1. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies-Resource Management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and have been a Bureau of Land Management Consultant for the last 10 years. I am running for office because I believe I will bring expertise and common sense to the Town Council.

On July 4th, I watched the fireworks until the brush caught fire. Through the night, 19 acres burned killing two Desert Tortoise, an Endangered Species. No structures were damaged and no injury/loss of life to humans.

At the following Town Council meeting, I listened in disbelief to the Mayor’s apology and how the fireworks are a “Tradition”. Later, I asked the Fire Chief why he signed the fireworks permit: “Tradition”. I told him that Zion Park has banned all campfires and may soon be forced to close backcountry hiking due to the extreme dry conditions and continuing drought. He said, “They over react.” This type of “traditional” decision-making must end and I will ensure that future decision-making is based on sound, critical, and deliberated judgment.

2. The biggest issue facing Springdale is lack of public involvement in the Town’s decision-making process. There are far too few residents attending the meetings and those who do express concerns/questions do not always get answers and have stopped attending out of frustration.

Additionally, at July’s Town Council meeting, a resident requested that a committee be formed to address whether or not to have fireworks next year. The first I heard that a committee had been formed was at last weeks “Meet the Candidate” night when an incumbent mentioned it. Where was the public notification? Who’s on the committee? The same people that allowed the fireworks last year? This is not acceptable.

The problem lies in the Town’s decision not to follow the existing public notification ordinance that requires postal delivery unless residents notify the Town, in writing, that they want email notices. Yet, emails and posting notices around Town is the norm and there is no way of determining how many residents are informed. I will ensure that all concerns/questions get answers and that the Town follows the notification ordinance in the future.

3. The local government can improve the quality of life for residents by making decisions based on public input, not private agendas. One example is the proposed “River Trail” that will negatively impact the magnificent Virgin River Corridor with the addition of 5-7 more bridges and allow approximately 3,500 people access through our peaceful community at a cost of millions!

The River Trail sounds great in concept, however, it involves the dedication of a trail easement across private land adjacent to the river and not all landowners want a public trail on their property. So, in order to avoid these people, the Town proposes more bridges! We already have four bridges on the Pa’rus Trail, one at the theatre complex entrance to Zion National Park, and four more in Town. Should any of the existing bridges fail due to floods, earthquakes, landslides that occur in this area, no one can determine how the river will react or what loss of life/property will occur. Yet, this concept is another “tradition” pushed by the Town.

Additionally, quality of life can be improved by insuring that development decisions are based on our most valuable resource, water. I’ve seen how developers drive growth in Las Vegas even as Lake Mead declines precipitously due to the continuing drought. I’ve watched Springdale change from an agricultural community to a tourist destination. We have a limited amount of developable land and a finite water supply. I will ensure that these resources are used wisely.

Cheryl Frassa [cfrassa@localnet.com]

Second … Yes, she does. I don’t have her permission to distribute it, however, but I’ll forward your message. Perhaps Cheryl will reply.

Third … In my blog, “ The Tragedy of the Commons: Color Country“, I quoted Kyle Gubler, running for the Council down in La Verkin, as saying everybody wants “open spaces and a country feel” but “the paradox is that the majority also wants to be able to do what they want with their property with as few restrictions as possible.”

Although we agree that there ought to be a forum where we can discuss these things, we do not agree about “The Trail”. I think that a great community – and Springdale is a great community – has to make hard choices to stay that way. I think the Trail is worth it.