Audio Interviews: Joe Burgess

Here is our interview with Joe Burgess



To learn more about Joe Burgess he recommends talking to people who
have dealt with him,
or he can be reached at (435) 691- 4001
or by email at Joeburgess53@hotmail.com

The transcript of this and the other mayoral interviews can be found in the July section of the archive.
Or click HERE.

UPDATE Joe Burgess Started a blog http://joeburgessformayor.blogspot.com/

Audio Interviews: Steve Wood

Here is the audio version of our interview with Steve Wood



To learn more about Steve

You can visit his website http://stevewood4mayor.com/

or email: slwood@netutah.com  or wood@cedarcity.org

The transcript of this and the other mayoral interviews can be found in the July section of the archive. Or click HERE.

Email Interview: Jolene Goff

How long have you lived in Cedar City?

I was born and raised in Cedar City. I moved to West Jordan for a number of years then in 1981 my family and I were able to move home.


Why do you want to be a part of the City Council?
Being an incumbant on the Council, there are a number of projects that are currently in the works that I would like to see to fruition. We finally have an updated general plan that is almost ready to be adopted and I am anxious to see the implementation of this new plan.


When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?
I hope in 5 or l0 years we are still an exciting place to live with a diverse economy including manfacturing, professional and construction jobs providing a variety of above average paying jobs.
What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
I believe that our top priority in this difficult economic climate is to be vigilant about fiscal responsibility and making sure that we adhere to our budget. Also, we need to be aware of our water resources and plan carefully for future development of our water system.

Share your thoughts about the following:

CATS -
Cats is a very valuable asset to our City and important to many riders as their only form of transportation for shopping, doctor apts., etc. It is continuing to gain ridership and will continue to grow as the cost of transportation goes up.

The New Aquatic Center -
The new Aquatic center will be fabulous upon completion. We have run into some problems during this early construction, but we are working hard to see that we move forward without compromising the integrity of the facility. At it's completion, I am concerned about the operating and maintenance costs. The people of Cedar City are great to come up with solutions to difficult situations, and I am confident that with careful management of this facility we will be successful.
Jobs -
We have a great workforce in Cedar City with a very high work ethic. Our University provides us with superb people who are prepared to go into the job market in a variety of vocations. I am hopeful that we will soon have the Iron Mines up and running which will provide a great boost to our economy. Our rail system makes us a very unique community to market to the industrial community, particularly throughout the western portion of the United States. Port 15 is a great industrial park that is prime and ready to boom as soon as the national economy begins to turn around.


Parks and Recreation -
We have a great start on our trail systems with a master plan that helps us determine where we will link the city through walking paths as new development occurs. The extension of our path along the Coal Creek parkway and the addition of the trail in the Cross Hollows area are a great beginning. Our ball fields will continue to be very important to our quality of life and with the addition of the new ball fields at the new recreation site, we will be able to host tournaments that will bring in much needed revenue for our businesses.


Infrastructure -
The infrastructure in our older sections of town is certainly in need of updating. We have budgeted for replacement in different areas of town each year and are doing all that we can to take care of problem areas as the come up.

Email Interview: Brian Tavoian


How long have you lived in Cedar City?
17 + years


Why do you want to be a part of the City Council?
The present national political climate is utterly frustrating to me. I don't think I can do much about the national issues, however, I can make a difference at the grass root level here in Cedar City. I know one man can make a difference in the well being of Cedar City and it's residents when working effectively with other council members.  I would like the opportunity help Cedar City for the next four years as your newest City Councilman.


What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?
1) Our sluggish economy 2) Too much government spending  3) Lack of job security  4) The raising of our taxes 5) Interchanges  that are not traveler friendly.This would help attract business to our city from outside sources  6) Self-sufficient city entities & partnerships thus reducing tax dollars budgeted to them. 


When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?
1) Growth with proper infrastructure  2) Strong school system that encourages learning & extracurricular activities  3) More businesses: that encourages shopping locally and at competitive prices 4) More jobs that are higher paying 5) Safe, cohesive neighborhoods

What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?
1) Stimulate small business by reducing fees and taxes of those businesses thus increasing the number of jobs and job security  2) Reduce budget  3) Reduce the size of Government and Government control 4) Reduce taxes by a number of ways 5) Proper infrastructure scope and design.


Share your thoughts about the following:


CATS -
This public transportation system seems to be good for citizens of Cedar. Cedar City needs to have some sort of public transportation. We need to work on having it self sufficient just like many of the other Cedar City entities should be.


UTOPIA -
UTOPIA is a fiber optic system that would have cost the city millions of dollars. It appears to have been a good decision by  the City Council, 5-6 years ago, to vote down UTOPIA. UTOPIA is reported to be close to bankruptcy and if the city would have voted for UTOPIA we would be on the line for millions.


The New Aquatic Center - 
The real questions is why is it costing so much more now then what was said when the public voted it in? This idea was voted in by the voting people of Cedar City. The estimated cost was about $7 million dollars at that time. Now it is a unacceptable and outlandish level of about  $12 million plus! Almost twice as much than what was voted on! This figure includes a $1.5 million over budget amount already. At present, the completion date is about four months later then contracted. Cedar has applied and received a $7 million loan with a low interest rate (about 4.25%) from the state of Utah. This needs to be paid back within 25 years. Where is the other part of the cost coming from...increased taxes? Another issue is the estimated $900,000/year to operate and maintain the facility. I really have to wonder if all of this information was known to the general public at the time of voting, would it have really past? The Aquatic center is going to be a beautiful facility when it is finished, however, I don't want my great grandchildren to be negatively effected financially by this project.


Jobs
The national average states that 70% of people are employed by small businesses. In Cedar City, I'm sure the percentage is even higher. Why are we taxing businesses so much? There is no question in my mind that if overhead is reduced (i.e.. Decrease taxes) the more efficient the businesses will be and more production/sales would occur, and more jobs will be kept and/or created. Help out the small business man by reducing fees and taxes. Tax revenue lost by this will be realized many times over in more jobs, more money spent in Cedar, more sales tax revenue etc...


Parks and Recreation
This is a sleeping giant for Cedar City. Cedar can host sports tournaments  at least 40 weekends a year. Each event could bring over $100,000/weekend to Cedar City! This is huge for many small businesses and would increase sales tax collected and lower the taxes paid by Cedar City citizens. Cedar City is a great place just waiting to be discovered by tens of thousands of new visitors a year.


Infrastructure - 
Cedar City is going to grow, there is no doubt about that. Looking into the future is the key to proper infrastructure design. Bigger is better, with respect to water, sewer, garbage, recycling, etc. It is better and cheaper to put more capacity in now than to dig up everything later and put bigger lines in then. New facilities may be needed depending on the projected growth of Cedar City. If the outlying areas will be annexed into Cedar and brought up to Cedar standards, infrastructured projects would need to be larger and more in scope.

Festivals or other activities
We are known as the Festival City. The festivals are great and bring in commerce, however, Cedar City has a myriad of things to offer that can bring even more business to Cedar. Events such as teams sports tournaments (i.e. soccer, softball, baseball, wrestling, volleyball, etc), rodeos, golf, swimming events, running events, etc.




Why should a person vote for you?
My ideas and solutions are "Common Sense" approaches. I know that in the next few years, major decisions will be made that truly affect many generations to come. All aspects of the issues need to be considered and their long-term effects, not just the "feel good" for right now. Problem solving, budgeting, reducing cost, being more effficent, increasing profitability, listening to people, and helping people are just some of the qualities I possess and perform every day in my business. I will bring these qualities and more to City Council and will help make sound "Common Sense" decisions to the situations facing Cedar City now and in the future. I am someone that shoulders responsibility instead of passing the buck.


What is the best way for people to learn more about you?
My website www.commonsensecandidate.com 
or call me at 435-327-0606   


and What's your favorite dessert?

I don't have a favorite dessert. I have a sweet tooth and I love all kinds!   

Email Interview: Ron Adams

How long have you lived in Cedar City?  52 Years

Why do you want to be a part of the City Council? 
I love the quality of life here in Cedar City that I have enjoyed for my 52 years.  My work experience and education have prepared me to be on the city council.  I want to open my doors to all citizens, task forces and committees to use their research and ideas in my voting to keep Cedar City the great place to live.

What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now? 
We need to continue to bring in new companies at Port 15 to bring more and higher paying jobs to Cedar City which will benefit all the businesses and citizens with a more stable economy.  Along with this we need to continue with maintaining our infrastructure within the budget we have without adding more burdens on the citizens.

When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?   
The great place that it is to live with everyone working and businesses thriving and everyone enjoying life to the fullest!

What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?  
Pushing Industrial Development and Growth.  Operating the City within the budget, which means getting the biggest bang for our buck?  Providing a listening ear for the public to bring their solutions to and educating us all about these solutions to make the best decisions possible for the City and citizens.  As a councilman, I have to spend the time to attend all meetings necessary to study the solutions, and draw upon the information from the task forces and committees and use all that information to make the best decision possible.  Protect the quality of life here in Cedar City!


Share your thoughts about the following:

CATS - 

I believe we have a great start to this transportation system around our City and need to have a vision into the future to prepare for more solutions as the City grows.

UTOPIA - 
The concept of an information highway is needed for a City to keep up with the growing needs of business and citizens.  I do believe that this type of system should be kept in the private sector and not put in by the taxpayers as all may not hook onto the system.  If kept private, those who need it and use it would pay for it instead of many paying for it and never using it!

The New Aquatic Center - 

Cedar has always had a swimming pool and that need is still here.  The citizens have voted to build this new expanded facility which supports our school swimming programs also.  There have been some problems with not getting hard numbers before beginning.  The council and staff are working hard to fix those problems that came from architects etc. that they have to fix.  I believe it can be done.  The concern after completion will be to find the resources to meet the maintenance required to keep it going for the future.

Jobs –  

Industrial Development will help this area with better and higher paying jobs, which in turn will help all businesses with job stability.  We need good jobs to provide a future for all our children.

Parks and Recreation –

I believe we do a great job in this area.  We are using government grants to provide the trail system and we can add to it as the need arises through the same system.  With the new ballfields/soccerfields complex there are even more places for all to enjoy recreation in our City.  I believe the City provides a big bang for our buck in this area.

Infrastructure –  

This is an area that needs constant attention.  Older areas of town need to be looked at and brought up to today’s standards.  Through proper, prior, planning the needs of future growth can be met and the City will be prepared to expand those services as the need arises.  This has to be at the top of the list for priorities! 

Festivals or other activities – 

The culture of Cedar City offers so much in these areas!  Events bring revenue to the City and Businesses and contribute largely to the quality of life that we all enjoy here.  Volunteers make these events work.  There is always a need for more volunteers to keep these events going.  If we can’t get the volunteers to keep these going, I don’t think we should draw on more taxes from the citizens to provide all of them.  We have to look at the benefit to all.

Why should a person vote for you?  

 I take pride in my approach to making decisions.  I want to get all the information possible, educate myself and the citizens and make the best decision possible for the citizens and the City.  I have lived in Cedar City for the past 52 years and have enjoyed the quality of life here.  I want to protect all those things I have come to love here.  My work experience, education, and desire to serve has brought me to this time in my life prepared to work for the good of Cedar City and all of us that live here!

What is the best way for people to learn more about you?   

I encourage people to come and talk to me and get to know me for who I am.  I believe a one on one conversation lends to ask questions and give answers without the distraction of the noise of the world.  The source is the best place to go for information.  My door is always open or should I say my cell phone 435-463-7002 is waiting for a ring.

And what’s your favorite dessert?  

 One word, CHEESECAKE pretty much says it all!

Email Interview: Ryan Neumann

How long have you lived in Cedar City?

I have lived in Cedar for 13 years

Why do you want to be a part of the City Council?

I want to be part of the council to be a different voice. A voice for more fiscal responsibiliy, lower taxes, and keeping government small.

What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?

Probably the main issue for many is the economy. I worry about this too, but national government has really screwed things up. For me a big issue is for Cedar City to lead out in preserving our freedoms. I think we can do a lot at a local level.

When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?

In five years I would like to be able to look back and say that our taxes are not higher, we have reviewed building impact fees and possibly lowered them, and that our citizens are better off because local government is smaller and less intrusive.

What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?

My top priority, if elected is to truly serve as a voice for freedom and keeping government functioning in as limited a role as possible in the lives of the citizens.

Share your thoughts about the following:

CATS- I would have to say that I think we could do without it. It is most likely a financial drain on the city. I would say let the private sector provide whatever service the community needs.

UTOPIA- I don't know much about it.

Aquatic center-
 I think that the city has planned poorly, the project will probably cost more than they are telling us, and it will probably be a financial drain on the city for years to come. I would suggest that the city could have come up with a better plan 10 years ago, saved money in when times were better, and then build without borrowing. Under the current plan to bond for the money, it could take as long as 30 year to pay for it. The interest alone would be a large sum of money and just as we are done paying for it, it will be wore out.
Jobs - I think jobs will take care of themselves if there is plenty of incentive for small business to expand take calculated risk. Right now we all need to find ways to cut costs, be more efficient, and find ways to build confidence in ourselves and each other. We shouldn't look to government to bail us out. we need to role up our sleeves and do what we can in our sphere of influence.

Parks and Recreation- I like having nice parks and trails. They are important but i don't think that the city should be spending money right now on any new parks.

Infrastructure- Cedar city has many great venues for hosting many things. One thing I would hope that the city is doing(and I think they are) is looking at ways to keep traffic moving from one side of I-15. Growing up in St. George I experienced the many bottle necks that slow the flow of traffic. As Cedar grows we will face the same problem unless we can plan now.

Why should a person vote for you?

People should vote for me if they have similar views, otherwise they may be disappointed.

What is the best way for people to learn more about you?

Probably the best way to learn about me would be to find people that know me and have personal experience with me and ask them. Or give me a call, my number is in the phone book.


and What's your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is probably German Chocolate cake with ice cream.

Audio Interviews: Raymond Green

Here is the audio version of the first interview. The transcripts will follow shortly.




To learn more about Raymond Green you can visit his blog
Raymond's Blog

send him an e-mail at greenraymonda@msn.com

Or call him at (435) 590-9269

The transcript of this and the other mayoral interviews can be found in the July section of the archive.Or click HERE.

Audio Interviews: Linda Rae Bush

Here is our interview with Linda Rae Bush

To Contact Linda Rae Bush you can reach her
by email at devoir68@yahoo.com


Linda Rae Bush

The transcript of this and the other mayoral interviews can be found in the July section of the archive. Or click HERE.

Email Interview: Craig Corry

How long have you lived in Cedar City?


I have lived in Cedar City nearly 25 years, or my entire life other than 2 years living in Canada serving a LDS mission, and plan to stay and raise my family here.

Why do you want to be a part of the City Council?

Living in Cedar my whole life I have learned to love our city.  There are many great qualities about how our city is operated and I want to preserve them.  There are also a few areas I believe need a change.  I would like to be a part of the continued growth of Cedar and assist in the areas that I believe need help.  I also have ever growing desire to be involved in politics and to add to conservative views in our local, state, and national governments.

What do you think are the biggest issues in our community right now?

The biggest issue I see in our community is likely what everyone else is seeing at this time, the economy.  We are better off than much of our country but people here are still seeing hard times.  It is great that we have a chamber of commerce that is striving to support our existing businesses and keep them afloat, and I very much hope they succeed.  I am a strong believer that if a community is not progressing they are regressing.  Cedar City is full of many resources that large companies look for when bringing in outside jobs but I have seen instances that in the effort to keep Cedar a "hometown community" our leaders may have hurt us by not encouraging expansion.  I will focus on bringing in outside jobs as well as supporting start ups and small business.

When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?

In 5 to 10 years from now I would like to see Cedar City continuing to attract tourist with our natural resources as well as our great festivals.  As our housing market levels out I would like to see a steady sustainable growth in property values and new homes.  I would also like to see a local school district that provides a choice of education for parents and students.
Better

What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?

I have mentioned some of my top priorities earlier but once again I will focus on business expansion through the effort of attracting outside corporations as well as supporting local businesses and the start up of others to increase competition and drive up efficiency.  I will also work with local school leaders to help provide more education choices to our community.  I believe in limited government that is fiscally conservative, allows private business to handle all possible projects, and keep taxes low for our citizens.

Share your thoughts about the following:

CATS -

I like the idea of the CATS program; it is a great resource for many of our citizens. I am curious to see the costs and revenues related to this program.

The New Aquatic Center -

I really like the new Aquatic Center and think it is an important attraction to bring new growth and population to Cedar City.  I thought it was worth the small increase in taxes to provide our community with a recreational facility.  Although I am a bit concerned if the revenues will cover the operation costs or if it will be an ongoing cost to the city.

Jobs -

As the recession ends I see Cedar's job market to be adequate but would like to see it thrive.  We are very much supported by lower to middle class jobs and I would like to see more technical and higher education driven jobs come to town.

Parks and Recreation -

Lately I have become impressed with the parks and recreation.  It looks like they are taking pride in the facilities and upgrading those that are in need.

Infrastructure -

Cedar City's infrastructure is very well maintained.  As I travel, I am impressed by the quality of Cedar's roads.  We are located in a prime spot for transportation.  Along I-15 and with an airport and rail system we have many options.  I would like to see if the demand would support a larger airport.

Festivals or other activities -

The Festivals seem to continually increase our citizens sense of pride and I would like to see them continue as part of our focus and reach to bring in tourism.

Why should a person vote for you?

A person should vote for me because I bring a fresh prospective to the city.  As a recent graduate in Finance I am still fairly up to date on the changes that work in our world today and understand what makes an organization thrive, much of that is the operation of finances.  Although I have views of my own on how things should operate I know that I represent the citizens of our community and will listen to and push for the desires of the people rather than my own personal agenda.

What is the best way for people to learn more about you?

If you would like to learn more about me I would enjoy conversing with you over a phone call or in person. 1.435.592.0190 You can also reach me by email ccorry23@msn.com

and What's your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is Peach Delight.

Who is running for Mayor?

There are four people vying for the job of Cedar City Mayor.
They are:

Linda Rae Bush

Joe Burgess

Steve Wood

and Raymond Green

We are hoping to obtain interviews with the candidates, and will post them here when we do.

Email Interview: Nina Barnes

How long have you lived in Cedar City?

14 years ago, my family chose to move to Cedar City because we wanted to raise our family in a university town that valued it's history, rural setting, recreational opportunities, arts, and education.



Why do you want to be a part of the City Council?

We are currently experiencing difficult times. During these times we must be financially responsible and limit government intervention. The city should work on attracting new business and seek better paying jobs while promoting tourism and services through use of all city facilities.


When you think of Cedar City 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want to see?

I am confident that if we continue to be conservative and plan well thru these difficult times we will be well positioned when the market improves. As we complete the capital improvements that are currently underway and aggressively promote tourism, we will thrive and prosper together.


What do you see as your top priorities if you are elected?

I will work to complete the aquatic center and ball complex that are currently under construction. I will promote the marketing and usage of these and all other city facilities. I will continue my work on the trail system and encourage health and wellness as a community. I will actively work to increase city revenue through new tourism. I will support the concept of Green Living through the 3 R's: Reduse, Reuse, Recycle.



Share your thoughts about the following:

CATS -

A critical service to provide transportation to those in need, however it must be utitized by more members of the community to justify the cost.



The New Aquatic Center - 

An amazing facility that will stand for 30+ years as a reminder of the high value our community places in children, families, health, wellness, vision, and recreation.




Jobs -

Critical during these challenging times to retain and promote higher paying jobs while supporting and enhancing our current small business community.



Parks and Recreation


I feel strongly that we need to maintain, enhance, and complete our existing parks and outdoor facilities and not develope more at the present time. We are working to complete a trail loop around Cedar City and feel this will encourage health, wellness, mobility and safety for our community and visitors (tourism).


Infrastructure - 

We need to create a master infrastructure plan to help the city be better prepared for growth in the future.



Festivals or other activities -

I am an advocate of any well organized and planned festival or activity. The city should be a tremendous support to those volunteer groups who want to create new activities. I would like to see more diversity in what we are supporting. There is a huge market for childrens sporting tournaments, dancing competitions, and musical competitions.



Why should a person vote for you?

I will continue to be a strong voice for children and families in Cedar City. I have proven myself as a strong community advocate through service such as Park Discovery, Veterans Park, the Cedar City Rotary Club and SUU Board of Trustees. I believe a strong and vibrant community is built on the foundation of strong, healthly and thriving families. As we look to the future we must continue to provide a community that assists in developing strong families.


What is the best way for people to learn more about you?


Please visit my website www.ninabarnes.org

and What's your favorite dessert?
Creme Brulee

The Questions for the Candidates

May I have your permission to record this call?

Tell us your name, what you like to be called,

Tell us a little about yourself.

How long have you lived in Cedar City?

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?

What's your favorite dessert?