Scott Freitag

I am seeking your support in my campaign for re-election to the Layton City Council. As a first term councilmember, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving our community and believe that I have brought a conservative voice to the council. I am currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem (substitute mayor) and as the council’s liaison to the police and fire departments and the Layton Citizens Corp Council.

My voting record shows my deep commitment to maintaining Layton as a wonderful place to live and do business. Layton has experienced significant decreases in sales tax revenues because of the recession and economic downturn. This decrease has challenged us as leaders to find savings in city operations and reprioritize capital improvement projects. That being so, I have tirelessly worked to find those savings while maintaining current staffing levels and essential city services. As a city councilmember, I have followed a “pay-as-you-go” philosophy, cutting what could be cut and strategically choosing to fund capital improvement projects with the cash we have in hand. Layton is in good financial shape and is one of the few cities in the area that has not even considered the need to raise taxes. We have saved for these challenging times. We pay our bills and continue to invest in our community. The city has a 13% Reserve Fund and extremely low debt. As a councilmember, I will continue to act fiscally responsible and protect a healthy financial future.

Layton is continuing to experience both residential and business growth. I pledge to use my experience and values to maintain the vitality of our city and maintain its position as the regional economic leader. I will continue to be public safety’s champion. A safe community promotes healthy growth and development. Layton has outstanding recreational facilities that support healthy living and provide activities for our youth. As a father of four children ranging in age from 9 to 19, I truly understand and support our parks and recreation.

My wife Tammy and I have been married for twenty-two years and we have four amazing children; Zach (19), Parker (15), Madison (13), Coby (9) and one dog named Eskie. Scott works for the Salt Lake City Fire Department as the Fire Chief’s Chief of Staff and Communications Director. Tammy is the SEM teacher at Lincoln Elementary. Zach attends Weber State University and is preparing to serve an LDS mission in Sydney Australia, entering the MTC on December 7th. Parker is a sophomore at Northridge High School and plays soccer on the school’s team and on LaRoca. Madison is in eighth grade at North Layton Junior High and plays on the school’s basketball team and soccer for Forza. Coby goes to Lincoln Elementary and plays soccer for LaRoca. The Freitags have been Layton residents for eighteen years and have been very involved in our community, schools, and sports.

My professional background is in public safety, having spent the last twenty-four years in various capacities such as paramedic, emergency medical services program manager, 911 fire dispatch communications director, and public information officer for the Salt Lake City Fire Department. I earned my bachelor’s degree in health administration and associate’s degree in emergency care and rescue from Weber State University.

Scott’s philosophy on the role of local government can be summarized by stating:

• An open and public government must make every effort to seek the input of those it serves. By listening carefully to its citizens, it will act with the highest regard to their needs. Local government should effectively represent all of its citizens by being inclusive, transparent and accountable. Elected leaders must understand and follow the Constitution they are sworn to follow when entering office. Elected leaders must be respectful of each other, work to solve the issues brought to them, and base their decisions on what is best for the community as a whole.
• Councilmembers must act with great fiscal responsibility by spending tax dollars wisely and setting aside enough funds to take care of its obligations in tough times. Local government is best when it is limited in size and scope and while operating within its means as it provides basic services for its citizens. Local leaders must always consider the financial burden of taxes and fees while striving to keep them as low as possible. Government growth must be slow and strategic.
• City leaders must invest in our quality of life. This means adequately supporting public safety. A safe community promotes healthy growth and development. It also makes for a happier place to live. Our quality of life is also dependent on ensuring that other basic needs such as water, sewer, roads, garbage removal, and vital infrastructure are provided and well-maintained. Having adequate parks, trails, and recreational facilities is good for the health of our community. Additionally, local government has a limited role in supporting arts and cultural activities.
• Elected leaders must support the business community. This action assures that jobs are provided for our citizens, goods and services are delivered, and adequate revenue is generated to provide essential government services. Locally owned businesses are critical to the prosperity of the city.

I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to call or send an email concerning any issues.