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Monday, May 12, 2014

COUNCIL’S DILEMMA: PROTECT CITY’$ INTEREST OR POSTPONE CODE ENFORCEMENT REFORM

I don’t know about you, but I have tired of trying to understand the CTR (Choose The Right) CONCERNS…..Over Protecting city’s financial interest (Defending against Law Suit) OR taking immediate action to resolve Code Enforcement Concerns (Promised review of City Ordinances and Code Enforcement Practices)…..Made during past election campaigns.  

WHAT HAS MUDDIED the waters is the conflict created by Law Suit naming the city as defendant ($$$) and the genuine concerns residents are experiencing in their neighborhoods such as Daily/Short Term Rentals……That are tearing at the fabric of a FAMILY ORIENTED community and Property Values….. VS …..The interest of Property Owners….. And those wanting to rent and enjoy our city as tourists.  The financial impact to both sides has to be carefully weighed….. As do Quality of Life Issues. (A Bloomington home rents monthly for $10,000 with any number of unrelated people coming and going at all hours). Is sub-leasing taking place? If so how does SGCE protect residential interests?
 
To make the matter worse or more convoluted are the allegations made against Councilman Almquist…..As to the right or wrong of how he managed his personal business interest and how City Ordinance’s came to be defined or practiced by SGCE.  In fairness the allegations have yet to be proven……Either in a Court of Law or by a Definitive Statement being issued by the City Attorney. 

The City finds itself in a Catch 22……City has employed Legal Representation in Salt Lake to defend itself against law suit….. At a great expense to Tax Payers….. And not to follow prescribed Legal Advise….. Would place Elected City Officials in a precarious legal position.  WHAT WOULD YOU have the City Council do? 

DO YOU HONOR campaign promises (CTR) or do you “PROTECT” CITY FINANCIAL INTEREST ($$$) Public money entrusted to your care?  

In protecting the greater public monetary interest it….. “May” or “It Has” caused the City to remain MUM on City Ordinances or SGCE practices.

In doing so it appears that the “Wagons” have been circled….. And INTENTIONALLY OR UNINTENTIONALLY….. Full Exposure of Councilman Almquist’s….. Personal Business Practices (in my opinion) have fallen under this protective umbrella.  

THEREFORE…..Until the COURT having jurisdiction over the pending law suit issues its finding on the merits of the case the PUBLIC cannot expect to see immediate action coming from the City Council or Mayor. 

We need not be bogged down by the negative aspects of the above described situation however the ISSUES MUST BE addressed and resolved.                 WE NOW ENJOY;
A WELL MANAGED CITY…..A dedicated CITY COUNCIL…..AN HONEST-CARING POLICE DEPARTMENT…..A PROFESSIONAL FIRE DEPARTMENT comprised of CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS….. AN ELECTRIC ENERGY DEPARTMENT dedicated to exceptional service and low rates…..A WATER DEPARTMENT THAT WORKS TO SUSTAIN OUR QUALILTY OF LIFE….. A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Diligent in providing much needed ROADS…..AND most importantly LOYAL CITY EMPLOYEES who unselfishly serve the public. 

In due time City Ordinances and Enforcement Practices will be aired out and the City will be the better for it.  Who Knows? …..Perhaps Councilman Almquist will favor us with a full disclosure….. As some may have us believe….. Knowledge of Right and Wrong may have been mitigated by….. Well Intended City Administrative Action. (I allow that he very well knows right from wrong). Perhaps the Public may even be given an apology for his having allowed unintended distractions to have impeded City Business.  

REGARDLESS of how the Law Suit is decided and with continued public demand for TRANSPARENCY…..Supportive of GOOD GOVERNMENT PRACTICES…..THE CITY shall remain strong and viable…..Making St. George a desirable family oriented community.

Please continue to forward your comments.  Thank you, Ed Baca

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