 |  |  |  |  |  |
| Ed Meyer for Kanab City Council |
| ED'S PLATFORM |
The following ideas represent areas where I would like to focus attention.
Please understand that this list does not suggest that our current officials
are not addressing these issues. Rather, these are areas where I hope to
supplement efforts that may already be under way.
Civility- I believe the greatest risk to our city, state and nation is the inability of
elected officials to interact in a respectful, civil manner with their constituency and
elected peers. Civility is a personal choice and one that I choose.
Open Process- During the thirty years I worked with rural communities, there were
a few towns where the elected officials made decisions behind closed doors then
manipulated the process to obtain public support for their actions. In my opinion, this is
a counterproductive practice for two primary reasons. First, leaders do not benefit from
the collective knowledge of the community. Secondly, policies developed in such an
environment are often not sustained when new officials are elected. I will work to assure
that decisions are not made until the public is well educated and meaningful input has
been received from our constituency.
Community- Abraham Lincoln once said, "A house divided against itself cannot
stand". Though many are reluctant to even discuss the issue, it seems clear to me that
Kanab is a "house divided against itself". Our community has become one where special
interests are segregated rather than engaging in the kind of respectful communications
that builds a unified sense of community. I will seek ways to engage people from
throughout Kanab in the process of true community building.
Controlled Growth- Kanab is faced with a challenge in that there aren't enough
students in our schools to offer the same choices available to children in larger
communities and there aren't enough workers to meet the service needs of our
businesses. We also lack family sustaining employment opportunities necessary for our
children to stay and raise their families here. To overcome this challenge, the
community needs to experience some growth while avoiding the population explosion
that has destroyed the heritage of so many rural communities.
Property Rights- I believe the City Council needs to protect the constitutional
property rights of its citizens. A key step is to review existing ordinances to assure our
laws are not imposing on property rights. In general, I believe individuals have the right
to do whatever he or she chooses as long as those choices do not impose on the health
and safety of the community or the rights of their neighbor to enjoy their property.
Creative Strategies to Preserve Our Heritage- There is a difference
between preserving one's heritage and doing things the same way they were done in
the past. Indeed, by refusing to adapt to changes in an ever evolving world, we assure
that our heritage will eventually be lost. I will pursue creative strategies to create a
community within which Kanab's heritage can endure for generations to come.
Cost Control- Over time bureaucracies grow as new programs are instituted, but
outdated initiatives are perpetuated. Especially during difficult economic times, Kanab
cannot afford this luxury. i will encourage a zero based budget process where every
program needs to determine a baseline for providing mandated services and a
supplemental budget justifying expenditures above and beyond this baseline.
Infrastructure- I support current efforts to review the city's capital improvement
plan, especially in light of changing economic conditions. While I support impact fees, I
feel it is important that we keep in mind that developers are not the ones who ultimately
pay for the fees. It is the homeowners. I am very concerned that our children,
individuals on fixed incomes and low income families not be discouraged from living in
Kanab. Remember that their homes are typically less expensive so high impact fees
comprise a higher percentage of their overall construction cost. I believe there is an
appropriate middle ground where individuals pay for a portion of the cost of new
infrastructure, but the community as a whole also shoulders part of the burden by
investing in the future as has been the case throughout Kanab's history. The key is, of
course, finding the appropriate balance. I also feel it is important that impact fees are
placed in a dedicated fund to assure the monies are used for appropriate infrastructure
development.
Animal Control- In Kanab, pets are especially important to our residents. A key
challenge is developing an animal control policy that respects the interests of those
affiliated with Best Friends Animal Society, Kane County's traditional agricultural
community, seniors for whom companion animals are vitally important and others. It is
essential that some people's love of pets not impose on the desire of others for a quiet,
safe, healthy community. Though this is a careful balancing act, I do not believe the two
needs are mutually exclusive.
Collaboration- During the 25 years I worked in the Governor's Office, the
relationship between Kanab City and Kane County was recognized as one of the most
stressful in the state. It is essential in the areas of planning, economic development, fire
protection, law enforcement, ambulance services and more that this gap is overcome.
When I was City Manager in Mt. Pleasant, local elected officials held a monthly "Mayors
and Commissioners" meeting were opportunities for collaboration were explored. I
propose instituting a similar practice in Kane County.
Lifespan Services- Kanab has done a good job of providing services for its
youth. The city's record has not been as good in responding to the needs of other age
groups, especially senior citizens. I will recommend that youth, adult and senior
representatives present their needs to the Mayor and City Council each year well in
advance of the preparation of the City budget.
Social Services- Kanab City should not get in the business of delivering social
services. Other agencies have a mandate and funding to pursue social service related
issues. However, it is easy for these agencies to neglect the needed of small, isolated
rural towns like Kanab. City officials should use their "bully pulpit" to assure that
programs such as those for individuals with disabilities, mental and physical health
issues, substance abuse, marital counselling and others are delivered to our citizens in
the best possible manner. From my experience, an expression of concern from a town's
elected officials has much more credibility than concerns issues by a single citizen.
Tourism- Kanab is already on the map as a place for drive by tourists and tour
buses. There needs to be an increased focus on developing experience-based tourism
opportunities and the kind of education and business retreats proposed by the Center
for Education, Business and the Arts. These activities attract higher income tourists who
stay longer in our community. To this end, I propose that Kanab City and Kane County
explore the potential of expanding the Kane County Office of Tourism into a Kane
County Visitor and Convention Bureau dedicated not only to tourism promotion, but also
to developing, attracting and hosting events.
I'd welcome your feedback on these issues or any other city issues that
may be on your mind.
Please understand that this list does not suggest that our current officials
are not addressing these issues. Rather, these are areas where I hope to
supplement efforts that may already be under way.
Civility- I believe the greatest risk to our city, state and nation is the inability of
elected officials to interact in a respectful, civil manner with their constituency and
elected peers. Civility is a personal choice and one that I choose.
Open Process- During the thirty years I worked with rural communities, there were
a few towns where the elected officials made decisions behind closed doors then
manipulated the process to obtain public support for their actions. In my opinion, this is
a counterproductive practice for two primary reasons. First, leaders do not benefit from
the collective knowledge of the community. Secondly, policies developed in such an
environment are often not sustained when new officials are elected. I will work to assure
that decisions are not made until the public is well educated and meaningful input has
been received from our constituency.
Community- Abraham Lincoln once said, "A house divided against itself cannot
stand". Though many are reluctant to even discuss the issue, it seems clear to me that
Kanab is a "house divided against itself". Our community has become one where special
interests are segregated rather than engaging in the kind of respectful communications
that builds a unified sense of community. I will seek ways to engage people from
throughout Kanab in the process of true community building.
Controlled Growth- Kanab is faced with a challenge in that there aren't enough
students in our schools to offer the same choices available to children in larger
communities and there aren't enough workers to meet the service needs of our
businesses. We also lack family sustaining employment opportunities necessary for our
children to stay and raise their families here. To overcome this challenge, the
community needs to experience some growth while avoiding the population explosion
that has destroyed the heritage of so many rural communities.
Property Rights- I believe the City Council needs to protect the constitutional
property rights of its citizens. A key step is to review existing ordinances to assure our
laws are not imposing on property rights. In general, I believe individuals have the right
to do whatever he or she chooses as long as those choices do not impose on the health
and safety of the community or the rights of their neighbor to enjoy their property.
Creative Strategies to Preserve Our Heritage- There is a difference
between preserving one's heritage and doing things the same way they were done in
the past. Indeed, by refusing to adapt to changes in an ever evolving world, we assure
that our heritage will eventually be lost. I will pursue creative strategies to create a
community within which Kanab's heritage can endure for generations to come.
Cost Control- Over time bureaucracies grow as new programs are instituted, but
outdated initiatives are perpetuated. Especially during difficult economic times, Kanab
cannot afford this luxury. i will encourage a zero based budget process where every
program needs to determine a baseline for providing mandated services and a
supplemental budget justifying expenditures above and beyond this baseline.
Infrastructure- I support current efforts to review the city's capital improvement
plan, especially in light of changing economic conditions. While I support impact fees, I
feel it is important that we keep in mind that developers are not the ones who ultimately
pay for the fees. It is the homeowners. I am very concerned that our children,
individuals on fixed incomes and low income families not be discouraged from living in
Kanab. Remember that their homes are typically less expensive so high impact fees
comprise a higher percentage of their overall construction cost. I believe there is an
appropriate middle ground where individuals pay for a portion of the cost of new
infrastructure, but the community as a whole also shoulders part of the burden by
investing in the future as has been the case throughout Kanab's history. The key is, of
course, finding the appropriate balance. I also feel it is important that impact fees are
placed in a dedicated fund to assure the monies are used for appropriate infrastructure
development.
Animal Control- In Kanab, pets are especially important to our residents. A key
challenge is developing an animal control policy that respects the interests of those
affiliated with Best Friends Animal Society, Kane County's traditional agricultural
community, seniors for whom companion animals are vitally important and others. It is
essential that some people's love of pets not impose on the desire of others for a quiet,
safe, healthy community. Though this is a careful balancing act, I do not believe the two
needs are mutually exclusive.
Collaboration- During the 25 years I worked in the Governor's Office, the
relationship between Kanab City and Kane County was recognized as one of the most
stressful in the state. It is essential in the areas of planning, economic development, fire
protection, law enforcement, ambulance services and more that this gap is overcome.
When I was City Manager in Mt. Pleasant, local elected officials held a monthly "Mayors
and Commissioners" meeting were opportunities for collaboration were explored. I
propose instituting a similar practice in Kane County.
Lifespan Services- Kanab has done a good job of providing services for its
youth. The city's record has not been as good in responding to the needs of other age
groups, especially senior citizens. I will recommend that youth, adult and senior
representatives present their needs to the Mayor and City Council each year well in
advance of the preparation of the City budget.
Social Services- Kanab City should not get in the business of delivering social
services. Other agencies have a mandate and funding to pursue social service related
issues. However, it is easy for these agencies to neglect the needed of small, isolated
rural towns like Kanab. City officials should use their "bully pulpit" to assure that
programs such as those for individuals with disabilities, mental and physical health
issues, substance abuse, marital counselling and others are delivered to our citizens in
the best possible manner. From my experience, an expression of concern from a town's
elected officials has much more credibility than concerns issues by a single citizen.
Tourism- Kanab is already on the map as a place for drive by tourists and tour
buses. There needs to be an increased focus on developing experience-based tourism
opportunities and the kind of education and business retreats proposed by the Center
for Education, Business and the Arts. These activities attract higher income tourists who
stay longer in our community. To this end, I propose that Kanab City and Kane County
explore the potential of expanding the Kane County Office of Tourism into a Kane
County Visitor and Convention Bureau dedicated not only to tourism promotion, but also
to developing, attracting and hosting events.
I'd welcome your feedback on these issues or any other city issues that
may be on your mind.