Current Ivins Issues
- What Kind of City Do We Want?
Your ballot for November’s election is asking whether to keep or repeal Ivins’ first property-tax increase in 15 years. No one enjoys paying more in taxes. But the real question… - The Housing Debate Is Comparing Apples To Watermelons
The Legislature’s focus on housing affordability is understandable. Home prices have far outpaced incomes across Utah, and that’s a real challenge for families. But in trying to solve that one… - Utah’s Housing Plan: Hope or Worry?
The State released a draft Housing Strategic Plan last week, asking cities to provide feedback before it’s finalized and presented to the Legislature. (Download the Plan) I’ll admit, I approached… - The Mayor says – Even When We Disagree…
I’m honored to share this endorsement from Ivins Mayor Chris Hart. “Although we don’t agree on every issue, I have come to deeply appreciate and respect Mike Scott for his… - Shocked and Dismayed: Still No Drought Plan
Back in April, the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s (WCWCD’s) Administrative Advisory Committee finally voted to recommend adoption of a Water Shortage Contingency Plan. That should have been the breakthrough… - Red Mountain Resort: What’s Next For Ivins?
At last week’s City Council meeting, Black Desert Resort presented a proposed development agreement for the Red Mountain Resort property. The concept is to redevelop the existing resort on 56.5… - At a Fork in the Road: Choosing Ivins’ Future Together
On August 14th, the City Council voted to approve an $860,000 property tax increase. This is the first increase in the Ivins portion of property taxes in 15 years. For… - Property Tax Increase: Where We Go From HereUpdate – August 25, 2025: Last week a resident filed a referendum petition, which, if it qualifies, will place the property tax increase on the November 4th ballot for voters…
- Power Reliability Meeting with Rocky Mountain Power
Over the past several months, many Ivins residents have voiced concerns about repeated power outages. In response, I contacted the Utah Public Service Commission on July 16, requesting detailed outage… - Property Tax Increase Public Hearing
Ivins will hold a formal public hearing on a proposed property tax increase on August 14 at 6:00 PM at City Hall (85 N Main St). For more information, see… - City Council Candidate Forum
Update 8/5/25: You can view the brief presentations made by all candidates at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19ShKs9E2L/? The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a two-hour, engaging evening featuring the candidates… - Thinking About Who to Vote For?
The Ivins City Council primary election is August 12th. This article won’t tell you who to vote for but offers a few thoughts on how to think about candidates. (Purely… - Ongoing Blasting at Black Desert Resort
Black Desert Resort is currently conducting regular blasting to excavate lava rock for an underground parking structure. The blasting occurs at least a couple times a week and has been… - Power Outages in Ivins
Many of us in Ivins have experienced frustrating and repeated power outages in recent years. While a few may be tied to fire prevention or extreme weather, others seem unrelated,… - Podcast Interview: Why I’m Running for Re-Election
Ivins resident Robert MacFarlane, who follows local issues closely, has been interviewing City Council candidates across Washington County for his “435 Podcast.” It’s a great way for residents to hear… - Going Out of Town?
Ballots for the August 12th City Council primary election will be mailed in late July. There are two city council positions open (Lance Anderson’s and mine). If you will be out… - Let’s Keep the Wind Sculptures from Blowing Away
You’ve probably seen the graceful Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures at the Kwavasa/Highway 91 roundabout. They’re part of the Ivins Arts Commission’s annual Art on Loan program, where artists generously let us… - Why a Property Tax Increase Is on the Table
Here are the slides from my presentation at last night’s Talkabout, along with an expanded version of what I shared. Ivins is facing a $540,000 structural deficit in its proposed… - My Take on Growth, Roads, Water, & More
Robert MacFarlane, an Ivins resident who pays a lot of attention to local issues and hosts the 435 Podcast sent a questionnaire to all city council candidates in the county. I wrote… - Hoping to Serve Again on Ivins City Council
So… this is awkward. I just told you in a couple of recent articles that I’ll probably vote to raise your property taxes and maybe even increase your utility bill…
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