Michelle Tanner
For St. George City Council
CANDIDATE Q&A
Question #1
Washington County’s rapid growth pressures both development and preservation of open spaces. What is your proposed zoning strategy to balance new housing and commercial projects with maintaining the region’s natural landscapes, and how will you address community concerns about overdevelopment?
I am a firm believer in private property rights. This must be balanced with assuring property owners desired projects ... READ MORE
I am a firm believer in private property rights. This must be balanced with assuring property owners desired projects do not infringe on the property rights or freedom of others. We must also take into account if proper infrastructure will be in place for desired projects. Outside of an infringement of someone’s freedom, a true safety issue, or lack of necessary infrastructure- residents should be allowed to use their property how they desire. We must also always be cognizant of water supply and assuring that vital resources can meet the rate of growth. I am supportive of preserving open space- especially in areas such as zone 6 where we have amazing trails
Question #2
Aging infrastructure, such as roads, water lines, and public facilities, requires ongoing investment. What is your plan to fund and prioritize maintenance and upgrades, and how will you balance these costs with other municipal budget demands?
Public safety and proper infrastructure are my top budget priorities. We have made great improvements in our budget ... READ MORE
Public safety and proper infrastructure are my top budget priorities. We have made great improvements in our budget process the past 3 years in providing increased transparency and increased prioritization and emphasis on public safety and vital infrastructure. This will continue to be a priority. We have proven that these demands can be properly funded without raising property taxes.
Question #3
With rising populations, how will you ensure that police, fire, and emergency services remain adequately funded and staffed? Please specify whether you would reallocate existing budgets, seek new revenue sources, or implement other strategies to meet these needs.
Properly funding public safety is a top priority as the proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. When others claimed... READ MORE
Properly funding public safety is a top priority as the proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. When others claimed we had to raise taxes in order to properly fund public safety- we proved that to be inaccurate. We voted down a tax increase and were still able to give public safety the needed significant wage increases. We have fully funded and exceeded the funding for the 5 year public safety plan to date. I am an advocate for TRT (transient room tax) reform. Millions of those dollars are being used to market southern Utah, when in reality a larger portion should be available for our aging infrastructure and public safety which are both impacted by tourism.
Question #4
Large and even small scale development projects often spark community debate. How will you ensure that residents’ voices are meaningfully incorporated into decisions about zoning and development, and what specific mechanisms (e.g., town halls, advisory boards) will you establish or strengthen?
I am a strong advocate for public input. I appreciate the laws that are in place... READ MORE
I am a strong advocate for public input. I appreciate the laws that are in place that require public hearings for many projects and budget items. I am an advocate for open public comment at council meetings. Every resident has access to my personal cell phone and I am always happy to hear public input. With the rapid growth and expansion at the airport, it may be time to implement an airport advisory board.
Question #5
To reduce reliance on tourism and construction, what specific industries or business types will you target to diversify Washington County’s economy, and what incentives or policies will you propose to attract them?
I am not an advocate of government picking winners and losers.... READ MORE
I am not an advocate of government picking winners and losers. I believe in free market principles and less government is typically best government. Cutting red tape and keeping fees and taxes as low as possible is the best way to attract desired businesses.
Question #6
Washington County is experiencing increased traffic congestion, particularly in urbanizing areas. What specific infrastructure improvements or policies will you prioritize to reduce traffic delays and improve road safety, and how will you fund these initiatives without overburdening taxpayers?
I appreciate that we have prioritized needed roadway expansions such as... READ MORE
I appreciate that we have prioritized needed roadway expansions such as 3000 E. and 1450 S. I am also an advocate for neighborhood commercial which aids residents to not have to drive as far for basic services. I believe existing residents should not be burdened by new growth and that new growth should pay for itself. There must be a balance however in impact fees as too high of fees also has a negative ripple effect. This is an area where reallocating TRT dollars could assist in helping to fund infrastructure which is also utilized by tourists.
Question #7
Given the ongoing drought concerns in Southern Utah, how will you prioritize water allocation among residential, commercial, agricultural, and recreational (e.g., golf courses) users? Please provide a specific plan or framework to ensure equitable distribution while addressing conservation goals.
Living in a desert- we have had drought and rain cycles since the beginning of St. George’s... READ MORE
Living in a desert- we have had drought and rain cycles since the beginning of St. George’s induction. We must be forward thinking in continuing to properly store water. Projects like the water reuse center expansion, graveyard wash, and warner valley reservoir are vital for our future. In terms of conservation- research shows a market based approach is more effective than draconian water restrictions. Educate- don’t mandate. I am grateful for the forward thinking work Zach Renstrom does with the Washington County Water Conservacy District in having a 20 year water plan.