Since June, I have been asked more than once what it is that sets me apart from the other candidate(s). There are many responses to that question that are expected, anticipated and even customary. What sets me apart from the other candidate though are life experiences.
I was raised by a father who wanted his six daughters to know that they could do anything. Daughters who would be able to trust their own judgement and not be afraid to think and act. We were taught to look at issues, to examine any given situation from all sides identifying pros and cons and all possible outcomes. We were taught to educate ourselves before expressing an opinion and to gain information from as many sources as possible. We were also taught that no matter how hard we tried, we would never know everything, but we could know people we could turn to for advice. We were also taught to take accountability for our actions and not to shirk responsibility.
I was raised in a small community in Northern Utah surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and my grandmother. We raised chickens, cows, pigs, rabbits, geese and horses. Our family was responsible for the garden that fed all the extended family. In the spring we would plant. In the summer we were responsible for the weeding and watering. And when harvest time came, we would spend hours picking, preparing and canning. I have many good memories of these years as we came together as multiple generations and told stories while we worked together to provide for ourselves.
When I married my husband, we moved to various locations across the country; first for school at Utah State University and then as he served in the military. During this time, the lessons I had learned in my parents' home served me as I was often left alone with our sons, even moving us to the next duty location as Rick fulfilled his assignments. In each new location, I found myself involved in the community where we lived through volunteer and service opportunities. I was also given assignments as the wife of an executive officer in supporting and providing services to the military families.
Following this period in our lives, we moved back to Northern Utah to be near family. There I continued my volunteer efforts, worked for Ogden City and operated my own business. Eventually, Rick's career path brought us to Southern Utah, where again I found opportunities to volunteer and worked for the City of Hurricane where my experience with Ogden City helped me serve as the Code Enforcement Officer for the city. Through the years, I have served as a fund raiser, grant writer and event organizer. I have served as a member on many committees and chaired many others. I have had experience cheering with individuals as they succeeded and comforting others in times of trial.
Through my life I have learned that as a person, I need to be open to change. A favorite saying is "If you always do what you've always done, you will always be what you have always been." To me, this means that if you don't like where you are going, don't just complain, but find a way to change; whether that is location, position or attitude or a combination of multiple things. But as you look to change, you cannot lose perspective on those things that deserve preserving.
Back to the original question: What sets me apart from the other candidate?
I have had experience working and volunteering in various government agencies. I have seen ideas that have worked and others that have backfired or not completely achieved a desired result. I have asked questions and learned how my part fit into the whole of the organization. As I operated my own business, I was able to significantly increase sales as I listened to and responded to customers needs. I was able to develop a good working relationship with the citizens of Hurricane as I treated them with respect and listened to their concerns while I served as the Code Enforcement Officer and on the Emergency Management committee.
I have developed a greater understanding of that lesson taught to me by my father - working together as a team and listening to one another will achieve the best results.
The City of La Verkin is at a pivotal point in its growth. We can continue as we are and push our issues down the road or we can look for those changes that need to be made to move us forward, while protecting the things in our community that make La Verkin such a unique and special place to live. No policy, structure, procedure or ordinance should be exempt from review.
Currently our city has over $3million in debt that will need to be repaid. A majority of our commercial properties sit vacant while many of our residents are unemployed or under-employed and struggle to make ends meet. We also face needed improvements and repairs to our infrastructure (water, drainage and roads), as well as our public facilities (community buildings and parks). The city's current revenues do not cover the expenses and our savings are almost gone resulting in necessary projects being postponed or delayed until methods of funding can be identified.
To move the City forward will take leadership that will work with the council, staff and citizen committees; form partnerships with neighboring communities and other local agencies; work to build bridges where none currently exist and be able to think outside the box. I have a proven history of working with a variety of individuals, of identifying problems and working to find solutions and then implementing those solutions. My experiences in life have given me the unique skills necessary to lead our community forward to its promising future.
You can review my resume by clicking here.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
What's on Your Mind?
Anne Vallee Williams:
What's the current status of this project?
Hurricane Valley Foundation improves the valley, memorializes 2-year-old Jada Harris
The council adopted a memorandum of understanding with the foundation established by the Hurricane Valley Fire District - Hurricane Valley Foundation. From the discussion at that meeting, it appears that the Foundation has determined a design for the park and is continuing to work on fund raising.
John DuCrest:
There are numerous places in La Verkin with unpaved sidewalks. When I purchased my house I was told I would be responsible for the cost of paving the area designated for the sidewalk that borders my property. Is that true? Does the city have any plans on how and when they will pave the unpaved sidewalks in La Verkin?
Often improvements such as curb, gutter and sidewalk are done in neighborhood through Special Improvement Districts (SID). These are agreements between the City and the residents where the City will make the improvement and then the residents will reimburse the City through an assessment. Often the City will use its ability to bond to raise the money and then the payment of residents will go to pay off the bond. I have received comments from residents stating that they have been paying for these improvements, but have not yet had the improvement made. One of the first items I would like to address is identifying where SIDs have been established and make sure that those residents receive the services that they have paid for or are paying for.
I would like to see a high end bar and or restaurant that serves alcohol that will bring in new business and entice the 5 million tourists that pass through our town. The red tape surrounding Alcohol sales is preposterous, do you have any plans on how you can go around them with out upsetting anyone.
I would like to see the corner of 500 North and State Street utilized to its fullest capabilities. Not a Denny's or Dollar Store (no offense to Denny's or the Dollar Store, any business is welcome) but it is my opinion we need business that will attract consumers, especially tourists to stay in LaVerkin and bring in much needed revenue.
In my opinion, the corner of 500 N and State Street is the most under utilized intersection in the State. I have expressed before that I would like to create an active Economic Development Committee that would target businesses that will add value to our community and meet the vision of our residents for how La Verkin will develop. You can read more about it by clicking here and here. With the imminent opening of the hotel here in La Verkin, I do feel that a business such as an IHop or Denny's would be a positive addition to the community adjacent to the hotel or across Main Street from the hotel.
As far as the laws regarding businesses that sell alcohol. Businesses such as restaurants and bars are actually regulated by the State and leave the City very little discretion in issuing licenses for on-premise alcohol sales. As part of the planning and zoning process, the planning commission will recommend to the City council areas of the City where on-premise retailers (restaurants that serve alcohol) can be located. This is information that can then be used by the Economic Development Committee to attract or "sell" La Verkin to potential businesses.
We also need to look at bringing in other retail businesses that will attract tourists and keep them in La Verkin such as art galleries, bed and breakfast establishments, and recreational opportunities. These types of businesses will not only increase revenue to the City, but provide income for our residents.
We need a 24 hour police department and fire department. I for one am willing to pay taxes to see that happen but that seems like the worst word a Candidate can say. If you are not willing to raise taxes how are we going to get a 24 hour police and fire department, that is filled with capable, honest, hardworking individuals?
Timothy Bradshaw:
There are a great many of us who believe we need a full time police department... what is your stance on our PD?
Regarding our La Verkin Police Department: I have the utmost respect for our officers. When I have needed them, I have never received anything but the most professional and caring service. I would love to have a full-time 24-hour police department. Currently the police department has 4 full-time personnel and 1 part-time officer: 4 patrol officers and the chief that provide enough man power to almost have the City at 24 hour coverage. This schedule does leave each officer relying on the County or other agencies for backup. In the best possible worlds, the Department would have a minimum of 10 full-time officers that could provide double coverage 24/7 with additional officers for investigations and special assignments. The proposed budget for 2013/2014 has $348,000 designated for salaries and benefits for the current force, not quite 25% of the total general fund. Since each new officer would be a substantial investment, I want to work to expand our tax base through business development. In the meantime, I would encourage the Chief to look at options of scheduling, more part-time employees, and reserve officers to improve coverage and maintain the safety of our current officers. The department should also look at sharing equipment such as vehicles, certifying officers to be training officers to reduce the cost of training by providing in-house training, and aggressively pursuing grants for additional equipment and personnel.
La Verkin is serviced by the Hurricane Valley Fire District that is a separate governmental organization from the City. The City does have members appointed to the Fire Board, but decisions on budgets, staffing, etc, are made by the board members as a whole. As a member of the Board, I would work to ensure that the needs of the citizens of La Verkin are met and that the City receives the best possible coverage.
Jessica Boulter:
As mayor, would you continue to support and fund programs such as the LaVerkin Self Defense being hosted by the Police Department?
I am a firm believer in community policing - involvement of police officers with the community beyond patrols and responding to calls. The self-defense classes are a benefit to the community. I support neighborhood watch programs, emergency preparedness seminars and community/neighborhood presentations. When I worked for the Hurricane Police Department, I was very active in putting on these types of programs for community groups and would like to see more in La Verkin so that the citizens are kept informed.
Randy Jones:
Who is going to do what about the dead wood in our city offices?
Roseanna English Alba:
Water pressure, refund of deposits that never come back, property nuisance issues. What do the people who work for the city offices really do? ???
Cammy von Rekowski:
What about the abandoned houses its so sad. I would love to fix them up.
John DuCrest:
When entering LaVerkin from Hurricane our welcome sign says "Bridge to Zion" I was under the impression our town motto was Beautiful Valley, I would like to see that changed, and have a sign that reflects that motto.
These questions all seem to have a common answer - policies and procedures need to be reviewed on a regular basis. Just because a policy was necessary or the best for the City previously, does not mean that it should always be the way things are done. City Ordinances and Policies should be constantly evolving and need to be revised and updated to meet current State and Federal Law, as well as adapted to the growing population of the community. The same also needs to apply to City employees. Our City currently has limited resources and where employees are concerned, the employee structure in the City should be reviewed by the mayor and council on regular basis to allocate the best use of employee resources and skills.
This is "The Beautiful Valley" and I would like to see the City's policies, ordinances and employees believe in and support that vision.
What's the current status of this project?
Hurricane Valley Foundation improves the valley, memorializes 2-year-old Jada Harris
The council adopted a memorandum of understanding with the foundation established by the Hurricane Valley Fire District - Hurricane Valley Foundation. From the discussion at that meeting, it appears that the Foundation has determined a design for the park and is continuing to work on fund raising.
John DuCrest:
There are numerous places in La Verkin with unpaved sidewalks. When I purchased my house I was told I would be responsible for the cost of paving the area designated for the sidewalk that borders my property. Is that true? Does the city have any plans on how and when they will pave the unpaved sidewalks in La Verkin?
Often improvements such as curb, gutter and sidewalk are done in neighborhood through Special Improvement Districts (SID). These are agreements between the City and the residents where the City will make the improvement and then the residents will reimburse the City through an assessment. Often the City will use its ability to bond to raise the money and then the payment of residents will go to pay off the bond. I have received comments from residents stating that they have been paying for these improvements, but have not yet had the improvement made. One of the first items I would like to address is identifying where SIDs have been established and make sure that those residents receive the services that they have paid for or are paying for.
I would like to see a high end bar and or restaurant that serves alcohol that will bring in new business and entice the 5 million tourists that pass through our town. The red tape surrounding Alcohol sales is preposterous, do you have any plans on how you can go around them with out upsetting anyone.
I would like to see the corner of 500 North and State Street utilized to its fullest capabilities. Not a Denny's or Dollar Store (no offense to Denny's or the Dollar Store, any business is welcome) but it is my opinion we need business that will attract consumers, especially tourists to stay in LaVerkin and bring in much needed revenue.
In my opinion, the corner of 500 N and State Street is the most under utilized intersection in the State. I have expressed before that I would like to create an active Economic Development Committee that would target businesses that will add value to our community and meet the vision of our residents for how La Verkin will develop. You can read more about it by clicking here and here. With the imminent opening of the hotel here in La Verkin, I do feel that a business such as an IHop or Denny's would be a positive addition to the community adjacent to the hotel or across Main Street from the hotel.
As far as the laws regarding businesses that sell alcohol. Businesses such as restaurants and bars are actually regulated by the State and leave the City very little discretion in issuing licenses for on-premise alcohol sales. As part of the planning and zoning process, the planning commission will recommend to the City council areas of the City where on-premise retailers (restaurants that serve alcohol) can be located. This is information that can then be used by the Economic Development Committee to attract or "sell" La Verkin to potential businesses.
We also need to look at bringing in other retail businesses that will attract tourists and keep them in La Verkin such as art galleries, bed and breakfast establishments, and recreational opportunities. These types of businesses will not only increase revenue to the City, but provide income for our residents.
We need a 24 hour police department and fire department. I for one am willing to pay taxes to see that happen but that seems like the worst word a Candidate can say. If you are not willing to raise taxes how are we going to get a 24 hour police and fire department, that is filled with capable, honest, hardworking individuals?
Timothy Bradshaw:
There are a great many of us who believe we need a full time police department... what is your stance on our PD?
Regarding our La Verkin Police Department: I have the utmost respect for our officers. When I have needed them, I have never received anything but the most professional and caring service. I would love to have a full-time 24-hour police department. Currently the police department has 4 full-time personnel and 1 part-time officer: 4 patrol officers and the chief that provide enough man power to almost have the City at 24 hour coverage. This schedule does leave each officer relying on the County or other agencies for backup. In the best possible worlds, the Department would have a minimum of 10 full-time officers that could provide double coverage 24/7 with additional officers for investigations and special assignments. The proposed budget for 2013/2014 has $348,000 designated for salaries and benefits for the current force, not quite 25% of the total general fund. Since each new officer would be a substantial investment, I want to work to expand our tax base through business development. In the meantime, I would encourage the Chief to look at options of scheduling, more part-time employees, and reserve officers to improve coverage and maintain the safety of our current officers. The department should also look at sharing equipment such as vehicles, certifying officers to be training officers to reduce the cost of training by providing in-house training, and aggressively pursuing grants for additional equipment and personnel.
La Verkin is serviced by the Hurricane Valley Fire District that is a separate governmental organization from the City. The City does have members appointed to the Fire Board, but decisions on budgets, staffing, etc, are made by the board members as a whole. As a member of the Board, I would work to ensure that the needs of the citizens of La Verkin are met and that the City receives the best possible coverage.
Jessica Boulter:
As mayor, would you continue to support and fund programs such as the LaVerkin Self Defense being hosted by the Police Department?
I am a firm believer in community policing - involvement of police officers with the community beyond patrols and responding to calls. The self-defense classes are a benefit to the community. I support neighborhood watch programs, emergency preparedness seminars and community/neighborhood presentations. When I worked for the Hurricane Police Department, I was very active in putting on these types of programs for community groups and would like to see more in La Verkin so that the citizens are kept informed.
Randy Jones:
Who is going to do what about the dead wood in our city offices?
Roseanna English Alba:
Water pressure, refund of deposits that never come back, property nuisance issues. What do the people who work for the city offices really do? ???
Cammy von Rekowski:
What about the abandoned houses its so sad. I would love to fix them up.
John DuCrest:
When entering LaVerkin from Hurricane our welcome sign says "Bridge to Zion" I was under the impression our town motto was Beautiful Valley, I would like to see that changed, and have a sign that reflects that motto.
These questions all seem to have a common answer - policies and procedures need to be reviewed on a regular basis. Just because a policy was necessary or the best for the City previously, does not mean that it should always be the way things are done. City Ordinances and Policies should be constantly evolving and need to be revised and updated to meet current State and Federal Law, as well as adapted to the growing population of the community. The same also needs to apply to City employees. Our City currently has limited resources and where employees are concerned, the employee structure in the City should be reviewed by the mayor and council on regular basis to allocate the best use of employee resources and skills.
This is "The Beautiful Valley" and I would like to see the City's policies, ordinances and employees believe in and support that vision.
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