So… this is awkward. I just told you in a couple of recent articles that I’ll probably vote to raise your property taxes and maybe even increase your utility bill to create a road replacement fund. Now I’m turning around and letting you know I’m planning to run for re-election to the Ivins City Council. Nervy, right?
What I Said I’d Do — and What I’ve Actually Done
When I first ran for City Council in 2021, I said my number one goal was to involve Ivins residents early in the city’s decision-making process. I’ve done my best to follow through.
I’ve posted regular social media updates, sent out 35 monthly email updates on city issues to residents who signed up for them, granted – not quite monthly but close, and written 172 articles sharing my ideas, concerns, and positions on issues, usually before decisions are made, so you have time to weigh in.
And when residents email me, I don’t send a form reply. I answer personally, with real information and my views, because I believe the more informed you are, the more effectively you can participate in shaping our city’s future. And when residents tell me about problems, I try to help solve them usually with help from City staff.
For every issue that comes up, I dig into available documents, city code, find out how other cities have dealt with similar issues, analyze the numbers, think hard about the details – the fine print, all to really understand what’s going on. I’m always thinking about the long-term impact, not just the short-term fix. To me, it’s not just “Can we do this?” — it’s “Is this right for Ivins, now and down the road?”
I listen. I ask questions. I try to see all sides. And if better information comes along, I’m willing to rethink things. I try to stick to facts, common sense, and what’s best for the whole community.
You may not always agree with me. But I hope you’ve seen that I approach every decision thoughtfully and actively seek your input. Over the past three and a half years, your feedback, questions, concerns, and ideas have shaped how I think and how I serve. I’m deeply grateful for that.
Transparency and Public Trust: Keep Residents in the Loop
I’ve worked hard to make city issues understandable and accessible. That means: Writing articles in plain English; responding to every question I get; advocating for clearer staff reports and public notices; welcoming early public input and listening to it.
My Voting Record: Consistent, Careful, and Community-Focused
Across nearly four years of zoning and land use votes, I’ve supported twelve zoning changes I believed were compatible with neighboring homes. I opposed eight zoning changes that I felt would undermine neighborhood character or open the door to incompatible uses. Out of the ten land use changes that came to us since the beginning of 2022, I opposed seven and supported only three.
Note: Zoning changes should generally be approved when they match the Land Use Map and fit with the surrounding neighborhood. Land use changes, on the other hand, require much greater caution. They alter the city’s long-term vision and should only be approved when there’s a compelling, well-justified reason to do so. See my article, How To Think About Rezoning for more insight into zoning versus land use decisions.
Here are details on my voting record on these land use and zoning issues. You decide if my decisions were correct, or at least thoughtful and reasonable. I would just ask you to talk to me about decisions you disagree with. Give me a chance to explain my decisions in more detail.
Growth and Zoning: Thoughtful, Not Automatic
I’ve supported development that’s compatible with existing neighborhoods and consistent with the General Plan. I’ve also opposed zone changes, sometimes as the only “no” vote, when they would have brought in incompatible densities or opened the door to resort or short-term rental “creep.”
I’ve pushed for lot size transitions and density buffers, removal of resort and short-term rental uses from residential use tables, open space requirements that preserve views and habitat, and made defensible decisions tied to our General Plan, not case-by-case lobbying.
Over the past three and a half years, your feedback, questions, concerns, and ideas have shaped how I think and how I serve. I’m deeply grateful for that. You may not always agree with me. But I hope you see that I approach every decision thoughtfully and actively seek your input.
What About Other City Issues?
I have immersed myself in and been vocal about a lot of other city issues. But this article is already long enough. So contact me if you want to know what I’ve done and where I stand on issues including: Public safety, water, roads, infrastructure, long-term financial planning, budgeting, open space, home businesses, conservation, arts, and more.
Why I’m Planning To Run Again
I’m planning to run again because I believe the next few years will be just as critical as the last. We face big challenges and great opportunities, and I want to help make sure we meet them while staying true to the values that make Ivins special.
Ivins isn’t just a beautiful place. It’s a community of people who care. People who believe that small cities can be great cities, if we stay true to our values and plan with purpose. That’s the kind of Council member I’ve tried to be, and I’d be honored to serve another term.
Thank you for being engaged. Thank you for caring. Let’s keep the conversation going, and let’s keep Ivins special.