Tuesday was a day that humbled me. I was overwhelmed at the support and trust placed in me by the citizens of La Verkin that allowed me to proceed beyond the Primary Election and on to the General Election. I was so grateful for my fellow candidates and the civility that was shown in leading up to the election. In fact, that civility and mutual respect was commented on by a number of people to me.
On Tuesday, I was really excited to learn that there were approximately 100 more ballots cast in the Primary election than had been cast in the two previous municipal elections. I was excited to see the interest and involvement of the residents of our community and their expression of that interest by getting to the polls and voting. I felt this same interest was shown at the Meet the Candidate Night moderated by members of the Rotary Club the end of July when over 100 individuals filled the council chambers to listen to the views expressed by the candidates.
On Wednesday, I was disappointed. Wednesday night the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a change in the ordinance concerning non-pet animals that could be kept in residential zones. Instead of 100 people filling the council chambers, there were only a handful. I had truly thought there would be more.
When we first started addressing this issue a year ago, there were quite a few people in the audience who came to express concerns about this issue. Some were concerned that there were too many "farm" animals in the residential neighborhoods, but most seemed to feel that the ability to have a few animals, as long as they are taken care of, is an important part of the character of the community. Yet, I don't believe any of these people were present for the public hearing and subsequent vote by the planning commission to forward the ordinance on to the City Council for approval.
I happen to agree more with this second group of residents that feel animals are an important part of this community. The opportunity to raise my children in an area where there are animals other than dogs or hamsters was very important to me. I was raised taking care of rabbits, chickens, pigs, geese, cows and horses. In fact, as anyone who has ever raised chickens where a rooster is present knows, you never crack an egg directly into what you are making, just in case. My husband thought I was completely strange when it came to my baking habits.
But back to topic - one of the biggest concerns expressed to me as I have been campaigning is the lack of communication or knowledge of what is going on with our commissions and councils. I am a firm believer that there can never be too much communication when it comes to spreading information. In today's society a city has many ways to spread the information to its citizens: social media such as Facebook or Twitter; city, county and state websites; community bulletin boards at city offices, local retailers or the postoffice; print and audio communications through the media or direct mailing or calling from the city. There is also the old-standby of the marque or sandwich board in front of the city office.
My goal as mayor will be to insure that I never have a resident of the community tell me that they did not know something was going on. I want to make access to information accessible to everyone in a way that they are comfortable receiving it. To make sure that happens, I am open to suggestions.
This Wednesday night, August 21st, the city council will be discussing and possibly taking action on the animal ordinance among other items. The agenda is quite full that evening. You can link to it by clicking HERE.
On another note, I was quite pleased by the write-up I received in the St. George News. Reuben Wadsworth, the reporter, was great to work with. Here is what he wrote about me:
Ann Wixom
One of Ann Wixom’s favorite memories of her growing-up years in South Weber, Utah, is packing into the car to travel the country with her father as guide. A history teacher, he wanted to ensure his children experienced what life was like outside their small town.
From her father, who also served on the town’s planning commission, in the state legislature and later as the town’s mayor, Ann Wixom said she learned to be accepting of others. She continued her lessons in acceptance by experiencing life in various locales throughout the nation as a military wife, including Virginia, Texas and Colorado.
She also learned compassion when she was in charge of a military family support group, Ann Wixom said, coordinating efforts to ensure military families received the money, food and healthcare they needed. At the same time, she became aware of domestic violence. Advocacy for domestic violence victims has become one of her passions. A few years ago she wrote a grant for the Hurricane City Police Department that set up a victim advocacy program in the community.
In addition to her volunteer work as a military wife, Ann Wixom has worked in a variety of fields. Currently she is a case manager at Lava Heights Academy, a private school in Toquerville dedicated to the performing arts. Previously she was a code enforcement officer and administrative assistant for the Hurricane City Police Department. Prior to moving to Southern Utah, she owned a vending business in Ogden.
For the last nine years, the LaVerkin community has been accepting of Ann Wixom and her family, which includes her husband, Rick Wixom, three sons and two daughters. No event showed that more than when her family’s house burned down approximately three years ago. First of all, neighbors driving by “saved them,” she said, with eyes tearing up.
“We barely got out,” Ann Wixom said; she was treated for smoke inhalation after the blaze.
After the disaster, people in the community banded together to aid the family. She said people constantly asked what they could do to help and, when they were renting while their home was rebuilt, neighbors supplied furniture, dishes, pans and other necessities.
“I don’t know how to begin to repay people,” Ann Wixom said.
From the experience, Ann Wixom said she and her family learned of the strength they had to get through things and most of all that being positive amid such trials is essential. For instance, she said, a counselor told them to think of three positives for every negative, words they have lived by ever since.
Ann and Rick Wixom have done their best to inspire their children to be positive forces in the community.
“My mom is super community-service oriented,” her son, Hunter Wixom, 23, said.
She made sure her children knew what her expectations were, her son said, “she let us know if we were not living up to it.”
“We give back to the community,” Ann Wixom said. “Living in a community doesn’t just mean you have a house there.”
Ann Wixom currently serves as the chairwoman of the city’s Fourth of July committee and her children know they are expected to help. Her two daughters, ages 12 and 10, have even been attending city council meetings to understand what is going on in the community.
Her family is very supportive of her mayoral aspirations, Ann Wixom said; if they weren’t, she wouldn’t be running, she said.
“While the kids may not know all that being a mayor entails,” her husband Rick Wixom said, “they love and support their mom in everything she does.”
“There is not a question in their minds about me doing it,” she said.
She is running for mayor because she loves the community and sees things she wants to change and does not want to be one of the ones just sitting around, Ann Wixom said. The city is at a pivotal point in which it needs to expand its tax base without affecting the make-up of the community, she said, that she feels she can bring new ideas and a different perspective to the table.
“She’s not afraid to tell it like it is,” her son, Hunter Wixom, said. “She tries to keep it straightforward.”
“She is very organized and she has had a great deal of experience working with cities and the people they serve,” Rick Wixom said of his wife. “She understands how to not only identify problems, but can identify and implement solutions.”
Click HERE to read the whole article.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Heartbeat of a Community
For the last four seasons, my daughters have swum with the Hurricane Tigersharks Swim Team. This team is part of a tri-state summer rec league which includes teams from Dixie State University, Mesquite Nevada, and Fredonia Arizona. Most Saturdays during the summer will find us travelling to one place or another to spend the day in the sun watching our children swim. During these last four summers, we have become a part of a very open, welcoming and supportive community. This community is united by the desire to make sure that all the youth participating in the league develop and improve skills in swimming, learn good sportsmanship and have fun.
Yesterday was the last meet of the season. Traditionally this meet is an invitational hosted by Hurricane known as "Beat the Heat". At the start of the week, after the pump at the Hurricane pool died, there was only a brief time we wondered if this meet, that is usually an end-of-the-year celebration for all the teams, would happen. I say only a brief moment, because it did not take any time at all for Mesquite to offer to let the meet be moved to their facility. They offered this free of charge to Hurricane.
This is what a community does. A community supports its members. In good times we are there to rejoice together. In hard times we are there to offer help. A community offers a camaraderie that comes from evenings spent cheering our kids on at the seasonal sporting event. A community develops a sense of pride as the applause is heard during a theatrical or musical production. A community unites to offer service for the benefit of its members or to improve the community as a whole. A community allows the expression and sharing of ideas without fear of ostracism. A community celebrates one another as it gathers together for community events. A community provides a variety of activities and opportunities so that its members are able to find their place. There is an intrinsic value to a city that is hard to quantify, but is so apparent when lacking, provided by community unity.
During the last year, my family has enjoyed many opportunities to experience membership in a wonderful community. We were able to catch up with old friends and share joys and struggles as we cheered on La Verkin Parks and Rec volleyball and soccer teams. My daughter was able to receive instruction on auditioning from the La Verkin Community Theater Even though she was too nervous to audition at that time, she used what she learned and did audition in the spring for the production of the Zion Junior Musical Theater of La Verkin. We were able to attend a dance recital where a tribute was given to a young girl who is fighting cancer. Our family has enjoyed service as we have helped people move in and move out of their homes, supported fundraisers, built trails and cleaned up Confluence Park, planted trees, cleaned yards and cleaned city streets. And our family has helped the community gathered together during Winterfest, the 4th of July and 24th of July celebrations. Most recently, our family has experienced the freedom to express ideas as I have engaged in my campaign for Mayor.
Growing up in a town that had a strong sense of community, I wanted to have that for my children. We have found it here in La Verkin. That sense of belonging and unity is something to be valued, to be treasured, to be protected and to be nurtured and encouraged to grow.
Yesterday was the last meet of the season. Traditionally this meet is an invitational hosted by Hurricane known as "Beat the Heat". At the start of the week, after the pump at the Hurricane pool died, there was only a brief time we wondered if this meet, that is usually an end-of-the-year celebration for all the teams, would happen. I say only a brief moment, because it did not take any time at all for Mesquite to offer to let the meet be moved to their facility. They offered this free of charge to Hurricane.
This is what a community does. A community supports its members. In good times we are there to rejoice together. In hard times we are there to offer help. A community offers a camaraderie that comes from evenings spent cheering our kids on at the seasonal sporting event. A community develops a sense of pride as the applause is heard during a theatrical or musical production. A community unites to offer service for the benefit of its members or to improve the community as a whole. A community allows the expression and sharing of ideas without fear of ostracism. A community celebrates one another as it gathers together for community events. A community provides a variety of activities and opportunities so that its members are able to find their place. There is an intrinsic value to a city that is hard to quantify, but is so apparent when lacking, provided by community unity.
During the last year, my family has enjoyed many opportunities to experience membership in a wonderful community. We were able to catch up with old friends and share joys and struggles as we cheered on La Verkin Parks and Rec volleyball and soccer teams. My daughter was able to receive instruction on auditioning from the La Verkin Community Theater Even though she was too nervous to audition at that time, she used what she learned and did audition in the spring for the production of the Zion Junior Musical Theater of La Verkin. We were able to attend a dance recital where a tribute was given to a young girl who is fighting cancer. Our family has enjoyed service as we have helped people move in and move out of their homes, supported fundraisers, built trails and cleaned up Confluence Park, planted trees, cleaned yards and cleaned city streets. And our family has helped the community gathered together during Winterfest, the 4th of July and 24th of July celebrations. Most recently, our family has experienced the freedom to express ideas as I have engaged in my campaign for Mayor.
Growing up in a town that had a strong sense of community, I wanted to have that for my children. We have found it here in La Verkin. That sense of belonging and unity is something to be valued, to be treasured, to be protected and to be nurtured and encouraged to grow.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
The Vision for the Future
On a beautiful Saturday morning in June, I attended the IHC Walk Washington County event in Ivins. As we walked through the streets of Ivins, we listened to Mayor Chris Hart explain all the good things that are happening to that community. One thing he said really caught my attention. He explained that the community had determined that it would never be able to attract the same businesses as a community such as St. George or Washington that have a high volume of traffic, but it could become a destination location and attract those businesses and services that would help fulfill that image. With that goal in mind, focus was placed on bringing those businesses that would help fulfill the community's vision to Ivins along with supporting and promoting the businesses that were already a part of the community.
As the City logo states, La Verkin is "The Beautiful Valley" with "A Proud Past" and "A Promising Future." I see great potential in La Verkin to bring businesses into the community that will help expand our tax base and increase revenue. The hotel currently under construction is the start of promoting what I have felt is the most under-utilized intersection in the State of Utah. With the majority of the over 3 million visitors annually to Zion National Park travelling through our community, businesses that attract the tourist dollar should be encouraged to locate within our community along the SR-9 corridor, particularly near the SR-17/SR-9 junction.
We have great resources in Washington County in the Dixie Business Alliance to help us utilize the strengths in our community and bring value-added companies to the area. These are companies that add to the local economy and help it expand. Examples of these types of businesses are manufacturing, customer service or businesses that attract tourism. The Dixie Business Alliance helps connect businesses with locations, provide networking opportunities for small businesses and independent contractors, and aid to businesses starting out. An effective Economic Development Committee in La Verkin could work with this organization to promote the benefits of living and locating in La Verkin.
I was drawn to La Verkin by its rural atmosphere. I wanted to raise my family in an area where we could ride a horse or raise chickens. A place where our family could go for a bike ride and not have to worry about multiple street lights and see cows grazing along our route. I wanted a yard that was large enough that we could have a garden and my children could learn self-sufficiency. I wanted to walk down the street or go to the local market and be greeted by our neighbors and friends. I wanted my children to be in a community where they could play sports for recreation, not just competition; where families gathered in the evening to cheer on a soccer or baseball game. I fell in love with the area, its beauty and recreational opportunities.
I also want these same things for my grandchildren. As my children leave home, I would like them to be able to live close, to find employment that they can enjoy and find fulfillment in doing, to have affordable housing, to share with their children the activities that they have enjoyed. Planned growth will insure that the lifestyle citizens of La Verkin enjoy will be there for all our children. Through planning, the community creates a picture or vision of what the community will look 5, 10 or 15 years from now.
The vision of a community for its future is found in the community's general plan. The General Plan as defined by Utah State Code is: A document that a municipality adopts that sets forth general guidelines for proposed future development of the land within the municipality. (Utah State Code 10-9a) This section of State Code further outlines the process a municipality must use in adopting a general plan. A rule of thumb should be that the General Plan should be referred to frequently, used to prioritize work load and reviewed annually by the Planning Commission. The General Plan should be the guiding document for any land use ordinances passed by the City Council. Furthermore, the General Plan should be updated every five years with a major update or rewrite every 15 years.
So many things have changed in La Verkin and the area in the nine years that our family has lived here. The community has seen an influx of population from many different areas. Parts of the community have been developed and other developments have started and then stopped. New proposals for development are again coming before the Planning Commission and City Council, many with requests for rezoning or other adjustments. Now is the time for a revision of the General Plan. The last updates were adopted in 2010, with previous updates adopted in 2006 and 2000. The Planning Commission is the body that should take the lead in this revision. The citizens of La Verkin should be included in generating ideas through open houses, surveys, focus groups and public comment meetings. All this should be done prior to the drafting or through the drafting process of the General Plan, with a public hearing being held before the Plan is forwarded to the City Council for adoption.
I feel strongly that together the citizens of La Verkin can continue to have this place we call home be "The Beautiful Valley" that brought us here while providing a foundation for future growth.
Click here to link to the current La Verkin City Zoning Map.
Click here to link to the 2006 General Plan adoption. (I could not link to the most recent General Plan because the link on the City website is currently not working as the City's website is being reconstructed.)
As the City logo states, La Verkin is "The Beautiful Valley" with "A Proud Past" and "A Promising Future." I see great potential in La Verkin to bring businesses into the community that will help expand our tax base and increase revenue. The hotel currently under construction is the start of promoting what I have felt is the most under-utilized intersection in the State of Utah. With the majority of the over 3 million visitors annually to Zion National Park travelling through our community, businesses that attract the tourist dollar should be encouraged to locate within our community along the SR-9 corridor, particularly near the SR-17/SR-9 junction.
We have great resources in Washington County in the Dixie Business Alliance to help us utilize the strengths in our community and bring value-added companies to the area. These are companies that add to the local economy and help it expand. Examples of these types of businesses are manufacturing, customer service or businesses that attract tourism. The Dixie Business Alliance helps connect businesses with locations, provide networking opportunities for small businesses and independent contractors, and aid to businesses starting out. An effective Economic Development Committee in La Verkin could work with this organization to promote the benefits of living and locating in La Verkin.
I was drawn to La Verkin by its rural atmosphere. I wanted to raise my family in an area where we could ride a horse or raise chickens. A place where our family could go for a bike ride and not have to worry about multiple street lights and see cows grazing along our route. I wanted a yard that was large enough that we could have a garden and my children could learn self-sufficiency. I wanted to walk down the street or go to the local market and be greeted by our neighbors and friends. I wanted my children to be in a community where they could play sports for recreation, not just competition; where families gathered in the evening to cheer on a soccer or baseball game. I fell in love with the area, its beauty and recreational opportunities.
I also want these same things for my grandchildren. As my children leave home, I would like them to be able to live close, to find employment that they can enjoy and find fulfillment in doing, to have affordable housing, to share with their children the activities that they have enjoyed. Planned growth will insure that the lifestyle citizens of La Verkin enjoy will be there for all our children. Through planning, the community creates a picture or vision of what the community will look 5, 10 or 15 years from now.
The vision of a community for its future is found in the community's general plan. The General Plan as defined by Utah State Code is: A document that a municipality adopts that sets forth general guidelines for proposed future development of the land within the municipality. (Utah State Code 10-9a) This section of State Code further outlines the process a municipality must use in adopting a general plan. A rule of thumb should be that the General Plan should be referred to frequently, used to prioritize work load and reviewed annually by the Planning Commission. The General Plan should be the guiding document for any land use ordinances passed by the City Council. Furthermore, the General Plan should be updated every five years with a major update or rewrite every 15 years.
So many things have changed in La Verkin and the area in the nine years that our family has lived here. The community has seen an influx of population from many different areas. Parts of the community have been developed and other developments have started and then stopped. New proposals for development are again coming before the Planning Commission and City Council, many with requests for rezoning or other adjustments. Now is the time for a revision of the General Plan. The last updates were adopted in 2010, with previous updates adopted in 2006 and 2000. The Planning Commission is the body that should take the lead in this revision. The citizens of La Verkin should be included in generating ideas through open houses, surveys, focus groups and public comment meetings. All this should be done prior to the drafting or through the drafting process of the General Plan, with a public hearing being held before the Plan is forwarded to the City Council for adoption.
I feel strongly that together the citizens of La Verkin can continue to have this place we call home be "The Beautiful Valley" that brought us here while providing a foundation for future growth.
Click here to link to the current La Verkin City Zoning Map.
Click here to link to the 2006 General Plan adoption. (I could not link to the most recent General Plan because the link on the City website is currently not working as the City's website is being reconstructed.)
Friday, June 21, 2013
What Would You Do As Mayor?
What would you do as mayor? What would be your focus? Why should I vote for you? These are the questions I have been asked many times.
While driving to Northern Utah recently, I saw a billboard that said, "A good friend listens closely. A good business does too." To me government is a business and as a good business, we need to listen.
To further this analogy of the City as a business: the Mayor is the Chairman of the Board of this corporation and the council are the board members. They appoint the CEO or City Administrator and other officers of the company. These officers in turn appoint the other employees that allow the company to serve its customers or the citizens of the community. These citizens are also the shareholders/ investors of the corporation. The shareholders invest in the corporation through taxes, fees and payments for service.
I have been a shareholder of La Verkin for 9 years. Moving here was a choice we made after looking for 6 months for a place to call home. We have not been disappointed by our decision. We love the community and the people that are here. I have enjoyed my time working with individuals at the school, through church, community volunteer committees and most recently serving as an alternate on the Planning Commission.
While here we have seen good decisions by public officials and decisions that may not have proven to be so wise. There have been things we have agreed with and others that we have strongly disagreed with. But what has always shown through is the character of this community to work together, to sacrifice when needed and to support one another.
As mayor, I want to continue to build on the good things in this community. Our city is growing and that growth will bring challenges as we work to allow growth, but maintain the character of the community that has brought us here and the lifestyle that we enjoy. I strongly believe that there will be tough decisions that will need to be made over the next four years and some of those decisions may prove to be painful.
Recently the city council had to approve an increase in the sewer fees. As was explained at that meeting, this fee increase was necessary to cover the cost of maintaining an ever growing and aging system. These are not easy decisions to make, but going back to my analogy of government as a corporation, the council will be accountable to its shareholders.
I have always believed that communication is the key to understanding. I do not believe in dumb questions. If you do not understand something, you have the right to ask for an explanation and receive an answer. I plan on being very open to the citizens of the community I serve. As a member of the planning commission, I have given permission for my number to be given out. The City has many ways to communicate with its citizens: the City website laverkincity.org, Facebook, Twitter, utility bills, newsletters, email and public notice boards to name a few. I want to improve communication and more effectively utilize these tools. I was disappointed to learn that after having served on the Planning Commission for a year, my contact information is still not listed on the City's web page. In fact of the six commissioners listed, only three are currently serving members of the commission.
I have great faith in the staff at the City office. In addition to service on the planning commission, I have regularly been attending council meetings for the last year. I have observed how the staff has analyzed the issues and provided the best information to the council to assist them in making decisions. I have watched staff members step up time and again to serve the people of this community. These individuals are the front lines. They are the men and women in the trenches who have to deal with the unexpected and the sometimes difficult situations that arise in the daily operations of such a complex organization. As such I feel that they deserve our respect and support. They need to be provided with the things necessary to do their job. But I also feel that change is necessary at times and there may be situations where personal feelings need to be set aside and hard choices may need to be made to move forward and improve service.
Most important to me are the citizens of this community. I owe them a debt that I will never be able to repay completely as they have stood beside and supported our family through tough times. I will never forget the day our house burned down and returning from being treated for smoke inhalation to find my mother-in-law's home filled with clothing, food, toiletries, bedding, etc. The good, kind, wonderful people of this community had found where we were and had taken care of us. We were so taken care of that within one short week we were able to move in to a home of our own again. We all still have and use those things that were provided to us.
I want to be mayor to help repay that debt to this wonderful community. I know I will be able to do a good job for the citizens of La Verkin. I was weaned on public service by my father who served in many positions in the community where I was raised. I watched and learned as he filled roles as planning commissioner, mayor and state legislator. I have worked in public service for most of my adult life, whether as a volunteer heading the Family Support Group for the Supply & Transportation Troop while my husband served in the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment or as an employee of the cities of Ogden and Hurricane. I understand the law and how it works. And just as important, I have compassion for the people of my community. I know that the decisions made by the mayor and council will have a significant impact on the day to day lives of these individuals. So these decisions are not to be entered into casually, but need to be studied, pondered and options weighed.
I hope I will be given this opportunity to serve. If not as Mayor, I will continue to serve where I can.
While driving to Northern Utah recently, I saw a billboard that said, "A good friend listens closely. A good business does too." To me government is a business and as a good business, we need to listen.
To further this analogy of the City as a business: the Mayor is the Chairman of the Board of this corporation and the council are the board members. They appoint the CEO or City Administrator and other officers of the company. These officers in turn appoint the other employees that allow the company to serve its customers or the citizens of the community. These citizens are also the shareholders/ investors of the corporation. The shareholders invest in the corporation through taxes, fees and payments for service.
I have been a shareholder of La Verkin for 9 years. Moving here was a choice we made after looking for 6 months for a place to call home. We have not been disappointed by our decision. We love the community and the people that are here. I have enjoyed my time working with individuals at the school, through church, community volunteer committees and most recently serving as an alternate on the Planning Commission.
While here we have seen good decisions by public officials and decisions that may not have proven to be so wise. There have been things we have agreed with and others that we have strongly disagreed with. But what has always shown through is the character of this community to work together, to sacrifice when needed and to support one another.
As mayor, I want to continue to build on the good things in this community. Our city is growing and that growth will bring challenges as we work to allow growth, but maintain the character of the community that has brought us here and the lifestyle that we enjoy. I strongly believe that there will be tough decisions that will need to be made over the next four years and some of those decisions may prove to be painful.
Recently the city council had to approve an increase in the sewer fees. As was explained at that meeting, this fee increase was necessary to cover the cost of maintaining an ever growing and aging system. These are not easy decisions to make, but going back to my analogy of government as a corporation, the council will be accountable to its shareholders.
I have always believed that communication is the key to understanding. I do not believe in dumb questions. If you do not understand something, you have the right to ask for an explanation and receive an answer. I plan on being very open to the citizens of the community I serve. As a member of the planning commission, I have given permission for my number to be given out. The City has many ways to communicate with its citizens: the City website laverkincity.org, Facebook, Twitter, utility bills, newsletters, email and public notice boards to name a few. I want to improve communication and more effectively utilize these tools. I was disappointed to learn that after having served on the Planning Commission for a year, my contact information is still not listed on the City's web page. In fact of the six commissioners listed, only three are currently serving members of the commission.
I have great faith in the staff at the City office. In addition to service on the planning commission, I have regularly been attending council meetings for the last year. I have observed how the staff has analyzed the issues and provided the best information to the council to assist them in making decisions. I have watched staff members step up time and again to serve the people of this community. These individuals are the front lines. They are the men and women in the trenches who have to deal with the unexpected and the sometimes difficult situations that arise in the daily operations of such a complex organization. As such I feel that they deserve our respect and support. They need to be provided with the things necessary to do their job. But I also feel that change is necessary at times and there may be situations where personal feelings need to be set aside and hard choices may need to be made to move forward and improve service.
Most important to me are the citizens of this community. I owe them a debt that I will never be able to repay completely as they have stood beside and supported our family through tough times. I will never forget the day our house burned down and returning from being treated for smoke inhalation to find my mother-in-law's home filled with clothing, food, toiletries, bedding, etc. The good, kind, wonderful people of this community had found where we were and had taken care of us. We were so taken care of that within one short week we were able to move in to a home of our own again. We all still have and use those things that were provided to us.
I want to be mayor to help repay that debt to this wonderful community. I know I will be able to do a good job for the citizens of La Verkin. I was weaned on public service by my father who served in many positions in the community where I was raised. I watched and learned as he filled roles as planning commissioner, mayor and state legislator. I have worked in public service for most of my adult life, whether as a volunteer heading the Family Support Group for the Supply & Transportation Troop while my husband served in the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment or as an employee of the cities of Ogden and Hurricane. I understand the law and how it works. And just as important, I have compassion for the people of my community. I know that the decisions made by the mayor and council will have a significant impact on the day to day lives of these individuals. So these decisions are not to be entered into casually, but need to be studied, pondered and options weighed.
I hope I will be given this opportunity to serve. If not as Mayor, I will continue to serve where I can.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Have you heard.....
Today I heard a rumor about myself that had me rolling on the floor. It concerned my possible future political campaign and what I would do if I was elected. I am not going to share the rumor, because like many I have heard recently, it is so ridiculous.
I always wonder how or why rumors get started. Is it because the truth isn't exciting enough, so something has to be made up? Or would the truth reflect badly on the individual starting the rumor? I don't like scare tactics in politics. I have always felt that if a candidate resorts to scare tactics, it is because they don't feel that their ideas or proposed policies have enough weight or validity to persuade the electorate. As human beings we are quick to act out of extreme emotion and fear is one of the strongest. I have always found it better to not rush to judgement, but step back and try to look at the facts, read all I can and talk to the individuals involved if possible.
Here are the facts in regards to my running for any office:
1. The next general election is just under a year from now, actually it is 351 days from today. The time to file for that election does not occur until July 2013.
2. If I do run for office, and am elected, I can only propose ideas. It takes a vote of the City Council to put any policy into place or to take any action regarding such.
3. Between now and July, I have Thanksgiving, an Eagle Court of Honor, Christmas, four family birthdays, a son to send on a mission, the Spelling Bee, the 4th of July, and Easter to plan for, not to mention field trips, concerts, athletic events, and all the other normal activities of a mom. I do not have time nor the desire to be running around making behind the scenes deals with individuals.
3. While at this time, I may be considering running for office, I know that there are a lot of good, honest, hard-working, qualified people in this community that may also choose to run for office.
4. I feel it is the responsibility of every citizen to keep themselves informed of what is going on in their community. We have heard a lot recently about the federal election, but it is really the decisions made by the city councils and the state legislators that will have the greatest impact on our daily lives. (This blog post from Holly Richardson illustrates a change in law being considered by the legislature that illustrates my point: Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.)
So I ask, if you hear a rumor that concerns you about me or my family, come talk to me personally. There are a lot going around out there and the ones that I have heard, I can tell you are definitely not true. Who remembers the gossip game from when we were kids? Same thing.
I always wonder how or why rumors get started. Is it because the truth isn't exciting enough, so something has to be made up? Or would the truth reflect badly on the individual starting the rumor? I don't like scare tactics in politics. I have always felt that if a candidate resorts to scare tactics, it is because they don't feel that their ideas or proposed policies have enough weight or validity to persuade the electorate. As human beings we are quick to act out of extreme emotion and fear is one of the strongest. I have always found it better to not rush to judgement, but step back and try to look at the facts, read all I can and talk to the individuals involved if possible.
Here are the facts in regards to my running for any office:
1. The next general election is just under a year from now, actually it is 351 days from today. The time to file for that election does not occur until July 2013.
2. If I do run for office, and am elected, I can only propose ideas. It takes a vote of the City Council to put any policy into place or to take any action regarding such.
3. Between now and July, I have Thanksgiving, an Eagle Court of Honor, Christmas, four family birthdays, a son to send on a mission, the Spelling Bee, the 4th of July, and Easter to plan for, not to mention field trips, concerts, athletic events, and all the other normal activities of a mom. I do not have time nor the desire to be running around making behind the scenes deals with individuals.
3. While at this time, I may be considering running for office, I know that there are a lot of good, honest, hard-working, qualified people in this community that may also choose to run for office.
4. I feel it is the responsibility of every citizen to keep themselves informed of what is going on in their community. We have heard a lot recently about the federal election, but it is really the decisions made by the city councils and the state legislators that will have the greatest impact on our daily lives. (This blog post from Holly Richardson illustrates a change in law being considered by the legislature that illustrates my point: Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.)
So I ask, if you hear a rumor that concerns you about me or my family, come talk to me personally. There are a lot going around out there and the ones that I have heard, I can tell you are definitely not true. Who remembers the gossip game from when we were kids? Same thing.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
3 Nephi 11:29-30
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things ashould be done away.
We can disagree, but we need to remain civil. We need to look for what unites us and not just what divides. It is then that we will find common ground and look for the best solutions. We need to strive to do this in our homes, our families, our churches and our communities and to encourage our government representatives to do the same.
"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people" ~ Gordon B. Hinckley (And the Greatest of These Is Love, Ensign, Mar 1984)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
More Alike Than We Acknowledge
A few weeks ago, a friend noticed that I had commented on something by a local candidate. My friend then wanted to know if I affiliated with the Democratic Party. My response to her was that I do not consider myself a Democrat or a Republican. I have registered as a Republican only because in Utah, the Republican Party has chosen to close its Primary Election process to anyone but Republicans and there have been many candidates I have felt strongly about and wanted to see succeed in the election process.
Much indeed to be regretted, party disputes are now carried to such a length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happiness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes, it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Timothy Pickering, Jul. 27, 1795
Last week, I watched with interest the Republican National Convention. There was much said during the convention that resonated within me. I appreciated the shared experiences of hard work, service, love of country.
I believe in the American Dream. I am the great-grandchild of immigrants who came to this country for the freedom to pursue their religion. My grandfather was a coal miner. I have the same problems with my lungs that he did. Luckily, I have the opportunity for medication and to live a life free of the coal dust that led to the pneumonia that killed him at the age of 43, three years younger than I am today. I know how both my paternal and maternal grandparents worked to provide a better life for their children.
I grew up with stories of my father's experiences in the 82nd Airborne. My husband served in the military for 12 years. Many more of my extended family have served or are currently serving in the various branches of the armed forces.
I enjoyed listening to Ann Romney. As a Mormon and a woman, we have more similarities than differences. I too have spent many hours at home with the children while my spouse fulfilled his professional, civic and religious responsibilities.
I have great respect for Mitt Romney. That respect comes from living in Utah during the ramp up to and the execution of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Coming so close after September 11, 2001, and with the scandal that surrounded the previous organizers, there was little expectation for a successful event and more a feeling that an epic failure would result. There was even discussion of cancelling the Olympics that year due to concerns regarding security. Yet at the end of those two magical weeks, IOC President Jaques Rogge stated, "People of America, Utah, and Salt Lake City, you have given the world superb games. You have reassured us that people from all countries can live peacefully together." To me, Mitt Romney showed that even in the face of daunting opposition and doubt, he could lead a team that would get the job done.
Last night, I watched the opening of the Democratic National Convention. Again, there were many things said that spoke to my heart. Again I heard experiences of sacrifice and pursuit of the American Dream. I respect Michelle Obama for her support of her husband, her choice to provide structure for her children and provide them with a "normal" life with dreams for what they can accomplish. She too has a great story of choices, often not between good and bad, but between two good alternatives. It is hard to be a mother and wife.
There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.
JOHN ADAMS, letter to Jonathan Jackson, Oct. 2, 1789
Both political parties have great ideas. Members of both parties love this country and are passionate about wanting a better life for future generations. The stagnation that we face today in moving this country forward comes from putting party membership above citizenship.
The role of government was defined by the Preamble to the Constitution. Like many of my generation, I learned those words and were reminded of them each Saturday morning as we watched cartoons.
It is time that our elected members of Congress and the President stop the political rhetoric that is dividing the people of this nation. The two major parties need to become reconciled as George Washington wished (...the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them. GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Thomas Jefferson, Jul. 6, 1796). Our politicians need to remember that they represent "We the People". As individuals, we are aware that at the end of the day what we have in common is more important than our differences. Focus by our leaders needs to be on the common goal and not the next election. If they are not willing to do the job, then we've got to let them go.
Much indeed to be regretted, party disputes are now carried to such a length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happiness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes, it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Timothy Pickering, Jul. 27, 1795
Last week, I watched with interest the Republican National Convention. There was much said during the convention that resonated within me. I appreciated the shared experiences of hard work, service, love of country.
I believe in the American Dream. I am the great-grandchild of immigrants who came to this country for the freedom to pursue their religion. My grandfather was a coal miner. I have the same problems with my lungs that he did. Luckily, I have the opportunity for medication and to live a life free of the coal dust that led to the pneumonia that killed him at the age of 43, three years younger than I am today. I know how both my paternal and maternal grandparents worked to provide a better life for their children.
I grew up with stories of my father's experiences in the 82nd Airborne. My husband served in the military for 12 years. Many more of my extended family have served or are currently serving in the various branches of the armed forces.
I enjoyed listening to Ann Romney. As a Mormon and a woman, we have more similarities than differences. I too have spent many hours at home with the children while my spouse fulfilled his professional, civic and religious responsibilities.
I have great respect for Mitt Romney. That respect comes from living in Utah during the ramp up to and the execution of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Coming so close after September 11, 2001, and with the scandal that surrounded the previous organizers, there was little expectation for a successful event and more a feeling that an epic failure would result. There was even discussion of cancelling the Olympics that year due to concerns regarding security. Yet at the end of those two magical weeks, IOC President Jaques Rogge stated, "People of America, Utah, and Salt Lake City, you have given the world superb games. You have reassured us that people from all countries can live peacefully together." To me, Mitt Romney showed that even in the face of daunting opposition and doubt, he could lead a team that would get the job done.
Last night, I watched the opening of the Democratic National Convention. Again, there were many things said that spoke to my heart. Again I heard experiences of sacrifice and pursuit of the American Dream. I respect Michelle Obama for her support of her husband, her choice to provide structure for her children and provide them with a "normal" life with dreams for what they can accomplish. She too has a great story of choices, often not between good and bad, but between two good alternatives. It is hard to be a mother and wife.
There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.
JOHN ADAMS, letter to Jonathan Jackson, Oct. 2, 1789
Both political parties have great ideas. Members of both parties love this country and are passionate about wanting a better life for future generations. The stagnation that we face today in moving this country forward comes from putting party membership above citizenship.
The role of government was defined by the Preamble to the Constitution. Like many of my generation, I learned those words and were reminded of them each Saturday morning as we watched cartoons.
It is time that our elected members of Congress and the President stop the political rhetoric that is dividing the people of this nation. The two major parties need to become reconciled as George Washington wished (...the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them. GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to Thomas Jefferson, Jul. 6, 1796). Our politicians need to remember that they represent "We the People". As individuals, we are aware that at the end of the day what we have in common is more important than our differences. Focus by our leaders needs to be on the common goal and not the next election. If they are not willing to do the job, then we've got to let them go.
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