It’s no surprise to see St. George land on a list of top places to visit or live.
It is, however, somewhat of a surprise to think that it could land on a list of “12 Great Places You’ve never Heard Of,” which was published in the August/September issue of Mother Earth News.
Based on the high rate of growth in the area, you almost have to wonder who hasn’t heard of St. George?

The magazine lists many of the attributes that those of us who live here already know: Beautiful red-rock scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities and mild winters.
I did get a kick, though, out of one statement. The magazine touts the “strong community of environmentalists working to preserve the spectacular and biologically diverse landscapes of the area.”
I’m just glad my last column (July 23) didn’t cost the area that designation. Based on the response I received, prairie dogs have a lot of fans out there.
Some of the comments included calling me “closed minded,” “a nature killer,” “out of touch with the environment” and a “right-wing nut.”
Ouch!
The reality is that I’m not a huge fan of prairie dogs. I’m also not a fan of people who want to dig up any open space left in Southern Utah for houses or other buildings.
And, believe it or not, I think there is credible evidence that people are playing a role in speeding up global warming.
So, maybe I’m not an anti-environment wacko after all.
I am an anti-extremist.
The truth almost always rests in the middle of an argument. Facts tend to get distorted at the extremes.
For the record, I hope the prairie dogs make it. I just hope their fans will recognize that the little critters aren’t the only animals that should be taken into consideration.
People also factor into Mother Nature’s equation.

Posted by Managing Editor Todd Seifert at 05:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

The employees of Iron County received good news this week: Most of them will be getting a pay increase.

That good news, however, should have come seven months ago.

The Iron County Commission’s decision to conduct an extensive and time-consuming salary study of all county jobs rather than act quickly to take care of the county’s employees was irresponsible.

The commission needed to spend money on a salary study to figure out that county employees are underpaid? I thought that was common knowledge.

The commissioners not only showed a lack of regard for county employees but jeopardized public safety in the process.

Despite pleas from Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower, who warned that some of his deputies would leave for higher-paying positions if they didn’t receive greater compensation, the commission turned its back on the folks who are charged with protecting our communities.

The commissioners insisted on a salary study and essentially told Gower that he’d have to tell his deputies to wait it out.

A few of them didn’t, and their departures stretched the sheriff’s office’s resources and unnecessarily put residents at greater risk.

In the end, the commission made the right decision and voted to increase wages for about 90 percent of the county’s employees, effective July 16.

Deputies will get an additional $1 per hour. That’s a good start, but I hope that’s all it is. A start. Iron County deputies remain among the lowest-paid in the state, and the commission must address that problem in the years to come.

I hope the commissioners have learned from this experience and will act more responsibly next time.

And there will be a next time.

Posted by Steve Kiggins at 05:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

Columnist and author Ann Hart Coulter told CNBC host Donny Deutsch on Wednesday that former President Bill Clinton has "some level of latent homosexuality," because he has a rather high sex drive and liking for the ladies.

She said, "I think that sort of rampant promiscuity does show some level of latent homosexuality."

I think she’ll say anything to keep her name in the limelight and continue with multiple appearances on national television to soak every second of her 15 minutes of fame that she can.

Yes, I know she has earned her notoriety as a syndicated columnist, best selling author and constitutional attorney, but the self-proclaimed "polemicist" who thrives to "stir up the pot" is doing nothing more than whatever necessary to draw attention to herself.

That tells me there’s some deep seeded insecurity tucked deep inside her narcissistic personality that is evident by her unruly attacks that include the World Trade Center widows of 9/11 in her book, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism."

She claims they actually reveled in their husbands’ deaths. Where is this woman’s heart? I’m beginning to question whether she has one or not, even though her very name proclaims it.

Her ranting to garner some form of validation is jeopardizing her credibility. She needs to seek professional mental health counseling before her reputation as an outspoken conservative quickly turns into that of a raving lunatic.

Posted by Jennifer Weaver at 04:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

If you’ve been trolling other Web sites recently, maybe you saw the item that the United States was slightly embarrassed when a shipment of bunker buster bombs was discovered aboard a military flight that landed in Great Britain the other day.

The bombs were on their way to Israel.

OK, let’s back that one up, partner.

Bunker buster bombs?

I thought that was what the Bush crew wanted to test in the Nevada desert.

So…if there already is such a thing, then what in the world are they planning to blow up out there at the Nevada Test Site?

Unless Lebanon is becoming the new test site for all explosives evil — and I wouldn’t put that past these guys in the White House — then something’s askew.

But, one thing’s certain. This delivery of armaments to the Israelis is a sure sign that Bush has no plans to press for a ceasefire. Ol’ Blood ‘n’ Guts George would rather stick to his guns, no matter what the cost in life or treasure.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch — isn’t that how all cowboys are supposed to talk? — there’s word that the Washington Wild Bunch is now pointing at a detonation of the 700-ton bomb in September.

With all the mayhem and potential mayhem on the horizon, and with all apologies to Country Joe MacDonald:
“Well, it’s one, two, three…what are we fighting for?
“The Prez says ‘Let’s bring it on’
“Next stop is Lebanon.”

Posted by Ed Kociela at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

What has happened to honest salesmanship? Could it be that all a person cares about is getting ahead or capturing just one more sale to achieve a hefty commission?

I sold advertising for the Newspaper Agency Corporation for six years in the early 90s. It was inside sales and involved handling incoming calls, cold calling, re-solicitation and up-selling of line and display ads in the classified section. I had a base wage of $6 an hour plus commission as a full-time employee. If I didn’t make my goal each month, I didn’t get a commission.

If anyone understands the financial strains and pressures that go with accomplishing a sales goal to get paid — I do. Not making my goal meant no tuition money for college, which from time to time meant I took a semester off. It also forced me to do some strict financial planning so I didn’t rely on the commission entirely since I was out on my own as a struggling college student and the last thing I was going to do was run home to mommy.

I sold Mary Kay cosmetics on the side to pad my budget when my commission didn’t come in. I put half of my monthly commission checks I did earn in savings, which were two to three times larger than my base pay. I had the usual expenses of rent, utilities, car payment, insurance and a credit card bill. I made do, and was able to go on some fun trips with my friends, too.

My previous experience as a salesperson is why I can’t understand the way I was treated on a recent visit to a video game store in the Providence Center in Cedar City. I’m still livid.

The day before Father’s Day I took my children to pick out a new video game for their father. My husband loves to play them to release stress and it’s a pastime he shares with my kids on occasion.

I’d met this particular salesman on several occasions in other capacities and knew he was friendly and well mannered. I asked him for assistance by telling him the type of games my husband enjoys playing on our X-box while my children began busily sorting through the used Nintendo cartridges.

The salesman handed me what I thought would be the perfect video game for my husband because it was similar to "Civilization," which my husband had mastered. My kids found two used games that were inexpensive — $2.99 and $12.99 — so I added those to my purchase of a new $40 game.

The return policy explained to me by the salesman sounded more than reasonable. If within seven days I was dissatisfied for any reason, I could return the games and do a straight exchange or receive a full refund. He even offered me a membership, but I declined.

Father’s Day came and my husband appreciated the new watch, shoes, and yes, the new video game. For the next two days he played around with it and basically got bored. It turned out to be too much like, "Civilization," and as I mentioned, he’d mastered that. Also, one of the used games didn’t work at all and needed to be returned.

I gave my husband the receipt that also had the return policy printed on it so he could return it. About 30 minutes after he’d made the trek to return the unwanted game, he came home with an exchanged used game but the new game I’d bought him in hand saying the salesman told him the return policy for new games only permitted a $9 store credit.

I thought for sure there had been some mistake. I asked my husband for the receipt to read over it again and he said the salesman had kept it during the exchange for the broken used game. I decided to call the store and go over what I had been told only three days earlier. The salesman that helped me got on the phone and immediately was defensive, which sent me into an outrage.

He said I did buy used games and he’d correctly explained to me the used game return policy. I agreed with him there, but reminded him that I also bought a new game that he’d even helped pick out for me, yet neglected to tell me about the differing policy in regards to returning it, and thus, I wanted — and felt I rightfully deserved — a full refund.

He begged to differ and we went the rounds yelling at each other like juveniles, not accomplishing anything. I asked to speak with the manager and, of course, the manager wouldn’t be in until the next day.

By the next day, I was emotionally spent and not willing to set foot into that store ever again. I felt deceived, manipulated and outright lied to. You can bet I will tell everyone I know about it, too.

I don’t know if the salespeople get commissions or not in that video game store but if they do, I sure hope it was worth it to the salesman.

I pity him. The almighty dollar was more important to him than doing the right thing, or even acknowledging that he’d made a mistake, which was probably innocent from simply forgetting to relay the new game return policy.

You know an apology would’ve sufficed even if that meant I wouldn’t have gotten my money back, which I didn’t any way. Now, that store will never get my business again and I will steer people away from it every chance I get.

Posted by Jennifer Weaver at 04:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

There are committees for everything these days. They are all well-intentioned, I’m sure, but I’ve yet to see many that really get the job done.

Such is the sad case with the folks who make up the Dixie Area Workforce Housing Affordability Committee, which is supposed to find ways to provide affordable housing for our local workforce.

They meet, they talk pie-in-the-sky but nothing gets done. They’ve based the price for affordable housing at least $75,000 more than what the average wage-earner can afford and their plans look too far into the future instead of searching for solutions to help those who live here now. Then, our economic development people complain because there’s no sizable workforce.

Having just been in the housing market, I know the realities. You are not going to find a reasonable market — I’m talking quality, quantity and price — for entry- or even mid-level housing. Adding to the challenge is the fact that I don’t come from a family with deep roots and extensive property holdings here or a family with money. I had to go it alone.

And, the rental scene is frightening. First, there’s the attitude among many that renters are “undesirables” who tarnish our neighborhoods and quality of life. Then there are those who insist tenants abide by certain cultural standards — even though this is illegal. Then there are the absentee owners who promise the moon, but break their end of the bargain early on by not making proper repairs or holding up their end on maintenance. And, finally, have you seen some of the “affordable” rentals around here?

Wake up, DAWHAC, we need answers now before all of our kids end up so frustrated they move out of state to find jobs that pay well and homes they can afford.

Posted by Ed Kociela at 02:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 2 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

You’ve seen the T-shirts: “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.”

Is that the case with city officials involved in a beef over who should present what for the Downtown Thursday Night events or does it run deeper?
The weekly event drew a fair number of people. Only thing is, apparently, they were the wrong people – young people, without a lot of spending money.
They were drawn by performances of some rock bands that set up on the street.
Now, we always complain about not having enough for the kids to do. Then, when something like this comes along, we complain because they aren’t the desirable demographic for local businesses.
If they change the scenario and offer, say, chamber quartets, what kind of crowds will the event generate?
It may be less boisterous, it may be an older demographic, but I’ll guarantee the numbers will be down.
Maybe the downtown venue isn’t the right one for this event; maybe the organizers of the former event should take their plan and move it over to a park or more youthful environment; maybe we all just need to lighten up a little bit, let our hair down and let these kids rock.
Being in such a small market, we get geezer rock bands like Styx and The Beach Boys, or second-tier country acts that don’t take us too close to the edge, like Diamond Rio.
That may satisfy some, but there’s a whole other audience out there that would much rather turn it up than turn it off.
The classics are fine, but there’s a growing number of people who need something a little edgier, a little fresher, a little more real.

Posted by Ed Kociela at 04:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )

Growth should pay for itself.
Many residents in St. George and Southern Utah would agree with that statement.
We need more housing that working people can afford.
Again, many residents would agree.
But trying to accomplish both goals at the same time is proving to be difficult. The St. George City Council’s vote during last Thursday’s meeting shows how the city is caught in somewhat of a Catch-22.

The council voted to increase impact fees — the charges imposed on developers to help pay for infrastructure associated with new construction — by 16 percent for residential units and by more than 100 percent on some commercial units.
For perspective, that equates to approximately an $1,100 hike for a new home on a 6,000-square-foot or larger lot and an approximately $17,000 boost on an 8,500-square-foot commercial property.
This is a significant increase that will be phased in between now and Jan. 1 — a relatively short time in the building world.
People who think growth should pay for itself rightfully like this decision. Current taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay the way for future residents.
But the increase in impact fees won’t be absorbed totally by developers. Those costs will be passed down to the people buying the property, which means home prices likely will continue to soar.
In 2003, the average home price in Washington County was $178,492. By the end of the first quarter of 2006, the average home price was $327,322 — an 83.4 percent spike.
Considering the median wage in Washington County is hovering near the $12-an-hour mark, and it’s easy to see that people are being priced out of the market.
Who will work in these new businesses? It might sound absurd to some, but if people don’t have a place to live, then the area’s worker shortage could get even worse.
What’s the solution? If I knew that, I’d become a consultant and bag lots of money. One thing I do know is that the solution will take multiple approaches.
But the city council can play a significant role in solving the problem and preventing others in the future.
Regarding impact fees, prior to Thursday’s vote, the city council hadn’t increased some of the fees in 12 years. That makes biting off such a large increase difficult for developers, and eventually for homebuyers. It’s great to be the nice guy and woman who didn’t raise fees for another year, but incremental hikes are much easier to swallow than large increases.
On the homebuyer front, the city will have to find ways to allow for the waiving or reimbursement of impact fees for developers who sell homes for less than $200,000 or even lower.
Of course, that would mean that taxpayers might find themselves paying for growth after all.
See how difficult this issue really is?

Posted by Managing Editor Todd Seifert at 04:00 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 7 ) | TrackBacks ( 0 )