facilitate constructive conversations that make the community better.Planning---With all of the growth coming to Payson, it is essential that we have a plan in place to make sure we grow responsibly with an eye on the future, and not just the present. We have spent a lot of time working to update all of our master plans. This is important to let us know what size of pipe or sewer line to install. Knowing what is needed not only for the current development, put also for the future development ensures that we aren't digging up roads three years down the road to upsize water or sewer lines. It also helps to make sure we aren't spending money to upsize an area that doesn't need it. Planning also helps to maintain our small town feel while embracing growth. Putting the right things in the right places is key.Infrastructure---Infrastructure is tied closely to planning and growth. In order to grow, we need to install the proper infrastructure and upgrade and maintain current infrastructure. Our roads are old and we still have large parts of the city without curb, gutter, sidewalk, and storm drain. While it is not realistic to say we will be able to upgrade everything (cost prohibitive), we can put a plan in place to ensure funds are available, and prioritize infrastructure. We are planning on rebuilding Main St and the underground infrastructure from 600 S to 1400 S next Fall. We just upgraded our PI system and are saving for our sewer upgrade. We are currently discussing the options available to upgrade the curb and gutter in the city.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe that communities are better together. We have some great minds, and creative people in the community. We are better together. I am passionate about engaging the public so they know what is happening in the city and can give feedback . I love meeting with people in town and discussing their concerns, suggestions, and questions. Government should not be done in secret, and should be easier for residents to access. I have also been a big advocate of the master planning. The master planning process, I-15 realignment, county transportation discussions, and more have all been public forums that have engaged the public. It has been fun to meet with many of you as we have sought out public comment in the planning process. You can still share your thoughts at www.imaginepayson.com

I look forward to serving you and ask for your vote. Please consider me as your first vote. If you have a number, please consider me as your second or third choice.

Thank you,

Doug Welton

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

City government is the most basic and important level of government. It certainly isn't as glamorous as the other races, but it is the where the road hits the rubber most often for everyday citizens. What happens in city council has a direct impact on the residents of Payson. City officials also need to be able to interface well with state officials, business, and their constituents.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity is always at the top of the list. Integrity filters down to every other interaction, vote, work ethic, and decision made by an elected official. Integrity means you will do what you say you will do. Integrity also means that you are committed to doing what is best for the city. This means having the courage to change course if the data or situation warrants a change. Standing on faulty data just to be consistent is not showing integrity. A candidate with integrity will clearly explain what transpired that facilitated a change of course.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

I think most people know this, but often forget. It is the city council that votes and ordinances, zoning, fees, etc. not the mayor. The mayor serves a critical role of helping to run the everyday functions of the city, and is the figure head for the city, but most changes are made through the city council. The mayor does not have a vote, but s/he has influence.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is helpful to be familiar with the workings of government, but certainly not critical. City government is best served by passionate individuals interested in making a difference. It is important for a council member to be able to look at issues objectively and be able to work with others.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The ability to communicate is a must. Also the ability to work with others through difficult issues as they arise. The best ideas are the ones that are debated and discussed in a civil manner. City council members need to have thick skin, and must be committed to working with those they serve with and the community. There will be times a vote doesn't go your way. It is important to get back on the horse, and go back to work without holding grudges. Not everything will go your way.