City council election ballots have been sent out to voters, and it is not looking like much change will be coming to St. George politics.
“For too long St. George has been living in the past, playing it safe, and sticking to its conservative values. “
abby doman, DSN STAFF
The race started with 13 candidates but only six remain: Greg Aldred, Bette Arial, Ed Baca, Dannielle Larkin, Gregg Mcarthur and Jimmie Hughes.
Arial, Baca, and Hughes are all incumbents for this election. Joe Bowcutt and Michele Randall, current city council members, are not up for election until 2021. Therefore, three seats are up for grabs.
Those elected will start their term in January 2020 and sit on the city council for four years, serving the people of Washington county and voting on local legislation.
Local elections are known to have a low voter turnout; however, St. George’s new mail ballot system did increase turnout within the last year.
According to County Clerk Kim Hafen, voter turnout reached 78.6% in the 2018 election. In 2014, Hafen reported a 44.8% voter turnout.
With this influx of voter participation, there is a momentum for change. For too long St. George has been living in the past, playing it safe, and sticking to its conservative values.
But times are changing.
St. George should not be electing a councilman such as Aldred that continues to rally for President Donald Trump or who does not support increasing taxes for developing our roads, which are in dire need of help but rather thinks St. George should start focusing on developing air travel.
St. George does not need a politician who has a history of publishing offensive comments on his blog, like Baca.
St. George deserves candidates who are passionate and excited. Someone who can represent the younger, changing ideas that are developing in our small town. Candidates who can bring the average perspective to the St. George City Council.
When you send in your ballots over these next couple of weeks, remember these things.
Remember that it is time for a change in Southern Utah and you have the power to make a difference.
To find out more about your city council candidates, visit the St. George chambers website.
You can register to vote online for this year’s city council election until Oct. 29; however, if you do not meet this deadline you can register at your polling location on Oct. 5 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m, when elections will be held.
Want to read more? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily articles and updates!