Shad Johnsen
For Ivins 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?
Since Washington County is growing quickly... Read More
Since Washington County is growing quickly- With that remains a real need to thoughtfully balance development with protecting the natural beauty that makes this area so special. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do believe in asking meaningful questions—and in working together with residents, local businesses, and fellow council members to make decisions that reflect our shared values. Zoning isn’t just about where things get built—it’s about preserving the character of our community, and that’s something I would consider sincerely. My approach would be to support growth that fits within the vision of Ivins’ General Plan, respects open space, and keeps the unique feel of our city intact. I’ll listen carefully to concerns about overdevelopment and help influence projects in a way that adds to—not detracts from—what people love about living here.
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?
It is so important to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure for... Read More
It is so important to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure for the safety, well-being, and long-term sustainability of Ivins. These systems—our roads, water lines, and public buildings—need consistent attention and smart planning. I believe in taking a collaborative and forward-thinking approach. That means working with city staff and experts to identify the most urgent needs, and then prioritizing based on safety, community impact, and long-term cost savings. When it comes to funding, I support a balanced and responsible approach—using available grants, setting aside reserves when we can, and ensuring that new development contributes to the infrastructure it relies on. It’s all about being wise stewards of the resources we have while keeping residents informed and engaged in the process. I also believe that good ideas can come from anywhere, and I’m a creative thinker by nature. While I may not always come into the room with a ready-made solution, I often find that once we start talking through a challenge, I can offer ideas that are worth considering.
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.
Certainly—ensuring our police, fire, and emergency services are... Read More
Certainly—ensuring our police, fire, and emergency services are properly funded and staffed is critical for community safety and peace of mind. The best approach, I believe, involves careful planning and ongoing dialogue with city managers, first responders, and residents to understand evolving needs. Ivins currently shares management of police and fire services with Santa Clara, and I really value that kind of community collaboration. It’s a smart way to reduce redundant costs while still maintaining strong emergency response. I’d like to continue supporting that partnership and look for other areas where collaboration could bring similar benefits. Funding these essential services will likely require a mix of strategies. I intend to stay open to options such as reallocating budgets where possible, applying for grants, and considering new revenue sources if needed—always balancing these with other city priorities. Growth brings challenges, but also opportunities, including a broader tax base to support expanded services. Ultimately, I want to help support a system that is responsive, well-equipped, and staffed by professionals who serve our community effectively. I’m committed to working creatively with others to find solutions that meet these goals while remaining transparent and mindful of the community’s overall needs.
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?
Zoning and development decisions shape the long-term character... Read More
Zoning and development decisions shape the long-term character of a city, so it’s important that residents feel heard and involved throughout the process—not just after decisions are finalized. In Ivins, we already have public hearings and town halls that occur for many development considerations, and I think it’s essential that we continue those. I’d also like to see those opportunities promoted even more, so residents know when and how they can get involved. And beyond the formal settings, I believe we can continue to strengthen community input through more accessible and informal ways of gathering feedback—like surveys, small listening sessions, or neighborhood advisory groups. As a creative thinker, I often find that new ideas emerge when people from different perspectives start talking. I want to help encourage those conversations—so residents, business owners, and developers can better understand each other’s needs and concerns. Ultimately, I would intend to influence that development decisions reflect the values of our community while also being mindful of property rights, infrastructure needs, and long-term sustainability. I believe in open dialogue, early communication, and building trust by making it clear how public input is considered in the decision-making process.
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?
Diversifying our economy is important for long-term stability... Read More
Diversifying our economy is important for long-term stability. While tourism and construction will remain part of our identity, I’d like the idea of supporting industries that align with our values—like clean tech, wellness, small-scale manufacturing, remote work hubs, and creative fields. I prefer smart, targeted incentives—such as streamlined permitting, partnerships with local schools for workforce development (like Dixie Tech), and strong infrastructure like broadband—over broad tax breaks. Most importantly, I believe in listening to residents and business owners to understand what kinds of opportunities make sense for our community. Ivins can continue to attract thoughtful, sustainable growth if we approach it with creativity and intention.
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?
As our population grows, I know traffic congestion and road safety...Read More
As our population grows, I know traffic congestion and road safety are real concerns—and they tie directly into broader infrastructure planning too, which I emphasized earlier as a priority. Since Ivins doesn’t have any stop lights, and we already have quite a few roundabouts, I’d support enhancing what’s already working—by improving visibility, signage, and flow at key intersections—and continue planning ahead for future growth so we’re not caught off guard. We should also keep making our city more walkable and bike-friendly, which can help reduce vehicle congestion. Funding should come from a smart mix of sources: developer impact fees, regional transportation partnerships, and available grants—so we don’t place unnecessary strain on current taxpayers. Just like with other infrastructure issues, I believe in listening to residents, working with experts, and making practical, forward-thinking decisions to keep Ivins safe and moving; as I believe our good City Council and staff have done in the past.
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.
Water is one of our most precious resources...Read More
Water is one of our most precious resources here in Southern Utah, and I’m grateful that Ivins works closely with the Washington County Water Conservancy District to manage our water use thoughtfully and effectively. Any water allocation plan needs to balance fairness with sustainability. Residential needs for drinking water and daily life must come first, but it’s also important to support commercial and agricultural uses that contribute to our local economy and food supply. Recreational water use, like for golf courses, should be carefully managed to align with conservation goals—encouraging efficient irrigation, reclaimed water use, and innovative approaches to reduce demand. I believe continued creative solutions and collaboration with water districts, businesses, farmers, and residents are essential to adapting as conditions evolve. I think public education and incentives for water-saving technologies should remain key parts of the strategy. Overall, I respect the well-thought-out efforts already underway and want to help Ivins stay engaged with regional partners to ensure equitable water distribution while protecting this vital resource for generations to come.