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South Jordan Journal

City Booth at Farmers Market, but Questions are Scarce

Sep 29, 2015 09:57AM ● By Rhett Wilkinson

South Jordan Strategic Services Director Don Tingey provided details on the city’s open houses at the annual farmer’s markets. Photo courtesy South Jordan Rotary Club

By Rhett Wilkinson

In the middle of the South Jordan Farmers Market sat a booth not with peaches, apples or corn. It was an official City of South Jordan booth.

The City of South Jordan on Sept. 12 held an open house inviting residents to ask “burning questions,” according to the city.

The open house, which marked its sixth straight year, featured an ideological plan from the mayor and city council. An estimated two dozen residents talked with staff over an estimated 100 minutes. Two policemen, who are among city staff, were routinely found under the booth tent.

Don Tingey, the city’s strategic services director, said that people are hesitant to approach staff. He and Recreation Manager Candy Ponzurick remarked while speaking with the South Valley Journal that candy was available at the booth.

“(People) are here for the market, but they get curious,” Tingey said. “They get a little intimidated.”

No more than three people visited the booth at a time between approximately 10:15 a.m. and noon. About 150 people were at the Farmer’s Market at about 11:15 a.m.

In each of the six years, attendance has increased, with the largest jump coming between the first and second year, Tingey said. Neither he nor Ponzurick gave numbers indicative of attendance.

Why did staff attend?

“We are here because we want to be,” Tingey said, “and because we were asked to be.”