Meet Holly Porter for Cedar City Council 2011

Would you support an ordinance to protect individuals from being discriminated against by property owners?

The Equality Bill is a state statute, and I don't think Cedar City needs its own ordinance to ensure landlords follow the law.

Would you support an ordinance to protect private property owners from discriminatory measures pushed by special interest groups or Federal mandate?

The Equality Bill is a state statute, and I don't think Cedar City needs its own ordinance to ensure landlords follow the law.

How do you feel about impact fees?

I am glad impact fees were lowered, even though I do see both sides of the fence on this one. I've been involved with the building side of industry all my life, and I hope the extra 15 percent off of the study’s recommended 18 percent will be enough to help the builders. But on the flip side with my Broker/Real Estate hat on, our inventory is over two years out now, so putting more homes on the market will serve to drive down the already low prices. However, if our council would have reduced the impact fees for commercial entities it would have been a win-win...because new businesses would be formed, new income and jobs would be created for real estate and the building industry, and new employment opportunities would be available for everyone.

How do planning and zoning affect the property rights of property owners?

I feel planning an zoning do effect the property rights. A lot. I also think it can work for or against the owner. Being a Real Estate Broker, I want to see Property rights protected if at all possible.

Why are you running for City Council?

Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." For the past 12 years, I have dedicated thousands of hours serving on many local community and charitable boards to bring about just that. I am now running for Cedar City Council because I have the business acumen, experience, passion, and hard work ethic to do the right things for Cedar City's present and future. Not only do I have a deep love for my city, but as a real estate broker and multiple business owner I know first-hand about city operations, ordinances, financing, planning and zoning. I know how to balance complex business budgets; I know what makes a business entity successful and what doesn't; I know how to carefully manage limited funding and resources. Because of that you can trust me to make wise, informed, and careful decisions that will not only strengthen Cedar City's infrastructure, but prepare our beautiful city for the brightest possible future.

Have you read the Ordinances of your City?

Are there any concerns with the ordinances?

I feel there are a lot of concerns with the Ordinances. There are 40 chapters of them in all. After the City spending $130,000 recently on a new "Master Plan," I know that there are many ordinances that don't match. In chapter 26, mostly to do with zoning, I believe this is where the changes should start. There is a committee in place working on recommendations to get some changes made. It won't happen overnight, but I am glad the City is working on it.

How do you feel about the Lake Powell Pipeline?

Lake Powell pipeline? What a mess. All I will say is that we haven’t looked close enough to home yet. We would spend BILLIONS of dollars to pump it from another state and uphill from St George? We need to do a lot more homework on that one.

How do you feel about the Cedar City Aquatic Center?

The Aquatics Center...well touchy subject there. Most people need to understand it's done now. We need to focus on how to pay for it. Yes a lot could have been done differently and should have been I believe. Like building a pool when Canyon View High was built that would have cost us 1 million at that time. We waited too long to make decisions and It shouldn't have had to go to a vote with the people, but it is here, poor planning of whatever and I think more could have been done to protect the citizens. I don't like how it was handled, but it is a beautiful facility.

What is the best way you feel we can attract businesses to the city?

I would love to see the Cedar City Economic Development department have a budget that would allow it to incentivize companies to locate here. I see that as a crucial step in stimulating our local economy and job growth. We have to be competitive with other Utah cities to show businesses we are the best place to bring their companies.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

In Closing I would just like to say that Cedar is a great place to live work and play. I’d love for it to stay that way. Keep the small community feel, but better serve it by fostering growth that strengthens the business climate creating higher paying jobs and tap into resources that make partnerships and business more viable.

What is the best way to contact you for more information?

My Cell is 435-531-6723
Email Holly@HollyPorter.com