Jimmie Hughes
For St. George City Council
CANDIDATE Q&A
Question #1
What steps do you plan to take to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of affordable housing for PRIMARY residents, including those in lower income brackets?
The best thing for governments to do in a free market economy to ensure adequate housing supply is to not hinder the free ... READ MORE
The best thing for governments to do in a free market economy to ensure adequate housing supply is to not hinder the free market. Artificial barriers that make it hard for new housing to he built or increases the price beyond affordability need to be avoided. Impact fees need to be continually reviewed to make sure they are not excessive.
No doubt demand is high so we need to keep the door open for the supply to catch up.
I have also been and will continue to be supportive of the programs in place to catch those who have fallen into a place where they are homeless or nearly homeless. St George Housing Authority and Switchpoint Resource Center are 2 boards that I am a part of that help in this area.
I have been honored to be a part of Switchpoint since its inception and have found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of being on the council. Switchpoint is not just another government program but is a way to end the cycle of homelessness. The efforts of Switchpoint have changed the discussion on the homeless issue across the state and the funding is 60% plus private and grant funded!
Again, much can be accomplished by partnering with the private sector in the area of affordable housing.
Question #2
What specific projects do you support that are currently underway, other than water management, to improve the infrastructure in the city i.e transportation, utilities, public buildings, parks, open space, telecommunications, master planned developments?
Virtually all of our infrastructure is in growth mode. I support an aggressive plan to keep up with the growth. Every since I have been ... READ MORE
Virtually all of our infrastructure is in growth mode. I support an aggressive plan to keep up with the growth. Every since I have been on the council I have supported the idea of new growth paying for itself.
Transportation routes around the city are crucial with the extreme growth. I support the improvements along 3000 East, Sunset, Dixie Drive, River Road and the extension of 1450 South to I-15.
We also have a partnership with the developers of Tech Ridge at the old airport site. Our intent there was to create a space for the growth of tech jobs that provide a higher wage for St George residents. I was on the council as we approved this concept and continue to support that effort.
I also support the new city hall that will allow for expansion of the police department at the current city hall location.
There are many other major infrastructure improvements that are occurring that are needed with our growth. This is the reason some may have heartburn with the size of our overall budget but these are needed improvements.
Question #3
How do you plan to balance the need for public safety with the need for individual freedoms and privacy?
First and foremost for this to occur you must have the right personnel. Less than quality employees can not accomplish top notch results. Quality employees ... READ MORE
First and foremost for this to occur you must have the right personnel. Less than quality employees can not accomplish top notch results. Quality employees or officers need quality pay! I have supported the 5 year plan put in place to help with this effort. So far we have done year one and two with no property tax increase!
We expect a lot from our SGPD as we should. We should also never be afraid to ask hard questions as we go along.
Of course at the end of the day this is the USA and individual freedoms are the bedrock of our country and should be top of mind in all transactions with the public regardless of city department.
Question #4
How do you plan to balance the need for new residential development with concerns about urban sprawl and preserving the natural beauty of the area?
A good master plan is key. We are just wrapping up updates to our master plan to address this very issue. Growth is good ... READ MORE
A good master plan is key. We are just wrapping up updates to our master plan to address this very issue. Growth is good when managed properly.
I understand the feelings of those who have concerns about growth. As someone who was born in St George and lived here most of my life, I have watched the changes that growth brings. I haven’t loved all the loss of the farms and open spaces, however the growth has also brought great opportunities and prosperity to many.
Letting the free market work to meet demand while following a well laid out master plan is the best way to move forward.
Question #5
What specific business sectors or industries do you believe would have the greatest positive impact on growth in the Greater Dixie area?
Of course tech jobs are at the top of that list and that is the reason I have supported the ... READ MORE
Of course tech jobs are at the top of that list and that is the reason I have supported the Tech Ridge Development and idea of a hub that generates tech employee synergy.
Question #6
Do you believe that there is a need for more entertainment options, such as bars, restaurants, and music venues, in the city?
I always find this question interesting from a city government perspective. I like to ask ... READ MORE
I always find this question interesting from a city government perspective. I like to ask a question back. Is the city supposed to be providing all these opportunities? My own answer to that question is not necessarily. This is where the private sector and entrepreneurs step in. If there is a demand they will see it and fill it. To be clear there have been some attempts at dance hall and other “night life” venues and they haven’t worked due to lack of support.
Now if you are asking me if St George should have a Las Vegas style night life atmosphere, the answer is for sure no. That is what Las Vegas is for! This is St George, home to some of the best outdoor activities in the world!
It really baffles me when I hear young people say, “There is nothing to do here!”
We have visitors from all over the world coming to see and do all the things we have to do here! Let’s celebrate and enjoy those. You want to get a drink, you can do that here but that’s not what we are known for and I don’t think those who have made this home came for that reason either.
Question #7
How do you plan to balance the needs of agriculture, Golf Courses, and residential water users to ensure equitable access to water resources?
No doubt water is the most contentious issue we have to deal with. The solution is more than ... READ MORE
No doubt water is the most contentious issue we have to deal with. The solution is more than just one thing.
There is a definite push to take more and more of the water that has traditionally been used for agriculture. In some cases where there are agreements with agriculture users there is room to do that. We should always keep in mind that long standing water rights should be respected. Taking these rights forcefully is a slippery slope.
We do need to take lessons from past generations and continue to develop and explore any new sources of water before we actually need it. One such source is reclaimed water coming from the regional waste water treatment plant. This is valuable water that can be used in our secondary water system as well as other communities secondary systems.
Expanded and new reservoirs are also important areas to look into as part of our long term planning efforts.