Your Vote Counts
– By Lisa Rutherford –
Development is rampant in Washington County! I know that’s not news to anyone. But, it’s not just development as we have known it; a good deal of it is short-term rental development. Development that’s getting a bad name across this nation. Development that is taking away from affordable homes and just providing a roof for vacationers – people with plenty of money to vacation while others can’t even afford a home.
I realize that many who read this article may be benefitting from that growth by way of jobs, money earned through spending by the vacationers, loans made by banks, businesses that provide materials for these developments, etc. But the rush to build these short-term rentals (STRs) is creating angst and challenges in our communities – challenges with which we will live for a long time. Rezoning is being pushed through often with the excuse by city attorneys that it must be done because there are no options. Small cities are reluctant to stand up against developers.
Particularly in small communities such as Santa Clara and Ivins it’s pitting neighbor against neighbor. With developers and bankers on city councils what’s a regular citizen to do? Vote!
Voter turnout is traditionally dismal in off years, but these are the elections that will determine what we live with, in the upcoming years. Forget about the 2024 presidential election; get out now and vote. Learn about candidates and vote for those who will not roll over for the development lobby.
Local pro-development officials are arguing that development is good and will bring in much needed tax money to help keep property taxes for home owners down. That is not necessarily true. There are many places with a strong commercial base that still have high property taxes. Think about where this information is coming from. Bankers? Developers?
When it comes to candidates, consider what their biases may be when it comes to making decisions. Is someone a banker? You can probably assume that their bias will be toward development because they make loans to support development. Is someone a developer themselves. Again, you can assume they will support development because that’s their bread and butter. That’s not saying that candidates who are not bankers or developers themselves won’t support development, but perhaps they would be more even handed about the issue. Look into candidates who are already on city councils. Look into their voting records. Consider write-in candidates who feel strongly about the matter and support them to get a new voice on the council to help slow down this massive rush to overwhelm our area with poor development.
The Special General Election will be held on November 21, 2023. The date was changed due to Congressman Chris Stewart’s decision not to run again and a subsequent scramble to deal with that. Don’t waste this opportunity to vote and have a voice. Many throughout the world don’t have this right that many in our nation take for granted. The deadline to register to vote is November 13, 2023.
As many of you know from my comments over the last decade in the SG Independent I am a big College football fan. Yesterday the Huskies pulled off an incredible comeback against the Ducks but nothing compared to Friday night when underdog Stanford came back from 29-0 deficit to beat Colorado coached by Deion Sanders. Let’s not forget the Utes and Cougers over the years have had their share of victories in the last minute or second as well. ON THAT NOTE – the coming election in SANTA CLARA this year cannot be ignored. Maybe the most important election in the history of the city since its founding. How do I know this ? I have been doing citizen oversight for over a year, attending council meetings, planning meetings, or watching them on the SC CITY Utah Channel on youtube with careful scrutiny. I even did an audit regarding City’s problem resolution process with support from our excellent Mayor almost a year ago. 1ST WE NEED A HISTORICAL TURN OUT. 2ND. WE NEED A MIRACLE .. (what? )… yep… a miracle… You see ~ 3 positions are available on the Council + 4 candidates – one of which is a WRITE IN.. We need people to write in that particular candidate … and as we all know that is not only complicated but truly an uphill battle. Making sense? Well still… what are the issues? See the excellent article above by Lisa Rutherford… and maybe consider the moment when Councilman Denny Drake (stepping down this year) looked across the SC chamber and said one word ~ “greed” ~ directly to the developer presenting their case – which was initially voted down 2-2 tie and then weeks later after minor revisions in their plan – passed 3-2. .. WHO WERE THOSE 2 initial votes? Is all development bad? Of course not , but I know when it is obviously over the line and my neighbors are getting a raw deal with no say in the process. What use is a public hearing if it passes anyway almost everytime. I would add our SC Council folks are some of the nicest people around and I truly respect all of them. But when it comes down to neighbors that live with their decisions, it is their voting record that counts – otherwise no math is required beyond that. Good luck & Peace out, and to stay consistent ~ Sincerely Mr Nobody
I hope that the miracle works. Much needed. Thanks for your nice words about my article. I hope that readers pay heed, mark the date on their calendars, and vote smart!
PS – (FTR) Over the years I have doxed myself in the comment section of SG Independent from time to time, but chose to use an anonymous name a decade ago, primarily for security reasons for when I travel overseas. No Twitter, Facebook, snapshot, or online presence… but guarantee everybody meta data and Chat GPT can connects the dots. Sincerely Jerold – see ya on the campaign trail. : )
Well did not mention Colorado St 31. Boise State 30. . First time in history the Rams defeated the Broncos. Took 13 tries – 6 seconds left in the game and 6 guys go up for the pass in the end zone… 4 defenders surrounding 2 receivers – tipped to the side and scooped up by lucky no 5. Thanks Lisa – for the encouragement – peace out.
Lisa: outstanding commentary. You too, Jerold, especially that the Broncos lost to the Rams. 🙂
We are far more alike than different especially regarding this topic AND light pollution AND water conservation. I, too, attend city council and planning commission meetings. This particular topic is SO extremely important and relevant and urgent. We are in the crosshairs because of legislation coming down from the state government. Our quality of life hangs in the balance.
Our local governments are the key to holding on to this paradise we have. We love our communities, this much is crystal clear. I agree with Lisa. Educate yourselves and vote.
Thank you!
G Lea – kudos for your citizen oversight. Just over a month ago Mayor Rosenberg brought up legislation coming down from SLC at end of a meeting that would weaken and undermine city governments. Sadly communism central planning making a comeback. Large global-National level developers own State politicians let alone 15k per Congressman in DC. Re: undercover Tinder sting of B.R. exec.. Oh Keefer ! On that note cue Chris Cornell…Sound garden ~ Black âš« Sun… peace out… (good cover for Warburton’s band)
If Americans cannot get the vote out at the local level then it is over. Klaus Schwab wins. Sincerely Mr Nobody
https://www.youtube.com/live/RysTlfiGlEc?si=3sEwPmbpDYfnM2Su
Santa Clara Candidates presentation and questions – suggest viewers forward to 45 min mark as it truly begins there. Actually was a very good discussion especially questions from the audience towards the end… Good luck – VOTE. SANTA CLARANS. and remember one candidate is a WRITE IN. – so know thy procedure on mail in ballots – NEED A RECORD TURN OUT – ( your part) peace out Sincerely Mr Nobody
Tucked away… into the archives. Nice run Lisa. God Bless you. – peace out.. sincerely Mr Nobody.
PS. Shhhhhhhhhh. Go-to sleep … go to sleep… Ole Dallas of Independent yore would no longer represent herein.
WAR- (write-in) – BURTON… : ) HEY. guess who is coming to the Tuacahn? Guess Who…! IT’S official. My GUESS… already sold out. Canadian band and concert scheduled for snowbird time of year.
Alas – who was that guy last Thursday evening outside the planning meeting holding a gigantic sign that said “1st THINGS 1st – GOT TO VOTE ” on Santa Clara Drive for almost 3 hours.. ? Mr Nobody – of course ! Who else? And by the way thanks for the support from some of the passers-by… your inspiration made it fun and worth every ounce of effort.
peace out …
To whomever it was, kudos to him for his effort. We need more of that! I have an idea who it was but one never knows for sure!
Alas, this story has an unhappy ending. A final act of civil disobedience to protest injustice and then subsequent deregistration of my vote from Wa County on Friday afternoon. Alas Lisa thanks for your help, I have proved that even at the local level there are significant issues with the so-called democratic process. The good news is at least we know the system is broken at all levels of government… Peace out and Mr Nobody will be off the radar – but no doubt in the audience the next time Josh Warburton and his band decide to play at the Blue Katz. (and Lisa – keep up the incredible work – and FTR – mums the word)
PS. To Editor Janes McFadden – good luck – and we still can agree to disagree about the Tuacahn booking committee. Seems Theatrical critics in this town are also not happy campers and lets note without feedback how will one know that improvement can be accomplished. That goes dor city planners as well.
Oops. James… no harm no foul… sorry… not intentional. Thanks –
Tuacahn – 2015…. 3rd row center adjacent to aisle… The band… Pink Floyd Experience – concert. – Time of day – sunset – entire ~ Wish You Were Here Album… A voice at the opening shouts at hyperbolic volume across the venue. … “Syd Barrett” ! on that note – Last call to all those that have taken the time to read and respond to my commentary over many years of the SG Independent ( a great gig by Josh that has stood the test of time) – SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS.
Final seconds… Ball is snapped… placeholder gets it down… kick is up… going … going… and… (long silent pause…) ~ the ref’s arms go up… 50 yard+ field goal is good… unbelievable ! GAME OVER ! Santa Clara wins !