Meet Steve Wood for Cedar City Council 2011

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

I support property owner rights.  I want our ordinances to address only those problems we have locally in this community.  I think that local legislation addresses our community issues best.  If those issues involve “State Rights” then Utah should legislate those issues.  We should never expect “Federal Government” to deal with local problems.  Local municipalities deal best with their own problems.

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

To answer an unclear question–most Federal mandates are unfunded and cost taxpayers, without direct application to their community.   Vested interest groups seldom “push” for protection of private property rights and in most cases do the opposite.

How do you feel about impact fees?

The city council accepted a new study which recommended an 18% reduction of impact fees.  I was active to include an additional 15% discount, reducing impact fees a total of 33% (1/3).  New construction needs our best efforts to increase.  I was one of two council members that met with the State Building Industry Association to discuss the new  study.  As a result I was instrumental to include in our impact fee ordinance, the mandate to meet on a regular basis with the building trade and Realtors to make sure we have a fair impact fee.

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

When we live in a community we expect to have our rights protected, both as citizens and property owners.  The balance is to provide public safety, fire protection, while allowing the property owner the best and highest use of their property.  I have learned that “property owners” most often will act responsible and develop their “own” property better than planners can dictate.    Planning and zoning should serve to “allow” rather than “restrict” private property use.  We can do this by including more property owners in public decisions that affect them on our local level.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running to be re-elected.  Cedar City is one of the best fiscally run cities in the country and has been recognized as such.  We operate within our budget and have not had to ask for property tax increases for the city’s operation.  What makes me different from other candidates is that I voted for the Aquatic Center and Baseball complex.  I know that without them we are turning youth to the streets and I won’t do that!  I plan for us to completely remove prairie dogs from our city’s golf course.   I voted for Cedar City’s regional airport.  I have always voted for conservative budgets.  I know how to manage successful businesses because I have done it–it was my profession.

Have you read the Ordinances of your City?

Yes

Are there any concerns with the ordinances?

Currently my biggest concern is that we do not have new ordinances consistent with the updated general plan.  Those ordinances are now in process of being updated.  Vested interest groups are constantly asking that we pass ordinances based on their specific interests. Too many ordinances can be detrimental. My belief is ordinances should be reviewed and enforced fairly or they need to be deleted. 

How do you feel about the Lake Powell Pipeline?

I want Cedar City to pursue water from sources available, first within our city and county.  We have funded a test well to determine if we can access local water cheaply and abundantly without the pipeline.  We are actively wanting to recharge our aquifer from Coal Creek.  We are looking at water in the desert west of Cedar City.  When those options have been pursued the pipeline should be considered only when the total cost is known, who in Iron County will pay for it, and how the water will be delivered and used.  That final decision should be made by taxpayers and not vested interests.

How do you feel about the Cedar City Aquatic Center?

I personally voted for the Aquatic Center.  It was my idea to put the issue on the ballot so citizens that pay for the center had the right to vote for or against it.  It passed by a large majority.  It was citizens not the school district or the city making the final decision.  The use of the center is more than projected.  Donations from sponsors for equipment has been overwhelming, saving taxpayer expense.  The current maintenance budget is $264,736 from the general fund and $87,500 from the capital improvement fund.  This is far less than critics once projected.  The community has welcomed the aquatic center, baseball complex and the Reservoir at the Hills by using it beyond expectations.  The economic impact for those traveling from outside the city is just beginning to furnish money and jobs in Cedar City.

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

We have invested in the railroad spur, Port 15, fiber optics, and our regional airport.  I want the university, chamber of commerce, county, and city to partner better to target businesses we specifically want.  Incentives paid by taxpayers in this dire economic time are not needed!  We have already made Cedar City the most attractive business location on the I-15 corridor.  We have a labor force pleading to bring more and higher paying jobs.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I have learned that there is absolutely no alternative to experience in city government.  I am committing full time doing what is necessary for Cedar City to stay strong.  Please exercise your vote!

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

Email me at
wood@cedarcity.org
slwood@netutah.com
stevewoodcedarcitycouncil.blogspot.com
telephone 435-586-4202