THE TIES THAT BIND

WHO LOVES YOU BABY? NO COINSIDENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERECE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE FIRST STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS - GENERAL PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND NOON LUNCHEON IF YOU CAN AFFORD TIME AND MONEY TO PAY FOR PRIVILEGE

Its unavoidable…..I cannot hide my disappointment in political activity coming out of City Hall leading up to City Council Meeting of February 4^th…..Like many of you I looked forward to hearing the 1^st State of the City Address. It should have been presented in the People’s House…..City Hall Council Chamber…..Or if necessary another Public Venue where citizens could gather and receive the fruits provided by Taxpayer Dollars.  Instead the Public was given the opportunity to pay to hear what progress is being made within City Government…..Public denied the opportunity to mingle and talk among ourselves and with those elected to represent us. Historic Event Honors went to the Money Makers (Chamber of Commerce Members)…..Many of whom…..Do Not live within the City Limits, and cannot vote in city elections. Perhaps this gives us an understanding of where the saying comes from…..Money Talks (Money gives one power and influence to help get things done, get one’s own way) or The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Poorer. (Mark 4.25 “For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath”). Folks, as you know I am a supporter of the Mayor and his efforts to make a positive change. It may be the Mayor, may no longer be as friendly as he once was given my straight talk. I understand how important it is for him to maintain his standing with Council Members……Those I am willing to call to task. I have found when you challenge one you in effect take them all on as they band together, especially during an election year which this is for, Almquist, Arial and Hughes. However, distasteful it may be, I feel these thoughts needed to be publicly expressed. My feelings could best be summarized in Matthew 25.30…..“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. FYI, I have taken to using religious wording, given that all Council Members are active Church members and thereby, my words hopefully, will not fall on deaf ears. I am equally concerned that public office holders may be giving the appearance of a Pied Piper….. Giving taxpayer money away by co-sponsoring events….. Then seek support for re-election to office from recipients of taxpayer money. Appearance of wrong doing is harmful to all.

Having gotten this matter off my chest I will move on to reporting on Council Meeting. It began with a Pastor from a Christian Church located in the City of Washington giving the invocation. He was followed by a Boy Scout leading the Pledge of Allegiance. My friends, there were 30 Boy Scouts present, including their leaders, who recited Scout Law/Motto. These young men represented different Wards/Troops. I wish to stress the importance of this…..As it presents a clear picture of the True Character of our community that extends far and beyond the political concerns I voiced earlier. I believe we need to protect values we hold near and dear…..By the manner in which we conduct our political business.  We should do nothing to draw demeaning comments by questionable political practices. Those wishing to attack religious beliefs eagerly await an opportunity to do so…..Regardless of which religion we may choose to practice…..I know this is a delicate topic and I do not take it lightly, nor will I shy away from it.….. We must stand up and be counted. An example of this came from an unidentified person who simply stated “If it wasn’t for Mormon Values, many of us probably wouldn’t have moved here.” We need to remember this as do our elected officials. (City Ordinance and Code Enforcement Reform remains unanswered).

City Council Workshop Meeting January 29^th Greg McArthur, Director of Chamber of Commerce presented to Council an update on earlier request for the City to make available to the Chamber  the Old Water Conservatory Building (Now owned by the City) located across the street from where the Chamber is now housed. Mr. McArthur presented remodeling plans. The Conference Room is to be made bigger (36 ft.) with an open office space area. If the proposal is approved by the City, the Chamber will spend $100,000 up to $150,000 on the building. At the end of rental agreement the building will revert to the city with all remodeling in place at no cost to City. I asked Mr. McArthur if he expected the rent to be $1.00 per year and he replied that he was hoping so. City Mgr. Esplin then asked that the completed proposal be submitted to the City as soon as possible for final approval. From Mr. Esplin’s demeanor I surmised that this was a done deal as Mr. Esplin usually gets what he wants. I was impressed with Mr. Mc Arthurs update on growth of Chamber, 100% plus since he took the reins as director. Mr. McArthur has also grown and developed as evident by his improved administrative skills. I would not be surprised to see him follow in his grandfather and father’s footsteps by one day becoming a member of the City Council. After all if Jimmie can do it so can Greg. I think he favors his mother’s side of family, an attractive and likeable young man.

My friends, when you recognize the close working relationship that exists between the City and Chamber of Commerce it is easy to see why the Mayor elected to make the 1^st State of the City Address before the Chamber of Commerce. I don’t agree with it but I understand it.

Public Comments February 4^th Council Meeting: Lauren Cummings asked that funds from the newly approved Rap Tax be utilized for a Dog Park and proposed Millcreek Park be selected. You can tell this will be a re-election year for Councilman Hughes when he let Miss Cummings know that approval was given to things, not all of us participate in, but some of us do. I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the Dog Park or the Lions Rodeo at the Sun Bowl. I guess Jimmie and I have a lot to learn.

Public Hearings: City approved approx. 105.9 acres generally located between 3000 East and the Virgin River and fronts on Mall Drive to be changed from Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Open Space and Commercial to Medium Density Residential, Professional Office, Open Space, and Commercial. Also approved zone change from Open Space and A-1 to RE-20 on property located at approx. 3900 South and Bentley Road. You can expect to see residential development near adjacent Flood Plain. Mr. Esplin qualified his remarks by saying this was a request for a zone change not development. He, I believe was saying we have concerns yes, but we will cross that bridge when we discuss Development. Councilman Hughes said he would prefer to see cows out there but was willing to accept what was coming. It was duly noted that Councilman Hughes made motion to approve request, seconded by Councilwoman Arial. Councilman Bowcutt voted to approve. Councilman Almquist voted NO. The motion carried 3 to 1.

Mayor Pike reported that Councilwoman Randall was excused from tonight’s meeting as she was helping her daughter. Meeting ended with request for Closed Session. Wording of statute authorizing a closed session is deserving of greater public scrutiny. Appearance of a “Shadow” government should be dispelled.                                                                          Thank you, ED BACA