Letter from the Editor

By Brendan Dalley

A new year gives us a chance to reflect on where we have been and where we are going and provides us with the opportunity to approach the year ahead with purpose and intention. The choices we make in the coming year impact where we will be next year. What are you going to do differently this year than you did last year?

Thinking about this question, reading about recent local events, and knowing that the St. George City council is in the process of hiring a new city manager have made me reflect on the importance of “quality of life.” Measuring quality of life is subjective and can change from person to person and even from year to year. For me, quality of life is not only determined by my relationships with family, friends, and deity but also by the place that I choose to live.

The St. George area is a wonderful place with so much to offer: stunning views, unlimited outdoor exploration, quality education and health care, a small town atmosphere, friendly people, a vibrant economy, a thriving arts community, and great shopping. There are also beautiful trails, parks, and recreation centers, all of which add to the quality of life each one of us enjoys simply by living here.

With the changes taking place in our city and county governments and with the influx of people moving to southern Utah, maintaining and improving the quality of life can be a challenge.

Recently, I was involved in the formation of the St. George Quality of Life Coalition, a group of people concerned about maintaining the high standard of living we have enjoyed. I would like to share portions of a letter we sent to our city officials as I believe it coincides with the values represented in the St. George Health & Wellness Magazine. In part, the letter reads:

“We represent the many thousands of residents who want St. George City to continue to maintain the investments made in our quality of life by this and prior city councils and citizens. We support and expect continuing expenditures to meet the needs of our growing community. Our goal is to help you succeed in doing the work necessary to maintain and improve our city’s quality of life.

While we support you in this good work, we want to convey our concern for cutting quality of life budgetary expenditures like parks, trails, the arts, and recreation. We believe the majority of voters in the community supports the role of the city in providing programs and facilities that enhance quality of life. High quality of life has made living and doing business here desirable.

We value parks, trails, golf courses, recreation programs and facilities, arts programs and facilities, special events, and more. These amenities are crucial for mental and physical health. This list includes (but is not limited to):

• Youth sports

• Softball fields

• Swimming pools

• Youth camps/camp programs

• Pickleball courts

• Outdoor adventure programs

• Arts facilities and programs

• Special events (St. George

• Recreation facilities Marathon, IRONMAN,

• Dixie Sun Bowl tournaments, camps, etc.)

• Golf courses

• Summer programs for children

• Tennis courts

• Trail systems

Please continue to honor the mission of St. George City by providing services that focus on people and advance a thriving community. We are an active community, rich in culture, with a diverse and vibrant economy that supports people doing great things. We are so grateful for your service.”

If you are interested in learning more about the St. George Quality of Life Coalition, please scan the QR code on this page. We would love to have you join us in supporting positive efforts to keep southern Utah a place where all of us want to live, work, and raise our families.

Brendan Dalley