Have you ever thought about making a real difference in our community? This November, Ivins residents will elect two City Council members and a Mayor. It’s your chance to step up and help shape the future of our city.
Why encourage more candidates? Even if those of us currently serving decide to run for re-election (Mayor Hart and council members Lance Anderson and me), having a variety of voices, ideas, and perspectives in the race strengthens our democracy and ensures voters have meaningful choices. New ideas and fresh energy can lead to better solutions for our city.
November is a long way off, so why talk about this now? If you’re interested in running, you’ll need to file your application with the Ivins City Recorder at the beginning of June. That means you should decide to run by the beginning of April at the latest, to give you at least a couple of months to develop your platform and create a campaign plan to share your vision with voters. That just gives you two months at most to consider the idea and make a decision. That’s not much time.
Being on the City Council is more than attending meetings. It’s about turning ideas into action and representing the voices of your neighbors. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way. Feel free to reach out if you have questions.
What Inspired Me to Run
When I first ran for City Council in 2021, my goal was simple: involve residents earlier in decisions and provide clear, detailed information about what was at stake. That mission hasn’t changed, but over time, I’ve realized just how much stronger our community becomes when we work together, and how many exciting possibilities are within our reach.
What Makes the Work Rewarding
There’s nothing quite like seeing the tangible results of your efforts. Some of the most fulfilling moments for me have been solving major challenges, like properly staffing the Center Street Fire Station, developing a better approach to analyzing and funding our long-term capital needs, updating our General Plan, drafting a water conservation ordinance and more.
Launching community programs like the Ivins Youth Council, Healthy Ivins Coalition, and the Ivins Community Garden has been equally rewarding. You’ll find yourself immersed in challenges you never imagined, but you’ll also experience the immense satisfaction of solving them.
And let’s be honest, some of it, especially learning new things, is just plain fun. I now know the city has over 68 miles of sewer pipe and over 1,400 manholes. Who wouldn’t want to add that to their trivia knowledge?
Challenges and How to Approach Them
Balancing differing opinions and navigating complex issues is part of the job, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects. Success often comes from listening carefully, fostering open dialogue, and grounding decisions in facts and thoughtful analysis.
It’s not all smooth sailing, though. In 2024, the five of us on City Council agreed on most issues. But getting there often required compromises. For example, we recently adjusted requirements for Hidden Springs RV Resort. (See “Balancing Benefits for Residents & Developers.”
At other times, I’ve cast the sole “no” vote. One example was my opposition to the SITLA/Rize Development preliminary plan for the Retreat at Snow Canyon’s short-term rentals in 2023. (Check out my reasoning in “Why I’m Against Short-Term Rentals.”
I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, fellow council members or residents. That’s not how democracy works. My goal is to do my homework, make decisions based on solid reasoning, and explain my votes clearly at meetings and in my articles. While not everyone may agree, I can stand by my work if I’ve done my best to think critically and communicate effectively.
Of course, I always revisit decisions to see if I missed an opportunity to make my case better or consider a different perspective. That reflection is part of the learning process, and it’s what makes the role so rewarding.
Qualities That Help Council Members Succeed
You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to listen, collaborate, do your homework, and stay transparent. Analytical thinking and a genuine desire to serve go a long way. Being approachable and open to new ideas is equally important.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies depending on how much effort you choose to invest. The “job description” technically doesn’t require more than showing up, but I believe the role demands much more. And our residents certainly deserve much more.
We deal with a lot of complex issues, so making good decisions requires more than just instinct or personal perspective. To have the best chance at making sound choices, we need to do our homework, thoroughly understand the issues, and base our decisions on well-informed analysis.
I believe thoughtful decision-making requires a broad perspective and a willingness to dig into the details. Engaging with diverse viewpoints, understanding the potential impacts of each decision, and coming to meetings well-prepared ensures we are making choices that truly serve the entire community.
Resources for Council Members
No one steps into this role knowing everything, but you’re not on your own. The best resource is our incredible city staff, whose expertise is invaluable.
I’ve also learned a lot by reaching out to mayors, council members, city managers, and staff in other cities. Most Utah communities face the same challenges as Ivins, and I’ve always been met with open doors and a willingness to share ideas.
Another invaluable resource is the Utah League of Cities & Towns (www.ulct.org). They offer workshops, training, and guidance, and their website is full of helpful information. Check it out. It’s a great starting point.
Advice for Potential Candidates
If you’re considering running, start by attending or watching council meetings. Talk to friends and neighbors to learn about the issues that matter most. The State’s website, “Become a Municipal Candidate” (https://vote.utah.gov/become-a-municipal-candidate), is another helpful resource.
For further reading, I recommend Ground Rules: Handbook to Utah Land Use Regulation by the Utah Land Use Institute (available on Amazon). Another excellent resource is Powers & Duties: The Handbook for Utah Municipal Officials from the Utah League of Cities & Towns, though it might take a little effort to track down since it is a few years old.
Another resource is this website. I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, but with over 150 articles posted during my three years on the City Council, there’s a good chance you’ll find information you didn’t know. My articles offer insights into the issues we’ve faced, my approach to problem-solving, and the reasoning behind my decisions. Whether you agree with me or not, they might just inspire you to run for office yourself!