Early in August, the Daily Herald...

Posted the Candidate Guide. Here were my responses to the questions asked:

Race: Saratoga Springs City Council

Occupation: Wife and Mother

Age: 43

Education: Always learning

Website: Leahhanseninthecity.blogspot.com

Facebook: FB.me/leahhanseninthecity

Email: Leahhansen.saratogasprings@gmail.com

What are the biggest issues facing your city and Utah Valley, and how do you plan to address them?

I have lived in Saratoga Springs for over 14 years and have watched our small town grow into a bustling city with its accompanying challenges of growth: Traffic issues, high density housing, water concerns and all this while trying to accommodate everyone, to name a few. How do I plan to address these issues? One issue at a time.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I plan to serve only one term, and am funding my own campaign.

What relevant experience do you have for this position?

I believe that the greatest place to learn leadership skills is at home. As a wife of nearly 24 years and a mother to four children ranging from ages 15 to 21, I have learned how to deal with crises at different stages of life and in varying degrees; I have learned to be a better listener; I have learned that there are many angles and many sides to stories, and when it comes to making decisions,, principles are the answer. I have learned that each person is different with different needs, so applying a one-size-fits-all remedy is fruitless and needs to be addressed not only separately, but also requires creativity, imagination and thinking outside of the box to come up with solutions that will be helpful. With the help of God and my husband, I have learned to use principles of freedom to raise our children and feel that those principles do not just apply at home, but apply at City Council and everywhere as well.

What previous elected positions have you held?

I have served as a county delegate, a state delegate and an interim vice chair in my local precinct. I am currently serving as Legislative District 6's Vice Chair, and just recently, was elected to serve on State Central Committee for the Utah State Republican Party.

Is there anything else you want your readers to know about you?

I have been a student of Freedom for about 14 years and I love it. I care about the principles of Freedom.