St. George Animal Shelter

I have been by St. George Animal Shelter and have taken note of the Modest surroundings, building and grounds. I also visited those shelters in adjacent cities to compare facilities. I also have taken the opportunity to relate to the Chief of Police.....who is supervises St. George Animal Control.....The recent concerns expressed regarding Upgrading Facilities and a No Kill Policy/Program.

My thoughts prior to election has been to recognize our duty and responsibility to practice being compassionate in our caring for one another.   This includes all life....Our animal friends certainly included.  Especially since my wife and I happen to have the best cat in town.
 

For years I have been an advocate for inclusion and citizen participation and have supported creating Boards and Commissions to further this cause.  I fully support establishing a Board/Commission of Friends of our Animal Shelter. Upon being elected I would move to establish a City No Kill and Animal Rescue Ordinance. 

 

WHY?     Citizen involvement and support can be a vehicle for financial support that reduces the burden on the City and Tax Payers. Safety and Cleanliness is of primary consideration not only in regards to our Animals but we should not forget Volunteer Workers and City Employees. We can and should turn to the Private Sector whenever possible. The City Animal Shelter provides this opportunity. 

WHY?     To effectively offset medical expenses, food , litter and other pet supplies.  This can extend to sponsoring low cost Spay & Neuter efforts. The list goes on...Vaccination Service and of course working with Veterinary Clinics.

 

While this provides a new opportunity, we should recognize that the City of St. George has supported linking up with the Private Sector in the past and continues to do so today. Most notable in feral cat work that is now ongoing and that has produced wonderful results. Programs like these not only protect and care for our animals but subsequently SAVE the city money.

 

I have dedicated the last 10+ years monitoring city issues. I have repeatedly advocated  for clearly established PRIORITIES with Transparency and Citizen Participation.  During these past years the Animal Shelter has not received greater financial consideration.  Now as our economy continues to improve and our Sales Tax Revenues continue to increase it has become an opportune time to move the needs of the Animal Shelter up on the priority list and when elected I will move to do so.

 

How much of a priority jump this should entail?  It has to be meaningful and should include a NO KILL ordinance.

 

I believe citizen participation and well thought out activities will benefit the City of St. George and help to reduce the financial burden on Tax Payers.

 

Thank you, Ed

Hapyy 4th of July

As we wrap our arms around our country in proud commemoration of the birth of our nation I wish to join the Citizens of Saint George in expressing gratitude to our creator on this very special day…. and to the Men and Women of our Armed Forces who serve and protect us ……A profound thank you and may God bless you and your families.

A Pledge of Honor and American Pride to ALL of ST. GEORGE

Having spent the last ten years becoming acquainted with the citizens of St. George, young and old, I have learned that we are a mixed group of people who respect life, liberty and sound business and financial practices.

St. George is a family oriented community with an appreciation for patriotic behavior and a respect for all religions. Elected representatives are expected to be reasonable and prudent in the expenditure of public funds.

In keeping with these values I PLEDGE to support the Constitution of the United States. I also chose to state unequivocally my support for the following 

principles.

     #1. Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech.

     #2. The Right to Bear Arms.

     #3. Due process of law and The Right of the People to be Secure in their person and houses.

Recognizing the need for fiscal responsibility and the need to maintain a peaceful and tranquil society thus providing a desirable quality of life, I PLEDGE to wherever Possible do the following.

     #1. Cut spending, reduce taxes and fees and when deemed appropriate, privatize services.

     #2. Reduce and eliminate federal funding of municipal projects and programs that are declared by a Court of Law to be unconstitutional.

     #3. Enforce City Business License requirements against local business that hire illegal aliens as declared by a Court of Law to be Constitutionally permissible.

I extend this pledge to you with a CLARION CALL... Stand up for your principals!  There is a right and wrong and a Good and Evil in this world. Don’t be made to feel ashamed of your American Heritage by those seeking to be politically correct and those who would deny your God given right to be free.

The Sunbowl and Lion's Rodeo

During the course of the past year the Lion’s Club made a presentation to City Government in which city financial support was requested for successful operation of the Sunbowl.

Members of the County Commission were present as concerns for survival of the Sunbowl were aired. 

The need to refurbish the site and potential costs were presented.  The Lion’s Club expressed continued financial support however due to the enormity of the project assistance from the city was requested.

There appeared to be a difference of opinion and/or concern that the time had come to move the Sunbowl and Lion’s Rodeo to another venue.

County Commissioners were neutral throughout the discussion however suggested that if a new site location were to be needed County Fair Grounds could become the new home of the Lion’s Rodeo event.

There was no decision made as to the site location or what form and cost for refurbishment might be deemed appropriate. The issue of support or extent of financial support was to be subjected to further consideration by those present.

It is my understanding that further discussions have taken place with other entities and/or individuals to ascertain the degree of community support for this endeavor leaving the future of the Sunbowl and Lion’s Rodeo in question.

Upon election to the city council I will submit a request to move this matter forward and to solicit public input on the merits of committing the city to the preservation of the Sunbowl.

I believe that tradition and cultural values should be included in the discussion. Economic impact to the city and viable alternative uses for the Sunbowl site should be made known to the public.

 

The Sunbowl has become part of the fabric of the community and we should expect no less than a public discussion.

Education

EDUCATION of our CHILDREN may be considered one of the most important roles of City Government. 

I believe that City Government has an important role to play in the Education of our Children.  A role that is critical to continued development of our City and our Nation.

 

A responsibility to supplement the efforts of the Washington County School District not only by providing a secure healthy environment but by providing a meaningful presence of the Arts and Theater…….The presence of a Children’s Museum that provides a hands on visual and material presentation of the History and Tradition of our Nation…….A presentation of the Constitution of the United States of America in a form that can be understood and appreciated by all children.

It is appropriate to recognize the significant contribution Councilwoman Gail Bunker has made to this cause. I shall continue to support these efforts. 

Forward Thinking for Successful Community Development

Upon election I will move to establish Advisory Boards and Commissions.

• Airport Board
• Electrical Energy & Water Service Board
• Human Relations Commission
• City Ordinance Commission
  

Boards & Commissions comprised of citizens and city staff will serve to enhance Transparency and Validate city efforts and accomplishments as it keeps faith with citizens.

 

Over the course of the last ten years in which I have been monitoring and reporting on the workings of the city council I have noted an expression of frustration both by elected officials and the public at large to do with insufficient receipt and dissemination of information between the two.

 

This may be about development in a given area or the operation and function of a city department in which city officials and citizens are seeking direction or supporting information.

 

I believe this provides an opportunity for city government and citizens to Share in the Glory of Accomplishment as the city builds out to its full capacity.

Support of City Business Entities

• Airport Business
• Bus Transportation Business
• Cemetery Business
• Dinosaur Museum Business    
• Electrical Energy Business
• Dixie Center ( Interlocal agreement with County 62%) City 38%.
• Golf Course Business
• Water Business

In totality City Business Enterprise can be viewed as successful. In doing so it is important to note that these efforts support the overall success of PRIVATE Enterprise which in turn supports General Fund Revenues and provides citizens with a desirable low tax rate.

NOTE: Property Tax is the second largest source of the General Fund and is projected to provide $8,000,000 to the General Fund budget of $48,701,807 in the 2013-2014 budget.        Property Tax rate NOT to be increased.

NOTE: Sales Tax Revenue is the largest source of revenue and is projected to provide in the 2013-2014 budget $14,500,000.

City Budget

As a candidate for City Council I support the proposed budget for 2013-2014 of $48,701,807 with presented adjustments based on increased revenues.

The City is progressing above expectations coming out of the recession with a balanced budget as is required by Utah State law.

 

The heavy financial burden placed upon the city by building of a new airport has been lifted.  The city is free to establish priorities in the discretionary spending of General Fund monies as approved by our elected city council.

 

Other major public works projects have been completed with more expected in this coming budget year. The General Fund consists of the following departments; General Government, Public Safety, Community Development, Public Works, and Leisure Services.

 

Having interacted with past and present city council members I have developed an understanding and appreciation of City values and the direction in which the city is moving. I remain committed to working with city staff and elected officials dedicated to the improvement of our city.