JOURNEY TO CITY HALL

 OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, TO INSIDE LOOKING OUT

THE VIEW MAY HAVE CHANGED BUT VALUES REMAIN STEADFAST

As many of you know my journey to city hall has taken a dozen years to complete. I’d like to share with you some of my initial experiences since being elected. It is my hope that over the course of the next four years you will journey with me as I share my view from inside City Hall. After all without YOU and your support it would not have been possible to successfully reach the steps of city hall.

As many of you know, I ran on a platform that included TRANSPARENCY as an integral part of city government.  Upon being elected the view began to gradually change with the stark realization that following the fanfare and kind words of congratulations it was time to prepare to serve. Two months remained before the official oath of office was to take place. A time to gather and organize materials, tools necessary to serve. This was made easier when the City of St. George hosted a Training Session on December 10th for those newly elected from throughout the county. This included city staff, in a position to oversee and be part of Public Meetings.  Prominent attorney (David Church) enlightened those present on the provisions of Utah Code Annotated title 52, chapter 4, relating to open and public meetings. As expected this included a discussion of regulations governing Closed Meetings.

Folks, as mentioned I had committed to the citizens of St. George that I would do all I could within the law to bring forth greater transparency within city government. The scheduling of this training session was unexpected and unsolicited. I could not help but think The Lord works in mysterious ways as Mr. Church covered the topic of Deliberations and Decisions. I took note that a Closed Meeting as described under section 52-4-204 may only be held for:  (1) (c) Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonable litigation; (e) Strategy sessions to discuss the sale of real property, including any form of a water rights or water shares, if: (i) Public discussion of the transaction would: (A) disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration; or (B) prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms. The scheduling of this training session prior to the new council taking the oath of office was, I believe,  intended to show the level of importance given to understanding and complying with the rule of law as it relates to Public Meetings and the application of Closed Sessions. (Only a small portion of statute has been listed to give public a glimpse of restrictions placed on city government.)

On January 4^th as prescribed by law the Oath of Office was administered by City Recorder Christine Fernandez. “I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT, OBEY AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THAT I WILL DISCHARGE THE DUTIES OF MY OFFICE WITH FIDELITY.”

THE CHALLENGE IS TO ACT WITHIN STATE AND LOCAL STATUTES THAT REGULATE CONDUCT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AS THEY GO ABOUT DOING THE PUBLICS BUSINESS.

 IT WILL REQUIRE DISCIPLINE TO ACT WITHIN STATED GUIDELINES AND YET SATISFY THE PUBLICS RIGHT TO KNOW.

On January 7, 2016 the newly elected council was called to order by Mayor Pike to begin the first City Council Meeting of the year. Immediately following the Flag Salute and Invocation, Mayor Pike announced his intention to issue a Proclamation……A new event starting this year. Memorial’s for Departed Love One’s. To be known as “Annual Remembrance Ceremonies”. Nina Heck came forward and articulated the reasons and justifications for submitting a request for the proclamation. The mayor proceeded to read The Proclamation.  Upon completion the council approved a motion to approve the mayor to sign said proclamation.  Comments were made reflecting the value of remembering the departed and those who provide service during the last days. Ms. Heck expressed her appreciation and in doing so mentioned that the first year ceremonies would be held at Hughes Mortuary. This prompted a comment by the Mayor as to a conflict of interest bringing to mind that this was Councilman Hughes Mortuary Business. To which Ms. Heck acted to dismiss and dispel any thoughts of conflict of interest by informing one and all that this being the first event arrangements had been made with Hughes Mortuary to host the first event. It was clearly announced that a rotation list would be established with other mortuaries to host future yearly events. Venues other than mortuaries are to be entertained. This put to rest any thoughts of conflict of interest.  In the interest of full disclosure Nina Heck is an Independent Contractor providing service as Oh My Heck Marketing and is well known for community service and volunteer work.

My friends, serving as your new city councilman I look forward to meeting with you and listening to your issues of concern.  As time permits and with approval of the Senior Sampler I will submit articles that you may find of interest in an effort to keep you well informed.  Mayor Pike has acted to provide office space at City Hall that is now available for you to come and meet with members of the city council. Initially I will be available each Thursday between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. Please call City Hall Phone 627-4007 to schedule appointment.  Thank you.  ED BACA