The Spectrum.com

Article published Dec 1, 2006
Complete Vision Dixie first

I read with interest Jennifer Weaver's editorial, "Passage of Washington County land bill is only what's fair." I couldn't agree more with her theme that communities should have more input over use of their nearby public lands than special interest groups from outside the area. I'm just not sure that the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act of 2006 is the right answer.

I admit that I'm a "newcomer" to the St. George area - my family has lived here since June of 2004. Before that we lived in northern Utah for most of the past 25 years. And clearly I have a vested interest in the growth plans for the Washington County area - I live here and I plan to retire here. I love the red rock, the recreation areas, the openness of the land. I also like to be able to get from one side of the community to the other without having to spend an inordinate amount of time driving around "protected" areas.

So I went back and read the "Questions and Answers" about the Act on the Washington County Web site. I reviewed the maps. I read about, "Was there a public process?" And I was amazed to find out there were public meetings! As a new resident of Washington County, I've been an avid reader of The Spectrum and tried to stay abreast of growth issues. Never had a clue that this "public process" was going on until the bill was introduced in July of 2006.

Now, the Vision Dixie process I'm well aware of because of well-publicized public meetings. There is a clear input process; clearly stated goals; lots of involvement from folks who live in Washington County. This is a process I was well familiar with from having participated in the Envision Utah experience up north.

So when I read through the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act of 2006 Q&A's, it sounds clear, well thought out, and like interested groups did have input. Except they really didn't. The supporters of the Act may think they did. But I don't, and I don't believe the community does either. More than 1,700 of my neighbors in Washington County who signed a petition asking Sen. Bennett to postpone rushing this bill through Congress clearly don't.

The next few years are going to be crucial ones in the history of Washington County. What we decide, how and where we grow, and how we preserve the character of our home is going to be with us and our families for generations to come.

Let's complete the public process with Vision Dixie. Let's decide what we as residents of Washington County want our home to look like in coming years. Then let's solicit assistance from our elected senators and representatives to work through the legislative process as needed.

Larry Eggert is a physician practicing newborn intensive care medicine in St. George.