SGMT THE MUSIC MAN’S RIVER CITY GIVES MEANING TO THE PHRASE

“YA GOT TROUBLE, RIGHT HERE IN ST. GEORGE CITY”

WE HAVE OUR OWN CAST OF CHARACTERS DECIDING ON HOW THE RAP TAX WILL BE PARCELED OUT. PLACING THE CITY IN POSITION OF, SHALL WE SAY “PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS”

 SHALL PROMISES MADE BE KEPT AND WILL THE PUBLIC VOICE BE HEARD

 April 9^th City Council Meeting: Mayor and City Council BUSY with more pressing matters elected to forego meeting with the public in order satisfy ever increasing demands upon their time. As I pondered on how best to approach the topic of fair distribution of the newly found wealth, (Rap Tax) placed in the hands of local officials…..And the many entities and projects Mayor Pike and Council have already named as soon to be beneficiaries of Rap Tax Money …..I was blessed with the prompting to attend the St. George Musical Theater’s presentation of the Music Man performed “At The Historic St. George Opera House”…..Made possible by SG City.

Upon entering the 1912 world of River City, Iowa my attention was first captured by the audience that was made up of young and old…..Who engaged in warm hearted conversation as they bathed in atmosphere of years gone by.…..Brought to life by SGMT cast of characters. I, being a great grandparent was captivated with the performing children…..Who epitomized a clean, wholesome appearance that included an exercise of good manners and respect for their elders…..Who comprised the remainder of the cast of characters. It soon became clear that real live SG families were actually performing…..Together as a family in this play. You could I think, actually feel, the effects of traditional family values…..Not only in the Play…..But in those alive today representing OUR community. It warmed your heart to know that moral values created in the time period brought to life by Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” actually exist today…..In Washington County, Utah!

Folks, I was transported to dreamland and my mind ran wild with corresponding imagines that connected this play with concerns taking place in our community today. In my mind I made the following connections.

In the play the infamous con man, Harold Hill, arrived and put into motion his standard scam with the intent of absconding with the local’s money. (I likened it with the manner in which the City is favoring pet projects/ distributing and spending Rap Tax Money). Hill sets out to fleece the townspeople of their cash while at the same time he endeavors to charm the fair maiden who is looking out for the city’s best interest, for if he can fool her, the town is his for the taking. (I likened this with how the City is going about getting us to believe that the Lions Rodeo is a sacred cow deserving of millions to build a New Sun Bowl). My thoughts are of course are fiction and only reflect my wild imagination. Folks, please note that any similarity to any of our City Officials is purely coincidental and not intended to demean the character of our elected officials.  We all should be content to judge elected officials by their words and deeds and whenever possible hold them in the highest esteem.

SGMT is HONORING its Mission Statement: “The arts humanize humanity. St. George Musical Theater creates, promotes and encourages community participation in performing arts that uplift, inspire and educate, thereby increasing understanding, brotherhood, and joy in our community”. SGMT’s presentation of The Music Man lives up to its stated commitment to the public. Certainly we can expect to less from Mayor and City Council.

I fully expect Mayor Pike and Councilman Hughes, to one day HONOR their promise to Reform Code Enforcement. Heck, I am feeling so positive about this that I even expect Councilwoman Randall to join in and keep her promises on Code Enforcement Reform and Transparency. Now that’s saying something isn’t it? 

WHAT DOES RAP STAND FOR?

WHAT CONSTITUTES A “RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITY’? Recreational facilities include parks, playgrounds, golf courses, athletic fields, gymnasiums, swimming pools, trail systems, or other facilities used for recreational purposes. Cultural facilities include museums, theaters, art centers, music halls, or other cultural arts facilities.

“ARTS” IS A BROAD TERM. WHAT CULTURAL ARTS DISCIPLINES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RAP FUNDS? Many disciplines are eligible including Performing Arts” visual arts, literary arts, historic preservation, arts education and more.

My friends, even in my wildest dreams I cannot imagine that this Council will continue in its efforts to manipulate the public into believing that the Lions Rodeo is more deserving than Dixie Red Hills Ladies’ Golf Assn. or Performing Arts Groups like SGMT.

In the closing acts of the play Hill begins to develop feelings for the fair maiden, he is faced with a dilemma – take the money and run, or stay for the love of a woman. I likened this to the City choosing the Rodeo over a fair distribution of Rap Tax Money.  In my dreams I continue to expect Council to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley’s admonition and “Stand a Little Taller”.

I awoke basking in reality….. We can all be secure in the knowledge that all is not lost. SG City and Washington County are blessed with good and decent people. I joined in applauding a wonderful performance and drove home free of worry. My wife and I greatly appreciate the staff at SGMT and SG City for its support of the Performing Arts.

Note: On 4/7/15 County Commissioners appointed the board members who get to decide where County Rap Tax Money is to go. Action is awaited by SG City Council on who gets to decide where City’s portion of Rap Tax is to go.                                                                     Thank you, ED BACA