Through the process of creating this blog, it has come to our attention that there are more questions that could be of value. The City Council Candidates were asked slightly different questions, and the Mayoral Candidates brought up some interesting points as well.
So after we had finished all of our Mayoral Candidate interviews we sent the candidates a few more questions for their thoughts, and input.
The answers will be posted here, as they are answered by the candidates.
Thanks to those who have participated, and thank you for taking the time to get to know more about them.
JOE BURGESS
Supplemental Topics
Linda Rae Bush
Tell us your name, what you like to be called and a little bit about yourself.
My name is Linda Rae Bush. That is my maiden name. I live in Cedar City. I do professional office work. I have five grown children who are successful and stable, very talented. I am very interested in politics and becoming involved with my community.
Do you generally go by Linda or Linda Rae?
Usually Linda Rae.
How long have you lived in Cedar City?
I have lived consistently here for the last three and a half years. It's been off and on before that. I'm from Washington, and I came to Utah in the early 1990's, so I've been in St. George, Ivins, and Cedar.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
Well, being a single mom, and being involved with the community, other than politics for quite a while and just associating with other people, I've just come to the conclusion that there's a few changes that I would like to see happen, and with some of my friends. The only way to do that without just complaining about it all the time is to do something about it, and just do something a little bit more. So I thought to go back into politics would be just the thing to do. I ran for mayor in Kanarraville in '05. I had full intentions of following through with that. I didn't win the election, so I went ahead and committed myself to go back into public safety work. I moved to Snow Canyon, Ivins, and then I decided to come back to Cedar City. But, I think that politics is the only way. I mean I've looked at politics, getting civically involved with the community, it's the only way to really make changes, and to really see things happen in a good way.
Who are three people that you really admire?
Alright, one person who is still in the state of Washington right now, had such an effect on my life, is Wayne Gardner. He and his organization made it possible for me to function in a productive way after my divorce. Their organizations are so actualized, and just make a person into the person that they want to become, and I have become involved in that. Another person, here locally that I admire so much, she is just fantastic, I don't know what words to use, her name is Greta Esplin. She has made a real difference in our family, and I really do appreciate her. Probably the third person, trying to think if they would like me to use their name, but it's a person that I worked with, with the Division of Family Services. His name is John Sauceda, and he is a very actualized individual, and knows people. I've really learned a lot from him.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
Number one, I think that there's not enough of recycling or rotating of ideas in our community. I think that we need to get more people's opinion. Just go out there, if we have to door-to-door, and make contact with people and just find out about people. There are some things in the community that nobody really wants to talk about, but they will talk about it to a friend, or to an associate, someone that they think is really listening to them. I've had a lot of people tell me some things, that I probably shouldn't repeat right here, that could be put into the community as creative ideas. One would be the importance of keeping our reputation in Cedar City up, as far as recognizing that we have a lot of problems with abuse, and neglect of families. We have problems that need to be [addressed] , even if you want to say this, we could make more meetings and creative workshops for people. Bring in people, and talk it up so that people will actually attend those meetings, with a minimun charge. So many people that really can't afford, to go out and pay $20 - $25 a ticket for something that is going help them. And I think we need to cut costs a bit and help each other in the community just a little bit more, as far as teaching people how to be functional .
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
More trees. I'd like to be able to see a little bit less neglect of property. Better property management in some areas. I'd like to see the stoplights retimed so that everybody gets an equal chance at the roads. Sometimes you'll sit there for 20 minutes at one stop light, that might be an exaggeration, but I would like to see more public places where people can go. There's only like three or four parks in this city. I'd like to see more of those for people and more recreational sports. I'd like to see the Aquatic Center finished in a magnificent way, so everyone can use it without charging a really, really high price, because I think we have enough excess of taxes, we can afford to lower the prices on some things, but that Aquatic Center and its functions. I think that every child should have sports and activities readily available to them. I don't know what caused this, but on the east side of town, you can join a baseball team when you are seven or eight, but on the west side of town, they have kids that have to wait until they're nine years old, and I don't understand that quite, but I think every child, if they'd be more involved in sports, they'd be functioning better in school. More arts for the kids, more things within their grade level. All of this without charging a whole lot. And the other thing I'd like to see is someone getting some real ideas. I've been studying some mayors, real famous mayors around the country, and how they are trying to bring economic growth into their cities. There's some good ideas there.
What would you do as mayor to see that we get more trees and parks and activities for the kids and things like that?
I think I would mainly just try word of mouth. I know that some people just won't listen anyway, however, just by word of mouth, and getting some PR work done, maybe the people could support this. If each tax paying family, and we pay taxes whether we're buying a home or renting, there's always a tax involved, if each family would donate even $20 toward an activity or a project, that project would pretty much be handled. Twenty dollars a month per family might build us another park. We waste that much money each month. Just to donate that toward that fund, if people see that it's an open account, they can see how much money they have actually put into it, and let them help make those decisions. You can't have a vote on everything, because that's not economically sound, but I think if people really, really want to see things done, they'll show up to a meeting or something to have their say. I don't think people here, really, really know that there's someone there to listen to them, and understand what they're going through. There's too much red tape. I think people want to be heard, but they don't want to go because it's just something else to listen to. I just think mouth to mouth, person to person, if people would actually get someone that's willing to listen and be free to express themselves. And that's what I can do. I am a good listener. I've got e-mail, and a website that I'm developing that they can go into and just express themselves. Everybody deserves to be heard. I think if we work together as a city, in that financial end of it, they won't get that their taxes are going to go to something that they don't know about.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
I think the first thing to do is meet with the people that are involved, go right to the horses mouth with it, and be able to communicate. Too much has been said and done behind other people's backs, and I think if a person has their say, say 'Oh, I'm sorry if I offended you, let's talk this out. Let's find out what each one of us did.' You know, just communicate. You don't get anyplace by going behind someone's back and doing something. If a conflict of interest comes up, you've got to talk about it. I don't mean like the meeting in St. George a couple weeks ago, that was almost not even necessary, because noone listened, noone heard, and noone cared. You've got to care. You've got to really care.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I think the immediate thing, I would like to see people get together because we're paying taxes on it right now, but I would like to see that Aquatic Center finished. If they did that it would be a major, major boost to the self-esteem of the community. Just like the Shakespearean Festival or whatever, that's quite a thing to have here, a very important part of the community. But we need something for the overall citizens, something for everybody. I think the first main project I would do is to try and get that handled, get that started and finished.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
I'm always out there. Me and my family are always out in the community. We're always talking to people. I think the best way right now is to go to my e-mail address, and they can leave me a message there, and I'll get back to them and try to open up a line of communication. If I'm elected, they can always come right into the office and talk, and get acquainted that way. I don't invite people readily into my home, but there are certainly ways to meet with them and be one on one. There's always a way to do that. I think if they e-mail me first, and talked to me that we could arrange to meet somewhere.
The e-mail address is (it's French it just means caring and concern)
it's devoir68@yahoo.com
Why should a person vote for you?
Well number one, my motto is, and what we're going to use on my signs, it's going to be, "One more giant step for womankind." I'm all for the women in the community. I'm all for the women and their children. I think that women need more of a say in things.
What's your favorite dessert?
Oh my! Fresh peaches with Häagen Dazs ice cream.
My name is Linda Rae Bush. That is my maiden name. I live in Cedar City. I do professional office work. I have five grown children who are successful and stable, very talented. I am very interested in politics and becoming involved with my community.
Do you generally go by Linda or Linda Rae?
Usually Linda Rae.
How long have you lived in Cedar City?
I have lived consistently here for the last three and a half years. It's been off and on before that. I'm from Washington, and I came to Utah in the early 1990's, so I've been in St. George, Ivins, and Cedar.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
Well, being a single mom, and being involved with the community, other than politics for quite a while and just associating with other people, I've just come to the conclusion that there's a few changes that I would like to see happen, and with some of my friends. The only way to do that without just complaining about it all the time is to do something about it, and just do something a little bit more. So I thought to go back into politics would be just the thing to do. I ran for mayor in Kanarraville in '05. I had full intentions of following through with that. I didn't win the election, so I went ahead and committed myself to go back into public safety work. I moved to Snow Canyon, Ivins, and then I decided to come back to Cedar City. But, I think that politics is the only way. I mean I've looked at politics, getting civically involved with the community, it's the only way to really make changes, and to really see things happen in a good way.
Who are three people that you really admire?
Alright, one person who is still in the state of Washington right now, had such an effect on my life, is Wayne Gardner. He and his organization made it possible for me to function in a productive way after my divorce. Their organizations are so actualized, and just make a person into the person that they want to become, and I have become involved in that. Another person, here locally that I admire so much, she is just fantastic, I don't know what words to use, her name is Greta Esplin. She has made a real difference in our family, and I really do appreciate her. Probably the third person, trying to think if they would like me to use their name, but it's a person that I worked with, with the Division of Family Services. His name is John Sauceda, and he is a very actualized individual, and knows people. I've really learned a lot from him.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
Number one, I think that there's not enough of recycling or rotating of ideas in our community. I think that we need to get more people's opinion. Just go out there, if we have to door-to-door, and make contact with people and just find out about people. There are some things in the community that nobody really wants to talk about, but they will talk about it to a friend, or to an associate, someone that they think is really listening to them. I've had a lot of people tell me some things, that I probably shouldn't repeat right here, that could be put into the community as creative ideas. One would be the importance of keeping our reputation in Cedar City up, as far as recognizing that we have a lot of problems with abuse, and neglect of families. We have problems that need to be [addressed] , even if you want to say this, we could make more meetings and creative workshops for people. Bring in people, and talk it up so that people will actually attend those meetings, with a minimun charge. So many people that really can't afford, to go out and pay $20 - $25 a ticket for something that is going help them. And I think we need to cut costs a bit and help each other in the community just a little bit more, as far as teaching people how to be functional .
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
More trees. I'd like to be able to see a little bit less neglect of property. Better property management in some areas. I'd like to see the stoplights retimed so that everybody gets an equal chance at the roads. Sometimes you'll sit there for 20 minutes at one stop light, that might be an exaggeration, but I would like to see more public places where people can go. There's only like three or four parks in this city. I'd like to see more of those for people and more recreational sports. I'd like to see the Aquatic Center finished in a magnificent way, so everyone can use it without charging a really, really high price, because I think we have enough excess of taxes, we can afford to lower the prices on some things, but that Aquatic Center and its functions. I think that every child should have sports and activities readily available to them. I don't know what caused this, but on the east side of town, you can join a baseball team when you are seven or eight, but on the west side of town, they have kids that have to wait until they're nine years old, and I don't understand that quite, but I think every child, if they'd be more involved in sports, they'd be functioning better in school. More arts for the kids, more things within their grade level. All of this without charging a whole lot. And the other thing I'd like to see is someone getting some real ideas. I've been studying some mayors, real famous mayors around the country, and how they are trying to bring economic growth into their cities. There's some good ideas there.
What would you do as mayor to see that we get more trees and parks and activities for the kids and things like that?
I think I would mainly just try word of mouth. I know that some people just won't listen anyway, however, just by word of mouth, and getting some PR work done, maybe the people could support this. If each tax paying family, and we pay taxes whether we're buying a home or renting, there's always a tax involved, if each family would donate even $20 toward an activity or a project, that project would pretty much be handled. Twenty dollars a month per family might build us another park. We waste that much money each month. Just to donate that toward that fund, if people see that it's an open account, they can see how much money they have actually put into it, and let them help make those decisions. You can't have a vote on everything, because that's not economically sound, but I think if people really, really want to see things done, they'll show up to a meeting or something to have their say. I don't think people here, really, really know that there's someone there to listen to them, and understand what they're going through. There's too much red tape. I think people want to be heard, but they don't want to go because it's just something else to listen to. I just think mouth to mouth, person to person, if people would actually get someone that's willing to listen and be free to express themselves. And that's what I can do. I am a good listener. I've got e-mail, and a website that I'm developing that they can go into and just express themselves. Everybody deserves to be heard. I think if we work together as a city, in that financial end of it, they won't get that their taxes are going to go to something that they don't know about.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
I think the first thing to do is meet with the people that are involved, go right to the horses mouth with it, and be able to communicate. Too much has been said and done behind other people's backs, and I think if a person has their say, say 'Oh, I'm sorry if I offended you, let's talk this out. Let's find out what each one of us did.' You know, just communicate. You don't get anyplace by going behind someone's back and doing something. If a conflict of interest comes up, you've got to talk about it. I don't mean like the meeting in St. George a couple weeks ago, that was almost not even necessary, because noone listened, noone heard, and noone cared. You've got to care. You've got to really care.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I think the immediate thing, I would like to see people get together because we're paying taxes on it right now, but I would like to see that Aquatic Center finished. If they did that it would be a major, major boost to the self-esteem of the community. Just like the Shakespearean Festival or whatever, that's quite a thing to have here, a very important part of the community. But we need something for the overall citizens, something for everybody. I think the first main project I would do is to try and get that handled, get that started and finished.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
I'm always out there. Me and my family are always out in the community. We're always talking to people. I think the best way right now is to go to my e-mail address, and they can leave me a message there, and I'll get back to them and try to open up a line of communication. If I'm elected, they can always come right into the office and talk, and get acquainted that way. I don't invite people readily into my home, but there are certainly ways to meet with them and be one on one. There's always a way to do that. I think if they e-mail me first, and talked to me that we could arrange to meet somewhere.
The e-mail address is (it's French it just means caring and concern)
it's devoir68@yahoo.com
Why should a person vote for you?
Well number one, my motto is, and what we're going to use on my signs, it's going to be, "One more giant step for womankind." I'm all for the women in the community. I'm all for the women and their children. I think that women need more of a say in things.
What's your favorite dessert?
Oh my! Fresh peaches with Häagen Dazs ice cream.
Raymond Green
Tell us your name, what you like to be called.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
Who are three people that you really admire?
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
What would you do to help that happen?
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
Why should a person vote for you?
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
I have a blog site. It's electraymond.blogspot.com.
If they want to e-mail me with specific questions they can do that also at
greenraymonda@msn.com
or they can telephone me, I'd be glad to talk to anybody.
The best place to reach me is on my cell, 590-9269.
What's your favorite dessert?
My name is Raymond Green and that's what I prefer to be called Raymond.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I've lived in Cedar City for a number of years. I was the executive director of the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce. I spent a tour on the city council. I've been on other city councils before. I was a member of the Cedar City Airport Board when we put in the new airport and I'd like to point out there that that was paid for when we did it. We didn't have to bond for it, or any funds that required the accruing of interest. I am a member and co-founder of the Cedar City Disabilities Action Awareness Team which works with people with disabilities in the community to try and make their life better. I was co-founder of the CATS, Cedar Area Rapid Transit which provides dial-a-ride services for people with disabilities and the general public. I've worked on major international projects with the National Parks Foundation. I was on the national board of the Telephone Pioneers of American. I am a recipient of the Theodore N. Vail Medal Award, which is given to people with noteworthy public service. My business background is senior management and executive positions in the communications industry, primarily dealing with the information technology side of it. I've created large organizations and managed them from the ground floor up with several hundred people with multi-million dollar budgets. I was in international business consulting in the communications industry as a private entrepreneur helping bring those communication companies more innovative technology. I was a district manager with Bell Telephone Laboratories so I have a very strong management background and experiences within the community in leadership positions. I have two daughters that live here, grandchildren that live here. In fact, we have four generations within Cedar City. I'm very pleased to be running for mayor of Cedar City.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
I think the time is right to ensure that we pull back and look at the infrastructure needs of the city. I think we need to have emphasis on where we are going with the police, fire, flood control and other basic services. I think in this time of economic strain, we need to do that in a way that still moves our community forward. Secondly, I think we need to take an innovative approach to creating jobs. I think that is probably one of the paramount issues facing the city and I have some ideas as to how we can do that. I think it is important that we bring all of the talents together, both the University and anyone who wants to contribute to bring forth ideas that will create some core industry and business opportunities in the community. I think we need to link to what is happening nationally with the healthcare industry such as using innovative information technology to assist in the medical record issue. We need to leverage our connections, people like Michael Leavitt, who has been a senior officer in the previous administration. We need to see what kind of things Cedar City could get involved with that would really create career employment options and career advancement opportunities rather than just have the flat $7-$12 an hour jobs that we have here. The last key point is smart growth planning. I think it is extremely important that we continue to have a community that is charming. That has the characteristics of the history we've had in the past. We need an attractive community that will attract the kind businesses that will create jobs. The way that we are going in some of these hodge-podge developments is very short-sighted planning. We need to look at the effects of our planning efforts on the long-term rather than taking the short-term view.
Who are three people that you really admire?
From a personal view, I don't think that these are all names that people would recognize. I have had a lot of strong influences from people in the past who have helped me along the way. One who helped grow my ideas of being forthright and telling it like it is was Gene Hawks, an associate of mine who has now passed away. Of course, I admire Ronald Reagan from a national point of view. I think what he was able to do to bring this country together was just remarkable after the Carter years. And then my parents, that's two not just one, are the ones who created the foundation that I have. And, of course, my daughters and son-in-laws are extremely talented people and I am blessed to have them as well.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
I think the biggest issue right now is how do we create employment opportunities that allow people to stay here but grow and really create a career. There are few of those opportunities, although there are some such as the forest service, other government jobs and the University, but those are limited in nature. We have a lot of people who are underemployed. We need to look for opportunities to create a core business that we own, that's invented here, that will be able to grow here. I was instrumental in activities in the Silicon Valley when it very first started. We saw how innovations and ideas kind of from the garage of individuals created multi-billion dollar industries. What we tend to do here, a little bit, is only work within the circle of people who are in power. What we need to do is open up our arms and get everybody, particularly the younger people, involved in thinking about what kinds of things can be done for the future. The danger that we have in this community is to be shortsighted. We have the economic problems that need to be considered but we need to look at the long-term. What is going to make the community better? Not have such a shortsighted view both on the planning side and in economic growth opportunities.
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
What I would like to see is a well-planned community that attracts business and people that want to live and contribute here. A community that is built in a way that is desirable and doesn't lose that heritage context of the city and maintains it's charm. There are ways to do that. Smart communities are looking at the growth, you don't put in a hundred and fifty townhouses without a small gathering place for kids.
You need appropriate kind of landscaping that makes it attractive. That shouldn't be strictly a burden on the building industry, it ought to be working with the industry to create incentives to do those sorts of things. You can increase density, for example, but create open space and amenities and the slight increase in density offsets the cost of creating those amenities. But, we don't look at things like that. What I want to see is a community that continues to have the charm and attracts the proper economic development.
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
I think those things will come as we grow the community. As Cedar continues to be attractive and we bring more people in here, we need to have additional shopping. We need to have recreational facilities and, of course, we need to support the arts. We are a community that has a very strong historical context to it, but I think we will see the additional quality businesses coming in here and that also helps the community grow. If you have a major department store or something like that comes in, I mean, we see what has happened with our Home Depot, what that has created for us.
What would you do to help that happen?
What I indicated on the job side was, I think, we have to get the minds of people who want to contribute together to see what we can do to create a business that really has our identity tagged to it and grow that business. I don't just talk about jobs, I talk about career opportunities. We can have jobs, we can continue to have the support jobs, which is fine, but we need to take care of the underemployment.
We've got the talent here to do that, we've got the people with advanced degrees and so forth working at Convergys, there is nothing wrong with Convergys, but they are underutilized. As far as attracting business, I think if we take a philosophy that we are going to build a community that maintains the heritage and charm of the city that we will attract people that will attract business. We need to be proactive in getting out, and I think they are now. I think they are proactive trying to find businesses, but it needs to be a total involvement of people within the community, not just a few select people. As mayor one of the things I want to do is bring a forum together, a panel, if you will, or a commission or whatever you want to call it, that has representation from each of the major community areas, so we can find out what the needs are and what ideas people have in those areas. I know the council now goes around and has meetings (with the people) once a quarter or something, but we need to make that an official commission and bring people in who are appointed by individuals within that section of the community. Each one of the community sections really kind of differ - what happens on Leigh Hill may not be the same for another area of the community. And, of course, one of the primary things is that we need to make sure that we are looking at the monetary aspects of it and that we apply prudent management concepts to our city finances. We have an opportunity to make sure that we are not just spending money unwisely. That's what I think we can do to attract business. You can't have high taxes and high developmental costs to attract businesses to the community.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
Well, I think first of all, you would recuse yourself from any vote, of course, the mayor doesn't vote but he certainly has the influence on the agenda and the philosophies of how the departments will run. But I think, legally, if you have any conflict of interest you need to step back from that. I have an advantage there over some of other candidates because I have no special interest ties. I'm a homeowner. I'm doing this because I think I have the experience and the background to do it, but I'm not a developer, I'm not tied to any particular special interest. I want to work on behalf of the homeowners, the business owners and so forth. And that's one thing, I guess, I want to point out, that I took some gas on this when I was on the city council. I don't do back-room politics and I don't have hidden agendas and I stand up for what I think is right publicly so people know what my views are. Most of those are standing up for conservative social standards and for the family. And standing up against poor planning that's really going to be detrimental to us in the future. But those are the kind of things you need to fight against and I'm mainly concerned about what we fight for. The philosophies that we bring forward to grow our community.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
Well, I think the economic development issue is the first priority. The budget and looking at how we can manage with the money that we have. We have tied ourselves to some significant expenses, from a bonding point of view, that's creating some difficulties for us, and we need to get that under control. We need to get back to what I think are supporting the core functions of the city. So, the first thing that I would do is to get this economic development concept moving forward. The second and coincident with that, ensuring that we're applying prudent management concepts to our city finances. Again, paralleling that, the smart growth planning concepts that will lead us, and really ties into the economic development and the employment issue. So, those are the key things, and they're not easy. The city has been working on some of those things, but I think its been done with only a few select people, and that is something that we really need to open our minds to so we can create a better opportunity for all of us here.
Why should a person vote for you?
Well, I think if they look at the philosophical concepts and ideas that I have. I have the background. I have the business experience. I have experiences in government. I have experience in managing large organizations. I have, I think, the leadership qualities that can move those kind of issues forward. I think looking at the other candidates, they all have qualifications, in different areas, but I think I'm the only one that has the experience managing a large organization, such as the city. In fact, the city organization is not nearly as large as some of the organizations that I have successfully created and managed. I think my business consulting background gives me the opportunity to look into existing procedures. That was the whole basis of business consulting experience with companies throughout the world, mostly Southeast Asia, and the United States here, to look at procedural aspects of the city and make recommendations and to design processes, that improved other business opportunities. I think the other candidates, near as I can tell, don't have those kind of experiences. They've run small businesses, and that's great, and they've been very, very successful, and that's good, but the concept of looking at it from a consultant's point of view gives an added advantage.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
I have a blog site. It's electraymond.blogspot.com.
If they want to e-mail me with specific questions they can do that also at
greenraymonda@msn.com
or they can telephone me, I'd be glad to talk to anybody.
The best place to reach me is on my cell, 590-9269.
But, I think one of the things we need to do, just as a comment on the side here, Cedar City in the last primary only had 10% turnout. A lot of that was special-interest generated. I think we as a community, if we are concerned about our community, we need to step up and get out to vote. And we need to get the word out that the voting is actually taking place. But people need to get involved in the voting process. It's a shame to only have 10% of the people that are selecting who is going to run for office. I would encourage everybody, regardless of who they are going to vote for, to get out and vote. Early voting is available at the city offices through the 11th, and September 15th is the primary election.
What's your favorite dessert?
I have so many desserts that I like, but I think my favorite dessert is when I have some grandchildren that come up to my house and we make chocolate chip cookies, with a whole bunch of extra chocolate chips in them. We sit around and have hot chocolate, and this is normally in the winter, we'll bake those cookies, and we'll have fresh warm cookies and hot chocolate. I think that's probably my favorite time, and my favorite dessert.
Steve Wood
Tell us your name, what you like to be called?
My name's Steve Wood. I like to be called Steve.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Cedar City. I was raised here, went to school here. I came back after school, started an accounting and tax practice, of which I've retired. I served on the city council and I'm two years into my fourth term.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
I want to run for mayor, frankly for two reasons; one, having served on the city council for 14 years, I've learned the process of municipal government, especially in Cedar City. I've sat through 14 budget sessions where we set the budget and match that budget for the following years. I think that's really important. The most important thing I think about Cedar City is, I think Utah being the fastest growing state in the nation this year, faster than any other state, Cedar City is in the southern end of that state. We're not part of the Wasatch Front, we're more like part of the I-15 corridor that stretches from Los Angeles through Las Vegas into southern Utah. It puts us as one of the most important, vital cities in all of the United States, especially for our size. And I think that the coming years are going to show that Cedar City is a prime location, both for business, and for people looking to move into an area that matches their hopes and dreams.
Who are three people that you really admire?
The first person would, fortunately be my father who taught me, I think, the work ethic that whatever you want in life, if you work hard and stick to it, that most things that you strive for, can become part of your life. My father was probably the best model that I could have had for that. He was postmaster in Cedar City for a lot of years, He also had a ranch on the mountain. He did both professions admirably and worked really hard. Second person is, I would say Bobby Kennedy. Bobby Kennedy was important in my life because at the time that I was going through college and first got introduced into any type of public political service, it was working on the Bobby Kennedy Campaign. And what I thought he exemplified more than any of the other Kennedys, as a matter of fact, was he challenged people for public service, and I think he drew people into working for a better good. The third person I think I admire in my life would be President Hinckley. President Hinckley because he was such an exemplary person, kept a sense of humor and really practiced what he preached, and was always a gentle stable person. I'd say those three people.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
The biggest issues are the issues that really don't change much from good times to bad times. That's really living within your budget. Following through on the projects that you have at that time, and making sure they come in. Right now we're dealing with the construction of the Aquatic Center. We have an issue of making sure the contractors who have subcontracted with the city stick to both their timeline and especially the budget that they promised the city. I think the city's role in that is we're always faced with doing what we promised to do in the budget without raising especially property taxes for people. I think that becomes the most important issue currently facing the city. I think the lesson to be learned from this particular project is to expect and demand early accountability of those who contract and work with you so that you know early on where you are without extensions and increases in budget. I think, in general, the issue of budgets and subcontracts and development, those issues are always the same and continue to be the same, so I think those are important concepts for people who work in municipal positions to constantly master.
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
Once again, the reason that I would run for mayor, I think the thing that's exciting about Cedar City is we are such a prominent city in a number of ways. Some cities are lucky to have a university, some are lucky to have something similar to the Shakespearean Festival or the [INAUDIBLE] or the development we have, especially the economic development. What I see in five to ten years is the fact that we have all of these fronts which we can grow and make better for the citizens. What I really see in five or ten years is that we're going to have a city that has citizen participation in all of these areas and especially on a volunteer basis, and I think we'll be an exemplary city, not just for Southern Utah, and not just for Utah, but for the nation as a whole, because we have so much to draw upon.
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
Once again I'd like to see more, first of all, the average citizen being able to participate in the municipal projects, or a task force or commissions or whatever. I'd like to draw upon people who may not have worked in city government before, that have had an interest for a long time, I'd like to renew that. I think especially in the area that is going to be prominent in my platform and that's economic development, I would like to see citizens who haven't really had a chance to really work in economic development to become part of the commissions and task force that help to showcase our city, if you will, to companies that I would like to go out and target to locate here. And those companies would be companies of 20 - 30 employees of high paying jobs that should they come here, and happen to leave in the future, they don't wreck your economy, because they are small in nature. I would like to see a number of those types of companies locate here, because I think they offer, in total, higher paying, more promising jobs to the people that work for them. I think we can target specifically those companies, and I think it gives the people in Cedar City a chance to promote and draw those particular type of companies that we target.
What would you do as mayor, to help that happen?
You know, I think the important thing is that we do a better job on targeting especially the companies that would be ideal to be here. Once again, I think those are high-tech small companies that are supporting companies for the other industries that we have or might have. As an example of that I think I would like us to target companies that are going to be able to use the broadband service that we completed, the redundant fiber-line. We have the railroad spur, we have Port 15 which is just beginning to attract companies and industries that use the railroad and that railroad also being a point that trucking companies can pick-up and distribute because of our location. I think we have the airport which figures greatly into any one of these economic bases and I think the point is, we need to target those businesses that are specifically suited to Southern Utah. Some of which are all of the businesses that have to do with the growing 'green' industry; wind farm, solar energy and anything that has to do with renewable energy sources. We have been picked as an ideal point, especially Iron County, and I think what we need to do is we need to aggressively go out, target those companies, especially those companies that are unhappy with the tax structure in California and may also be unhappy with Nevada. I think we can target those specifically and I think we can bring them here, show them what we have and have a task force of citizens that we don't normally have participate in these kind of processes. I'm going to appoint a board of volunteer citizens that would be here to show those people exactly what we have, specifically, for their type of businesses. And that task force would be made up of people that have specific attributes that help the type of businesses that we're going to target.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
Well, I think any time you have a conflict of interest, be it perceived or real conflict of interest, you have to not only morally, but you have to because of the possibility of litigation, remove yourself from all discussion that has to do with that conflict of interest. Which means, conflict of interest being defined as, any time that you deal with an issue that might specifically have a financial benefit to you or to somebody close in your family. Or if you sit on a board for companies or if you have any kind of business dealings with a company that can specifically benefit from some issue that's being discussed with the city. What you have to do is remove yourself, both physically and discussion-wise from that group because litigation always comes back and says if you have a financial interest in the outcome of that decision I think even the fact that you sit-in on the discussion and people read your body language, it shows how you might react to that. Secondly, I think it's important to say that, in my case, having been on the city council for 14 years and having retired, I've learned that the best way to deal with any possibility of either a vested interest or a conflict of interest is simply to remove yourself from serving on boards, remove yourself from having an interest in public or business and then you simply don't have to really worry about conflicts of interest because you don't have any.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I'm running really on a platform that has two main areas. The first area that I've talked about is economic development because I think what we need in this city is secure jobs and I think we do that by putting in place a really aggressive marketing plan that targets. We go out and ask to be looked at by businesses that we think are specifically well-served for our area, be it in renewable energy, be it as some kind of support for the industry we have, be it businesses that are looking for broadband, railroad spur, airport service all of those things that we have along with the quality of life. I think we're just ideal, that we go out and get the businesses that are going to come in and be strong. Those type of businesses always tend to be businesses that pay a better wage scale and I think their people are happy because they can live here, they don't have to commute, they can enjoy the lifestyle we have, be it the National Parks, be it the Shakespearean Festival and all the things that we do enjoy here. So I think we're just an ideal place to look at. Secondly I think the most important thing the mayor has to address in the coming administration is I think it's time that we take a really close look at the infrastructure in the part of the city that's aging. We have aging infrastructure that is said to take 63 years to build out and improve upon. I think it's time that we, first of all, need to do a rate study and determine how we can fund improvements in aging infrastructure. We have had studies on the water system, we have found out we're losing a great deal of water when we pump it out because we have old and deteriorating pipes and sewer. We need to determine exactly what the process is and how we address and fund the parts of town that have aging infrastructure. We have the new parts, everybody knows the new sections of town that are fine and up-to-date. I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the parts of town that have aging sewer and we have it all the time, we have sewer leaks and water leaks. The second part of my platform after economic development, would be addressing and funding the infrastructure that has aged and I think that it's time that we address that because like I said, it's said that that plan would take 63 years to build out. So I think it's time that somebody takes the responsibility to look really close at that.
Why should a person vote for you?
First of all, I think experience is really important especially in these times of uncertainty. We need someone who's conservative, who worries a lot about the taxpayer. Having been in an accounting and tax practice for 30 years, I think I understand really on a personal level thousands of people and what kind of stress they have both in their jobs and in paying taxes. I think it's really important to say that we're going to look to keep property taxes as low as possible. I think Iron County suffers from a wage scale that is way below minimum. It's below other areas and other counties in the state of Utah and my feeling is I'm going to work full time. I think that the mayor in Cedar City has changed from a part-time position to a full-time position if you want to accomplish attracting the businesses that are going to come here. If you want to have the experience and you want a hands-on mayor who's willing to say "I'm going to take responsibility for our infrastructure, I'm going to take responsibility for the budget and I'm going to set an example by being in the office full time to work on these issues everyday and be an example to the employees of Cedar City as well as the citizens." I'm going to ask the citizens for their participation and input and in order to do that you've got to be a full-time mayor. I think both experience and the fact that I'm willing to give of my time full-time and can give of it because of being retired that's why I'd ask people to vote for me.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
A couple of ways, I think people can always call me directly. Having lived in Cedar City for my whole life, I think a lot of people know me, see me and talk to me. I welcome people to talk to me on a personal level. I have a web page, stevewood4mayor.com. You can look at that web page, it gives you information and some of my platform. That web page gives you the chance to e-mail me at two different e-mail addresses. It also has my telephone number. My e-mail is slwood@netutah.com. You can see me on the city web page. I think any kind of personal attention you want to contact me with is more than welcomed. I love to talk about city projects and politics.
What's your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert would be chocolate fudge iced cake, without the cake.
My name's Steve Wood. I like to be called Steve.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Cedar City. I was raised here, went to school here. I came back after school, started an accounting and tax practice, of which I've retired. I served on the city council and I'm two years into my fourth term.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
I want to run for mayor, frankly for two reasons; one, having served on the city council for 14 years, I've learned the process of municipal government, especially in Cedar City. I've sat through 14 budget sessions where we set the budget and match that budget for the following years. I think that's really important. The most important thing I think about Cedar City is, I think Utah being the fastest growing state in the nation this year, faster than any other state, Cedar City is in the southern end of that state. We're not part of the Wasatch Front, we're more like part of the I-15 corridor that stretches from Los Angeles through Las Vegas into southern Utah. It puts us as one of the most important, vital cities in all of the United States, especially for our size. And I think that the coming years are going to show that Cedar City is a prime location, both for business, and for people looking to move into an area that matches their hopes and dreams.
Who are three people that you really admire?
The first person would, fortunately be my father who taught me, I think, the work ethic that whatever you want in life, if you work hard and stick to it, that most things that you strive for, can become part of your life. My father was probably the best model that I could have had for that. He was postmaster in Cedar City for a lot of years, He also had a ranch on the mountain. He did both professions admirably and worked really hard. Second person is, I would say Bobby Kennedy. Bobby Kennedy was important in my life because at the time that I was going through college and first got introduced into any type of public political service, it was working on the Bobby Kennedy Campaign. And what I thought he exemplified more than any of the other Kennedys, as a matter of fact, was he challenged people for public service, and I think he drew people into working for a better good. The third person I think I admire in my life would be President Hinckley. President Hinckley because he was such an exemplary person, kept a sense of humor and really practiced what he preached, and was always a gentle stable person. I'd say those three people.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
The biggest issues are the issues that really don't change much from good times to bad times. That's really living within your budget. Following through on the projects that you have at that time, and making sure they come in. Right now we're dealing with the construction of the Aquatic Center. We have an issue of making sure the contractors who have subcontracted with the city stick to both their timeline and especially the budget that they promised the city. I think the city's role in that is we're always faced with doing what we promised to do in the budget without raising especially property taxes for people. I think that becomes the most important issue currently facing the city. I think the lesson to be learned from this particular project is to expect and demand early accountability of those who contract and work with you so that you know early on where you are without extensions and increases in budget. I think, in general, the issue of budgets and subcontracts and development, those issues are always the same and continue to be the same, so I think those are important concepts for people who work in municipal positions to constantly master.
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
Once again, the reason that I would run for mayor, I think the thing that's exciting about Cedar City is we are such a prominent city in a number of ways. Some cities are lucky to have a university, some are lucky to have something similar to the Shakespearean Festival or the [INAUDIBLE] or the development we have, especially the economic development. What I see in five to ten years is the fact that we have all of these fronts which we can grow and make better for the citizens. What I really see in five or ten years is that we're going to have a city that has citizen participation in all of these areas and especially on a volunteer basis, and I think we'll be an exemplary city, not just for Southern Utah, and not just for Utah, but for the nation as a whole, because we have so much to draw upon.
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
Once again I'd like to see more, first of all, the average citizen being able to participate in the municipal projects, or a task force or commissions or whatever. I'd like to draw upon people who may not have worked in city government before, that have had an interest for a long time, I'd like to renew that. I think especially in the area that is going to be prominent in my platform and that's economic development, I would like to see citizens who haven't really had a chance to really work in economic development to become part of the commissions and task force that help to showcase our city, if you will, to companies that I would like to go out and target to locate here. And those companies would be companies of 20 - 30 employees of high paying jobs that should they come here, and happen to leave in the future, they don't wreck your economy, because they are small in nature. I would like to see a number of those types of companies locate here, because I think they offer, in total, higher paying, more promising jobs to the people that work for them. I think we can target specifically those companies, and I think it gives the people in Cedar City a chance to promote and draw those particular type of companies that we target.
What would you do as mayor, to help that happen?
You know, I think the important thing is that we do a better job on targeting especially the companies that would be ideal to be here. Once again, I think those are high-tech small companies that are supporting companies for the other industries that we have or might have. As an example of that I think I would like us to target companies that are going to be able to use the broadband service that we completed, the redundant fiber-line. We have the railroad spur, we have Port 15 which is just beginning to attract companies and industries that use the railroad and that railroad also being a point that trucking companies can pick-up and distribute because of our location. I think we have the airport which figures greatly into any one of these economic bases and I think the point is, we need to target those businesses that are specifically suited to Southern Utah. Some of which are all of the businesses that have to do with the growing 'green' industry; wind farm, solar energy and anything that has to do with renewable energy sources. We have been picked as an ideal point, especially Iron County, and I think what we need to do is we need to aggressively go out, target those companies, especially those companies that are unhappy with the tax structure in California and may also be unhappy with Nevada. I think we can target those specifically and I think we can bring them here, show them what we have and have a task force of citizens that we don't normally have participate in these kind of processes. I'm going to appoint a board of volunteer citizens that would be here to show those people exactly what we have, specifically, for their type of businesses. And that task force would be made up of people that have specific attributes that help the type of businesses that we're going to target.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
Well, I think any time you have a conflict of interest, be it perceived or real conflict of interest, you have to not only morally, but you have to because of the possibility of litigation, remove yourself from all discussion that has to do with that conflict of interest. Which means, conflict of interest being defined as, any time that you deal with an issue that might specifically have a financial benefit to you or to somebody close in your family. Or if you sit on a board for companies or if you have any kind of business dealings with a company that can specifically benefit from some issue that's being discussed with the city. What you have to do is remove yourself, both physically and discussion-wise from that group because litigation always comes back and says if you have a financial interest in the outcome of that decision I think even the fact that you sit-in on the discussion and people read your body language, it shows how you might react to that. Secondly, I think it's important to say that, in my case, having been on the city council for 14 years and having retired, I've learned that the best way to deal with any possibility of either a vested interest or a conflict of interest is simply to remove yourself from serving on boards, remove yourself from having an interest in public or business and then you simply don't have to really worry about conflicts of interest because you don't have any.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I'm running really on a platform that has two main areas. The first area that I've talked about is economic development because I think what we need in this city is secure jobs and I think we do that by putting in place a really aggressive marketing plan that targets. We go out and ask to be looked at by businesses that we think are specifically well-served for our area, be it in renewable energy, be it as some kind of support for the industry we have, be it businesses that are looking for broadband, railroad spur, airport service all of those things that we have along with the quality of life. I think we're just ideal, that we go out and get the businesses that are going to come in and be strong. Those type of businesses always tend to be businesses that pay a better wage scale and I think their people are happy because they can live here, they don't have to commute, they can enjoy the lifestyle we have, be it the National Parks, be it the Shakespearean Festival and all the things that we do enjoy here. So I think we're just an ideal place to look at. Secondly I think the most important thing the mayor has to address in the coming administration is I think it's time that we take a really close look at the infrastructure in the part of the city that's aging. We have aging infrastructure that is said to take 63 years to build out and improve upon. I think it's time that we, first of all, need to do a rate study and determine how we can fund improvements in aging infrastructure. We have had studies on the water system, we have found out we're losing a great deal of water when we pump it out because we have old and deteriorating pipes and sewer. We need to determine exactly what the process is and how we address and fund the parts of town that have aging infrastructure. We have the new parts, everybody knows the new sections of town that are fine and up-to-date. I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the parts of town that have aging sewer and we have it all the time, we have sewer leaks and water leaks. The second part of my platform after economic development, would be addressing and funding the infrastructure that has aged and I think that it's time that we address that because like I said, it's said that that plan would take 63 years to build out. So I think it's time that somebody takes the responsibility to look really close at that.
Why should a person vote for you?
First of all, I think experience is really important especially in these times of uncertainty. We need someone who's conservative, who worries a lot about the taxpayer. Having been in an accounting and tax practice for 30 years, I think I understand really on a personal level thousands of people and what kind of stress they have both in their jobs and in paying taxes. I think it's really important to say that we're going to look to keep property taxes as low as possible. I think Iron County suffers from a wage scale that is way below minimum. It's below other areas and other counties in the state of Utah and my feeling is I'm going to work full time. I think that the mayor in Cedar City has changed from a part-time position to a full-time position if you want to accomplish attracting the businesses that are going to come here. If you want to have the experience and you want a hands-on mayor who's willing to say "I'm going to take responsibility for our infrastructure, I'm going to take responsibility for the budget and I'm going to set an example by being in the office full time to work on these issues everyday and be an example to the employees of Cedar City as well as the citizens." I'm going to ask the citizens for their participation and input and in order to do that you've got to be a full-time mayor. I think both experience and the fact that I'm willing to give of my time full-time and can give of it because of being retired that's why I'd ask people to vote for me.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
A couple of ways, I think people can always call me directly. Having lived in Cedar City for my whole life, I think a lot of people know me, see me and talk to me. I welcome people to talk to me on a personal level. I have a web page, stevewood4mayor.com. You can look at that web page, it gives you information and some of my platform. That web page gives you the chance to e-mail me at two different e-mail addresses. It also has my telephone number. My e-mail is slwood@netutah.com. You can see me on the city web page. I think any kind of personal attention you want to contact me with is more than welcomed. I love to talk about city projects and politics.
What's your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert would be chocolate fudge iced cake, without the cake.
Joe Burgess
Tell us your name, what you like to be called,
Joseph Clive Burgess is my legal name and I go by Joe.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife beverly and I moved to Cedar City 33 years ago to start Zion Plumbing, our plumbing and heating business. Since that time, all four of our children have been born and raised, educated, and all currently live here, along with our seven grand children, and two more grandchildren on their way. Beverly and I love Cedar Citty and it's a great place to live and to raise our children.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
As I said, I've lived here 33 years, and a few years ago I was complaining to Beverly about some of the decisions Cedar City was making, and my wife told me that I couldn't complain about the elected officials unless I was willing to run for office myself. So I took her up on that suggestion and I ran for City Council. And while on the council, I soon realized that the majority of the decisions, that were made and talked about on the council, had to do with land use issues, infrastructure issues, and construction and the construction bidding process. These are the things that I have done for the last 33 years in my occupation. Along with those items, I have had 100's of employees over the years and I also have a lot of experience with budgets and financial matters, not only with my own businesses, but as a bank director at State Bank of Southern Utah, which I have been there for the past ten years, and also as a trustee at Valley View Medical Center. And then, of course, as my four years experience that I had on the City Council. With this experience I felt that I was as well qualified as anyone to be Cedar City's next mayor. I also know along with the current economic times that we have to have a strong, conservative mayor who can make the tough decisions and make sure that the things that have to be done during these economic times are done and that financially they stay within their budget.
Who are three people that you really admire?
I just finished reading a book about George Washington, and so he has to be one of the people. I've always admired him but as I finished this book I really admire George Washington. Also, Thomas Jefferson, I think that he's made a big impact in our country and making sure that people's freedoms are protected. And then, of course, the one that I probably admire the most is my wife Beverly.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
With the current economic times that we live in, I'm sure that not only here in Cedar City, but maybe clear across the country, that the biggest issue that cities have is that we need more jobs. We need to protect jobs, and create jobs so that we can get people back to work. Utah doesn't have as high an unemployment rate as other places. We also have seen shrinking revenues in the city. We can control the revenue that we generate from property tax, but we can't control the money that we generate from sales tax, which is one of our biggest revenue makers. So, we need to be able to live within the city's budget. We also need to make sure that during these economic times that we continue to maintain our infrastructure, our sewers, waters, streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, those kinds of things.
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
I see Cedar City in 5 or 10 years from now still as a great place to live, like it is now. And I also see its citizens protected with a strong police force and fire department and, of course, with a quality infrastructure, with sanitary water systems, sewer systems, and storm drainage systems. Hopefully, I see Cedar City with enough quality jobs that our children and our grandchildren, and also the graduates that move here to go to SUU, that want to stay here and raise their family, have that opportunity to do so.
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
As I've said before, I'd like to see more quality jobs. Over the years, we've had some good jobs and we've lost some good jobs. So, I'd like to see more pollution-free companies come to town that will create more jobs. I'd also like to see the citizens of Cedar City more educated so that when we do get job opportunities, and companies to come to town, that we have a better work force through more educated people.
What would you do to help that happen?
I would work hard with the economic development person that is here. Number one, I'd start with making sure that that economic development person has talked to each of the major employers in town that are here right now. Make sure that he has a relationship with them so that when they have struggles or have things that they need to make them more efficient, that the city can do to help them, they will feel comfortable with calling and asking for help and asking how to solve some problems. I also think on the education front, that we would do everything we could to work not only with the University, but also with the Iron County School District, and doing what we can to make sure that if they have any obstacles with education, that have to do with the city, that we can work together and solve those challenges. The other thing that the city has, that I don't know that we always take advantage of, is that Utah State University has an extension agency here that has a lot of educational things. And I just think that we need to do what we can to make sure that our citizens use that resource to better educate themselves. Those things that they have training in are everyday things that we as citizens would use in our lives. So I think that we need to make more people aware of opportunities for education.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
Of course, I would always put the city first. If there were items that directly affected myself and my family, then I would recuse myself from any discussion and even being in the room when those items come up and are discussed, so that there wouldn't be any appearance or any reality of me having a benefit from having that position.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I've got like four or five things, we talked about some of them. First, of course, would be job creation and saving existing jobs. Budget control, making sure that we're financially responsible with the resource that we have. Maintain and enhance our cities infrastructure. Promote education, of course, for everybody. And I think that one of the challenges that whoever the new mayor is going to be is dealing with some challenges with this new Aquatic Center. You know, as you've read the paper the last few days, you know they have some cost overruns, and time delays. And as you talk to some of the people that are involved there, there's going to be some operating expenses that are going to be considerably more than any revenue that it's going to generate. So, that too is going to be something that is going to need to be dealt with and that is to make sure that thing is run as efficiently as it can. And, of course, like I say, it's going to be an added strain to the budget. Also, I see that we need to continue to support shopping local. I think the city on this Aquatic Center, they made a step in the right direction, by giving any local contractor or subcontractor a 5% advantage in their bid pricing, if they were from Cedar City. I think that that's good, but we need to shop local, and we need to start by making sure that the city shops local on the things that they purchase. It's kind of a fine line because the city has to be financially responsible, so they can't buy light bulbs from a Cedar City resident for a dollar, when they can buy them somewhere else for fifty cents, but they have to at least give the local people an opportunity and do what they can to purchase things locally.
Why should a person vote for you?
I think a person should vote for me because of my desire to leave the city better, if elected, than when I found it. Also, because of my business experience, not only with budgets and financial controls, like I talked about, but also my experience with managing employees, and managers. And also my ability to make sound decisions. I think that I have a track record that shows that I do have that. I think that, like I said before, in our economic times right now, if ever, it is a time that we need to have a business person that has actual practical experience with employees, and with budgets, and with making ends meet, in bad times and not just in the good times. I think with all those things I have the expertise, and the ability to be the next mayor of Cedar City.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
As I said, I've been in business here for 30 years. Not just my plumbing business, but a number of businesses. So, I think that there's a lot of people here in town, especially a lot of the business people here in town, who have dealt with me and who have known me for the past thirty plus years. I think that would be one way for people to get to know what type of person I am better, to talk to people who have dealt with me and who do know me. Also anybody, anytime they want could contact me by phone. My phone number is (435) 691-4001, that's my cell number. Or any question you may have, they could email me at joeburgess53@hotmail.com
What's your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is just plain old vanilla ice cream topped with hot chocolate and pecans.
Joe Burgess has answered a few supplemental questions with regards to issues that in our city.
To see what he had to say, go to the supplemental question section here.
Joseph Clive Burgess is my legal name and I go by Joe.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My wife beverly and I moved to Cedar City 33 years ago to start Zion Plumbing, our plumbing and heating business. Since that time, all four of our children have been born and raised, educated, and all currently live here, along with our seven grand children, and two more grandchildren on their way. Beverly and I love Cedar Citty and it's a great place to live and to raise our children.
Why do you want to run for Mayor?
As I said, I've lived here 33 years, and a few years ago I was complaining to Beverly about some of the decisions Cedar City was making, and my wife told me that I couldn't complain about the elected officials unless I was willing to run for office myself. So I took her up on that suggestion and I ran for City Council. And while on the council, I soon realized that the majority of the decisions, that were made and talked about on the council, had to do with land use issues, infrastructure issues, and construction and the construction bidding process. These are the things that I have done for the last 33 years in my occupation. Along with those items, I have had 100's of employees over the years and I also have a lot of experience with budgets and financial matters, not only with my own businesses, but as a bank director at State Bank of Southern Utah, which I have been there for the past ten years, and also as a trustee at Valley View Medical Center. And then, of course, as my four years experience that I had on the City Council. With this experience I felt that I was as well qualified as anyone to be Cedar City's next mayor. I also know along with the current economic times that we have to have a strong, conservative mayor who can make the tough decisions and make sure that the things that have to be done during these economic times are done and that financially they stay within their budget.
Who are three people that you really admire?
I just finished reading a book about George Washington, and so he has to be one of the people. I've always admired him but as I finished this book I really admire George Washington. Also, Thomas Jefferson, I think that he's made a big impact in our country and making sure that people's freedoms are protected. And then, of course, the one that I probably admire the most is my wife Beverly.
What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
With the current economic times that we live in, I'm sure that not only here in Cedar City, but maybe clear across the country, that the biggest issue that cities have is that we need more jobs. We need to protect jobs, and create jobs so that we can get people back to work. Utah doesn't have as high an unemployment rate as other places. We also have seen shrinking revenues in the city. We can control the revenue that we generate from property tax, but we can't control the money that we generate from sales tax, which is one of our biggest revenue makers. So, we need to be able to live within the city's budget. We also need to make sure that during these economic times that we continue to maintain our infrastructure, our sewers, waters, streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, those kinds of things.
When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you see?
I see Cedar City in 5 or 10 years from now still as a great place to live, like it is now. And I also see its citizens protected with a strong police force and fire department and, of course, with a quality infrastructure, with sanitary water systems, sewer systems, and storm drainage systems. Hopefully, I see Cedar City with enough quality jobs that our children and our grandchildren, and also the graduates that move here to go to SUU, that want to stay here and raise their family, have that opportunity to do so.
What would you like to see more of in Cedar City?
As I've said before, I'd like to see more quality jobs. Over the years, we've had some good jobs and we've lost some good jobs. So, I'd like to see more pollution-free companies come to town that will create more jobs. I'd also like to see the citizens of Cedar City more educated so that when we do get job opportunities, and companies to come to town, that we have a better work force through more educated people.
What would you do to help that happen?
I would work hard with the economic development person that is here. Number one, I'd start with making sure that that economic development person has talked to each of the major employers in town that are here right now. Make sure that he has a relationship with them so that when they have struggles or have things that they need to make them more efficient, that the city can do to help them, they will feel comfortable with calling and asking for help and asking how to solve some problems. I also think on the education front, that we would do everything we could to work not only with the University, but also with the Iron County School District, and doing what we can to make sure that if they have any obstacles with education, that have to do with the city, that we can work together and solve those challenges. The other thing that the city has, that I don't know that we always take advantage of, is that Utah State University has an extension agency here that has a lot of educational things. And I just think that we need to do what we can to make sure that our citizens use that resource to better educate themselves. Those things that they have training in are everyday things that we as citizens would use in our lives. So I think that we need to make more people aware of opportunities for education.
If a conflict of interest were to arise between city interests and your own personal or business interests, how would you handle it?
Of course, I would always put the city first. If there were items that directly affected myself and my family, then I would recuse myself from any discussion and even being in the room when those items come up and are discussed, so that there wouldn't be any appearance or any reality of me having a benefit from having that position.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I've got like four or five things, we talked about some of them. First, of course, would be job creation and saving existing jobs. Budget control, making sure that we're financially responsible with the resource that we have. Maintain and enhance our cities infrastructure. Promote education, of course, for everybody. And I think that one of the challenges that whoever the new mayor is going to be is dealing with some challenges with this new Aquatic Center. You know, as you've read the paper the last few days, you know they have some cost overruns, and time delays. And as you talk to some of the people that are involved there, there's going to be some operating expenses that are going to be considerably more than any revenue that it's going to generate. So, that too is going to be something that is going to need to be dealt with and that is to make sure that thing is run as efficiently as it can. And, of course, like I say, it's going to be an added strain to the budget. Also, I see that we need to continue to support shopping local. I think the city on this Aquatic Center, they made a step in the right direction, by giving any local contractor or subcontractor a 5% advantage in their bid pricing, if they were from Cedar City. I think that that's good, but we need to shop local, and we need to start by making sure that the city shops local on the things that they purchase. It's kind of a fine line because the city has to be financially responsible, so they can't buy light bulbs from a Cedar City resident for a dollar, when they can buy them somewhere else for fifty cents, but they have to at least give the local people an opportunity and do what they can to purchase things locally.
Why should a person vote for you?
I think a person should vote for me because of my desire to leave the city better, if elected, than when I found it. Also, because of my business experience, not only with budgets and financial controls, like I talked about, but also my experience with managing employees, and managers. And also my ability to make sound decisions. I think that I have a track record that shows that I do have that. I think that, like I said before, in our economic times right now, if ever, it is a time that we need to have a business person that has actual practical experience with employees, and with budgets, and with making ends meet, in bad times and not just in the good times. I think with all those things I have the expertise, and the ability to be the next mayor of Cedar City.
What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
As I said, I've been in business here for 30 years. Not just my plumbing business, but a number of businesses. So, I think that there's a lot of people here in town, especially a lot of the business people here in town, who have dealt with me and who have known me for the past thirty plus years. I think that would be one way for people to get to know what type of person I am better, to talk to people who have dealt with me and who do know me. Also anybody, anytime they want could contact me by phone. My phone number is (435) 691-4001, that's my cell number. Or any question you may have, they could email me at joeburgess53@hotmail.com
What's your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is just plain old vanilla ice cream topped with hot chocolate and pecans.
Joe Burgess has answered a few supplemental questions with regards to issues that in our city.
To see what he had to say, go to the supplemental question section here.
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