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As employees of North Ogden City, we would like to offer our sincere appreciation to Mayor Gary Harrop for the service he has provided to the citizens and employees of North Ogden. Mayor Harrop has gone far above and beyond what is expected of any elected official. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside Mayor Harrop and to see the love he has for North Ogden and its citizens.
During Mayor Harrop’s tenure, the city has seen tremendous growth as well as trials and has been able to
maintain a strong sense of community. This sense of community is due in large part to Mayor Harrop and others who follow his example to do what is in the best interest of the city, regardless of the time and effort required. Mayor Harrop has a special talent to bring people together, make them feel that they and their opinions matter, and that they are valuable members of the community. Anyone with whom he came in contact could expect a personal greeting and a sincere inquiry about his or her well-being.
During the eight years Mayor Harrop has spent serving in elected office, he has made special efforts to share in the events of the city. Even when his health was failing, when he was suffering through family tragedy and trials, or when he was experiencing personal changes in his life, he still made efforts to be as actively involved in city functions as his health and circumstances allowed. Oftentimes, although he clearly wasn’t feeling himself, he could still be seen in his office or visiting with others, serving or making others feel good despite his own challenges.
Many of the services Mayor Harrop provides to this city are not official duties of his office, but are duties he has stepped forward on his own to provide. He is a true public servant. He has spent countless hours and his own money to help beautify the city. He leads by example. Mayor Harrop has been a blessing to this community and will be missed. However, knowing the type of person he is, we would not be surprised to continue to see Citizen Gary Harrop continue to find ways to serve the community and those around him.
North Ogden City Mayor message: Over these eight years, I have had the privilege and honor of rubbing shoulders with some of the most choice and caring individuals that I have ever known. They are the employees who serve this community. These are people dedicated to serve, protect and, overall, to make North Ogden a better place for its citizens, the businesses, and above all the children who are our future leaders.
The great American philosopher, Benjamin Franklin once stated, “People who get so wrapped up in themselves make for such a small package.” During my tenure as your Mayor I have often watched from a distance the care and concern each of our city employees demonstrates doing his or her daily tasks. I would like to publically thank each of you for all you do to keep our city and its citizens in the forefront of your attention. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I commend our employees for always putting the needs and concerns of the citizens ahead of their own agendas and interests. We of North Ogden have much to be thankful for. Recently we had the opportunity to give this community new and fresh city leaders. We didn’t have to go through all the “political loops” and intrigues that seem prevalent in other countries. We, unhampered, went to the polls and voted. Now that they have been elected, they will need our support and our prayers as the
economic restraints will be theirs to deal with as they face the challenges and new horizons of community opportunities. We need to be patient and aware that although our system of government may have some problems, it is still the best system in the world and the price of freedom demands our time and resources.
One day, many years ago, my late wife informed the kids that “we” were making cookies and then delivering them to the “widows” of the ward area. One of my sons became very excited and enthusiastic about helping. However, upon returning home he was confused and somewhat upset about his experience. When Linda asked what was wrong, he glumly replied, “I thought we were going to feed the spiders in the church!”This may not have been the true spirit of sharing, but since that time I have watched him, his brothers and sister, as well as the members of my new family, grow into caring active people in their communities. They
give of their time and talents to all, just as you do. It has been a pleasure to be in a position where I have been aware of so very many evidences of your great hearts and willing hands. Yes, we have been blessed with so much! Because we live in a healthy environment where most are well, we are more blessed
than the 1 million people who will not survive the week. Because we are not lonely or starving, we are ahead of 500 million people in the world. Because we can attend the church of our choice without being arrested or hassled, or fearing for our lives, we are ahead of 3 billion of our brothers and sisters. Those who have food in their refrigerators, clothes on their backs, and a home in
which to live, are richer than 75% of the world. With money in the bank or in our wallets, and spare change in a dish somewhere, we are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy. Because we can express our gratitude to the Lord, we are blessed. And, finally, if we can read about the situation in our country or write a letter to a loved one, we are more blessed than over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read nor write at all. Sadly, with the riches of our nation, it was recently reported that one of seven families in America doesn’t have adequate food to eat.
We need to be aware of the season and what Thanksgiving and Christmas mean to us. There are those in our neighborhoods and families who are struggling to meet the everyday needs. As Benjamin Franklin stated, being wrapped up in ourselves is a small package. Let us, then open our eyes and our hearts and be more generous when we have the opportunities to give and be of service.
Finally, I do so appreciate the opportunity that has been mine to represent this community and its great citizens over two terms. I did try diligently and honestly to strive with two wonderful city councils to do the best I could in dealing with the many issues, problems and prospects of North Ogden. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. God bless our community, its citizens, the staff and those who guide our city as we go forward into a promising New Year – 2010.
Cherry Days was a great success. We have wonderful volunteers, staff, and citizens who
coordinate all our special events. This effort makes North Ogden a very special place to work, play, and live.
Our 4th of July celebrations also provide us another opportunity to recognize and give thanks to the men and women of the armed services. Patriots both past and present have given so much for our
cherished freedoms. Never forget their sacrifices. We are about to welcome a new school building in North Ogden. The new North Ogden Elementary School has been anticipated and in our thoughts for years. I say anticipated because it was expected that someday we might have to replace the old
school with a new, more up to date facility. Buildings are much like automobiles and people – they need to be repaired from time to time. Very soon we will be turning our focus and attention towards
the community’s newest facility, North Ogden Elementary School.
Keep in mind that the most important parts of this new building are not the building or grounds but the students, teachers, and staff.
We are so grateful for those who have rolled up their economic sleeves to provide this wonderful facility. We are mindful of the onstruction workers who have worked under less than desirable
weather conditions in order to meet this fall’s completion date. This community has had to work around street closures and overly large equipment on our streets. There is always a lot of dirt and
debris associated with a project of this size and scope, but it will be worth it to one and all! To the teachers, administrators, parents, and various support groups such as the PTA – we tip our hats in
thanks. To the Weber County School District and Mr. Drew Wilson we express our appreciation for making this dream a reality.
June 2009
Our community has some truly marvelous and gifted citizens who give of their time and talents to make sure the many needs of our citizens are met. Remember a couple of years ago on the 4th of July we saluted Ryan Berube who worked at Acres Market and was so helpful in making sure each and every customer found what he or she was looking for. All you Weber High graduates will remember how we saluted Earl and Anne Heninger as they rode in the parade. Earl meant so much in our educational proces of life. These were special moments as we saluted people we have known. I would like to talk about three more individuals who, because of their hard work and dedication, help keep our community looking nice. Ron Freestone and Byron Dallinga are two city employees who, because they give of themselves, make sure the community’s parks and lawns are cut in a timely fashion. Every Tuesday these two are cutting and trimming the lawns here at the Police and Administration buildings. During the off season they are clearing snow from the sidewalks or across the street at the North View Senior Center. Byron lives here in our community and I have watched the way he puts the needs of our citizens before the projects that he has at his own house. I mentioned three city workers. Last summer the third of these workers could be found helping Byron and Ron in mowing the new Wadman and not so new Barker Parks. This year he is working with Jim Wells (Public Works) in over seeing what goes in our green waste pit by the Equestrian Park. We have many individuals who for years have helped us with our pit but Troy is a unique individual in the fact that he is deaf; but he is there dealing with the patrons and volunteers to help
ensure that the community pit functions as it should. Finally, I would like to acquaint our citizens with this year’s “Citizen of Inspiration”. In the 1960’s Dick Jardine was the talk of high school athletics. At Ben Lomond High School he received twelve letters in three years for baseball, football, basketball and track. I believe that this accomplishment puts him in a category with only one other person, Scott Ballif. Dick and Scott are the only two athletes I know of who accomplished this extraordinary feat while in high school. Think of that… two of the state’s all time best athletes live in our community. Dick however, after accepting a full ride scholarship to BYU to play
football, was critically injured in an automobile accident. A broken neck left him paralyzed from the neck down. Through hard work and therapy he learned to walk again. He served an LDS mission,
married his sweetheart, Sandi, and they have been married 36 years. After years of working Dick was forced to take a medical retirement. He later suffered another medical setback, another stroke, and thus he is confined to a wheelchair. Dick is a living example of what makes Americans great and good. He is such a positive person and he and his wife Sandi are shining examples of what makes our community unique and yes – great! What inspirations they are for all to follow in our
everyday way of life. As we are about to celebrate another Fourth of July let us be grateful for
all that we have been blessed with in this community, this state and the greatest country on Earth… the United States of America and her great citizens who are here and those serving elsewhere.
We have much to be thankful for!
April 2009
I don’t always agree with the Ogden Standard-Examiner but recently they have been right on target. A few days ago they ran an article under the headline “People are good”. Remember the storm that dumped a large amount of snow a couple weeks ago? A number of trees and branches came down during that storm. I have received a couple letters from residents expressing their thanks for the service and assistance that they received. One gentleman, a twenty five year resident of North Ogden, asked that I let our Council and the snowplow crews know what a great job they are doing. The other letter writer stated, “I have lived in many towns in the USA and Europe and your city is the best.” Last month I wrote about a resident who told me about her neighbor around the corner. When that neighbor came home from a long day at work, he removed much of the neighborhood snow before shoveling his own yard or driveway.
The above mentioned newspaper frequently features articles about the many negative aspects of individuals or our communities or our nation. Yes, I know it sells papers– but have you noticed many positive articles about this or that? For the fourth or fifth time over these past few years it has been my honor and privilege to accompany, along with Councilman Rich and Marilyn Harris, some twenty plus young people from this community to a convention – a gathering of Youth City Councils from across the upper portion of our state. It has been held at Utah State University and there these young men and women exchange ideas and dialog on the many projects and endeavors they are involved with during the year. There are projects within and without the communities that demonstrate the good that can and is accomplished when they are participants. When the Fourth of July is upon us they are a major factor in the overall success of that day and its many events. These same young people help our city workers when we clean up our parks or other areas that need attention. During the holidays each year they are there assisting with the projects and making sure that whatever is needed is done.
In the coming month – Governor Jon Huntsman is going to pay a visit to our fine city to recognize and honor the many community volunteers who help with many programs and projects we try to accomplish during each and every year. I am sure that many of the people who will be honored will be from the North Ogden Youth Council. They are such a positive and ever present element in the overall success of this city and for those people who will benefit from their day in and day out efforts. Some of the finest young people in the entire world call North Ogden home. We also have many others who conduct their lives in such an exemplary way. I attended a Boy Scout
Court of Honor this past winter in which eight young men from this community
received their Eagle badge and every month I note the achievements of the young
women. They may not always receive the recognition due them but they are among
us in our neighborhoods and this community. Thanks to so many who contribute to
making the community of North Ogden better because they care to roll up their
sleeves and make it happen.
Finally, there are many of us who need only look around the corner to see where we
might be of service to someone. Too often we figure that we cannot make a
difference in this or that – but we can and we do because we care enough to give of
ourselves. People are good and together we can make a difference in our
neighborhoods, our community and our world.
January 2009:
In the Commons area at Weber High School there is a banner stating... “Integrity, it is everything.”
When you see your February utility bill you may wonder why the sewer fee is more than it was the
previous month. You might be saying, “What is going on with the local officials and why is this
happening? My finances are already strained and then this happens. Do we even have people of
integrity in our community government?”
Some time ago federal and state regulators noted certain standards and guidelines that were not being met at the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District Treatment Plant. Without an immediate upgrade to that facility, the District could be found in violation of those standards which could result in fines of $100,000 per day. An extensive and independent study by engineers evaluated the facilities and its operations. The recommended improvements were implemented and the resulting project is under construction.
The facility is in need of the upgrades and the project needs to be paid for. North Ogden is not the
only city affected – there are fifteen communities that will be involved. Due to the economy and the
slowdown in the housing industry the impact fees have not come forth as projected. Those fees were expected to help pay for the necessary upgrades to the facility. The bottom line is that these facilities were built over 55 years ago and expansion is necessary to meet the increased demand for sewer services both now and during future growth.
From time to time on Saturdays and holidays I come down to these city offices to find staff
looking out for the community’s needs. The Police and Fire, Public Works and Community
Services (Parks) Departments are always ready and willing to help when needed. We recently
had a water main break when it was dark and after normal business hours. That didn’t stop
Public Works personnel from working late into the cold night to ensure that the needs of the
public were met in a timely manner.
Our City is very conservative and has very little debt. Our staff and City Council members
are responsible for this overall good financial picture along with those who give of themselves
to make sure that we meet the needs of our community and its citizens. Yes – we do have
people of integrity who work and live in our community.
As we look forward to a New Year, I am convinced that this City and its citizens are in very
good hands. We are working together to keep North Ogden City the great community it is.
December 2008:
As we approach the end of the year and Christmas is upon us, we need to take a moment and reflect on the significance of the season. I often refer to a quotation that I have in my office: People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. –Mother Teresa
For the past three years, it has been an honor to work with the North Ogden City Staff and realize what truly dedicated and honorable people they are. Those who serve this community are without equal in service and commitment. You may remember the endless snowstorms we experienced at this time last year. We had people that did not get home until the streets were clean, no
matter what the hour. They are truly special folks who give of themselves in making sure our needs and concerns are met and
addressed. The people of North Ogden are the “crown jewels” of citizenry along the Wasatch front. When I am out and about I am
overwhelmed at the kindnesses that I see and the efforts that are made to aid and assist those in need in our neighborhoods. I have witnessed those who give us their Saturdays and aid neighbors and others – just giving of themselves and doing unto others as others have done and are doing for them. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to remember whose birthday we celebrate and how we
can be more Christ like in our daily lives. Our community shines forth with Christmas lights and wonderful decorations, but it is our wonderful neighbors and citizens along with our staff who really shines forth and brings out the true spirit of Christmas, and the commitment to do better in the coming year. It is my hope that we will make this coming year even better and emulate that light that was shown in a humble manger some two thousand and eight years ago.
There are so many good things about the youth in our community. We had some of these excellent youth in attendance at our council meeting about a month ago to take the oath of office as members of the North Ogden Youth Council. My counterpart as Youth Council Mayor is Kelsey Spaulding, who was also an attendant to our 2008-2009 Miss North Ogden. Councilmember Rich Harris and his wife Marilyn have advised the Youth Council the past several years. Under their
direction, the Youth Council has participated in many community-wide projects that showcase this community and its citizens both young and not so young. Last spring their efforts to clean our parks and neighborhoods were much appreciated. They also assisted with Cherry Days and then again with the Arts Festival. In the October edition of the North Ogden News a more extensive article will appear featuring the outstanding work these youth and their leaders are doing.
We also have great youth from our community working at the North Shore Aquatic Center. Recently I attended a gathering of perhaps the finest group of lifeguards that North Shore Aquatic Center has ever had. Our Community Services
Director, Dave Nordquist, said that these young people at the North Shore Aquatic Center are without a doubt the finest group of people he has seen. I observed the conscientious and dedicated way in which they watched over those of us using the facility. I also noticed the young people who removed and picked up the debris around the area. I saw how courteous the pool staff was in selling tickets and concessions. Dave also gave a lot of credit to supervisors Tiffany Parkinson, Tyson
Price, and Chase Johnson. Their efforts reflect the concern that all the pool staff has shown in providing safety and service during this summers pool operation.
As many of you may have noticed, each month I like to mention those in the community that show great service to others. I have never had to look very far to see compassionate service in North Ogden. When I attended a recent class reunion, I observed the tender care shown by a husband to his wife who is confined to a wheelchair. They are residents of this community. I have seen community
members join together to help another good lady of this community who was
injured in an automobile - bicycle accident, and observed the neighbor lady
who has opened up her home to the injured victim during her recovery.
In closing these are both challenging and exciting times. We need to be
compassionate and self reliant with our fellow human beings. These
characteristics we all need in our daily walk thru life. We have so much to
be grateful for and to those good folks who give of themselves we thank you
and salute your acts. May God bless North Ogden, its citizens and staff and
may God bless America.
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