Placement of Alcohol & Drug Recovery Home

The citizens of Bloomington may have expected to take advantage of the opportunity to present their concerns about having a Recovery Home for Alcohol and Drug Abusers within their community and near a public school.

We’re sure to be disappointed by the cancellation of the City Council Meeting scheduled for 8/29/13. (Regular scheduled 5^th Wednesday (Not Televised) Council Meetings are scheduled and subject to cancellation).

This became evident Wednesday Night (8/28/13) at the Town Hall Meeting held by Congressman Chris Stewart who represents Washington County.

A large contingency of Bloomington residents were in attendance and were given an opportunity…. by Representative Stewart to speak…… seeking redress of their issue. To his credit Chris Stewart invited……even encouraged Bloomington residents to advance their concerns with his office concerning Federal Regulations that touched upon their issue.

The Mayor of St. George was also in attendance and took the opportunity to inform the Bloomington residents that placement of an Alcohol & Drug Recovery Home was an issue in which the City of St. George could provide no relief……..that if the City was to deny approval of the applicants request for a Recovery Home the city would be sued…… and would then have to pay court costs as the Federal Government was sure to prevail in regulating such requests.

When elected I will move to support the residents of Bloomington in their efforts to work with Representative Stewart in seeking improved and appropriate alignment of Federal Law which regulates this issue.

I shall also work with fellow council members to establish and/or improve upon city zoning regulations that can be lawfully established in conjunction with Code Enforcement efforts.

Lastly I shall work to insure REGULARLY scheduled Public Meetings that will allow citizens to air their grievances.     

-Ed

City of Quality

Forgive the pun……We should take a lesson from our new superintendent of schools, Larry Bergeson. He is seeking Quality Education through teamwork. Teachers not competing, but working together.

 

We are seeking a City of Quality.  Our team may be made up of different components than those found in the school district.  I suggest that…. The city’s team SHOULD include its CITIZENS, working volunteers joining hands with city staff and elected representatives. SIGNIFICANT Boards and Commissions that supplement, support city priorities, and that instill public confidence.

Not competing, but working together without politicizing the process as the city endeavors to interact with adjoining cities, county government, and educational institutions.

 

I believe that the majority of us wish to maintain TRADITIONAL (and may I be so bold as to say a God Fearing) Family Values Community. I believe wholesome entertainment such as past performances provided by the Saint George Musical Theater stand out as a desirable quality of life.

Keeping to our values includes leisure activities that respect our natural open space surroundings and in growth that accommodates these values. 

Quality Education and a Diversified Economy, with periods of alignment, I believe will lead the way to a City of Quality.

 

When elected I shall work diligently to maintain and improve upon the elements of citizen participation (Team Work) by incorporating significant Boards and Commissions into the framework of city government.

-Ed

 

Citizens Engaged

A Neighborhood Meeting was called for neighbors from St. George Blvd to 700 South and 400 East to 1000 East.

The purpose of this meeting was to meet, greet and discuss housing and neighborhood issues in what is part of the Greater Downtown Area.

A review of city documents and zoning maps along with a talk with Dixie State University representative (Paul Morris, Vice President of Administration) was advertised.

Citizens were to listen and learn from one another and share opinions and ideas.

Recognizing the POSITIVE NATURE of this meeting I was hopeful to see and hear from the City Administrator who oversees all city departments and is expected to possess firsthand knowledge and information as to the Master Plan and future city objectives for this area………and indeed the entire city.

Upon arrival, it was wonderful to see the City Council Chamber full with local residents eager to participate in this public process.  KUDOS to Georgia Barker and Doug Alder who diligently served our community and ensured a large turnout.

It was great to see semi-retiree Bob Nicholson, former Director of Planning and Development, who now works two and a-half days per week present…. lead the city’s end of the discussion.

I must admit I was somewhat saddened and dismayed that the current Director of Planning and Development and the City Manager were not able to attend, but the interest and enthusiasm of the audience created a very up lifting atmosphere; making one very proud of being a citizen of St. George.

Mr. Alder presented the history of this area and as past President of Dixie State College led the discussion into the issues of HOUSING and PARKING confronting the University today. Mrs. Barker assisted by citing the development and current status of Single Family Housing and kept the meeting on track, resulting in a pleasant discourse that remained free of politicizing the intended goals of this meeting.

I am grateful to have been a part of this meeting as it clearly shows what can be accomplished with citizen participation.  I remain committed to establishing meaningful Citizen Boards and Commissions and when elected I will make every effort to improve upon methods that include citizens and elected officials working with city staff.

-Ed Baca

Air Quality Health & Safety Needs VS. Gypsum Mining

In this week’s city council meeting the issue Gypsum Mine expansion was placed before the city council in which two council members were absent.

Three council members approved the Mines request with one member being somewhat hesitant……but who conceded with a yes vote.

The good thing about this meeting was a thorough review of procedures to be followed to minimize the impact upon the adjacent residential community. The company representative displayed a genuine interest and concern, promising to be responsive to city regulations and residents………  THIS IS A GOOD THING. 

Two concerned citizens who attended the meeting expressed their disappointment that the nearby residents were not given adequate notice and that they were not allowed or given an opportunity to publicly address their elected representatives to express their concerns for the safety and wellbeing of children attending a nearby school and those with health issues.

It was pointed out and acknowledged by city council members that Air Quality Monitoring Devices were insufficient.  A continued effort by the city to purchase needed equipment was to continue………however it was decided to move forward and allow the expansion of the gypsum mine…… This is problematic as it places mining interests ahead of community health interests.

It was pointed out that an Air Quality monitoring device would cost $25,000. It is interesting to note that a recent city council meeting the city approved three monument style displays announcing to travelers that they were entering the city of St. George. The cost of these 3 monuments was approximately $68,000.

It appears that beautifying the city trumps the health interests of its citizens when it comes to Air Quality.

The placement of the existing Air Quality monitoring device was reported to be on Mine property where efforts are made to water down particles being released into the atmosphere.

The two residents reflected that if they had been given the opportunity to address the council they would have suggested that the Air Quality monitoring devices be placed adjacent to the school or nearby homes to better measure what the wind was caring into their community.

It does appear that city government can and should be more understanding of parents' concerns for the health of their children……….I agree and when elected  will act to remedy this matter.

-Ed

Thank You!

Friends and Neighbors,   A heart- felt thanks for your support on Primary Day.

The success WE experienced on primary voting day would not have occurred without your continued support and encouragement.

Thank you to all those who voted and those who gave of their valuable time to carry the message to vote.    

WE will continue to work to make our community a better place to live……. now and for future generations. 

                                                                  Thank you, Ed Baca