And so it was at this council meeting…..The mayor
assumed his role as head cheerleader and was happily joined by those
present…..and hopefully by those watching on television……Nothing to be ashamed
of…..or embarrassed about, just plain and simple pride when hearing the pledge
of allegiance and opening prayer…..and today when hearing the beautiful singing
of a Barbershop Quartet extolling the virtues of community pride.
Proclamations were read which featured the upbeat
side…..The Lions Club and its 80th Roundup which has helped to
provide a quarter of a million dollars to needy organizations. When you attend
the upcoming Rodeo you are sure to feel the hard reality that the Rodeo began
in 1934….. by the concrete seating arrangement…..but this discomfort will be
made to go away by the Patriotic Atmosphere you are sure to enjoy…..We Can All
Take Pride In Living In This Great Country.
American Pride can be felt and enjoyed when you attend the Lions Rodeo. God
Bless America!
On the more sobering side of Proclamations was
acknowledgement of Suicides……The State of Utah leads the nation in this
unwanted distinction and you may be startled to know that in the last 7 years……suicides
doubled. Utah ranks 5th in Youth Suicides….. Ages 10 to 17. The City
stepped forward on this issue proclaiming “Suicide Prevention Week”. (Sept.
7 thru 13th) . Imagine…..39,000
Suicides reported last year. Suicide is
everyone’s business.
The City also acknowledged “Recovery Day
Celebration” for those suffering from addiction by granting a fee waiver for
use of Town Square for the Southwest Utah’s Recovery Day Celebration.
My friends, we as a community may not be perfect but
it is heart- warming to know that that we, as a people do not give up…..We
continue to exercise hope and care for those in need. Kudos to those who practice kindness as they
go about their daily lives…..Helping to identify St. George as…. City with a
heart.
On the Business Side of the agenda:
The Council was asked for approval of a final plat
for Jiffy Lube at River Road. I thought this to be most revealing of the
Character of Individuals alluded to earlier. This being the third consecutive
meeting that Council Woman Ariel was declared absent….. Gave greater attention
to Councilman Almquist as he had the presence of mind to recuse himself from
voting…..stating he contracted to install landscaping for Jiffy Lube site.
Councilman Almquist walked away from the remaining 3 Council Persons…..I
thought this the honorable thing to do. What
was interesting was the comment made by Councilwoman Randall who seeing
Councilman Almquist walk off stage said something to the effect…..This Puts The
Pressure On, Doesn’t It?.....This gave birth to the title of this article and
caused me to focus on the Character of our Council.
For you see, I recall that Councilwoman Randall and
Arial had voted NOT to approve the permit to build Jiffy Lube on the initial
vote. So when I heard Councilwoman Randall say, “Hey its Built” and then
proceeded to vote with Hughes and Bowcutt to approve the final plat…..I chose
to believe that Councilwoman Randall acted on her belief that it was in the
best interest of the City and not merely an act of support (Payback)
to Councilman Almquist….. Who had endorsed Randall as a candidate for City
Council…..I recall a representative of Jiffy Lube saying before the original
building permit was issued that the company had spent $450,000 just acquiring
the property. I chose to believe that Councilwoman Randall took the High Ground
in displaying her true character……and voted to do what she believed was the
right thing. I hope she did the right thing for the right reason.
It is fair to state that Jiffy Lube Landscaping
exceeded expectations for a commercial business of this type. It is pleasing to
the eye and blends well with the Virgin River.
Thank you, Ed Baca
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