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!