HOW I SEE IT – 3

BIGGER ISSUES THAT NEED FIXING

The manner in which the St. George Municipal Election is shaping up, it appears to me, that the smart money has concluded the two incumbents have their re-election locked up. Perhaps this is as it should be. Only the voters can make that final determination. This being the case, only the third person is really at issue. Assuming this to be true one has to consider, what issue is to be used by the political powers that be, to enhance the image of the individual they feel will fill the bill for the third and final spot, mesh nicely with their way of thinking and doing things.

It now appears this issue may very well be The BLM Resource Management Plan. Most all of us connect this with the Northern Corridor and Turtle Reserve, located within the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Areas.  Comments have been made by the Mayor and other prominent people that this BLM Plan appears to be a Land Grab by outsiders and not in the best interest of the community.  They may be right but this certainly makes the BLM out as the Bad Guy and the way the Federal Government has been acting concerning western land it is understandable.

Whatever the case may be it has certainly diverted public attention from many other important and meaningful issues that Municipal Government should be paying closer attention to and attempting to resolve.

The City Council Work Meeting held today, October 22^nd turned out to be most illuminating by the presence of Brian Tritle, Field Manager of BLM’s St. George Field Office. It was arranged for Mr. Tritle to be present by none other than the City Manager, who explained that it would be beneficial to the city. Underscored was the importance for having improved communication and interaction between City Hall and BLM on what is developing into a catastrophic situation, striking fear into the heart of those concerned with future development. It was learned that meetings dating back 20 years in which the City Manager had participated and thought to have produced an understanding that a NORTHERN CORRIDOR was virtually assured turns out to NOT to be the case today. 

My fellow citizens this OPEN Public Meeting has made it possible for me to inform you that the previously thought to be, done deal on the Northern Corridor could NOT be verified with written documentation. As of this writing public records or minutes could not be produced to establish the validity that such an arrangement had been made. Rather frightening to learn at this late stage that the BLM may very well be able to select anyone of four alternatives only one of which may include the building of a Northern Corridor. Mr. Tritle informed the council that BLM was required to obtain approval from the Fish and Wildlife Department on the selection of anyone of the proposed alternatives.  It appears the Northern Corridor is up for grabs and this will require full disclosure and documentation of how public interest is represented.

Please remember to VOTE on November 3^rd.  “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” Edmond Burke.  Vote for ED BACA to be your Eyes, Ears and VOICE on the City Council. VOTE on November 3^rd.

HOW I SEE IT - 2

Bigger Issues That Need Fixing

The citizens of St. George know that we live in a desert and that we need a steady and reliable source of water to survive and grow. This is as true today as it was when the city was established. When you look closely at our great city and surroundings you can’t but feel good knowing that our founding fathers and those that followed have done a pretty good job. It’s why we choose to live here and why people continue join us.

City Government works in concert with County Government on such matters as The St. George BLM Plan with the County taking the lead role to insure our interests are identified and protected. Currently the County Attorney is acting to represent our concerns and I believe doing an excellent job of coordinating an appropriate response to the BLM Plan. I wish to publicly thank my wife, Karen, for staying up past midnight preparing a written outline of issues we care about and forwarding them to BLM in support of the County Attorney.

It seems to me that each time new candidates for city council gather with incumbents to run for office we all join as in a choir and sing out the most important item facing us is Growth and Water. OK, I get it and I believe the voters get the point. Sure the BLM Plan is sure to impact Growth, Water and Highways/Roads. Yes, St. George City contributes to this process. It is a work in progress and has been since the city was established and will be as long as we occupy this beautiful part of the world.

I believe that members of the city council have to dedicate their time and energy to address the everyday issues that we all confront and that impact our quality of life each and every day. That we are able to breath clean air, drive on roads that are safe and well maintained, look out to see the skyline and white clouds, open the faucet and get clean drinkable water, turn on the switch and enjoy lights and air conditioning, and be able to call the Police and Fire Department when we need help and protection.    

The Council Meeting held on October 15^th resulted in the approval of a conditional use permit to construct a 4 Story, 58 Foot High apartment complex to be located at the bottom of Foremaster and Riverside Drive. This means a greater number of people and cars in the same area the council recently approved a large commercial development and other high rise apartments. Folks, you tell me. How does this impact protection of skylines and views of open space?  How about air quality and traffic gridlock problems?

Thank Goodness IHC had the good sense to not build a 7 Story hospital building and instead opted to build two, or more smaller buildings, that will not have a negative impact on the clouds and skylines we now enjoy.

When do we get to hear the thought process and exchange of ideas between council members so that we have a better understanding of what they value? Wouldn’t it be nice to know how a council member felt about protecting the Virgin River prior to their approval of a commercial development at the water’s edge?

What needs fixing is our ability to hear and understand the reasoning process our council members go through. We need to know more than what schools they attended and where they were born. Please remember to vote on November 3^rd and Vote For ED BACA.

 

HOW I SEE IT

 

Bigger Issues That Need Fixing

City of St. George is blessed with a vibrant growing economy that brings with it an ever increasing population. Challenges and opportunities are ever present in a developing city such as ours.

I believed we are challenged to live within our means requiring our Council Form of City Government to exercise judgment that reflects on current issues and demands. Soon to come before the city council is the decision to permit consumption of Wine in city buildings to enhance the presentation of Art, inside The Electric Theater and perhaps other venues.

I believe issues of greater importance like, Public Safety and a Supportive Infrastructure should head the list of priorities that are deserving of greater council attention. Our City is our home requiring that the necessities of life be satisfied. Like any home the status of the family is impacted by the arrival of friends and guests who have come to visit. In the City’s case we receive visitors that at times may be as many as 30 to 40 thousand during the peak time of the tourist season and those seeking recreational activities and the enjoyment of the Arts.

Organized events intended to accommodate our guests has and continues to place increased demands on Police – Fire – and Leisure Services Department.  The added costs can no longer be carried within the annual budget of each department thus requiring budgetary adjustments. We are arriving at a time when sales tax revenues are not able to keep up with financing items on our NEEDS List….. This is sure to have a negative impact upon our ability to provide for our Police, Fire, and Roads and Highways. We are in effect like an army that has outrun our supply lines. This has been made evident by the vote of council members to seek immediate financial relief by the issuance of bonds to provide immediate relief for the Arts and Recreational WANTS LIST.

Bonds for Infrastructure…..Roads and Highways appear to be following the same path set for Arts and Recreation.

I have been prompted by Elder David A. Bednar’s General Conference Address earlier this month to humbly suggest that voters consider that our political needs share a similarity with our spiritual needs in that it is indeed wonderful to have older men of maturity and judgment serving in leadership positions.

In doing so please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, I ask for your continued support. Vote ED BACA on November 3^rd.  Thank you.