planning commission opening--why to get involved now!

It was nice to see so many folks at the recent open house events. One of the things I like best about Cedar Hills is when people get involved in large numbers--no matter what their opinion. It seems to happen about every year or so, and it's really cool when it does. My perception is that the most involvement comes when people are concerned that the city leaders may be heading in the wrong direction. It's mostly for course correction...

That's works great for legislative actions, where there's flexibility to decide on a direction following public input.

On quasi-judicial actions, however, the government body acts as a judge of whether the law has been followed. For example, if a resident wants to subdivide their land, they make an application to the city. Preexisting ordinances dictate how and what conditions apply to dividing land. As long as the conditions are followed, the subdivision is approved. If the conditions are not followed, it is rejected. There shouldn't be any discussion whether council members or commissioners like the proposal, only whether the applicable laws have been followed.

This distinction is important because on a quasi-judicial action, it is too late to talk about how we want our community to look like and how is should be. Only whether the applicant met the standards is discussed.

The time to express opinions, receive input, and debate philosophies is when the laws, the standards are set. We have a lot of great people in Cedar Hills that love to get involved. I would like to see more of it in shaping standards and legislation on the front end, when it's still legally up for debate.

This is why I hope people will notice the current planning commission vacancy, and get involved. We've had an opening since September, but haven't had any applicants. Hopefully, people just overlooked it, and will now get involved. Applications will be accepted until January 24 at the city office--contact the city for details.

Another Cedar Hills blog site...

I came across another blog dealing with Cedar Hills today.

Steve Hansen's http://greensfees.blogspot.com/ site is "A forum for posting thoughts regarding the possibility of the City of Cedar Hills defaulting on a loan secured for the purpose of creating and operating the Cedar Hills Golf Club." Sounds like his comments will be a bit more focused than mine, dealing with the golf course issue, but I'm sure we'll both be talking about some of the same issues.

Interesting, we both started a blog site at about the same time. I guess this blog thing really is starting to gain some momentum. In any case, it sure it good to see more people sharing their opinions!

Please visit his site and share any comments you may have on his views--and I'd like some feedback too!

tax reform

I posted on the Agenda Utah Policymaker blog today (http://www.utahpolicy.com/pages/policymaker.htm) about Governor Huntsman's tax proposal.

I haven't had the chance to become as familiar with the nuances of his proposal as I'd like, but I like the direction he's pursuing. It's high time to revise tax codes. Ultimately, tax codes need to be about generating needed revenue in the fairest way and with the least amount of government intrusion. I believe Huntsman is on the right track.

Huntsman's proposal would help cities like Cedar Hills. Currently, we generate very little sales tax revenue in the cities, as very few goods are sold. Most commerce currently in the city is service based, which is not taxed, but certainly requires city services to support. Updating the code to tax services brings Utah into modern times.

Praise to Mayor McGee

Karissa Neely wrote a good article on Mayor McGee in Thursday's New Utah (http://www.harktheherald.com/northcounty/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=5225&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0). I think Mike is doing a great job as Mayor!

Brad Sears left some big shoes to fill. Whether you were part of the Brad Club, or thought he was the devil himself, the vast majority of Cedar Hills residents moved in during Brad's tenure, and therefore must see something good in the community he helped create. He was a visionary man with a great knack for getting things done. While there's certainly healthy debate on his vision for the city, it is interesting to note that he ran unopposed for mayor (and was unopposed when appointed as mayor too)--that must mean something.

I don't know that I would have voted for Mike if it was a ballot election. Interestingly, even though he just lives around the corner from me, we never really chatted politics before he became mayor. But boy, have I been impressed, and I'm glad he was appointed.

My respect for Mayor McGee really grew when we attended the Utah Local Governments Trust conference on planning together. Among all of the folks there, Mike stood out to me as the greatest and clearest leader! He thoughts, comments and questions were mature and well thought out. We spent the time carpooling together talking about how we can make our city better, and I came away with a punch list of things I want to work on to improve things. More on that at another time…

Anyhow, the time spent together at lunches during the conference and in car really helped me get to know Mike, and to better understand his position on things. I'm pretty sure we'll continue to think differently, even passionately at times, but I have a lot of respect for the man.

Mike was quoted Karissa's article as saying, ""I don't have any lofty goals, I don't have any burning desire to build any type of legacy. I only wish to be remembered, if I'm remembered at all, as one who served and did what was right." I believe this, and value him as someone who is willing to make the tough calls, even when they are extremely unpopular. Keep up the great work, Mike!

Is recycling good?

Sounds kinda funny when I write it that way. Is it good? Of course. But, for many, the question is whether it is the right thing to legislate.

I posted on the Cedar Hills Forum today (http://www.cedarhillsforum.org/viewtopic.php?t=31) about my views on recycling. Having served an LDS mission in Germany, where recycling was mandatory, I don't see it as a big deal. It's easy to do once you get in the groove, and certainly, the 2 cans we'd have here in Cedar Hills is a lot less than the 6 cans we had there (paper, metal, glass, bio, plastic and other).

Most folks in CH wills save a few bucks because they can get rid of their 2nd can. I only use about 1/2 of my can each week, so it would cost me more, but I'd still love to do it.
It seems to me that the proper role of government can include providing waste management, and if that is the case, then progressive waste management is certainly proper, and a part of our stewardship.

On the other hand, with a golf course fee on the horizon, I don't think now is the time. We should probably wait until next year so that those on fixed budgets can have some time to adjust their budgets.

Paul Hammer is a great guy

I just read Paul Hammer's latest post on the CedarHillsForum (http://www.cedarhillsforum.org/viewtopic.php?t=47&highlight). I'll tell you what, I think he's one smart cookie! His thoughts are always well thought out, and logical. That's a refreshing changing in the emotional world of politics.

I've enjoyed working with Paul on the Planning Commission. We don't always agree on issues, but I always respect his opinion, and the way he presents it. I'm really glad to have him as an asset in our community, and especially on the PC.

Welcome!

Well, I decided to start a blog. I'm not sure if anyone will ever read it, but it seems to be the thing to do, although no one is doing it...

Anyhow, turns out I'm pretty opinionated, so here's the spot where I'll share many of my thoughts, especially on life in Cedar Hills. Many people shy away from political commentary--I'm tempted to too. Somehow the fear of the written word coming back to bite you later on keeps most folks away. But I feel sharing is more important--that's part of integrity and openness, which is much needed in government. Besides, I always reserve the right to change how I feel based on additional information :)

What about me? Well, I've been a Cedar Hills resident since 2000. I guess that means I've lived here longer than some, shorter than others. Turns out, in Cedar Hills, you've either lived here forever, or you're pretty much a newbie.

So...I've pretty much always been interested in politics and civic affairs. I'm a avid reader of meeting agendas and minutes, and frequent the CedarHillsForum.com web board to keep up-to-date. I was finally able to free up some free time to get more formally involved in 2003, and was appointed to the Planning Commission in 2003. That's something I've really enjoyed, and I'm sure this forum will contain thoughts often on planning topics.

Please share with me any thoughts you may have on any of my posts. I'd appreciate the feedback!