SANTA CLARA – As part of our commitment to keep the community informed, St. George News has contacted, to the best of our ability, each person running for Santa Clara City Council. The following, in no particular order, are your candidates for Santa Clara.

Herbert K. Basso

I am a native Hawaiian, moved to Washington County in 1989. I have resided in Santa Clara for 17 years.  I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU-Provo. I am married, with six children and eight grandchildren. Self-employed since 2005, I work in small real estate development, property management, and recreation consulting. My family owns and operates a catering and snack bar business. I love living in Santa Clara, respect its history, and care about its future.

What is the one thing that needs to be changed/addressed in Santa Clara?

We should improve the economic future for Santa Clara. I believe local government could facilitate business growth in order to increase sales tax revenue to pay for services to its citizens. I feel obligated to protect residents’ tax dollars while providing excellent services. We have a great staff that do a lot for our community.  We have a beautiful, quaint downtown historical district that has great potential. We can encourage thoughtful business growth, provide new employment, increase our tax base, and continue to ensure that Santa Clara is a great place to live. Shop Santa Clara!

Bill Jacobsen

I am originally from San Diego, Calif. and have lived in Santa Clara for the last 32 years. I am married to Ann Jacobsen and have 4 children and 11 grand children. I am a graduate of Brigham Young University and the college of education.

From 1976 to 2007, I taught in the public schools for 25 years and at Dixie College for six years. During that time, I was also involved in coaching at each of those levels.

What is the one thing that needs to be changed/addressed in Santa Clara?

The need for more commercial activity is necessary for our community. With commercial growth comes an increase in tax dollars, which will allow the city to update infrastructure that is necessary and wanted by the citizens of Santa Clara. This would also allow us to work at keeping taxes low, power and water rates stable.

My hope is to serve for another four years, and to continue to see many of the projects started through to the end.  I believe very strongly on term limits and would end my tenure and the conclusion of my second term.

Mary Jo Hafen

I moved to Santa Clara 40 years ago when the population was 300. My husband, Brad, is a proud native of the city. Our seven children have enjoyed growing up and raising their children here.

I served one term on city council before spending 18 months in South Africa on an LDS mission. I am now involved with zoning & planning and would love the opportunity to use my experience, perspective, and commitment on the city council.

What is the one thing that needs to be changed/addressed in Santa Clara?

City government is a work in progress and needs careful attention as times and circumstances change. As with most cities, budget concerns in a fragile economy needs to be carefully monitored; identifying priorities with limited funds is an ongoing process.

One of the biggest concerns facing Santa Clara is increasing our tax base by attracting businesses that will fit into our unique setting. Ensuring the safety and well being of our citizens is a concern and worthy of consistent, careful consideration.

Responses not received from Chad Jensen, David Whitehead and Curtis Anderson.

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