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Two Sunday Services 9:00 & 11:00
Nursery / Children’s Church / Cry Room
Nursery Care and Children’s Church are available at the 11:00 service only. Please check in any time after 10:45. A Cry Room for infants is located at the back of the church.

UTAH AND CEDAR CITY ELECTIONS
DATES:
The primary will be held on Tuesday, September 5th.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 21.
ON THE BALLOT:
(3) open seats for City Council and the next Congressional Representative
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONS:
We have sent a list of questions to each candidate running for City Council. Click Read More below each candidate’s name to see their responses:
W. Tyler Melling 1. Recognizing that municipal elections are nonpartisan, as a candidate you are not officially representing any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.) and why do you define yourself that way? I define myself as a liberty-minded candidate, advocating for fiscal responsibility by allowing market forces to respond to community needs instead of waiting for the wheels of government to slowly engage. I believe in empowering individuals, reducing unnecessary regulations, and fostering a business-friendly environment. 2. What do you view as the purpose and role of the City Council, and what do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council (legislative branch) and the Mayor's office (executive branch)? The City Council’s role is to allocate the public’s tax dollars on necessary infrastructure while protecting residents’ freedom to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families, and the community. The council works with the Mayor to review and safeguard the budget. 3. What is your vision for being a Councilperson, and what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office? Before running for office 4 years ago, I never had my sights on public office. At the time, Cedar City needed a younger perspective that would make water and small business a priority. Since that time, I have worked to eliminate developer subsidies for water rights, saving taxpayers millions. I have also worked to create more options for working class families by ensuring homeowners have a right to rent out an in-law suite or backyard cottage on their own property. Next year, I would like to simplify home-based business licensing processes, remove barriers to restaurants and retail businesses looking to invest in our downtown, and simplify the process for families to build single-family homes on smaller building lots. 4. What is the number one issue our city is facing and how will you address it? The top issue facing our city is water. The price and availability of water is the #1 factor that determines jobs, quality of life, housing costs, and growth rates. I have worked hard to keep water affordable for responsible users while shifting costs of growth and waste to developers and water wasters. Ensuring we have flexible and resilient water policy that adapts to the availability and demand of water is the key to a vibrant, sustainable future in our community. 5. How will you protect and defend the Constitutional rights of the residents of our city against any overreach by the county, state, or federal government? For example (but not limited to) the areas of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, bearing arms, medical autonomy, and commerce. In the last four years, our community has likely grown by over 25%. That’s over twice our historical rate of growth. In large part, that growth has been driven by move-ins from out of state seeking refuge when their constitutional rights were under fire. In this country, we have a republic, if we can keep it. Freedom is not always convenient or orderly, but elected officials are duty-bound to protect liberty, even if the cost is our livelihood, our reputation, or a political campaign. I will continue to work to protect our residents’ rights from federal, state, and local actors. 6. As a Councilperson, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, homeless, the trafficked, and the elderly? I believe we all have a moral duty to protect the vulnerable. I also believe that we should not be forced to protect the vulnerable through government intervention. I especially believe that government should never be a hindrance to those seeking to make a difference. As a Councilperson, I will continue to support policies that empower individuals and community organizations to support and protect the most vulnerable among us. 7. Our city has many churches and other houses of worship. Do you currently have any engagement with any local religious community and if so, how do you plan to interact with people of faith in your role as City Councilperson? As an estate planning attorney, I became well-acquainted with most of the local faith organizations and the diverse perspectives held by residents of different faiths than my own. Cedar City has a rich history of interfaith cooperative efforts, and I continue to rely on faith leaders who are on the front lines with our residents in need. Their concerns help us better identify deficits in our services and provide us needed course corrections. 8. What steps will you take that will ensure tax dollars are allocated to organizations that promote growth and opportunity while also maintaining our cities family friendly values? I have never liked the idea of government picking winners and losers, so I have and will continue to work to implement policies that enhance our quality of life using objective, measurable criteria. The ongoing selfless service of our volunteer community is the greatest driver in ensuring this community is a great place to raise our children, and I do my best to keep government out of the business of determining what those values should be.
Robert Cox 1. Recognizing that municipal elections are nonpartisan, as a candidate you are not officially representing any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.) and why do you define yourself that way? I consider myself as fiscally responsible and socially conservative. I strongly support family values and realize our communities are only as good/strong as our families. I also recognize the rights of others to believe/worship as they please. My rights end where others begin, and there is a fine line between the two. Government should exist to serve its citizens and provide necessary services of a municipality, such as utilities and roads other necessary infrastructure. 2. What do you view as the purpose and role of the City Council, and what do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council (legislative branch) and the Mayor's office (executive branch)? City Council members exist to represent the citizens of their city. There is wisdom in having a separation of powers in political settings. The council exists to provide checks and balances to the executive office (mayor). Since the mayor is primarily responsible for staffing the city, I think the council has a responsibility to ensure that city staff are efficient and providing the taxpayers with good service. 3. What is your vision for being a Councilperson, and what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office? Water is an issue. We need to continue to develop water and win/win solutions for the water owners (primarily farmers in the valley) and the growth that is happening and will likely continue. I also hope to use my financial background to make sure the cities needs are met before considering wants. We all have budgetary constraints and a municipality should be no different. Recent growth has caused our roadways to be congested. We really need to look at avenues to increase the arterial roadways in the city. 4. What is the number one issue our city is facing and how will you address it? Water is probably the biggest issue that needs to be dealt with on a continual basis. I am in favor of the recent purchase from the Beryl valley in return providing secondary water to the farmer. The infrastructure there will be very expensive, but if done right will provide the means to bring in water from the Wah Wah Valley when that project is complete. One pipeline can facilitate both sources if done with proper planning in advance. 5. How will you protect and defend the Constitutional rights of the residents of our city against any overreach by the county, state, or federal government? For example (but not limited to) the areas of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, bearing arms, medical autonomy, and commerce. I view personal property rights as sacred and inherent in not only the constitution, but also in our Cities founding documents. Any restrictions to land use should be very broad and protect the rights of other property owners. An example would be zoning commercial and manufacturing away from residential. It should be a very broad view, not so restrictive that people do not have the right to their property. Our country was founded on seekers of religious freedom. I believe we let all worship according to their will, so long as others rights are not infringed in the process. Peaceful assembly is also key to allowing others to voice their concerns and opinions. When “freedom of speech” allows destruction of property it is taken out of context and needs to be reined in, stopped. The amendments to the constitution are there to protect the citizens, and I am willing to swear under oath to protect and defend those principles. It is a basis right of all humans to be able to defend themselves. Government regulation needs to be minimal to allow the freedom of commerce and industry. Removing barriers for business and home ownership will only help our community more economically sound. Medical professionals have no place making decisions that should be made by parents or patients. They should respect their right to the medical care desired. That being said, I think we have some very competent professionals that can provide their training and experience to enhance our health and healing. 6. As a Councilperson, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, homeless, the trafficked, and the elderly? I am sickened by how flippant our society has become with the sacredness of human life. I oppose abortion within a very narrow scope of exceptions. We have a responsibility to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Government is not a complete solution for caring for the needy. I believe religious organizations and community members should play a role in this service. Caring for your neighbor goes a long way in helping those in need. If the true color of law was enforced we would likely see less of the trafficking etc. In other words, when a person or property is harmed throw the book at them, make the consequences so that people will think twice before abusing, driving drunk etc. Protecting children is a must. Matt 18:6 “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better form him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea”. We must protect the children, born and unborn. 7. Our city has many churches and other houses of worship. Do you currently have any engagement with any local religious community and if so, how do you plan to interact with people of faith in your role as City Councilperson? Our life experience is what sets the foundation for our integrity and beliefs. If your question is for me to not represent my values, the answer is I will not and cannot separate my values from who I am, and those values will be a factor in my decision making process. I am actively involved as a Christian and have a great deal of respect for people of other religions and faith. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and have been actively involved most of my life. I have friends of many religions. If the question is will I be partial to my particular sect, the answer is no. I view an elected position as representing all citizens with my core values as a basis for making decisions. 8. What steps will you take that will ensure tax dollars are allocated to organizations that promote growth and opportunity while also maintaining our cities family friendly values? Growth is inevitable. Proper planning for the growth will allow us to maintain the feel of Cedar City. As a general rule I oppose elected officials being put in the positistion of picking winners and losers, in other words picking organizations that “get” tax dollars. If referring to city departments, I will look at needs vs. wants and allocate to needs first. For more information on Robert Cox, visit cox4cedar.com
Brittany Fisher 1. Recognizing that municipal elections are nonpartisan, as a candidate, you are not officially representing any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.), and why do you define yourself that way? Yes, the city council is a nonpartisan position. However, every candidate will have political leanings, and citizens will see them when candidates make decisions and vote on ordinances. For this reason, I believe it’s essential to share why I lean conservative. Conservatism means upholding traditional values and principles while embracing responsible governance. It means being fiscally prudent, ensuring the taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. My conservative values guide me toward prioritizing personal responsibility and individual liberty. I want to promote policies that strengthen bonds between neighbors and create safe and thriving environments for all. With all of this said, I understand the importance of working together across party lines for the greater good. My conservative values will not hinder my dedication to serving all residents. 2. What do you view as the purpose and role of the City Council, and what do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council (legislative branch) and the mayor’s office (executive branch)? First and foremost, the city councils purpose and role is to advocate for their constituents; interests and concerns. Council members engage with residents through public hearings and other forums, encouraging active participation in local decision-making. Council members collaborate with other local, regional, and state government bodies to create synergies for the community’s benefit. The City Council needs to participate in strategic long-term planning to address future challenges and enhance the quality of life for residents and future generations. City councils enact, amend, and repeal local ordinances and are responsible for approving and overseeing the city’s budget and the direction of city officials and public services. There should be respect for the separation of powers between the mayor’s office and the City Council. However, there should be open communication and collaboration, and the two should work towards a shared vision for the city. 3. What is your vision for being a Councilperson, and what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office? I plan to engage with citizens, local organizations, and businesses to foster a sense of unity and collective purpose. In the first year, I want to learn as much as possible to make decisions based on facts and data. I will be speaking with each city department to understand their positions and how the city council can be more supportive of their department. I would like to see the city create more “shopping local” campaigns. In the first year, I will work to understand the city’s unified long-term vision, make prudent budget adjustments, set goals, take decisive actions, and build a resilient community. I want to accept donations for the beautification efforts of our city as well as look at an “Adopt a park” program where a non-profit or business adopts a city park for a set timeframe and can bring forward plans to invest in the park or simply do park cleanups to help the city with the upkeep of the parks around town. The hope is to allocate some of the funds to other budget areas, such as infrastructure and public safety. 4. What is the number one issue our city is facing and how will you address it? The city’s most significant issue is adopting a long-term vision and practicing fiscal responsibility toward achieving that vision. A clear and ambitious long-term vision will guide our decisions and actions, ensuring we progress toward a city that thrives in all aspects. We need to envision a city that balances growth with preservation, creating vibrant and sustainable spaces for generations to come. Fiscal responsibility will be crucial. We must prioritize spending and invest wisely in projects that align with our long-term goals, which means making tough decisions, evaluating the costs and benefits of each decision, and avoiding unnecessary expenditures. After accepting feedback on suitable choices, the city must communicate the unified long-term vision. 5. How will you protect and defend the Constitutional rights of the residents of our city against any overreach by the county, state, or federal government? For example (but not limited to) the areas of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, bearing arms, medical autonomy, and commerce. Our constitutional rights are the foundation of our democracy, providing essential freedoms and protections. Being a military veteran and proudly serving this country, I protect every constitutional right. I am more cautious when tax dollars are involved because everyone pays taxes, and what people see as worthy of tax dollars will differ. Everyone’s freedom of speech, the exercise of religion, etc., looks different. 6. As a Councilperson, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, homeless, the trafficked, and the elderly? I will collaborate with non-profits that focus on supporting vulnerable populations to meet their needs and leverage their expertise and resources. I hope to advocate for affordable housing initiatives that can help address homelessness and provide stable living conditions. I hope to support affordable healthcare so pregnant women, people experiencing homelessness, and the elderly have proper medical care. Trafficking is unacceptable in our community; luckily, we have great Iron County attorneys who will hold them accountable. 7. Our city has many churches and other houses of worship. Do you currently have any engagement with any local religious community and if so, how do you plan to interact with people of faith in your role as City Councilperson? I do not currently attend any one church or house of worship. I am a woman of God who has studied many different religions but has chosen not to attend one church over another. I was baptized in a specific church but no longer attend because I believe there is truth in many religions. I live my life per the Bible and attempt to be more Christ-like daily. As a councilwoman, I plan to support and be inclusive of all religions and their congregations. I want to embrace diversity, promote interfaith dialogue, defend religious freedom, and address hate and discrimination. 8. What steps will you take that will ensure tax dollars are allocated to organizations that promote growth and opportunity while also maintaining our cities family friendly values? The only area where I see conflict is with the RAP tax because it’s an optional tax for organizations within the community. The organizations put in requests, the RAP tax committee gives recommendations, and the city ultimately votes on the recommendations. As city council men and women, we cannot discriminate even though it doesn’t fit into our personal views of family-friendly values. I have been researching ways to protect our youth, but this type of situation is why I am very cautious about how and where tax dollars are spent or appear to be spent.
Mark Mumford 1. Recognizing that municipal elections are nonpartisan, as a candidate you are not officially representing any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.) and why do you define yourself that way? I would describe my political leanings (in terms of current national political ideologies/norms) as a moderate liberal (illustrated by the following examples): I believe that LGTBQ people should be treated with Christlike charity (tolerance, kindness, civility) and accepted as full members of the community and not forced (in various ways and by various means) to live closeted (or mostly closeted) lives (as was previously the case). I believe that all levels of government should endeavor to have a balanced budget, but I do recognize that there are times when the federal government needs to engage in deficit spending to preserve society and jump-start the economy (e.g. the Great Depression which only ended when World War II [with its extreme deficit spending and the resulting full employment of the nation] began). I am in favor of using properly tested and legally approved derivatives of marijuana for legitimate medicinal purposes, but I don't feel good about recreational use of marijuana (since I believe substance abuse [even if it's only psychologically addictive] to be harmful to individuals and society). I also believe that incarceration for marijuana use is harmful, so I think that its use (recreationally) should at least be discouraged. I believe that everything we (as a society) do should be done orderly, carefully, and peacefully as much as possible. I am against chaos and disorder (including vigilantism, mobs, etc.) and the many harms that they cause. I believe that it is in the legitimate interest of the people and government at all levels to plan for the future and enact policies which leave a better world for our and others' descendants. I believe that racism, colorism, sexism, and religious, ethnic and other prejudices are wrong and should be discouraged. No good can come from hatred: it hurts the hater and often the hated as well. 2. What do you view as the purpose and role of the City Council, and what do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council (legislative branch) and the Mayor's office (executive branch)? The city council (as alluded to in the question) is the legislative branch of Cedar City's government. I believe that the council should have a close relationship to the mayor in terms of collaborating on the creation, alteration, and repeal of city ordinances (an example of this can be seen in the normal operation of the federal government where the president submits, e.g., a spending bill annually; Congress then has the option to adopt the president's bill, alter it (often the case), or come up with its own). I think that government functions most intelligently when the various branches have a good "working relationship". This does not mean that the city council should simply "rubber stamp" whatever the mayor wants. The mayor is an executive and most important in carrying out the city ordinances efficiently, but the will of the people is found in its most diverse and full form in the council. 3. What is your vision for being a Councilperson, and what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office? I believe that inflation in the price of housing is the most important issue facing the city (economy-wide inflation is also a serious problem but out of the ability of city council to do much to mitigate). The problems of water (water rights in the short term and overall availability in the medium to long term) are very serious and need to be addressed by the council. Housing and water are related in the sense that acquisition of water rights can be expensive and difficult (particularly for small building companies). I believe that the council should work to both make the acquisition of water rights easier and encourage water conservation. One concern I have is the trend of corporations in Saudi Arabia, China, and elsewhere buying land and water rights in arid western states (since they import hay; see the results of this search); unlike family farmers, these concerns would charge a lot more to sell their water rights (or wouldn't sell them at all), and that could become an obstacle for the growth and prosperity of the city. The ultimate answer (i.e. for the long term growth of the city) to both water rights and water availability is the conservation and reuse of water. 4. What is the number one issue our city is facing and how will you address it? The number one problem the city faces right now, I believe, is the precipitous rise in the cost of housing. When housing costs too much, all other areas of the economy suffer: this means poverty for families, a reduction in profit for *all* businesses (ironically, including real estate because the natural reaction of homeowners to rising prices is to avoid selling and buying whenever possible), and ultimately stagnation of the entire community. 5. How will you protect and defend the Constitutional rights of the residents of our city against any overreach by the county, state, or federal government? For example (but not limited to) the areas of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, bearing arms, medical autonomy, and commerce. I believe in the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States of America. I also believe that no right is unlimited because any unlimited right can be made to trample on and ultimately destroy other rights or the legitimate rights of others. Cedar City has a role in this process because of the 14th Amendment (all levels of government must protect and defend the rights enshrined in the national Constitution). Without listing examples for every issue, I would say that I believe simply that a reasonable balance should exist in all areas where rights are concerned. The issue of government overreach into the lives of people is a concerning one (the Constitution reserves rights to the states and to the people), and I believe that the best way to address this is to engage with and promote civil society organizations that are willing to call out instances of government overreach and fight them in court. The challenge in this area is that civil liberties often include things that many people find unwelcome or distasteful, but the right to, e.g., free speech must be accorded to all equally in order for the "marketplace of ideas" the Founders envisioned to be fully realized. I believe that in the end "the truth will out" (from Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", please see https://nosweatshakespeare.com/quotes/famous/the-truth-will-out/ ). 6. As a Councilperson, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, homeless, the trafficked, and the elderly? "Society" is the relation of people to one another. Without society, human life would be (in the words of Thomas Hobbes [in "Leviathan", 1651]) "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" (please see https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/nasty-brutish-and-short.html for the full quotation). I am reminded of this frequently when I go to the store to buy something and then think what it would take for me to make whatever it is myself (and this despite the fact that I am an avid "DIYer"). Unfortunately, for the homeless, trafficked, and many of the unborn and elderly, Hobbes' list of miseries (and fate) is all too real. I believe that the city should support efforts to help mothers in distress to be able to keep their babies or give them up for adoption. The city should have a supportive relationship with the Iron County Care & Share and other organizations that seek to help the homeless and poor. Officers of the Cedar City Police Department should have training on how to recognize human trafficking situations and focus on it for the serious (and tragic) problem that it is. Finally, the city needs to recognize the needs of the elderly as valued but sometimes vulnerable members of our community and promote measures to consider the needs and wants of its older citizens. 7. Our city has many churches and other houses of worship. Do you currently have any engagement with any local religious community and if so, how do you plan to interact with people of faith in your role as City Councilperson? I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("active" being church parlance for someone who attends church meetings regularly). I am, in fact, currently a member of the High Council of the Cedar West Stake, so I have the privilege of speaking in the Sunday church service (once a month, most months of the year) of one of the nine wards (congregations) in our stake (a group of wards). I also serve as the "Stake Technology Specialist" so I have become very familiar with the attics (for cabling, Wi-Fi, etc.) and various technological systems in the church buildings in our stake. Cedar City has a wide diversity of religious establishments, groups, and persuasions; a condition which I find to be healthy from the point of view of civics (e.g. it tends to promote tolerance). For example, I have noted over the past several years that many of the polygamist (FLDS) families that used to live in and around Colorado City have moved to Cedar. I think it laudable that they have integrated themselves into the community to the degree that they have: gaining education, starting businesses, etc. While I don't believe in polygamy (it is illegal and to most people distasteful), I am happy to be friendly toward and accept the people of polygamous families as fully participating members of our community. I am a singer and have sung with a few different choirs over the years (ward and stake church choirs, Master Singers, and Red Rock Singers). The Master Singers and Red Rock Singers have had concerts (in which I sang) in the church buildings of Catholic and Protestant churches around town, and I have been impressed by the generosity of the clergy and congregations in sharing those sacred spaces with us (and with the peaceful and good spirit that exists there). I am from Idaho; the eastern side of the state has a very high percentage of LDS people (even higher than Utah), but I grew up on the western side (about 20 miles southwest of Boise). By my own count (basically, I did a survey of my high school yearbook at one point), LDS people (like myself) only comprised about 25% of the population in our small city (with a population of around 1,700 at the time), so I was blessed to live in a place with a lot more religious diversity than is typically the case in eastern Idaho or Utah. To be completely frank, I find the "majoritarian" attitude of many LDS people in Cedar both obnoxious and unchristian and long for the diversity and relative tolerance that existed in my own home town (there were conflicts at times, but it helped us to learn to get along with one another and see past our differences). One of the benefits of public service is being able to engage with communities within the larger community. I want to get to know the people of the different religious organizations in the city--not just as people but also in the context of their respective faiths (a desire I have not just as a political objective but because I find the world to be an interesting place and want to know more about it). 8. What steps will you take that will ensure tax dollars are allocated to organizations that promote growth and opportunity while also maintaining our cities family friendly values? I believe that self-government includes the right to choose the character of a community, so, for example, I believe that Cedar City should outlaw things like gambling, prostitution, and "adult" entertainment to the degree allowed by the constitution and federal and state law. Such things are distasteful and harmful and ought not to be allowed (even if they add money to the local economy).
Carter Wilkey 1. Recognizing that municipal elections are nonpartisan, as a candidate you are not officially representing any specific political party. How would you describe your political leanings (socially, fiscally, etc.) and why do you define yourself that way? Fiscally I believe our tax dollars are a finite resource and should be treated as such. As a council member it is very important to remember that tax dollars are not "our" dollars, but monies that have been entrusted to our care and use. Cedar City and its previous leaders have done a good job at keeping the debts low and money in the bank to fulfill our needs and some wants. In a time when taxes and inflation are both on the rise we need to continue to work hard and prioritize spending to keep our tax rates for Cedar City as low as possible. Socially I believe that each of us should be able to live our lives how we choose as long as we are not causing harm to another. I strongly believe in the freedom of religion and one's right to choose in what they believe and how they may choose to worship. I believe in being a good neighbor and helping others, even those that may think or live differently than you. 2. What do you view as the purpose and role of the City Council, and what do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council (legislative branch) and the Mayor's office (executive branch)? The purpose and role of the city council is to study, deliberate, and ultimately vote on many issues including budgets, allocation of funds and resources, city projects, ordinance changes, zoning, development, resolutions, city infrastructure, committee responsibilities, property acquisitions, etc. As someone who has personally attended over 150+ city council meetings over the last 5 years, I been there and seen the many different issues that come before our council. The mayor has a great responsibility to create a vision for our city and its residents. The mayor also has the large task of creating the annual budget and working together with staff from all city departments and council to determine to necessities of our city and allocating appropriate funds. The mayor and council should work together to ultimately do what is in the best interest of our city and most importantly, its residents. 3. What is your vision for being a Councilperson, and what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in office? Through my service on 4 different official city committees and my attendance to 150+ council meetings, I find myself in the prepared position to hit the ground running on day one. There is still much to learn, but I am ready to get to work. I am currently working with city staff on the consideration of 3 different ordinance changes and I will continue through those processes. One of the main goals I have for my first year is to really take a deep education in to our city budget, and truly understand where money is being spent and if there are areas I feel we can improve. Also, during my first year I want to work closely with staff, especially the engineering department, to evaluate and continue the work that has been done to improve the areas of town that have been hit the hardest by the floods of 2021 and now this summer. During my entire term on council, I want to always be improving my relationship with our citizens. As I have sat through meeting after meeting, I hear over and over that people feel like their voices just weren't heard. Inevitably there will be decisions made that not everyone will agree with, that is not a promise I can make. Making myself available to citizens and listening to their concerns is a high priority for me. Just as I have tried to do with my position on Planning Commission, I want the people to know, that even though they may not agree, I WILL tell them why I made the decision that I did. Being fully transparent and explaining my reasoning is something I feel very strong about. 4. What is the number one issue our city is facing and how will you address it? Growth is the number one issue I feel impacting our city right now. Growth has a major impact on our water, infrastructure, fire & police protection, roads, and traffic just to name a few. Securing water for our current needs and the effects of the cuts by the Cedar Valley Water Management Plan and water for future growth is something the council has been working on relentlessly and will need to continue working on. One thing I have learned by observing the last few years is that water itself and water projects are expensive. Through my experience in the real estate industry, I have been able to learn about how water rights in Utah work, and I look forward to working continuously to help conserve and recharge the water we have and secure the water we need. A good city council member can't entirely focus their time on just one issue either. My family and I are prepared for the time commitment that I know this service to our community will entail. 5. How will you protect and defend the Constitutional rights of the residents of our city against any overreach by the county, state, or federal government? For example (but not limited to) the areas of freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, exercise of religion, bearing arms, medical autonomy, and commerce. Something that I feel is very important is for each branch of government to know their role. Each branch has their jurisdiction and I believe those bounds should be respected. I wouldn't expect the city to over-step its authority with another branch of government and would expect the same in return. I'm a strong believer in keeping decisions that affect the everyday life of our citizens as close to home as possible, including letting decisions simply just be made in the home. I support and follow the United States Constitution as our guiding document. We are all blessed to live in a country where we have unalienable rights and those should be protected as long as we are not causing harm to others or infringing on their same rights. 6. As a Councilperson, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our city, including the lives of the unborn, homeless, the trafficked, and the elderly? As a father of 4 young children, I want to protect them with everything I can. During my service as President and board member of the Iron County Children's Justice Center Friend's Board, I had the unfortunate opportunity of hearing and learning, without identifying details, of just some of the unforgivable acts that can and do occur to children here in our community. Through my service with the Iron County Board of Realtors, I have helped prepare, organize and deliver hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to those that otherwise wouldn't have a meal to enjoy. Where I see the city's role in protecting the most vulnerable, is in assisting those that can do it even better than the city could. We have AMAZING organizations and groups in this city that do so much. I believe it also starts with being good examples. As a city council person, you have the opportunity to be a true leader and show others what good can be done when we all roll up our sleeves and get to work. On some of the issues mentioned, there are times when our police department will need to be involved. The ICCJC Friend's Board has helped fund training for officers from multiple local departments receive training on how to help children when the most unthinkable things have been witnessed or worse, happened to them. As a city council member, this is one area I would like to work closely with our police department in making sure they continue receiving the training and resources they need to help those that can't really help themselves. 7. Our city has many churches and other houses of worship. Do you currently have any engagement with any local religious community and if so, how do you plan to interact with people of faith in your role as City Councilperson? A community is a feeling of fellowship with others. Freedom of religion is something this country and this state were created on. I believe in loving thy neighbor as thyself is one of the guiding principles we all should live by. My family and I are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One thing I have really come to enjoy over the years of council meetings is the invocation at every meeting that is given by leaders and/or members of many different faiths here in Cedar. Here in Cedar, we have a wonderful Interfaith Alliance that holds multiple events throughout the year. I have had the opportunity to attend multiple of their events and fully plan to continue doing so. I feel having elected officials present at those events helps show our community more unity and fellowship. 8. What steps will you take that will ensure tax dollars are allocated to organizations that promote growth and opportunity while also maintaining our cities family friendly values? What one person may consider family friendly could differ from another as we all the right to choose. We have been fortunate enough to have the citizens support of the RAP Tax initiative which has been able to help many great organizations for some years now. Other funding outside of RAP Tax has been allocated in the past to other organizations like Iron County Children's Justice Center, Iron County Care and Share, Canyon Creek Services and others. I think the truly best way to see that funds are going to organizations that promote growth and opportunity is to go and learn first-hand about the organizations. Annually, my wife and I participate events for many of our communities' great organizations and I've also had the chance to serve for some as well. Going out and getting involved is the best way I see to learn what they are really about.
Sara Ridgel
Declined our request.
Kathy Long
Waiting for response.