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