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Wayne Pennington brings a scientist's precision to the Ivins City Council race, drawing on his extraordinary career studying earthquakes from Pakistan to Michigan. As a former university dean and president of major scientific organizations, his analytical approach to local issues offers a refreshing alternative to politics-as-usual.

The conversation reveals how Pennington's expertise became unexpectedly valuable when Ivins faced a controversial reservoir proposal. When city officials approved the Dry Wash Reservoir without fully understanding technical reports, Pennington volunteered his knowledge, identifying serious flaws including potential contamination risks and structural concerns. His intervention ultimately contributed to the project being tabled after outside experts confirmed his assessment that the reservoir wasn't necessary for meeting water demands.

This experience crystallizes Pennington's campaign philosophy: details matter in local government. Whether discussing affordable housing, tax policy, or land use decisions, he demonstrates remarkable fluency with complex issues while remaining focused on practical solutions. He articulates a thoughtful balance between maintaining Ivins' unique character and accommodating necessary growth, questioning state interference in local decision-making and advocating for more strategic coordination with entities like SITLA.

Particularly illuminating is Pennington's explanation of Ivins' proposed tax adjustment, which he frames not as an increase but as a restoration of the city's purchasing power to pre-inflation levels. He notes that despite rising costs for essential services, the typical home's contribution to city coffers has remained unchanged for 15 years.

For voters concerned about thoughtful, evidence-based governance, Pennington offers both scientific credentials and genuine appreciation for Southern Utah's quality of life. His candidacy represents an opportunity to bring technical expertise to a city council facing increasingly complex challenges requiring more than political instinct to solve. Learn more about his platform at wayne4ivins.com and make an informed choice in the upcoming municipal election.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:51] Wayne Pennington's Professional Background
[00:05:15] The Dry Wash Reservoir Controversy
[00:21:42] The Role of Local Government
[00:31:55] Affordable Housing and Development
[00:38:38] SITLA Land Use Challenges
[00:42:38] Ivins Tax Proposal Discussion
[00:49:38] Economic Development and Platforms

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What happens when a dedicated educator from rural Virginia relocates to Hurricane, Utah and decides to run for city council? Cindy Matejka brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing communities.

Having worked for Sesame Street developing internet safety programs and taught middle school for years, Matejka's journey to Hurricane was sparked by the challenges of COVID-19 and a desire to find a community with conservative Christian values. What her family discovered was a welcoming small town that her teenage son immediately recognized as "what I've waited all my life for" - but also a place experiencing growing pains as development rapidly transforms the landscape.

Matejka articulates the central tension facing Hurricane with remarkable clarity: how to achieve necessary economic growth without overwhelming longtime residents who cherish the city's rural character. She advocates for a measured approach to development, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms like government bonds and grants rather than relying solely on building permits and new construction. Her concerns about infrastructure, particularly traffic congestion on SR-9 and the limited police force (just three officers per shift), demonstrate her practical understanding of growth's real-world impacts.

What sets Matejka apart is her commitment to learning and listening. Whether attending planning commission meetings to understand proposed developments, completing a police ride-along to see public safety challenges firsthand, or reaching out directly to the mayor with neighborhood concerns, she embodies the "lifelong learner" mindset she cultivates in her students. This approach extends to her campaign style, where she avoids negativity and focuses on substantive issues despite the sometimes contentious social media environment.

For Hurricane voters seeking a thoughtful voice who can bridge divides between newcomers and longtime residents, Matejka offers a unique combination of fresh perspective and deep respect for community values. Listen to her full conversation to understand why this teacher believes city council is her next classroom.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:36] Cindy Matejka's Journey to Hurricane
[00:06:15] From Teaching to City Council
[00:10:40] Finding Balance in Community Growth
[00:19:48] Infrastructure and Public Safety
[00:26:23] Election Tensions and Final Thoughts

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Rick Crow, candidate for Hurricane City mayor, shares his vision for balancing growth, community involvement, and quality of life in this rapidly developing Southern Utah city. With a background in business leadership and a pragmatic approach to governance, Crow emphasizes the importance of transparent decision-making and effective planning for Hurricane's future.

• Moved to Hurricane five years ago from California, drawn by affordability and freedom
• Believes city government should serve citizens with minimal interference while mediating conflicts
• Critical of state and federal mandates that don't account for local infrastructure challenges like SR9 congestion
• Advocates for transparent communication through technology rather than making citizens search for information
• Emphasizes pragmatic leadership that incorporates diverse community perspectives over rigid consistency

Visit vote.stg.com to learn about all candidates in the municipal elections.

Text CROW to 702-553-1151 to learn more about Rick Crow's campaign or find "Crow for Change" on social media platforms.

[00:00:00] Introduction to Municipal Elections Series.
[00:04:35] Vision for City Government's Proper Role.
[00:10:35] Leadership Philosophy and Transparency.
[00:17:32] Growth, Housing, and Community Development.
[00:27:31] Environmental Protection vs. Economic Growth.
[00:38:43] Agritourism, Food Security, and Term Limits.