WATER
Since the settlement of Washington County, there has perhaps been no greater continuous issue than water resources for residents, industry, and agriculture. The story of the West has been the story of water adaptation and ingenuity.
I have worked on water issues in several areas, but primarily I have been integral in the federal obstacles to the Lake Powell Pipeline which allows Utah to utilize its full water right allocation of the Colorado River and provides water redundancy. I have also written legislation to force watershed rehabilitation for municipal watersheds, tearing down red tape and burdensome regulation to increase free water flow.
PROPER GROWTH & HOUSING
While county and city land use policy is a local issue without federal intrusion, it is important to honor private property rights while balancing the historic nature of what we want to preserve.
I have worked with the Bureau of Land Management to provide access to federal lands for development of affordable housing. I am currently working on legislation to transfer federal municipal inholdings to cities and counties for development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development tends to be more focused at the city level, but I believe the County should play a more central role. Job opportunities in one city are not excluded from the rest of the county; we are far too interconnected for the county to take a passive role.
As an early-stage investor and start-up consultant, I have helped companies grow here. I currently teach Entrepreneurial Finance at Dixie State, and continue to work with new companies and investors throughout Washington County.
TOURISM
People are drawn to Southern Utah for many reasons, and tourism is a major economic driver. With fewer than 200,000 residents, but more than 6,000,000 annual tourists, all residents are affected by tourism. Zion NP is the largest economic driver in the county, accounting for almost 5,000,000 visitors.
I have spearheaded a group of diverse stakeholders to address critical visitor issues in Zion that would have restricted tourism and eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in local economic impact annually.
CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRE
Washington County is under constant threat of catastrophic wildfire, particularly on Pine Valley and Kolob mountains. Massive wildfire has severe implications to our water resources, wildlife, grazing, and recreation.
I have written legislation forcing federal land managers to better mitigate conditions and to allow for easier treatment of these areas. Working alongside county, state, and federal officials to rehabilitate and restore healthy forests and rangelands, I have helped secure the necessary funding.
ROADS and ACCESS
Roads, transportation, and access to rural areas are critical for sustainable growth, and with 15 interconnected cities and towns, the County plays an integral role.
I have worked for years to allow necessary roads and transportation corridors across public lands. I have worked on legislation and helped negotiate the new habitat conservation plan between the county and the BLM. I have worked with the BLM and US Forest Service to maintain public access to roads and trails.
PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT
Washington County is 2/3 owned by the federal government. Land use decisions impact all residents whether they realize it or not.
I have worked extensively with every federal and state land manager in Utah, I supported many of them to get their jobs, and those relationships will help Washington County as future decisions are made.
PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES
The County Commission primarily oversees the countywide functions and services including law enforcement, firefighting, assessor, clerk, elderly care, libraries, and more.
I have helped numerous law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and rural healthcare facilities receive grants for critical equipment and operations.