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Jimmie Hughes joins us to share his vision for St. George as he runs for mayor in the upcoming 2025 municipal election, discussing how to balance growth and development while preserving the community's character.

• The importance of genuine public engagement beyond mandatory comment periods
• Northern Corridor debate and its connection to Zone Six protection
• Western Corridor planning and potential impacts on Sun River community
• Neighborhood commercial development as a traffic reduction strategy
• City budgeting process improvements focused on council priorities first
• Affordable housing challenges requiring holistic approaches beyond just building more units
• Data-driven decision making as essential for good governance
• The need for maintaining view corridors while allowing appropriate height in developments

Please make sure you like and subscribe, share it with other voters throughout Washington County to help them make informed decisions in the upcoming election. Visit VoteSTG.com for more candidate interviews.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Municipal Elections Series
[00:01:32] Jimmie Hughes on Public Engagement
[00:07:13] Northern Corridor and Zone Six Debate
[00:19:04] Western Corridor and Transportation Plans
[00:26:50] Public Transportation Possibilities
[00:34:07] City Growth and Commercial Development
[00:44:19] Budgeting Processes and Priorities
[00:52:04] Affordable Housing Challenges
[01:05:32] Closing Thoughts and Voter Turnout

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When money can fix a problem, it's not really a problem—but what about when it can't? That's the question at the heart of this powerful conversation about the American Cancer Society's upcoming fundraiser at Black Desert Resort.

Patrick Manning, Managing Director of Reef Capital and Black Desert Resort, shares a deeply personal story about how cancer touched someone close to him, transforming his understanding of problems that can and cannot be solved with resources alone. This revelation drives his commitment to supporting the American Cancer Society's mission in Southern Utah, where they're building something remarkable.

The third annual Gala and Golf Tournament, scheduled for September 22nd at the stunning Black Desert Resort, aims to raise $350,000 for cancer patient services. What began with 120 people in a tent on an undeveloped golf course has evolved into a 500-person gala in the resort's grand Onyx Ballroom. We explore how these funds directly impact cancer patients through practical support services—free housing at Hope Lodge, transportation through Road to Recovery, and even pet sitting for those traveling for treatment.

Sibel Barnard from the American Cancer Society explains how these services address the often-overlooked logistical and financial challenges cancer patients face beyond medical treatment itself. The statistics are encouraging: cancer fatalities have declined 33% since the 1990s, showing how community efforts truly make a difference.

We also get an insider's look at Black Desert's development, with Patrick sharing exciting updates about the resort's seven restaurants, new pool area, and forthcoming attractions including a water park, pickleball facility, and 3,000-seat concert venue. Ryanne Day of STG Eats provides valuable insights into Southern Utah's evolving restaurant scene, highlighting how social media consistency and collaboration help local businesses thrive in a competitive market.

Whether you're interested in supporting a worthy cause, networking with community leaders, experiencing Black Desert's luxury, or simply enjoying an extraordinary evening culminating in a spectacular drone show—this event offers something meaningful for everyone. Join us for a day that combines golf, gourmet dining, entertainment, and the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Find Utah Golf For The Cure here:
https://utahgolfforthecure.org/

Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!

www.wealth435.com
https://linktr.ee/wealth435

Below are our wonderful friends!

Find FS Coffee here:
https://fscoffeecompany.com/

Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:
https://www.tuacahn.org/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://www.blueformmedia.com/

[00:00:00] Introduction to the ACS Fundraiser
[00:03:01] Meet the Committee and Event Details
[00:04:47] Understanding the American Cancer Society
[00:10:21] Gala and Golf Tournament Experience
[00:22:12] Black Desert Resort Updates
[00:29:07] St. George Food Scene with STG Eats
[00:43:22] Patrick's Personal Motivation
[00:49:14] Closing and Event Information

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Congressional Representative Celeste Maloy discusses energy needs, economic policy, and public land management while reflecting on America's approaching 250th anniversary.

• AI searches on smartphones require as much energy as driving an electric vehicle for a kilometer, highlighting our growing energy demands
• The "Big Beautiful Bill" made Trump tax cuts permanent, eliminated taxes on first $25K in tips, expanded child tax credit, and supported small businesses
• Medicaid and SNAP reforms aim to return to pre-COVID spending levels while ensuring benefits reach intended recipients
• Land transfer amendments for Washington County infrastructure faced opposition despite targeting specific parcels for roads, trails and water systems
• Legislation to help the Shivowitz Band of Paiute Indians develop their land would allow limited waivers of sovereignty to make contracts enforceable
• America's 250th anniversary provides opportunity to reflect on our resilience through Civil War, Great Depression and other challenges

Find Celeste Maloy here:

https://maloy.house.gov/

Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!

www.wealth435.com
https://linktr.ee/wealth435

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Find FS Coffee here:
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Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:
https://www.tuacahn.org/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://www.blueformmedia.com/

[00:00:00] The 435 Podcast Introduction

[00:08:38] Energy Demands of AI Technology

[00:13:05] Misconceptions About the "Big Beautiful Bill"

[00:14:29] Making Trump Tax Cuts Permanent

[00:27:37] Utah's Position for Energy Development

[00:32:17] Public Land Debates and Amendments

[00:36:33] Shivowitz Band Development Bill

[00:40:10] America's 250th Anniversary Reflection

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Shane Smeed, the 19th president of Utah Tech University, shares his vision for making education affordable, practical, and community-focused while maintaining the institution's unique polytechnic mission.

• Utah Tech is the only polytechnic university in Utah's state system, emphasizing hands-on, applications-oriented education
• The university has the most affordable tuition in Utah's state system at approximately $6,000 per year
• Over 50% of students come from Washington County, with 70-80% from Utah
• Student-athletes recently achieved their highest collective GPA in university history with a 3.4 average
• Less than 40% of courses are taught by full-time faculty, a key area President Smeed plans to improve
• The university is developing AI and machine learning certificate programs to meet evolving workforce demands
• Collaborations with Dixie Technical College and the University of Utah create educational pathways without duplicating programs
• Housing affordability remains a significant challenge for students despite campus housing offering 1,600 beds
• The university has grown consistently for more than a decade, now serving over 13,000 students
• Open enrollment means the university welcomes all students, creating equal access and opportunity.

Looking for a Real Estate expert? Find us here!

www.wealth435.com
https://linktr.ee/wealth435

Find Utah Tech University here:
https://utahtech.edu/

Below are our wonderful friends!

Find FS Coffee here:
https://fscoffeecompany.com/

Find Tuacahn Amphitheater here:
https://www.tuacahn.org/

Find Blue Form Media here:
https://www.blueformmedia.com/

[00:00:00] New President's Vision for Utah Tech
[00:04:30] From California to Southern Utah
[00:09:10] Defining Polytechnic Education
[00:15:44] Athletics and Academic Balance
[00:21:30] Affordable Education and Enrollment Challenges
[00:31:25] AI's Impact on Higher Education
[00:42:46] System Collaboration and Community Engagement
[00:50:27] Invitation to the Community

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Clark Fawcett, a Hurricane native with deep roots in the community, shares his extensive experience as Hurricane's city manager for 37.5 years and his vision for the future as a mayoral candidate. We explore the relationship between mayors and professional staff, the proper role of city government, and how Hurricane can maintain its small-town feel despite rapid growth.

• Born and raised in Hurricane with ancestry tracing back to the pioneers who built the canal
• Served as city recorder/controller starting in 1983 before becoming Hurricane's first city manager in 1991
• Believes in delegating to professional staff while providing oversight and accessibility to citizens
• Advocates for free market principles while acknowledging government's role in essential services
• Shares insights on the affordable housing crisis and criticizes the state's approach of simply increasing density

Please make sure you like and subscribe, share with other voters throughout Washington County, and help everyone make informed decisions in the upcoming municipal elections.

[00:00:00] Introduction to 2025 Municipal Elections
[00:00:51] Clark Fawcett's Background and Experience
[00:03:48] The Role of Mayor vs City Manager
[00:13:10] City Government's Proper Role
[00:20:14] Balancing Consistency and Flexibility
[00:24:03] Local vs State Government Relations
[00:38:08] Affordable Housing Challenges
[00:47:55] Cultural Heritage vs Economic Growth
[00:56:31] Election Campaign Perspectives
[01:06:11] Term Limits and Final Thoughts

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Dave Imlay, candidate for Hurricane City Council, shares his vision and experience after serving Hurricane City for nearly 30 years, including 17 years as Power Director. His candidacy represents an opportunity to contribute institutional knowledge and thoughtful leadership to address the city's challenges during continued growth.

• Born and raised in St. George when it was much smaller
• Worked for Hurricane City for 29½ years before retiring four years ago
• Decided to run after giving a presentation about Hurricane Power's 50th anniversary
• Believes proper government role includes listening to citizens and finding solutions to problems
• Advocates for thoughtful economic growth, particularly in clean manufacturing
• Sees tourism reaching its peak, with future growth in manufacturing and technology
• Supports developing more industrial space in Hurricane, particularly along SR-7

Please vote in the upcoming primary by dropping off your ballot at the Hurricane City Office or Library by Tuesday. This is the last year ballots will be sent automatically - you'll need to opt in for mail ballots after this year.

Visit vote.stg.com to learn about all candidates in the municipal elections.

[00:00:00] Introduction to 2025 Municipal Elections
[00:02:53] Dave Imlay's Background and Experience
[00:06:06] Hurricane Power Department History
[00:10:28] Leadership Philosophy and City Management
[00:19:33] Cultural Heritage vs Innovation
[00:27:41] Water Resources and Future Challenges
[00:42:11] Planning Commission and City Council Process
[00:47:28] Term Limits and Closing Thoughts

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Wayne Pennington brings a scientist's precision to the Ivins City Council race, drawing on his extraordinary career studying earthquakes from Pakistan to Michigan. As a former university dean and president of major scientific organizations, his analytical approach to local issues offers a refreshing alternative to politics-as-usual.

The conversation reveals how Pennington's expertise became unexpectedly valuable when Ivins faced a controversial reservoir proposal. When city officials approved the Dry Wash Reservoir without fully understanding technical reports, Pennington volunteered his knowledge, identifying serious flaws including potential contamination risks and structural concerns. His intervention ultimately contributed to the project being tabled after outside experts confirmed his assessment that the reservoir wasn't necessary for meeting water demands.

This experience crystallizes Pennington's campaign philosophy: details matter in local government. Whether discussing affordable housing, tax policy, or land use decisions, he demonstrates remarkable fluency with complex issues while remaining focused on practical solutions. He articulates a thoughtful balance between maintaining Ivins' unique character and accommodating necessary growth, questioning state interference in local decision-making and advocating for more strategic coordination with entities like SITLA.

Particularly illuminating is Pennington's explanation of Ivins' proposed tax adjustment, which he frames not as an increase but as a restoration of the city's purchasing power to pre-inflation levels. He notes that despite rising costs for essential services, the typical home's contribution to city coffers has remained unchanged for 15 years.

For voters concerned about thoughtful, evidence-based governance, Pennington offers both scientific credentials and genuine appreciation for Southern Utah's quality of life. His candidacy represents an opportunity to bring technical expertise to a city council facing increasingly complex challenges requiring more than political instinct to solve. Learn more about his platform at wayne4ivins.com and make an informed choice in the upcoming municipal election.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:51] Wayne Pennington's Professional Background
[00:05:15] The Dry Wash Reservoir Controversy
[00:21:42] The Role of Local Government
[00:31:55] Affordable Housing and Development
[00:38:38] SITLA Land Use Challenges
[00:42:38] Ivins Tax Proposal Discussion
[00:49:38] Economic Development and Platforms

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What happens when a dedicated educator from rural Virginia relocates to Hurricane, Utah and decides to run for city council? Cindy Matejka brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing communities.

Having worked for Sesame Street developing internet safety programs and taught middle school for years, Matejka's journey to Hurricane was sparked by the challenges of COVID-19 and a desire to find a community with conservative Christian values. What her family discovered was a welcoming small town that her teenage son immediately recognized as "what I've waited all my life for" - but also a place experiencing growing pains as development rapidly transforms the landscape.

Matejka articulates the central tension facing Hurricane with remarkable clarity: how to achieve necessary economic growth without overwhelming longtime residents who cherish the city's rural character. She advocates for a measured approach to development, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms like government bonds and grants rather than relying solely on building permits and new construction. Her concerns about infrastructure, particularly traffic congestion on SR-9 and the limited police force (just three officers per shift), demonstrate her practical understanding of growth's real-world impacts.

What sets Matejka apart is her commitment to learning and listening. Whether attending planning commission meetings to understand proposed developments, completing a police ride-along to see public safety challenges firsthand, or reaching out directly to the mayor with neighborhood concerns, she embodies the "lifelong learner" mindset she cultivates in her students. This approach extends to her campaign style, where she avoids negativity and focuses on substantive issues despite the sometimes contentious social media environment.

For Hurricane voters seeking a thoughtful voice who can bridge divides between newcomers and longtime residents, Matejka offers a unique combination of fresh perspective and deep respect for community values. Listen to her full conversation to understand why this teacher believes city council is her next classroom.

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:01:36] Cindy Matejka's Journey to Hurricane
[00:06:15] From Teaching to City Council
[00:10:40] Finding Balance in Community Growth
[00:19:48] Infrastructure and Public Safety
[00:26:23] Election Tensions and Final Thoughts