PDF Viewer

X Social Media Post 

Interview for West Haven Article

What is newsworthy about this story or angle?  West Haven is constantly in the news for growth, whether it’s the housing, zoning, or population growth. I see this as a story of the West Haven newsletter which will generate a lot of interest. 

Why is it worth reading?  As one of the fastest growing cities in Utah West Haven is always in the news.  The article focuses on what the constant growth means for the residents, and I think they will find it very interesting.

How will it keep the reader engaged until the end? 

Are the quotes compelling?  Yes

https://www.ksl.com/article/50955473/north-ogden-pd-building-done-walmart-eyes-west-haven-as-weber-county-deals-with-growth

West Haven City is the fastest growing city in Weber County and one of the fastest growing in the state.  In February they hired a new City Manager, Shawn Warnke and as they struggle to meet the growing demands of rapid population, I interviewed him to find his perspective on the challenges West Haven faces.

-  Tell me a little about your family?

I’ve been married for 20 years to my wife Jennifer.  We live in an historic house in Brigham that we love.  We have a 16-year-old daughter Samantha who keeps us on our toes.  She will be a junior at Box Elder High school, and she loves to play competitive tennis.

-  What is your educational background?

I have a BS in Urban Planning from the University of Utah and a MA from BYU in Public Administration.

-  What is the most challenging aspect of your job here?

I confess that I’m still learning about all of the going-Ons in the city and juggling to keep all the balls in the air.  

-  What do you like most about the job?

The staff is amazing.  They are dedicated to making West Haven City the best it can be.  The Mayor and City Council have been great to work with.  Everyday there’s a new challenge and I love it. 

-  What has surprised you most about West Haven?

I’m amazed at all of the resources you have here.  The trail is amazing.  To have a walking trail that goes through the city is a great asset.  The parks you have developed are beautiful and the recently dedicated Prevedel Park area with it’s ability for camping spots is wonderful.  And we just got the grant to build an amphitheater down there will be something that is unique among other cities in the area.  The fishing pond that is currently  being finished, along with the new community center will be a great asset.  is something that my last city tried to do but weren’t successful.  In short, West Haven is an amazing place to live. 

-  West Haven City is one of the fastest growing cities in the state.  What challenges does that entail?

Rapid growth brings immense challenges.  In the area of infrastructure and keeping up with the demands of a growing city.  As new subdivisions are completed, we add additional roads and sewer that must be maintained.  In addition, the ensuring our budget is appropriately allocated and spent in a big job. 

-  What’s different about West Haven City and Tremonton?

Tremonton is much more rural.  They have a small budget and not as many amenities as West Haven has.  I enjoyed the last 20 years I worked there but it’s been a good change to come to a city that has different challenges. 

-  You seem so organized.  How do you keep everything straight?

Sometimes I don’t.  It might look like that but inside I’m running as fast as I can.  Every day I learn about new things that I must add to my list of to-dos.

-  In our city government you are the chief executive, whereas before we had a city manager the mayor functioned in that position.  Also, you report to the city council directly.  How do you manage all the roles and responsibilities of others in your day-to-day work?

I realize that I work for the city council, and I take that very seriously.  I try to focus on what the needs of the council are in planning my daily work.  I also expect my department managers to step up and take care of their departments for the most part.  I believe that one of my key roles is mentoring and that is one of my core values. 

https://medium.com/@kimdixon1/west-haven-fastest-growing-city-in-weber-county-215bf921b48e