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Saturday, January 31, 2015


GOLLY! SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

LIONS CLUB TO KEEP RODEO

AT SUN BOWL

As I sat quietly contemplating how I should present the happenings of the January 29th City Council Meeting I took the time to listen to the sound of falling rain and thought…..How good it felt to be in a home surrounded…..With a variety of people who by and large shared my values of the American way of life. I looked outside to see the Stars and Stripes, beautifully draped on the 30 foot flag pole my wife gave me as a Christmas present and which my two great grandsons helped place in this land called Zion.

In my mind’s eye I saw a picture of the duly elected Mayor and City Council…..With the bowed head of the City Manager. As I envisioned this body…..I paused to think about how unusual it is…..To have in the United States of America…..A body of elected officials who are all members of the predominate Church, in a city of nearly 100,000 people. I asked myself…..How is it possible to administer and guide this fast growing city without engaging/including those with a differing point of view? Are mixed messages sent by claims of wanting to listen…..When an issue (Sun Bowl) is Fait Accompli. Is this a condescending act, fostered to pacify those outside of the Church or those not in agreement…..From actually contributing, an alternative course of action?  I have become accustomed to the cold shoulder treatment from City Gentry, but, there are many who do not understand this defensive posture. On this evening I was able to feel the warmness of friendly banter with Councilman Bowcutt and a good natured exchange with Councilwoman Arial, in the exercise of civility. I thought, not everyone is able to walk the talk of being in support of freedom of speech…..Especially when you are on the receiving end of public criticism when holding public office.…. I imagine it must be difficult to choose not be offended when listening to others exercise their freedom of speech. Arial and Bowcutt appear able to build upon the good intentions of others…..Even when they disagree with what is being said. The Sun Bowl Renovation is one example of this. Awakened from my reverie, I recalled the invocation given by Reverend, Alex Wilkie, who inspired those present to place into perspective…..Gods hand in the proceedings which took place. Reverend Wilkie not only talked, but acted on his spoken words by presenting the Mayor with a donation to the All Abilities Park building fund. Reverend Wilkie in retirement continues to be an amazing man and a positive role model to all of us.

UDOT dropped a bombshell….It is time to bring St. George into the planning for completion of I-15 Corridor. An Underpass…..It has been decided that going Under the Freeway is preferable to going Over the Freeway. Five option plans were provided for what is now called the Mall Drive Underpass. Cost of plan #1 is 23.3 Million Dollars. Plan #2. 24.5 Million. Plan #3. 13 Million. Plan #4. 15 Million. Plan #5. 35 Million. As expected the exact spot for placement of the underpass will be a deciding factor. The greater the cost, the greater the matching funds will be to the city. UDOT is looking ahead to the year 2040 and it is important to have the City onboard in order to coordinate site selection and of course making sure the money will be available. A good thing to do and it benefits the city to plan ahead. It was interesting to learn that the City of Washington will benefit from the decisions made as well. It was right for City Manager, Esplin, to raise the question as to what monetary contribution might be expected from Washington City. At present, SG City does not have any capital outlay funds for I-15 Underpass. A lot of thought and planning will be required during the next few months to get city up to speed and onboard.  

UDOT representatives provided an update on current and future projects. In motion is the continuation of improvements to be realized on Bluff Street from St. George Blvd to Red Hills Parkway. These and other projects are to be publicly presented on February 10th from 10AM to 5PM at the Dixie Convention Center.

To me the Bigger Bombshell was Mayor Pikes notice that a Semi-Pro Football team is coming to St. George. The name this team is to be known by is…..Are YOU ready for this? The ZION-LIONS.  Mayor Pike suggests that the SUN BOWL be the site for 9 Home Games the Zion-Lions are scheduled to play…..Beginning March 21st. Discussions are in progress to arrange for placement of sod on the Sun Bowl arena. You can expect that the Lions Rodeo will take place at the end of the football season. Mayor Pike displayed a beautiful black shirt with the Zions-Lions logo prominently displayed on the front side. A baseball cap also with a Zions-Lions logo was shown to Council. A purchase of one of these two items will be your ticket to enter future games. You may go to Zionlionsfootball.com for more details. A very attractive shirt and cap that got Councilman Bowcutt, so excited that he asked to take both items to a Lions Club meeting later that night, promising to return them to Mayor.

My friends, perhaps you now understand why I spent so much time on the first part of this article. It is clear that this may very well be the first step to renovate the Sun Bowl for the Lions Club. (Fait Accompli) It is also clear that the spending of Millions of dollars on a New Sun Bowl will be placed in abeyance and that the public can only expect the spending of Thousands of Dollars on renovation of the Sun Bowl. After all we DO need seats with backs and some decent toilets and refreshment stands. Not to mention improved conditions for stock and viewing conditions for fans. I confess, it is exciting to be a part of fast growing community and I am grateful to Mayor Pike for not fearing to be more transparent and permitting light to enter city government. With tongue in cheek…..We as a community will come to see the spending of taxpayer $$$ on the Lions-Sun Bowl Rodeo as our contribution in support of President Obama and his efforts to transfer the wealth of the nation to those in need. In this case the Lions Club. (Joe, I love you man.) Thank you, ED BACA

Sunday, January 25, 2015


BIG WIN FOR ALL THREE

UNIVERSITY - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – CITY

LIONS CLUB & CITY POLITICS

AWAITING VERDICT ON DETAILS OF SUN BOWL PRESERVATION

January 22nd City Council Meeting could not have begun on a more positive upbeat note, with the city receiving a tremendous THANK YOU from Justin Tubbs…..Who in effect was speaking on behalf of all Special Need’s recipients for the All Abilities Park. Justin, assisted by two Sisters, stood up, his leg in a brace, and with walking tools, made his way to the podium. Justin addressed the Mayor and Council and stated, “Thank you so much, for allowing a person like me to break ground at the All Abilities Park…..I think I’ll just live there.” Justin went on to state “I think I’m in St. George now, and it’s AWESOME!”

Justin, let all of us know, those present in the Council Chamber and the entire City of St. George……Just how very thankful he was and how AWESOME he thought the All Abilities Park to be. Justin got the Mayor to say the word AWESOME with him and soon the entire City Council joined in……Followed by the entire audience all loudly saying AAAAWE-SOME! Justin then turned, assisted by the Sisters and walked out of the Council Chambers still saying the word AWESOME.  Folks, it was truly an inspiring moment for all of us to hear Justin speak and gain a better understanding of what it means, “To be in the service of your fellow being.” It makes you proud to be a member of this community and a citizen of St. George.

Agenda Item 6 G. Staff Reports: Take public comment on the sale of approximately 6.0 acres of City property located between 100 South Street and 200 South Street in the vicinity of existing Elks Baseball Field…..Folks, this in effect is about Selling Elks Baseball Field and adjoining acreage owned by City……To Washington County School District who wants to build a new Elementary School on this site so they can finish negotiations to sell the old/existing…..East Elementary School…..To Dixie State University…..Who needs and wants the property on which East Elementary School sits…..Located directly across the street from the University. It makes perfect sense to bring these 3 governmental agencies together to meet the needs of each entity. A declared; WIN, WIN, WIN for all involved…..One that would serve the best interest of the community.

On its face it doesn’t appear to be too complicated, does it?  THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT is that the site of the New Elementary School / Current Elks Baseball Field is located next door to the Sun Bowl…..Home of Lions Club, Annual Rodeo Event site…..The Lions Club has asked the City to HELP them build a New Sun Bowl or help them renovate the Old Sun Bowl. In other words subsidize or give Tax Payer $$$ to the Lions Club to lessen their burden. After all the Lions Club gives a great portion of the money generated from the Rodeo to needy causes. Therefore, it is alright to spend Taxpayer $$$ so that the Lions Club can satisfy its goal of being an active civic organization giving its money to individuals or organizations the Lions Club determines to be deserving of support.  Not a bad deal is it?

Attach yourself to City Government by annually asking for and receiving Taxpayer $$$ so that you can successfully operate. (Rodeo co-sponsored by City) As stated at this City Council meeting by representative (s) of City Government this could make it a Win, Win, Win, Win….The forth winner being the Lions Club. Of course as Councilwoman Randall would have you believe…..This is all done with absolute Transparency. Never mind the fact that all sales and purchases of property are done behind closed doors.....And of course Taxpayers should discount any appearance that Lions Club Members…..May be active politically…..In Municipal Elections…..Councilman Bowcutt is believed to be an active member of the Lions Club. (I don’t think you can get elected without support of Lions Club, as former mayor belatedly learned.)

If this is not enough to get you thinking about how Power and Authority Corrupts I will share with you what took place during the last election campaign in which candidates and supporters were present. The issue of the Sun Bowl was raised. Candidates Bowcutt and Randall were present as were Councilman Almquist, Pike, Hughes and then Mayor McArthur. Almquist and Hughes openly supported candidate Randall who supported the Lions Club and Sun Bowl…..Mayor McArthur was known to be courting the support of the Lions Club of which I believe he was a member. As a result of the political interest being voiced in support of keeping the Sun Bowl at its current site…..The then existing City Administration brokered an agreement with the Lions Club that the Sun Bowl would be kept at the existing site for 5 more years thereby insuring that the Rodeo would continue to be held at this location. On its face, it appears to me for the City to now represent that the Preservation of the Sun Bowl is only now to be decided is somewhat disingenuous…..as all the players involved (Save Mayor McArthur) currently serve in City Government…..And have openly declared their support of the Lions Club. The Lions Club has been the winner for the past year and remains in the Driver’s Seat. The only thing to be decided is whether to tear down and build a NEW Sun Bowl or to Renovate and how much Taxpayer $$$ will be spent on the project and where will the Taxpayer Money come from?

This City Council appears to have committed itself to supporting the Lions Club. One can only hope that they are not being described in Doctrine and Covenants section 121.39. “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” Public discussion and complete transparency is called for when deciding the fate of the Sun Bowl. Let it be known I am a flag waiver and I love anything cowboy. I would like to see a Rodeo in City…..Where we see American Flag fly.   Those elected should act in best interest of City at all times.          Thank you, ED BACA

Monday, January 19, 2015


A CHILDS HANDPRINT INBEDED IN CONCRETE MAY BECOME THE SYMBOL FOR WHAT IS MEANT WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORDS “TO BE IN THE SERVICE OF YOUR FELLOW BEINGS” WHEN LIVING IN THE CITY OF ST. GEORGE, Utah.

YOU ARE TO SEE CHILDREN PRESSING THEIR HANDS INTO CEMENT THAT BINDS, PARK AND US TOGETHER. THIS WILL IDENTIFY CHILDREN AS CONTRIBUTERS TO THE BUILDING OF A PARK DESIGNED TO BRING PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TOGETHER TO LAUGH AND PLAY IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS.

THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE CITY WAS PUT ON DISPLAY WITH THE GROUNDBREAKING OF “ALL ABILITIES PARK” THAT IS YET TO BE NAMED AND KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY THE ETERNAL LOVE A GRANDPARENT HAS FOR HIS GRANDCHILD.

January 15th City Council Meeting began at the All Abilities Park site, 1851 South Dixie Drive on a beautiful winter day that brought with it a spirit that is sure to warm the cockles of your heart and tickle your innards. Make no mistake. This endeavor has taken lots of time and energy and doesn’t come cheap. It has taken lots of money and is expected to cost a lot more. It is I believe, well worth every penny. This can’t be said for all civic expenditures. I believe it is safe to say, that far too, often it appears, taxpayer money, is spent for political expediency and maintaining of the status quo. However, at this time and for this cause, the City Council Got It Right.  When you do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of cost, the good people of St. George will stand with you. The All ABILITIES Park is such a cause. Folks, it just makes you feel good and grateful for blessings received.

This day was underscored by Director of Parks & Leisure Services, Kent Perkins, informing us that in all the dedications and groundbreakings he has attended in his 32 years of service with the city…..This may be the Very Best. My friends, along with the many parents present with their special needs children…..Kent was unable to conceal his emotions as he looked upon the faces of  special needs children facing him, surely associating them with those in his family. Mr. Perkins drew our attention to a banner which declared “We Are Able” and stated that this Park will allow children and adults to participate at a level in which…..They Are Able. This Park will enable us to show through words and deeds that as a community…..We can proudly stand and say “We Do Care.” Opening Day is expected to be this summer.

City Manager, Gary Esplin, who usually shy’s away from making public speeches took the podium and acknowledged with tears in his eyes, that he had been inspired by his deceased grandson “Shane” and that like Kent, going on his 39th year of service…..Has Not Ever been involved in a project such as this. Mr. Esplin expressed that he envisions the day when other cities in the USA desire to build an All Abilities Park they will choose to fly to St. George to see what we have accomplished. Mr. Esplin reported that the City has issued bonds and has sold property to finance building of this Park, acknowledging the many contributions and support received from the private sector. This truly is a community project.

Mayor Pike made brief remarks thanking City Staff, especially Mr. Perkins for contributions to this project. Mayor Pike stated “As we vote to spend dollars it is not done lightly.” “You put in as taxpayers to produce  All Abilities Park.”  It is a park for Children of All Ages.”

St. George Exchange Club presented a Donation of $100,000 pledging an additional $30,000 which they have already collected for All Abilities Park. Terry Draper, representing Intermountain Healthcare stated they were pleased to lend support in amount of $25,000. Austin Anderson, for his Eagle Scout project Troop 518 conducted a fund raiser at local carwash for purchase and planting of trees at park. Austin’s brother, Nolan, now deceased would have enjoyed All Abilities Park. Austin donated $547.00. Mr. Perkins noted that children with Special Needs want to be part of the project and all donations will be gladly accepted including those from individuals present today in amount of $27.00, $1.38, $13.00, and $6.00. Special Needs participants wanting it known, “I Helped Build My Park” will be invited to leave their handprints at selected sites throughout Park. Upon conclusion of ceremonies the City Council returned to City Hall where remaining agenda items were heard.

AGENDA ITEM:  Gary Sanders and Stefanie Bevans, representing Arts Commission reported that 6 pieces of Art are recommended for purchase, as part of the city’s collection.  Thousands of dollars for Art has been included in this budget year. Council approved purchase. Kudos; to Stefanie Bevans, who contributes many hours on behalf of the Art Community and City.

AGENDA ITEM: Proposed Draft for Special Events Permit Process and Ordinance submitted by city staff. Folks, a young lady named Tiffany Barton sat quietly in attendance for this discussion that to some, would be nothing more…..Than the City going through the C Y A motions akin to following Standard Operating Procedures……Having been caught with their pants down when dealing with a Code Enforcement Issue.  It turned out to be far more than that as surprisingly, city leaders (Mainly Mayor Pike and City Mgr. Esplin) seemed to do an about-face for the City…..In that they managed to present an impression of sincerity about wanting to correct the misconception that the city, (Police & Fire Dept.) had acted with malice or improperly….. When enforcing a City Ordinance…..That denied a Citizen….The right to dance. The Draft Proposal that I believe was given life by the verbally gifted Tiffany Barton…..Who in the aftermath of fiasco/hysteria referred to by City Mgr. Esplin, brought us to this moment…..The City carving out and identify its objective as being …..To Promote, yet Protect…..Struck a Positive Cord to move the Special Events Permit Process forward. The simple and expected things like…..Definition, Permit Requirements, Application Process, Appeals Process, Time Limits, Fee’s……And yes, new ground rules on who is authorized to approve permits and when and how direct appeals or request for waivers can be made directly to City Council. The BELL RANG LOUD…..When Councilman Bowcutt, unashamedly voiced his concerns as to the negative effects a too restrictive Ordinance might have in the support given to the Lions Club for the Rodeo Event. Councilman Bowcutt was straight forward with his concern for the Lions Club.  I respect him for his honesty and openness and find it refreshing for a member of the City Council to do so. (Others quickly pointed out that when the City co-sponsors an event like the Rodeo, it provides an avenue for the Lions Club not to have to pay for Police or other services or materials provided by the City.) I believe it is legal and understood that the City may use public $$$ to subsidize or support EVENTS like the Rodeo…..When a profitable return can be realized that benefits the City/Community. It should NOT however be allowed to become an Annual Entitlement to Lions Club….Equal consideration should be given to other organizations.  Note: Tiffany Barton was recognized by the mayor and invited to express her concerns as she had played an integral role in bringing this matter before the Council. Ms. Barton did so in a manner befitting a young lady of notable character and integrity. Council is to be prepared to act by next Tuesday. (Co-sponsorships and Entitlements warrant further public discussion. Who routinely gets Co-sponsorships/ taxpayer $$$ and why?)                                                                                                                   Thank you, ED BACA.

Monday, January 12, 2015


PRINCESS DECREE’S “THEY GOT TO GO” AND SO SHALL IT BE.

 WITH A WAVE OF HER HAND “TERMITE TERRACE” SHALL BE NO MORE.

 FOREORDAINED BY COUNCILWOMAN RANDALL APPEARING WITH ALL THE GRANDURE AND POMP OF A PRINCESS THAT SHE COULD MUSTER, CITY COUNCIL ACTS TO INSURE THAT “TERMINTE TERRACE” SHALL BE NO MORE.

January 8th City Council meeting got off to a slow start with the Mayor informing the audience that no one showed up for the Public Comment Segment of the agenda…..Save one person who resides in Washington City and thus did not meet the criteria for Public Comment as outlined only for St. George residents.  However, the meeting moved forward in a very positive way with the Mayor declaring his appreciation to the entire City for making the celebration of Christmas and the Holiday Season a great success.

City Manager, Gary Esplin then took center stage to present the Bitter-Sweet honor of announcing the retirement of his close friend and confidant…..Phil Peterson, Financial Director and the appointment of his successor…..Deanna Brklacich to the newly created position of Administrative Services Director. My friends, being a close observer of city activities for the last twelve plus years I am able to share with you…..That I detected the genuinely sincere appreciation that Gary has for Phil…..No, appreciation is not the right word…..It, I believe would be correct to state…..The Love and Respect that he has for Mr. Peterson.  Phil has not only worked for the City for the past 32 or 33 years……But they have known each other since grammar school. Gary, himself has been with the City for the past 38 years and as we all know…..No one person can take credit for building a great City. It takes a collective effort of a family of supportive City Employees.   On the sweet side I can confirm/testify to you that Deanna has earned this new appointment…..Having been mentored by Phil for the past 20 years….. And from my close observations of her incredible job performance I can tell you that she is highly respected by her peers and those that have come to know her through her dedication to public service.  Congratulations to all.

The Mayor having declared that the City is on good footing went on to appoint Mary Hatch, a non-resident to a four year term on the newly established Airport Board. (Non-residents are permitted to serve on the Airport Board in a limited number.) Mayor Pike continued to dazzle us with the ANNOUNCEMENT of the forthcoming State of the City Address which is to take place on February 4th at Noon. This event is to be Open to the Public and will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce…..You will however have to pay for your lunch if you choose to attend. LOOK forward to public notice providing location and details. The mayor has committed to informing us of where we have been…..What we are doing…..And tease us with what the future holds. A giant step for transparency….. That hopefully will contain a Light at the end of the Tunnel for Code Enforcement Reform and Up Dating of City Ordinances.

Next Agenda Item: Consider awarding of bid for demolition of the West Cove Apartments affectionately known at “Termite Terrace”…..Built in 1942 at 100 South and 300 West. (New Mixed Use Commercial/Residential Development coming to neighborhood in near future.) This once desirable apartment complex has over the years deteriorated to an uninhabitable condition. City Manager Esplin, skillfully articulated efforts to find a workable solution to the now attractive nuisance which resulted in litigation now authorizing the city to entertain a bid of $90,000 to demolish the complex.  NOT to be outdone, City Councilwoman Randall stated that as a candidate she had been contacted by residents living in proximity to the apartment complex asking that something be done. With the flare of a “True Princess”…..Towering above her minions…..Randall waved her hand in the air and stated “They Got To Go!” Well folks, that appeared to settle it…..Councilman Bowcutt who happens to live close to the apartment complex provided a second to the motion to approve…..Stating “A Very Strong Second”.  My friends, it would take a man of steel to go against the “Princesses”…..In fact the entire Council voted in favor of the motion…… including the Iron Lady, Councilwoman Arial.

A little melancholy exists in all of us……Even for an Old Apartment Complex. While seated in my favorite Barbershop, a group of us were discussing the demolition of the apartments and a patron stated…..You know, that was the first place my wife and I lived when we were first married…..Maybe we should go back and sit on the porch one last time. Memories can be wonderful.

Last Item: Public Hearing to consider a General Plan amendment from Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential and Commercial, to Commercial on property located between 3000 East Street and Mall Drive. My friends, as I previously reported to you this property borders the City of Washington and Signal Lights are soon to be installed at 3000 and Mall Drive.  While residents of Washington expressed their concern with the now changing of 24 acres to Commercial, I believe it is safe to say that we can expect to see the larger 121 acres at this site to be established as a Commercial Shopping Center. It is anticipated that in the near future residents of Washington will find shopping closer to home…..Thus reducing the heavy traffic St. George is experiencing, on Riverside Drive, Mall Drive and Foremaster…..Extending to River Road.  The City Council recognized this and approved the zone change.

We can all expect to see continued growth and development……Hopefully with a reduction in the number of Closed Sessions that deny public access and that will inspire greater public participation and transparency. 

Thank you, ED BACA

Monday, January 5, 2015


OXYMORON EXISTS IN CITY POLITICS

 WE HAVE ELECTED ALL MORMON COUNCIL TO GOVERN WHO APPEAR TO ENJOY SPENDING MONEY LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR

 HOW CAN THIS BE? PLEASE SAY IT ISN’T SO…..OR IS IT?

There being no Council Meeting on the first Thursday in January 2015 I thought it might be fun to remind ourselves that all elected city officials and city manager are members of the LDS Church…..And therefore being members of the Church….. In good standing all are expected not to partake of alcoholic beverages. YET it appears that they are able to spend or commit TAXPAYER’S money …….As the old saying goes…..SPEND MONEY “Like A Drunken Sailor”…Free of any Conservative Inhibitions. 

BEFORE, you get mad at me for insinuating that a comparison can be made let me first apologize to all sailors.  Please know that I Googled. Asking for origin of the saying and received the following…... To spend a lot of money at any one time; taken from the fact that sailors, while on shore leave, used to spend all their money in red light districts and alcohol. Example: I stopped letting my wife use the credit card. Every time she goes to the mall she spends like a drunken sailor on shore leave. Folks, it was just an expression on a few observations I have made at past Council Meetings.

Allow me to share just a few thoughts…..Just to fill the void created by not having Council Meetings or perhaps when City Council goes into executive sessions in which the public is not allowed to enter. (Just a few weeks ago Councilman Almquist acted on our behalf asking City Attorney to publicly explain the law and authority given to the Council to move into Closed Sessions. We were to be comforted by the knowledge that the council is empowered to keep us in the dark legally. Thank you Councilman Almquist. Perhaps the public is better off not knowing how Council chose to spend taxpayer dollars.)  Thus, avoiding appearance of spending money, like a “Drunken Sailor”. (“Abraham Lincoln” You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.)

How does this square with Mayor Pike’s statement….. His overall goal is to involve citizen’s…..To improve upon decision making process and make citizens a part of the process and move forward together. Mayor Pike announced he would seek interaction with representatives from other cities on issues like training programs and conferences to improve upon use of information, data and technology to address problems in more active efficient ways.

 

My friends I ask you….. Are we to follow Councilman Almquist in his move to have us better understand, the value of secrecy…..Or are we to place greater value in a more open city government expressed by Mayor Pike? 

Getting back to the Oxymoron of a Mormon spending money like a “Drunken Sailor.” It is a figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined.

Let us examine value issues at play. The first being the slow, subtle evolvement of City Government leading us to believe that the best use of city property on which the Sun Bowl -Lions Rodeo presently sits….. Is not only to provide the property…..But to spend a large amount of taxpayer money……As much as $2,000,000 has been mentioned to do the job right…..Does this serve the best interest of the Citizens of St. George…..More than it favors the Old Men at the Lions Club or those Council Members, holding tight, to their childhood dreams of what once was.  This WITHOUT ANY public hearing or presentation (Like Vision Dixie Process put forward by the County or allowing the public to vote on a new library requiring the spending of millions of dollars)…..A blatant example of spending money like a “Drunken Sailor” …..ESPECIALLY when you take into consideration that Washington County has indicated….. A willingness to allow the Sun Bowl Rodeo to take place on County Fair Grounds where adequate parking and seating is already available……At NO COST to St. George taxpayers.

Fiduciary responsibilities would be better served by providing a 24/7 Fire Station in Little Valley where population growth presents increased concerns for Fire/Public Safety.…..Not to mention response time and emergency support to St. George Airport.

My friends it is time for our City Council to present the appearance of fiscal sobriety. After all it’s our money they are spending and we trust them to use $$$$$ wisely.

Thank you. ED BACA